For those living in the United States, certain everyday practices seem entirely normal. However, as the video above charmingly highlights, many of these seemingly mundane details can be quite puzzling, even bizarre, to visitors from other parts of the world. These unique quirks, often referred to as Americanisms, reveal fascinating cultural differences.
From the way we shop to how we socialize, American culture offers a rich tapestry of distinct habits and expectations. Understanding these peculiarities can help international travelers navigate the US with greater ease and appreciation. Let’s delve deeper into some of these intriguing aspects of daily life in America.
The Puzzling World of US Sales Tax
Imagine seeing a price tag for an item and then paying a different, higher amount at the register. This common experience in the US often baffles international visitors.
Unlike many European countries where a Value Added Tax (VAT) is already integrated into the advertised price, sales tax in the United States is added at the point of purchase. This tax varies significantly from state to state, even from county to county, making it a constant “guessing game” for consumers.
America’s Unique Work Culture and Vacation Habits
The concept of vacation time in the US stands in stark contrast to many other nations. Most American employers typically offer around two weeks of paid vacation annually, and a significant number of employees often let these days accumulate without using them.
This “workaholic” tendency is particularly surprising to those from countries like Brazil or Finland, where workers are commonly encouraged to take an average of 30 days off each year. This difference underscores a fundamental distinction in work-life balance philosophies across the globe.
The Ubiquitous Red Solo Cup in American Parties
For many Americans, a party isn’t truly a party without the iconic red plastic cup. This simple item has become synonymous with casual gatherings and celebratory events in the US.
However, this association is not universal. People in the UK, for instance, typically don’t use red solo cups at their get-togethers and might even need to seek out special websites to purchase them for American-themed parties. It’s a small detail that highlights a distinct element of American culture.
Deep-Fried Delights: A Signature Americanism
From pickles to Oreos, America has a knack for deep-frying almost anything imaginable. While the tradition of frying food has ancient roots, with fried fish recipes appearing in 13th-century Spanish and Portuguese cookbooks and ancient Greeks frying in olive oil, Americans have undeniably embraced and amplified this culinary practice.
The nation has taken an age-old cooking method and, as with many traditions adopted from abroad, elevated it to a new level of creativity and, perhaps, indulgence.
Pharmacies: More Than Just Medicine
Visitors to the US often find themselves perplexed when they step into a pharmacy and encounter aisles filled with everything from toys and makeup to groceries and over-the-counter medications. Unlike many other countries where pharmacies are exclusively for medical supplies and prescriptions, American pharmacies often double as mini convenience stores.
This allows customers to pick up magazines, pain relievers, and even a frozen pizza all in one stop, a convenience that is uniquely American.
The Allure of Free Refills on Fountain Drinks
In the American dining experience, free refills on fountain drinks are almost an expectation. A restaurant that doesn’t offer this amenity can be seen as unusual.
Yet, this practice is far from global. In France, for example, refills on sugary sodas were banned in 2017 as part of an effort to combat rising obesity rates. The enduring popularity of free refills in the US illustrates a different approach to consumer habits and public health.
The Easy Art of Returns in US Shopping
Whether you’ve received an unwanted gift or simply changed your mind, returning items in America is typically a straightforward and hassle-free process. This flexibility is considered quite normal and easy.
In fact, the US even observes a “National Returns Day” in January, perfectly timed for the post-holiday rush of returning less-than-thrilling gifts. This liberal return policy often surprises foreigners accustomed to stricter return guidelines.
Tipping Culture: A Crucial American Etiquette
Tipping is an ingrained aspect of American service culture, expected for a wide range of services from cab drivers and servers to hairdressers. Tips can sometimes account for 25% or more of the bill, forming a significant portion of service workers’ incomes.
This practice is a stark contrast to places like Japan, where tipping can be considered incredibly rude or even an insult. For international travelers, understanding these specific US customs is essential to avoid cultural misunderstandings.
Coffee to Go: A Lifestyle in the US
With coffee shops seemingly on every corner, it’s a common sight to see Americans carrying their coffee cups while commuting, shopping, or going about their day. This “coffee to go” culture is deeply embedded in the American lifestyle.
However, in many parts of the world, coffee is an experience to be savored while seated, perhaps with a newspaper or in conversation. The prevalence of large coffee cup sizes in the US may also contribute to the necessity of taking drinks along throughout the day.
The Land of Ice-Cold Beverages
Except for hot coffee or cocoa, Americans typically prefer their drinks served “on the rocks.” Whether it’s water, soda, iced tea, or lemonade, ice is a standard accompaniment.
Travelers abroad often find that unless specifically requested, their beverages will be served at room temperature or only slightly chilled. This preference for extreme cold is a distinctive element of American habits.
The Constant Blare of Air Conditioning
Americans seem to have a particular aversion to being warm, leading to the widespread and often powerful use of air conditioning. In many parts of Europe, AC is not nearly as common or as intensely used as it is in the US.
