Every country has its own customs and practices that may seem perfectly normal to its residents but can be quite unusual to outsiders. The United States is no exception.
While Americans might find these 15 things completely ordinary, they can be baffling or even unsettling to visitors from other parts of the world. Here is a list of 15 normal things in the USA that can perplex others.
Large Portion Sizes
American restaurants are known for serving large portion sizes. Many visitors are amazed by the amount of food presented on a single plate. In other countries, portions tend to be smaller and more controlled. This difference can be overwhelming and may even seem wasteful to those not accustomed to such generosity.
Ice in Drinks
In the United States, it is common to fill glasses with ice before adding any beverage. This practice surprises many international visitors who are used to drinking their beverages without ice or with just a few cubes. The preference for icy cold drinks can seem excessive to those from cultures where beverages are typically served at room temperature or only slightly chilled.
Sales Tax Not Included
In many countries, the price tag on an item includes all taxes, but in the USA, sales tax is added at the register. This can confuse visitors who expect the price they see as the total amount they will pay. The varying tax rates from state to state add another layer of complexity.
Tipping Culture
Tipping is deeply ingrained in American culture, especially in the service industry. It is expected to tip waitstaff, taxi drivers, and hairdressers. Visitors from countries where tipping is not customary or is included in the service charge can find this practice confusing and stressful.
Commercialized Holidays
Holidays in the United States are often highly commercialized, with extensive marketing and sales promotions. Events like Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day are accompanied by heavy consumerism. This can be startling to visitors from countries where such holidays are celebrated in a more subdued or traditional manner.
24-Hour Stores
The concept of stores open 24 hours a day is common in the United States. Many grocery stores, pharmacies, and even some restaurants are open around the clock. This level of convenience is surprising to visitors from countries where most businesses close in the evening and are not open on Sundays.
Drive-Thru Everything
Drive-thru services are a staple in American culture, extending beyond fast food to banks, pharmacies, and weddings. The convenience of conducting various transactions without leaving the car can bewilder those from countries where this is not an option.
Public Restrooms
Public restrooms in the USA are usually free and widely available in stores, parks, and other public places. In many other countries, however, they are scarce and often charge a fee. The easy access to free restrooms can be a pleasant surprise for international visitors.
Air Conditioning Everywhere
Air conditioning is ubiquitous in the United States, found in homes, cars, offices, and stores. While it provides comfort in hot weather, it can be uncomfortably cold for those not used to such widespread use. Visitors from countries with milder climates may find the constant cool air indoors quite startling.
School Buses
The iconic yellow school bus is a familiar sight in the United States. This dedicated transportation system for students is unique and often absent in other countries, where public transportation or private arrangements are more common. The sight of these buses and the strict rules surrounding their operation can intrigue visitors.
American Flags Everywhere
The American flag is prominently displayed across the United States, from homes and businesses to public buildings and even clothing. This level of national pride and flag visibility can be surprising to those from countries where such displays are less common or more reserved for specific occasions.
Free Refills
Many American restaurants offer free refills on beverages, especially soft drinks and coffee. This concept is unusual for visitors from countries where each drink is purchased separately. The idea of unlimited refills can be both surprising and appealing to international guests.
Pharmacies Selling Groceries
American pharmacies often sell products other than medications, including groceries, cosmetics, and household items. This multipurpose shopping experience can confuse visitors accustomed to pharmacies that strictly sell medicinal products.
Law Enforcement Presence
The visible presence of law enforcement officers in the United States can surprise visitors. Police officers patrol neighborhoods, attend public events, and are stationed in schools. This level of security is not as common in many other countries and can be both reassuring and intimidating to newcomers.
Extensive Highway Systems
The vast and extensive highway systems in the United States are impressive and sometimes overwhelming to international visitors. The multilane highways, complex interchanges, and long distances between exits may be unfamiliar and intimidating to those from countries with smaller or less intricate road networks.
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Victoria Cornell helps women adopt a positive mindset even when the struggles of motherhood feel overwhelming. Victoria writes for multiple media outlets where she writes about, saving money, retirement, ways to reduce stress with mindset, manifesting, goal planning, productivity, and more.
