For many foreign visitors, stepping foot in the United States is like entering a whole new world. Our American culture is famously influential across the globe, yet experiencing it firsthand can still come as a surprise.
These are some of the biggest culture shocks that visitors encounter when they visit the U.S.
Tipping Is Expected Everywhere
For many visitors, the concept of tipping comes as a major shock. Unlike in other countries where service charges are included or tipping is optional, Americans see tipping as a requirement. Waitstaff, bartenders, taxi drivers, and even hairdressers rely heavily on tips, as their base pay is very low. Visitors often feel overwhelmed trying to figure out who to tip and how much, but it’s a non-negotiable part of American hospitality.
Free Refills
A drink in the U.S. often comes with a bonus: free refills. When you’re dining at a fast-food joint or a sit-down restaurant, you can expect your soda, iced tea, or coffee cup to be topped off at no extra charge.
For visitors from places where drinks are sold by the glass, this seems almost too good to be true. It’s a uniquely American perk, and once you get used to it, it’s hard not to wish for it everywhere else.
Sales Tax Isn’t Included in Prices
Price tags in the U.S. can be misleading because they don’t include sales tax. Visitors find themselves caught off guard at the checkout when the total is higher than expected. Unlike many countries where tax is already factored into the listed price, Americans add it at the point of sale.
Huge Portion Sizes
Many visitors are surprised by how much food they’re served in a single meal. Eating out in America can feel like an Olympic event because of the sheer size of our portions. A “small” drink at an American fast-food restaurant might be equivalent to a large elsewhere, and entrees often come with multiple sides. These big portions can be overwhelming for those not used to such excess.
Friendly Strangers
American friendliness can catch visitors off guard. Strangers might strike up conversations in line, compliment your outfit, or ask how your day is going. It’s meant to be polite and welcoming, but this casual openness can feel intrusive to people from cultures where folk are more reserved. Some visitors may find it refreshing, while others are surprised by the enthusiastic small talk.
Driving Everywhere
In many parts of the world, public transportation is the norm, but in the U.S., driving reigns supreme. Visitors are often shocked by how reliant Americans are on cars, especially in areas with sprawling suburbs and limited public transit options.
In many cities, it’s almost impossible to get around without a car, and drive-thru services, from coffee shops to pharmacies, emphasize just how ingrained driving is in daily life.
Ice in Every Drink
A glass of water without ice is almost unheard of. Visitors from countries where room-temperature drinks are the norm often find it odd that Americans put ice in everything. Whether it’s soda, tea, or even milk, ice is a given unless you specifically ask otherwise.
The obsession with keeping beverages cold can feel excessive to some, but for us it’s just how drinks are meant to be served.
Over-the-Top Patriotism
The level of patriotism in the U.S. surprises foreign visitors. Flags fly outside homes, the national anthem is sung at every sporting event, and holidays like Independence Day are celebrated with fireworks and fanfare. For those from countries where nationalism is more subdued, this overt pride in being American can feel intense, but it’s a defining part of our culture.
The 24/7 Lifestyle
Visitors are often amazed by the sheer convenience of life in the U.S. Many stores, gas stations, and restaurants are open 24 hours a day, making it possible to grab a late-night snack or fill up your tank at 3 am. This round-the-clock availability isn’t common in many countries, where businesses have stricter hours.
Endless Choices
From the cereal aisle in the grocery store to the menu at a diner, the sheer number of options available can be overwhelming. Visitors often comment on how difficult it is to make a decision when faced with so many choices. In some countries, you might have three or four types of a product, but in the U.S., there could be dozens. The emphasis on variety can be a bit of a shock to the uninitiated.
Jaywalking Is a Big Deal
In many parts of the world, crossing the street wherever you like is normal, but in the U.S., jaywalking is frowned upon or even illegal. Pedestrians are expected to use crosswalks and wait for the light to change before crossing. Visitors from countries with relaxed attitudes toward street-crossing find this confusing.
On the flip side, Americans are just as baffled by the bold jaywalking they see in other countries.
Big Cars Everywhere
From trucks to SUVs, Americans love our large vehicles. Visitors are often amazed by the size of the cars on U.S. roads, especially compared to the smaller, more compact vehicles common in other countries. Parking lots are filled with oversized trucks and family-sized SUVs, and driving one is seen as a status symbol.
Constant Air Conditioning
American buildings are often kept freezing cold, thanks to powerful air conditioning. Visitors from countries where A/C is less common might find it uncomfortable to step out of the summer heat into an ice-cold restaurant or mall. We see this as a welcome escape from the heat, but others might need to carry a jacket just to stay warm indoors.
TV Commercials Everywhere
Television viewing in the U.S. can feel like wading through a sea of commercials. Visitors often comment on how frequent and long the ad breaks are compared to what they’re used to. It’s not unusual for a program to have five or six commercial interruptions in an hour, which can be jarring for those from countries with fewer ads.
Streaming services have helped cut down on this, but traditional cable is still packed with advertisements.
Cheerleading and School Spirit
The emphasis on school sports and cheerleading is a uniquely American phenomenon. Visitors are surprised by how much pride and excitement surround high school and college games. Cheerleading, with its choreographed routines and enthusiastic chants, is something many folk have only seen in movies.
The sense of community and spirit tied to these events can feel strange to those from countries where academics take precedence over extracurriculars.
The Bathroom Gap
One of the stranger quirks in the U.S. is the noticeable gap between bathroom stall doors and the floor, or even the sides of the doors. Visitors find this lack of privacy baffling, wondering why the stalls aren’t fully enclosed. For Americans, it’s just how public restrooms are, but for foreigners, it might take some getting used to.
Enthusiastic Customer Service
Customer service here is almost an art form. From the overly cheerful greeter at the door to the waiter checking in on us every few minutes, the level of attentiveness can be startling. While it’s meant to create a welcoming atmosphere, some visitors from cultures with more reserved service styles might find it excessive or even insincere. Love it or hate it, enthusiastic customer service is a hallmark of our American hospitality.