Welcome, world wanderers and culture enthusiasts! Ready to uncover the enigma that is America, the ‘Land of the Free,’ the ‘Home of the Brave,’ and the birthplace of the self-proclaimed ‘World’s Best Burger’? Get ready for an exciting journey.
This piece compiles 16 things people worldwide can’t stop raving about after their star-spangled visit, from huge restaurant portions to the tipping system. Let’s hit the road and embark on this coast-to-coast adventure!
Restaurant Portion Sizes
Let’s appreciate American portion sizes. A “small” coffee could be an elephant-sized cup. First-time dining out, you might mistake your order for a family-sized platter.
That massive food mountain is all yours! And if your meal doesn’t create a gravitational pull, you must do it right. ‘Leftovers’ take on new meaning in the land of big meals! Come with an empty stomach, leave with a food baby and a take-out box.
Eating on the Go
Visitors are amazed by the stunning landscapes and architectural marvels and the people casually enjoying hot dogs or ice cream while strolling. It’s quintessentially American, leaving international visitors both amazed and amused. That’s delicious multitasking!
Prices Excluding Tax
Non-Americans are often surprised by U.S. price tags without taxes included. At the checkout, the actual price ends up higher. Why? Taxes are added separately!
It’s like a surprise party with each purchase, making shopping thrilling and unpredictable. The U.S. keeps everyone on their toes, transforming shopping sprees into arithmetic quizzes!
Number of Homeless People
The sheer number of people without a home to call their own is startling, challenging the glossy veneer of the American dream.
The Concept of Tipping
Tipping is common everywhere, but in the States, it’s more than just a nicety – an unspoken rule, a dance of gratuity that rewards service. It reflects America’s culture of appreciation and is a fascinating topic for non-Americans.
So, next time you’re settling the bill, remember, when in America, tip generously!
Very Relaxed and Open Folks
Non-Americans may find our casual and open nature surprising. We’re like a living sitcom, where no topic is off-limits, and everyone’s invited. We talk with strangers at the grocery store, wave at cars in small towns, and freely share our life stories.
Outsiders may think all Americans are effortlessly laid-back, but that’s who we are – the friendliest in the free world. Get ready for a journey through the land of openness and oversharing. It’s delightfully charming!
Junk Food
Oh, the glorious world of American junk food, a paradise for pleasure-seeking taste buds! The land of the free isn’t just about statues and skyscrapers; it’s a haven for delicious deep-fried treats like corn dogs and the colorful chaos of Froot Loops.
And let’s not forget the fiery Flamin’ Hot Cheetos that ignite taste bud rebellion! It’s a gastronomic love affair that commits to calorie-rich indulgence.
States Heavily Reliant on Car Transportation
The quintessentially American car culture might enamor visitors to the U.S. It’s like ‘Mad Max,’ but without the post-apocalyptic wasteland and with more cup holders.
Imagine states like Texas or California, where walking to a store is as crazy as wrestling a grizzly. Here, everything is just a drive-thru away. So, embrace the freedom of the open road because, in these parts, four wheels are a way of life!
Rental and Housing Prices
When it comes to the U.S. housing and rental market, international friends are often left astounded. Prices can surprise you like a bee sting or warm you up like a hot cup of joe in winter.
Studio apartments here can be as big as 2-bedroom flats in your home cities. Buckle up, folks; the real estate market is quite the adventure!
Number of Weapon Stores
Non-Americans are often surprised by our abundance of weapon stores. While finding a good cup of tea in remote areas might be difficult, getting a quiver of arrows or a new Colt .45 is no issue.
This uniquely American phenomenon leaves visitors from distant lands both bewildered and fascinated. It’s like going to the corner store for milk but with more firepower.
High Health Care Costs
Let’s discuss the “wallet-ache” of the American healthcare system. Visitors to the U.S. are often amazed by the audacity of medical bills, which can be exorbitantly expensive for minor ailments.
What’s affordable elsewhere can quickly become a down payment for an island. It’s a wild ride, leaving visitors with an adrenaline rush akin to extreme sports.
