12 Confusing Day To Day US Customs

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12 Confusing Day To Day US Customs

Visiting America can be a wonderful experience full of new sights and experiences. However, some everyday customs in the U.S. might seem quite strange to people from other countries.

From tipping practices to casual greetings, these norms can be baffling for visitors. This guide explores twelve common American customs that often surprise non-Americans, offering a glimpse into the unique aspects of everyday life in the U.S.

Tipping

In many countries, service charges are often included in the bill at restaurants and other services, which means tipping isn’t expected or is much less than what is customary in the U.S. However, in America, tipping is not only a common practice but almost an obligation.

At restaurants, bars, taxis, and even hair salons, a tip of 15% to 20% of the total bill is standard. This can be confusing and even overwhelming for visitors from countries where tipping is minimal or not practiced.

Sales Tax

Imagine finding the perfect souvenir, checking the price tag, and thinking you have just enough cash to cover the cost. However, once you get to the register, the price is higher than expected because the sales tax was added only at checkout.

In the U.S., sales tax is not included in the displayed price. This differs from many other places where the tax is already included in the price shown, making it easier for shoppers to know exactly what they will pay upfront.

Ice in Drinks

In the United States, it’s common to be served a glass almost full of ice with any cold drink, something that isn’t as common in many other parts of the world. In Europe, for example, drinks might come with a single ice cube or none at all. For visitors, this American custom can mean drinks that seem more diluted or overly cold compared to what they’re used to.

Free Refills

At most restaurants in the U.S., if you order a soft drink, you’ll often get free refills, meaning you can fill up your glass as many times as you want at no extra cost. This is quite uncommon in many other countries, where each refill might be charged. This practice can be a pleasant surprise for visitors who are used to paying every time their glass is filled back home.

24-Hour Stores

The concept of 24-hour supermarkets and convenience stores is a novelty for visitors from countries where stores typically close in the evening. In the U.S., the convenience of being able to shop at any hour is taken for granted by locals but can be a delightful discovery for international guests, offering unparalleled flexibility in shopping times.

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Driving Everywhere

In many parts of the world, cities are built with robust public transportation systems, and it’s common to walk or cycle for local errands. However, in the U.S., even the shortest trips often require a car. This reliance on automobiles for virtually every journey, no matter how small, can be puzzling to visitors who are used to more transit-oriented living.

Personal Space

Americans generally value a larger bubble of personal space compared to other cultures. In social situations, Americans tend to keep a distance of at least an arm’s length from others. Visitors from countries where personal space isn’t as emphasized might find this need for space a bit standoffish or interpret it as unfriendliness.

Casual Greetings

When an American asks, “How are you?” don’t be surprised if they keep walking without waiting for an answer. This phrase is more of a casual greeting than a genuine inquiry about your well-being. This can be confusing to visitors, who might expect that a question about their health or mood would warrant a more engaged conversation.

Air Conditioning

The widespread use of air conditioning in the U.S., even in what many might consider mild weather, is a notable difference from many other countries, where air conditioning is used sparingly if at all. Visitors often find the indoor environments too cold and are surprised by the contrast between indoor and outdoor temperatures.

Public Restroom Stalls

Visitors often remark on the gaps around American public restroom stall doors, which can seem to offer less privacy than similar facilities abroad. This design, surprising to many, can lead to feelings of discomfort and a lack of privacy.

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Large Portions

The size of meal portions in American restaurants can be quite surprising to visitors. These portions are generally much larger than those in other countries. This can be overwhelming to those unaccustomed to such large meals, but it also means that there’s often enough to share or take home for another meal.

Flag Display

The frequent display of the national flag is a deeply rooted tradition in the U.S. Flags are often seen flying from homes, businesses, and public buildings. This patriotic display is much more common in America than in many other countries and can be a striking symbol of national pride for visitors.

These customs are just a part of what makes the cultural tapestry of the United States unique. Understanding these practices can help visitors navigate and appreciate the American way of life during their stay.

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