Visitors to the States often find indoor spaces surprisingly chilly, expecting the AC to be constantly “blaring.” This pervasive use of air conditioning makes perfect sense to Americans: if you’re cold, you can layer up; if you’re hot, your options are more limited.
Monetary Monotony: The Look of US Dollars
Compared to the diverse colors and sizes of banknotes found in many other countries, such as Swedish Krona or Russian Rubles, US currency can appear rather uniform. Predominantly green, the bills lack the vibrant, multi-colored designs seen globally.
While there are subtle color variations, the overall monochromatic scheme of American money contrasts sharply with the “rainbowy” currencies of other nations, which often use different colors and sizes to easily distinguish denominations.
The Ambiguous Thumbs-Up Gesture
In America, a thumbs-up is a universally recognized sign of approval, meaning “Good job!” or “Way to go!” It’s a positive gesture understood even by young children.
However, this seemingly innocuous gesture can be highly offensive in cultures like Greece or the Middle East. Understanding these nuances of non-verbal communication is vital for international travelers, as a simple gesture can carry vastly different meanings.
The Date-Writing Conundrum: Month-Day-Year
One of the most common points of confusion for international visitors is the American convention of writing dates as month-day-year (MM/DD/YYYY). Most parts of the world follow the day-month-year (DD/MM/YYYY) format.
There is no single clear historical reason for this divergence in US customs, but it remains a consistent source of mild bewilderment and occasional errors for those accustomed to the international standard.
Pre-Baby Baby Showers: A US Tradition
While many cultures celebrate the arrival of a new baby, America is one of the few places where these celebrations, known as baby showers, commonly occur before the baby is born. In countries like those in East Asia, celebrations are typically held after the baby’s birth, as doing so beforehand is often considered bad luck.
This tradition of showering expectant parents with gifts and well wishes before the birth is another distinct aspect of American culture.
“How Are You?”: A Greeting, Not a Question
In the United States, the phrase “How are you?” is frequently used as a casual greeting, akin to “Hello!” or “Hey!” It often doesn’t require a detailed or truthful response.
Americans typically respond with a simple “Fine, thanks!” or “Good!” regardless of their actual mood or circumstances. This can be perplexing for foreigners who might expect a genuine inquiry into their well-being.
Public Bathroom Stalls: A Matter of Privacy
The design of public bathroom stalls in the US often raises eyebrows among international visitors. The noticeable gaps around the doors, revealing a significant portion of one’s lower legs, offer less privacy than what is common in many other countries.
While there’s no definitive explanation, common theories suggest reasons like safety or ventilation for these unique US customs.
The American Voice: Speaking Out Loud
Many visitors and expatriates in the US often observe that Americans tend to speak more loudly than people in other countries. Whether it’s a phone conversation or chatting with a friend over lunch, Americans often project their voices with considerable volume.
This perception suggests a cultural inclination towards ensuring one is heard, which stands out to those from cultures where quieter conversational tones are more prevalent.
The Abundance of Choices in American Consumerism
Walking into an American grocery store can be an overwhelming experience due to the sheer volume of choices. Aisles dedicated to cookies, crackers, or cereal often feature ten or more different options for a single product type.
This extensive array of choices is far more varied than what is typically found in countries like the UK, which often have fewer options and might even lack common American flavors like grape. This emphasis on consumer choice is a hallmark of American life.
Taxi Etiquette: Backseat Preferred
When hailing a cab in the United States, it is customary for passengers to ride in the backseat. This is the expected protocol for taxi services.
However, in countries such as New Zealand and Australia, riding in the front passenger seat (“shotgun”) is often the norm and can be considered rude to sit in the back. This subtle difference in etiquette highlights varied social norms around transportation.
The Enduring American Smile
Americans are often perceived as readily friendly and quick to smile, showcasing their “pearly whites” in various social interactions. A 2015 study from Brown University theorized that America’s historical diversity, with people from many different backgrounds, encouraged smiling as a universal non-verbal communication method when language barriers existed.
This theory suggests that the characteristic American smile is not just about friendliness, but also a legacy of cultural integration and the need to connect across varied backgrounds, a fundamental aspect of Americanisms.
Unraveling America’s Quirks: Your Questions Answered
Why is the price I pay in the US often higher than the price tag?
In the US, sales tax is added at the register, not included in the price tag. The amount of tax can also differ by state and county.
Is tipping expected when I receive service in the US?
Yes, tipping is a crucial part of American culture and is expected for many services, like in restaurants or taxis. These tips are a significant part of service workers’ wages.
What kinds of items can I buy at a pharmacy in the US?
US pharmacies often act as mini convenience stores, selling everything from toys and makeup to groceries, in addition to medical supplies.
What is the typical response when an American asks ‘How are you?’
In the US, ‘How are you?’ is usually a casual greeting, not a deep question. A simple ‘Fine, thanks!’ or ‘Good!’ is an appropriate answer.