Visiting the United States can feel like stepping into a whole new world.
From the outside, American culture is often seen as familiar thanks to movies, TV shows and social media.
But when people from other countries experience the U.S. firsthand, they quickly notice some strange and unexpected things that don’t quite match up with what they imagined.
From curious habits to everyday things Americans take for granted, there’s plenty that can leave visitors scratching their heads.
If you’ve ever wondered what really makes the U.S. so unique (and a little weird), you’re in the right place.
We’re revealing the most surprising and amusing things that foreigners find strange about America!
1. Portion Sizes in Restaurants
American portion sizes are famously large compared to most other countries.
Foreigners are often shocked by the amount of food served on a single plate, with meals easily being double the size of what they’re used to.
The concept of taking leftovers home is less common in other cultures, but in the U.S., it’s often expected.
Visitors also find it strange that drinks come with free refills, something that’s rarely offered elsewhere.
2. Tipping Culture
The American tipping system is complex and stressful for many foreigners.
In many countries, tips are either included in the bill or optional, but in the U.S., tipping is seen as a necessity for good service.
The expectation to tip in restaurants, bars, hair salons, taxis and even for hotel cleaning staff is overwhelming.
Foreigners often struggle with knowing how much to tip, as the standard can range from 15% to 20%, with some services expecting even more.
3. Sales Tax Not Included in Prices
In most countries, the price you see on an item is the price you pay at the register.
In the U.S. however, sales tax is added at the point of purchase, which leads to confusion for foreigners who aren’t used to calculating it themselves.
The tax rate varies by state and even by city, making it harder for visitors to know exactly what something will cost.
This can be especially frustrating for travelers who are on a budget and want to know the exact total before getting to the checkout.
4. The Pledge of Allegiance in Schools
The daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in American schools is often seen as overly patriotic by some foreign visitors.
In most other countries, students aren’t required to express loyalty to their nation every morning.
The ritual of standing, placing a hand over the heart, and reciting the pledge can seem strange and out of place, particularly when seen by those who aren’t familiar with the tradition.
5. Drive-Thru Everything
While drive-thru fast food is common in many parts of the world, the U.S. takes the concept to a whole new level.
Foreigners are often amazed by the variety of drive-thru services available, including pharmacies, banks, coffee shops and even liquor stores.
The love for convenience in America has led to the development of drive-thru options for nearly every kind of business.
For visitors from countries where walking is more common, the sight of drive-thru ATMs and pharmacies can be both amusing and puzzling.
6. Excessive Air Conditioning
Many foreigners are shocked by how cold indoor spaces in the U.S. can be due to the heavy use of air conditioning.
Whether it’s in offices, homes, malls or public transport, Americans often keep indoor temperatures much lower than what is considered comfortable elsewhere.
Visitors from countries with milder climates often find themselves needing to carry a sweater in the middle of summer.
Americans’ love for staying cool and comfortable with air conditioning can seem a bit over the top to visitors.
7. Huge Distances and Car Dependency
The sheer size of the United States is a surprise to many foreigners who may not realize just how spread out everything is.
The huge distances between cities and even within cities usually means driving is the only option.
Public transportation is limited in many areas, so people mostly rely on cars, which can be surprising to visitors used to good train, bus or subway systems.
8. Pharmaceutical Commercials
In many countries, it’s actually illegal to advertise prescription medicine directly to consumers.
In the U.S. however, pharmaceutical ads are a common sight on television, radio and online.
These commercials often feature a cheerful voiceover listing a long series of potential side effects, which can seem bizarre and unsettling to foreigners.
The ads encourage viewers to “ask their doctor” about specific medicines, a concept that can be strange in countries where doctors make medication decisions without patient input.
9. 24-Hour Stores
The idea of being able to shop at any hour of the day or night is mind-blowing to visitors from countries where stores have more limited hours.
In the U.S., it’s common to find grocery stores, pharmacies and even some restaurants open 24/7.
This kind of convenience shows how fast-paced and 24/7 life in America can be.
While it’s a perk that many Americans take for granted, it can feel strange or even excessive to those used to more restricted shopping hours.