Placement of the Point-of-Sale (POS) System
At every retail store checkout, those little machines are positioned to catch your eye. From big box shops to mom-and-pop stores, POS systems demand attention with bright screens and user-friendly interfaces.
Completing transactions is effortless; they practically hand you the receipt before you’re done paying. It’s easy to notice, and the convenience sparks conversation for visitors.
Public Transport
Public transportation is the unsung hero of American urban life. Visitors from abroad often marvel at the scale and efficiency of cities like New York and San Francisco, with their complex transit systems.
Navigating these bustling networks – iconic yellow cabs, subway, or charming cable cars – is like a thrilling real-life theme park ride. Shareable experiences, complete with commuters and the occasional “pizza rat.”
The Metric System Absence
Non-Americans often arrive in the U.S. expecting the mind-boggling Imperial Measurement System. Picture this – at the grocery store, trying to buy milk in pints, suddenly thrown into an existential crisis, questioning if a pint is more or less than a quart.
While driving, the speed limit signs are in miles, not kilometers, making you wonder if you’re going too fast or embarrassingly slow. It’s a daily brain teaser that unexpectedly sharpens your cognitive skills. Welcome to America, just 5280 feet away from adopting the metric system!
Free Refills
Free refills! Non-Americans are amazed by this concept. The American beverage system is so generous. Imagine you’re at a restaurant, your glass is half-empty (or half-full), and a server swoops into top it off.
And the best part? It’s all on the house. It’s a bottomless pit of soda, iced tea, or coffee that keeps giving. That’s hospitality!
Exemplary Customer Service
Visiting a store in the U.S. feels like stepping into a feel-good movie set. The sales assistants go beyond helpful; they’re like your new best friends. Always wear a warm smile, offer fashion advice, and remember your name after just one introduction.
It’s like being a celebrity with a personal entourage. This attentiveness turns a shopping trip into a personalized VIP experience. No wonder non-Americans rave about it!
10 Things Americans Do That Most Non-Americans Say They Find Completely Bizarre
Yo, what’s good, fam? Today we’re talking about some of the most common things in America that non-Americans find totally strange. So, let’s jump right in.
10 Things Americans Do That Most Non-Americans Say They Find Completely Bizarre
The Ultimate Buying Guide to the Best Luggage Sets (2023)
When it comes to choosing the best luggage set to buy, there are a lot of factors you need to consider. For example, what type of traveler are you? How often do you travel? What is your budget? Do you need a hardshell or softshell suitcase?
The Ultimate Buying Guide to the Best Luggage Sets (2023)
10 Big Things Non-Americans Believe All Americans Have In Their Homes
Having the perspective of someone on the outside looking in can make you rethink what you’re accustomed to every day. This can be as simple as your specific life to the lives of a country as a whole. People who don’t live in America shared their thoughts on what they thought every American had in their homes on an online forum. Whether these ten items are genuinely in every household in the U.S. is up to you to decide.
10 Big Things Non-Americans Believe All Americans Have In Their Homes
20 Things Americans Do Without Realizing How Weird It Is
Welcome fellow globe-trotters and cultural enthusiasts! Have you ever stopped to ponder about the quirks that make us distinctively American? Oh yes, we have an array of habits that might seem ‘normal’ to us but leave people from other parts of the world scratching their heads. We’ve got everything from our love for a cold brew ‘on the rocks’ to our incessant compulsion to ask ‘How are you?’ without anticipating a genuine response.
20 Things Americans Do Without Realizing How Weird It Is
30 Things Americans Do That Are Seen as Disrespectful in Other Countries
As we journey across the globe, it’s important for us to understand and respect the diverse cultures and customs we encounter. Certain behaviors that are considered polite in the United States can be seen as offensive or discourteous elsewhere. In this light, we’ve compiled a list of 30 everyday habits of Americans that could be perceived as rude in other nations.
30 Things Americans Do That Are Seen as Disrespectful in Other Countries
