Foreign visitors often find some American habits and customs surprising or even a bit off-putting. What seems normal to people in the U.S. can be quite different from what they’re used to. This includes things like cultural quirks and everyday behaviors. Some of these habits might not sit well with visitors and can leave a less-than-great impression.
Here are 12 American things that might make foreign visitors feel uncomfortable or confused.
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Tipping Expectations
In the U.S., tipping is a significant part of the service industry, and it’s expected to leave a tip of around 15-20% on top of the bill. For visitors from countries where tipping is either not practiced or included in the service charge, this can be confusing. They might worry about how much to tip or if they’re tipping appropriately, leading to stress during what should be a pleasant dining experience.
Lack of Public Transportation
Many American cities have limited public transportation options compared to those in Europe or Asia. In cities like New York or San Francisco, public transit is more developed, but in many other places, it’s minimal. Visitors accustomed to extensive and efficient public transportation systems might find it challenging to get around.
Overly Air-Conditioned Spaces
Air conditioning is widely used in the U.S., and it’s often set to very low temperatures. For visitors from cooler climates or those not used to such heavy use of air conditioning, this can be uncomfortable. They might find themselves shivering in restaurants, stores, or hotels.
The Size of Everything
Americans are known for our “bigger is better” approach – large food portions, oversized vehicles, or expansive shopping malls. Visitors are surprised by the enormous portions at restaurants, which can lead to food waste and a feeling of excess. Additionally, the size of American cars and buildings can be overwhelming for those used to more modest sizes almost anywhere else.
Cultural Norms and Rudeness
Social norms in the U.S. can differ significantly from those in other countries. We are loud, tend to be friendly to strangers and are generally quite outgoing. Many visitors don’t have the same cultural openness – leading to awkward situations.
Customer Service Pressure
American customer service is often praised for its friendliness, but some visitors might find it overly assertive. Frequent check-ins or attempts to upsell products and services can come across as pushy, not helpful.
Driving and Traffic
Driving in the U.S. can be a challenge for foreign visitors, especially in cities with heavy traffic or complex road systems. Differences in driving rules, road signage, and the sheer scale of highways can make navigation difficult.
Fast Food Culture
The prevalence of fast food in the U.S. is noticeable everywhere, with numerous chains offering quick and inexpensive meals. The emphasis on convenience, unhealthy food is usually quite different from many parts of the world.
Sales Tax Surprises
In the U.S., the price you see on the tag often doesn’t include sales tax. This means that the final amount at checkout can be higher than expected. For visitors from countries where the displayed price is the final price, this can lead to confusion and frustration.
High Medical Costs
In the U.S., even a minor medical issue can lead to a significant bill. This can be unsettling for visitors who come from places with more affordable or universal healthcare systems.
Complicated Healthcare System
Navigating the U.S. healthcare system can be confusing for visitors. The need for health insurance, the complexity of billing, and the different types of medical facilities can be difficult to understand, especially in a stressful situation when medical care is needed.
Overuse of Plastic
The heavy reliance on plastic bags and containers in the U.S. can be surprising to visitors from countries with stricter environmental practices. In some countries, single-use plastics are discouraged or banned, so seeing them used so freely in the U.S. might feel out of step with global environmental trends.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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