15 Unforgettable Culture Shocks for Americans Abroad

When traveling outside the US, you must gear up for the unexpected twists of culture. There are very real cultural differences, whether on a basic level, like the ice in your drink or the (seeming) dozen levels of politeness in Japanese society.

Pew Research Center found that 93 percent of Americans agree that traveling helps them understand cultures better, but understanding starts with breaking through cultural shocks, which happen instantly. Below, you’ll find 15 culture shocks Americans face abroad and some insight, stats, and expert perspectives on what to expect.

Tipping Isn’t Always Welcomed

Tipping is far from universal. In the United States, it’s normal to tip 15-20%, but in several countries, such as Japan and South Korea, tipping is completely discouraged.

Experts like Emily Y., a travel commentator from Lonely Planet, explain, “Tipping in some places is considered rude because professionals feel they’re already compensated fairly for their service.”

Metric Systems is Everywhere

It’s time to say goodbye to miles and inches. Every country uses the metric system, and changing from miles to kilometers per hour will confuse even the most seasoned travelers.

Greetings Are More Physical

For one, America’s default handshake is far from the international norm. For example, many European countries like France and Spain have a common practice of hugging and cheek kissing.

The exact number of kisses varies within Europe: two in Spain, three in Switzerland, and none in neighboring cultures.

Bathrooms Come with Surprises

Despite some travel experience, public restrooms abroad can surprise you. In parts of Asia and the Middle East, squat toilets are the norm, while in Germany or Switzerland, you may have to pay to use a restroom. Ensure you have pocket change in these countries.

Dining Hours Can Stretch Late

In Spain, you’ll want to look out for dinner time at 6 PM. It is all part of getting immersed in the experience.

Breadth of Public Transportation Systems

When you think of places like Japan or Germany, you’re probably used to driving everywhere. Still, more than that, public transportation is the backbone of daily life, for example, with 9 million people using Tokyo’s subway system every day.

Timeliness matters too. In Switzerland, even trains almost always arrive within less than a minute of their schedule.

Everyone Has Different Expectations Of Personal Space

Americans enjoy plenty of personal space, but crowds and proximity make it the norm in places like China or India.

An anthropologist, Dr. Alan C., states, “Cultural comfort with personal space varies drastically, shaped by population density and social norms.”

Holidays You’ve Never Heard About  

Thanksgiving is thoroughly American, but it’s fun to see other countries celebrate via festivals like Thailand’s Songkran (a national water fight!) or India’s Holi (the festival of colors). Across the globe, you’ll quickly learn that people view holidays in different ways.

Efficient Recycling Programs

Countries like Germany and Sweden do a comprehensive job of recycling. People must sort their items into multiple bins—one for plastics, one for glass, and still more for other materials. Compliance may even be mandatory.

Electricity and Voltage Difference

Remember to bring your power adapter. The US and Canada use 120 volts, whereas elsewhere in the world, you’d be using 220-240 volts. Without a polarity-appropriate adapter for your devices, you could burn electronics.

Lines Are Optional

A pillar of etiquette in the US is waiting in line. However, in countries like Italy or China, waiting is closer to a free-for-all, each-person-for-himself dash, particularly for trains or buses.

Different Attitudes Toward Punctuality

In Germany or Japan, for example, punctuality is almost sacred. However, in cultures such as those in Latin America, the phrase “on time” may come with a little wiggle room—expect social events to start 30 minutes later than scheduled.

Dining Etiquette Surprises

There are unwritten rules about eating that are particular to every culture. For example, slurping your soup in America may be impolite, but it shows you love the soup in Japan. In Italy, cappuccinos after noon could get weird stares.

Siestas and Midday Breaks

The midday break or siesta is part of many Mediterranean and Latin American cultures. Workers try to relax and be with their families, and shops close temporarily. As a traveler, you must be flexible with your schedule and adapt to downtime hours.

Defying Expectation: Driving Norms

Driving will feel like a whole new ballgame in different countries. Road rules vary widely—from roundabouts in the UK to India, where road signs are more “suggestions” than strict rules. Your best ally will be defensive driving.

Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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