You might have wondered what makes American culture so fascinatingly unique. In the eyes of the rest of the world, Americans have various quirks that leave visitors from around the world scratching their heads.
Greeting People in a Funny Way
When you are in America, get ready for the unexpected- like being asked “How are you?” as a greeting. Americans are not really asking about your well-being; it’s just a way of saying hello. Remember, the only acceptable response is a simple “fine.”
Calling Dishes the Wrong Name
In America, an “entree” isn’t what you think. It is not the main course but just an appetizer. So, when you place your order, make sure you are clear about what you want to start your meal with.
Tipping Culture
Navigating American tipping customs can be confusing for visitors. Whether it is servers, hair stylists, cab drivers, or baristas, tipping is expected in various situations. While tipping may not be the norm everywhere else, it is important to follow suit in the US.
Date Format Differences
Writing and saying dates in America can throw off foreigners. The American MM/DD/YYYY format seems backward to many, who are used to the more logical day, month, and year order- DD/MM/YYYY.
Putting Ice in Every Drink
Prepare for an abundance of ice in your drinks when dining out in America. From water to cocktails, Americans love their beverages extra cold, especially during the summertime. While other countries may use ice, it is not typically in such large quantities.
Getting Free Refills
One perk of dining in the US is the free refills you get on drinks. It is a common practice that may surprise tourists from countries where refills are not as readily available. It’s a money-saving strategy that Americans appreciate.
Eating Large Portions
Be ready for oversized portions when dining in America. Thanks to a history of encouraging agricultural abundance, portion sizes have grown significantly over the years. While it is normal for Americans, it is often a topic of discussion for visitors from other countries.
Ordering Water Incorrectly
Ordering water at a restaurant in America by saying “just water” might land you with a charge because you may receive bottled water. Unlike in Europe, where you will be asked your preference (still, sparking, or top), in the US, tap water is often assumed unless specified otherwise.
Being Loud in Public
In America, people freely chat on the streets or have phone conversations everyone can hear. Unlike the US, people everywhere prefer privacy, avoiding public discussions and keeping to themselves during commutes.
Passion for Baseball
Outside a few countries like Japan and the Dominican Republic, people just do not get the craze for baseball. It seems like every American loves it, but to others, it is a total mystery. This highlights the uniqueness of American sporting preferences.
Not Understanding Lemonade
In many places, lemonade isn’t the sugary drink American kids sell in summer. It is a lighter, less sweet beverage. For example, in New Zealand, lemonade is more like Sprite and not the tangy American version.
Eating Sweets at the Wrong Time of the Day
Starting the day with sugary delights like donuts and syrupy pancakes is uniquely American. This baffles those from other countries where breakfast tends to be less sweet and more savory. This breakfast habit reflects American culinary preferences and emphasis on indulgence.
Striking Up Conversations with Strangers
In America, it’s common to share life stories with strangers in public places like buses or parks. However, in other countries, this kind of interaction is usually considered odd.
Excessive Complaints
Customer service workers often encounter entitled attitudes, with people complaining about everything. It can be from slow service to store layouts, reflecting a cultural inclination towards voicing dissatisfaction.
Using Vacation Days when Sick
Many Americans lack adequate sick leave, forcing them to use vacation days when they are unwell. This highlights the systemic issue in labor policies. This practice, uncommon in countries with generous sick leave policies, saddens and confuses many. It sheds light on disparities in employee benefits.
Decorating with Flags
Extreme patriotism leads Americans to decorate homes and businesses with flags. They treat their flag with utmost respect, underscoring national pride. This level of national pride can be surprising to those from countries with less flag-centric cultures.
Not Using the Metric System
Americans measure height in feet and weight in pounds. It is unlike most of the world that uses the metric system, showcasing the persistence of traditional measurements. This discrepancy stems from historical reasons but remains a source of confusion for many non-Americans.
Shopping in Early Hours
In the US, stores often stay open 24/7. It is a norm that surprises tourists who are used to more limited shopping hours. For Americans, it is just a part of everyday life, reflecting the flexibility and accessibility of retail services.
Wearing Shoes Inside
Unlike many places where it is customary to remove shoes indoors, Americans typically keep them on. The difference in etiquette can catch foreign visitors off guard, highlighting the cultural variations in household habits.
Driving Too Much
Americans drive long distances without a second thought. It is a stark contrast to places where walking is more common. Urban design in the US often prioritizes cars over pedestrians. This has led to a car-centric culture that surprises outsiders.
Being too Curious About Careers
For some foreigners, it’s puzzling how much importance Americans place on their careers. Asking everyone “What do you do?” is a common instance in America.
Using Paper Money
Foreigners often find American currency, especially the one-dollar bill, peculiar. Unlike many other countries that use small denominations, the US continues to rely heavily on paper money, which surprises many visitors.
Eating Chicken on Waffles
Combining sweet and savory foods like chicken and waffles is typical in America but might be unthinkable elsewhere. This dish has historical roots dating back to 1600s Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine. It remains a beloved part of American culinary tradition.
Giving Credit Cards to Servers
The practice of servers taking credit cards to swipe them is standard in America. In Europe, servers typically bring the check to the table along with a card machine for customers to pay directly.