10. Red Solo Cups at Parties
The iconic red plastic cup has become a symbol of American parties, especially in popular culture and movies.
Foreigners often associate these cups with casual gatherings, college parties and BBQs, even though they’re rarely used outside of the U.S.
These cups are so unique that they’ve become a fun curiosity for visitors who usually only see them in movies.
11. Obsession with Ice
The American love for ice in beverages is a quirk that stands out to many foreigners.
In the U.S., it’s standard practice to fill glasses to the brim with ice before adding a drink, even for water.
In many other countries, ice is used sparingly, if at all, and drinks are sometimes served at room temperature.
Visitors might find it odd that even in winter, Americans expect their drinks to be cold and packed with ice.
12. Flag Display Everywhere
The American flag is displayed so often that locals barely notice it, but it really stands out to foreigners.
From homes and businesses to government buildings and schools, the flag is everywhere.
In other countries, flags usually only appear on government buildings or during holidays, so seeing the American flag everywhere can feel a bit extreme.
This reflects the deep sense of patriotism that’s more visibly expressed in America compared to many other places.
13. Healthcare Costs
The confusing and high cost of American healthcare often shocks and worries many foreigners.
In countries with universal healthcare, the idea of needing insurance for basic medical care—or the risk of incurring massive bills—is almost unimaginable.
Visitors might find it strange that Americans often avoid going to the doctor because of costs or that they have to navigate a maze of insurance rules to receive treatment.
The big difference in healthcare access between the U.S. and other developed countries often leads to confusion and debate.
14. Overly Friendly Customer Service
Customer service in the U.S. is famously friendly and attentive, but it can come across as overwhelming to foreigners.
The enthusiastic greetings, frequent check-ins by waitstaff and phrases like “Have a nice day!” are more exaggerated than what’s typically experienced in other cultures.
Some visitors might find this level of friendliness uncomfortable, seeing it as too familiar or even a pushy sales tactic.
15. Advertising and Consumer Culture
The U.S. is known for its focus on consumerism, which shows in the overwhelming amount of advertising everywhere.
Whether it’s billboards, TV commercials, radio ads or online pop-ups, Americans are constantly bombarded with advertising.
For foreigners, this level of advertising can feel overwhelming.
16. Lack of Paid Parental Leave
The U.S. is one of the few developed countries without federally mandated paid parental leave, which is often shocking to foreigners.
In many European countries and elsewhere, parents receive months, if not years, of paid leave after having a child.
Visitors often find it odd that a country with such wealth offers so little support to new parents.
17. Prescription Drugs Available in Grocery Stores
In the U.S., it’s common to find pharmacies inside large grocery stores, offering prescription medications alongside snacks, household items and cosmetics.
Many visitors are surprised to see healthcare mixed with everyday shopping since they’re used to medications being sold only in specialized pharmacies.
The idea that you can pick up your prescription while buying groceries is both convenient and strange to foreigners who aren’t familiar with this setup.
18. Obsessive Lawn Care
The American obsession with having a perfect green lawn is a cultural habit that really stands out to many foreigners.
In suburbia, it’s common for homeowners to invest significant time, money and effort into keeping their lawns meticulously trimmed and weed-free.
The focus on keeping up appearances and competing over lawn care can seem strange, especially to those from places where gardens are more for practicality than looks.
19. Separation of Public Bathrooms by Stalls
The design of public restrooms in the U.S. often puzzles foreigners due to the wide gaps between stall doors and walls.
In many countries, bathroom stalls offer more privacy with doors that reach closer to the ground and walls without gaps.
The lack of privacy in a place where people expect it can be off-putting and leaves many visitors wondering why the design hasn’t been improved.
20. School Spirit and College Sports
The strong school pride and huge focus on college sports in America are almost unheard of in most other countries.
High school and college teams often have huge followings, complete with pep rallies, marching bands and mascots.
The fact that sports events can draw tens of thousands of fans and receive national media coverage is surprising to foreigners, who are used to seeing professional sports dominate headlines.
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