Ever wondered what surprises America holds for visitors from afar? This list is all about shattering stereotypes and confirming some pretty wild truths about the United States from a non-American perspective. From the unexpectedly large portion sizes to the omnipresence of squirrels, we’re about to walk you through 17 aspects of American life that have left visitors both baffled and amazed.
Oversized Vehicles
In America, the size of vehicles, particularly trucks and SUVs, can be astonishing to visitors. The prevalence of large vehicles, often seen as a symbol of status and lifestyle, is a distinct aspect of American automotive culture.
Customized Coffee Orders
The American coffee culture, especially the trend of highly customized orders at coffee shops, is often a source of amazement for non-Americans. From specifying milk types to a list of add-ons, the level of personalization in coffee orders is uniquely American.
Portion Sizes in Restaurants
In America, the portion sizes at restaurants are often much larger than what people from other countries are used to. It’s not uncommon to have leftovers to take home after a meal.
Tipping Culture
Tipping is a standard practice in the U.S. and it’s often expected to tip around 15-20% of the total bill at restaurants. This can be a surprise for visitors from countries where tipping is not customary.
Sales Tax
In many states, the price you see on the tag is not the final price you pay. Sales tax is often added at the register, which can be confusing for visitors.
Drive-Thru Everything
From fast food restaurants to pharmacies and even wedding chapels, the prevalence of drive-thrus in America can be surprising to non-Americans.
Patriotism
The level of patriotism in America, such as the frequency of the American flag being displayed and the national anthem being played, can be surprising to visitors.
Advertisements for Prescription Drugs
In America, it’s common to see advertisements for prescription drugs on television, which is not the case in many other countries.
Gaps in Bathroom Stalls
The gaps around the doors in public bathroom stalls in America can be surprising and uncomfortable for visitors.
Air Conditioning
The widespread use of air conditioning in homes, businesses, and public places can be surprising to visitors from cooler climates or countries where air conditioning is not as prevalent.
Variety of Food Options
The sheer variety of food options available, from different types of cuisine to dietary options, can be surprising to visitors.
Squirrels Everywhere
The ubiquity of squirrels in American parks and neighborhoods can be surprising to visitors from countries where squirrels are not as common.
Drinking Age
The legal drinking age being 21, which is higher than in many other countries, can be surprising to visitors.
College Sports Culture
The popularity and scale of college sports, particularly football and basketball, can be surprising to visitors.
Yellow School Buses
The iconic yellow school buses that transport students to and from school can be surprising to visitors, as this is not common in many other countries.
24/7 Stores
The prevalence of stores that are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week can be surprising to visitors.
Free Refills
The practice of offering free refills on soft drinks at restaurants can be surprising to visitors from countries where this is not the norm.
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