12 Surprising American Things for Foreigners

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Are you planning a trip to the United States, or perhaps you’ve already landed and are experiencing a cultural whirlwind? Don’t worry, the American experience is like riding a roller coaster with a supersized soda in hand – it’s full of unexpected twists, turns, and oversized surprises! The USA is a land of extremes that often leaves foreigners wide-eyed and bewildered in both a good and a bad way.

In this light-hearted and slightly cheeky guide, we delve into the 12 most surprising things about the USA, as seen through the eyes of foreigners. Us being one Canadian, and one French who also lived and traveled across the USA, we crafted this guide to gather some of the American quirks you should know about before visiting this beautiful country.

1. The Size of Everything

In the USA, ‘bigger is better’ is not just a saying, it’s a way of life. Here, the size of everything can be a jaw-dropping experience for foreigners. At restaurants and fast food joints, a ‘large’ meal often seems like it’s been sized up to feed a small army, easily doubling what you’d expect in Europe.

Thirsty? Even the glasses here are more like jugs, making the quaint drink sizes in France look like they’re for dolls. And the roads? They’re so wide you might wonder if they’re built for cars or airplanes. It’s like America took the concept of size and decided to put it on steroids.

Other examples include the size of fridges which are even called “American fridges” by foreigners to emphasize the difference in size. So, bring your appetite and maybe a compass – you’ll need it to navigate these super-sized servings!

2. Long Distances Are The Norm

The concept of distance in the USA can be a culture shock for many foreigners. The American motto seems to be ‘Why walk when you can drive?’ And we’re not talking short drives.

Living in the US, you quickly realize that driving 2 hours to the nearest shopping mall is considered perfectly normal, a stark contrast to the 15-minute drives you might be used to in places like France. It’s almost as if Americans treat distance like a personal challenge: the further, the better. So, if you’re planning a quick trip to the mall, you might want to pack a snack and some good tunes – it’s going to be a mini road trip!

That’s no mentioning the distance to go from one end of a state to another. US States are like mini-countries and it can take over a day to drive from one end to another.

3. The Curious Case of Toilet Door Gaps

One of the more peculiar aspects of American bathrooms for foreigners is the surprising amount of space around toilet doors. It’s almost as if these doors were designed with the motto, “Privacy? Never heard of her!”

The gaps are so generous that it can feel like you’re putting on a show rather than just using the restroom. This is not just in public restrooms but in high schools too, leading many first-timers in the USA to wonder if they’ve accidentally walked into an open-concept bathroom. I (Marie) was definitely surprised when I first used the toilet at my high school in Bonners Ferry. The American bathroom experience: where you can make eye contact with strangers while in your most vulnerable state.

4. The Mystery of the Missing Tax

Shopping in the USA comes with its own suspense – the price you see is not the price you pay. Unlike most countries where the tax is conveniently included in the price tag, in the US, tax is added at the register.

This can lead to some sticker shock for the uninitiated. It’s like every purchase is a mini game show where you guess the final price. “Is that a $10 shirt? Surprise! It’s $10.77.” For everyone but Canadians, who share this pricing model, it’s a quirky reminder that in America, math is a required skill for shopping.

5. Tipping Culture

For many foreigners, particularly Europeans, the tipping culture in the USA is a source of endless confusion and occasional anxiety. In Europe, tipping is often reserved for exceptional service, whereas in the US, it’s a standard practice in restaurants.

The reason? American waiters and waitresses rely heavily on tips to supplement their income, which can be shockingly low without them. It’s a system that might leave some foreigners scratching their heads, wondering if they’ve accidentally become a patron rather than a customer.

6. Patriotism on Display

The level of patriotism in the USA is something that can catch foreigners off guard. It’s not a secret that Americans love their country, but the extent of this love is on full display everywhere you go.

From flags in every classroom to the Pledge of Allegiance recited each morning in schools, the sense of national pride is palpable. Even sporting events feel like mini patriotic ceremonies, with the national anthem playing a starring role. For visitors, it’s like walking onto a movie set where the theme is ‘America the Beautiful,’ and everyone’s in character.

7. The Car Culture: Walking? What’s That?

In the USA, the love affair with cars is real. When I lived there, walking seemed to be an unknown concept. Even a 10-minute stroll to school was a car ride. This is one of the American habits that shocked me the most. Imagine having to walk home one day and realizing it only took you 8 minutes. It left me in a state of wonder as to why we weren’t all walking to school everyday.

The only time people seem to walk on purpose is when they called it a ‘hike’. This car-centric culture can be a bit of a shock for foreigners used to walking more.

8. Bank Drive-Ins: Banking from Your Car

Banking in the USA can feel like visiting a fast-food joint, thanks to bank drive-ins. This concept, more rare in Europe, allows you to do your banking without leaving your car. Just drive up, send your cheque through a tube that magically transports it to the teller, and voilà!

9. The Lack Public Transportation

The lack of extensive public transportation in the USA is a stark contrast to Europe’s well-connected networks. Sure, the country is enormous, but even in cities, options are often limited to a few bus lines or an occasional metro. It’s a place where having a car isn’t just convenient, it’s a necessity.

There are a few exceptions thankfully. Some cities like NYC are equipped with a metro but it’s far from being as good as London’s. There are also shuttles available in national parks such as Yosemite. This helps reduce the amount of cars going around.

10. Healthcare Costs: Brace Your Wallet

Healthcare costs in the USA can be a source of shock for foreigners. Everything from an ambulance ride to giving birth, or even buying asthma medication, can cost an arm and a leg.

11. Free Refills

The concept of free refills in American restaurants is still a novelty in many other countries. In the USA, it’s almost a dining right. Order one drink, and it magically refills as if there’s an endless supply.

12. Religion in Everyday Life

Religion in the USA is not just a personal belief; it’s woven into the fabric of everyday life. From schools to town halls, the presence of religion is palpable. You’re as likely to hear “God bless you” as “Hello.” Bible studies are common in schools, and church attendance can feel like a social event.

This would shock more than one foreigners, especially from countries where there is a separation of the State and the Church. The mix of religion and politics is also more pronounced.

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These funny and interesting American quirks should not deter you from visiting this stunning country. If anything, it’s good to know about them beforehand so you’re prepared to fully embrace the culture. There’s no better way to learn more about yourself and become more open-minded than to find out how others live!

To prepare for your next US trip, check out our US resources. From itineraries to road trip the West Coast to national parks comparisons and guides, they’ll help you plan your next adventure!