12 Things That Are Normal in The U.S But Are Weird To Foreigners
Ever had a friend from abroad visit and react like your daily routine was some sitcom? You’re not alone. There are plenty of things Americans take for granted that leave outsiders scratching their heads. It’s not about who’s right or wrong. It’s just different strokes for different folks.
Cultural habits are like inside jokes. If you didn’t grow up with them, they can seem odd or even hilarious. So here’s a peek into the things Americans do that make foreigners go, “Wait…what?”
To-Go Drinks Everywhere
Walking down the street with a giant iced coffee or sipping soda in a store feels second nature in the U.S. However, in many countries, eating or drinking while walking is considered rude or unusual. Some visitors wonder, “Are you all in that much of a rush?” Americans love their beverages on the move, whether it’s a smoothie on the subway or a cold brew at the dentist.
Excessively Cold Air Conditioning
Ever gone from a blazing 90 degrees outside to what feels like the inside of a freezer? Foreigners often bring a jacket to American malls, restaurants, or even offices in summer. It confuses visitors that the inside needs to feel like winter just because it’s hot outside. Europeans, especially, aren’t used to the chill, and they’ll mutter, “Are they storing meat in here?”
Endless Free Refills
You order a Coke, take a few sips, and bam, your glass is magically full again. In the U.S., free refills are part of the experience. But for foreigners, this feels like a loophole in the drink economy. In many countries, one drink is one drink, and if you want more, you pay. Some first-timers even worry they’re being charged twice when their glass is refilled.
Tipping Culture
Tipping isn’t just polite in America, it’s expected. And not tipping? Practically criminal. But many foreigners come from places where service workers are paid a proper wage, and tipping is optional. The mental math of “20% or 15%? Before or after tax?” stresses people out. Visitors often leave restaurants whispering, “Why can’t they just include it in the bill?”
Huge Portions
The size of an American meal can genuinely shock a visitor. “This could feed a family of four,” you might say after seeing a single plate of nachos. Doggie bags are a necessity here, but in many places, leftovers are a rare sight. For travelers, finishing a meal in the U.S. sometimes feels like a food challenge on TV.
Bathroom Gaps
Public restroom stalls in America are baffling. The gaps between the door and the frame can make some foreigners, as well as Americans, feel exposed. They wonder, “Why can I see someone washing their hands while I’m in here?” Other countries pride themselves on full privacy, so the American stall setup is a mystery that continues to puzzle visitors.
Sales Tax Not Included in Prices
You walk into a store, pick something marked $9.99, but at checkout it’s $10.79. What happened? The sales tax occurred. Foreigners are used to seeing the full price up front. In the U.S., you do the mental math or wait for the surprise at the register. It feels like a game of “guess how much this costs.”
Talking to Strangers
It’s not unusual in America for someone to chat with you in line at the grocery store or compliment your shoes while passing by. That friendliness can throw off someone from a more reserved culture. In some countries, talking to a stranger means you’re selling something or about to ask for directions.
Prescription Drug Ads
Watching TV and suddenly seeing a sunny ad about a medication with a list of side effects that sounds like a horror film? Normal in America. In many countries, prescription drugs aren’t advertised directly to the public. Foreigners often find these ads both entertaining and unsettling.
Solo Dining
Sitting alone in a diner or grabbing lunch solo doesn’t raise eyebrows in the U.S. It’s pretty common. However, in other cultures, eating alone can be perceived as sad or awkward. Visitors may hesitate before doing it, wondering if people will think they’ve been stood up. Meanwhile, Americans are like, “Table for one, please.”
Flag Everywhere
The American flag isn’t just on government buildings. It’s on porches, clothes, coffee mugs, even bathing suits. The constant display of national pride feels odd to people from places where flags are only displayed during major events or protests.
Drive-Thru Everything
Drive-thru banks, pharmacies, even wedding chapels in Vegas. Americans love staying in their cars. Foreigners, especially those from walkable cities, often find this convenience a bit extreme. You can get a snack and a marriage license without stepping outside? That’s commitment…to comfort.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
You Might Also Like:
How To Stick To Your Holiday Budget and Avoid Debt: With the holiday season in full swing, many find themselves facing high expenses. The anticipation of gift-giving, coupled with the desire to create unforgettable moments, often leads to the common tradition of seasonal spending, with the average holiday budget reaching a considerable sum.
