Some things possess an undeniable American quality, yet many Americans are completely unaware of them.
The author notes that spending over a decade traveling and living abroad provided valuable insights not only into other cultures but also into her own.
These insights reveal aspects considered classically American and not common in many other parts of the world.
Let’s delve into 20 everyday elements of American life that often surprise people from elsewhere.
1. Magic Money (Drive-Through ATMs)
The United States is home to over 500,000 ATMs, and many of these are drive-through machines.
This particular convenience, however, is not typical in most other parts of the world. In many countries, individuals generally must get out of their cars and walk up to the ATM to withdraw money.
The widespread availability and use of drive-through ATMs represent a distinct American convenience.
2. Greek Life No-Go (Fraternities/Sororities)
Fraternities and sororities, prominent in U.S. college social life, are described as “almost exclusively an American thing”.
People from many other countries find the concept of Greek life “quite odd”. While education is central to the American college experience, social involvement through these organizations is also seen as significant.
This structured social system is a notable difference observed by international students and visitors.
3. Dessert for Breakfast
Eating sugary items like donuts, sugary cereal, and muffins is a standard morning practice for many Americans.
However, these foods are not typically considered “breakfast material” in many other parts of the world.
Americans consume an average of 77 grams of sugar daily, with a substantial 25% coming from breakfast.
This contrasts with breakfast habits elsewhere, where less emphasis may be placed on sweet items.
4. Residency Mishaps (Saying State)
When traveling abroad and asked where they are from, Americans tend to say their state’s name instead of their country’s name.
This differs from how most other foreigners respond, who would typically state their country, for example, “Canada” or “Brazil”.
The inclination for Americans to initially identify by their state is a conversational habit that foreigners often find unique.
5. City Mishaps (Saying City)
Americans from large cities might skip the state name entirely and just provide their city’s name. The source notes this is usually understandable to foreigners familiar with major U.S. cities like “New York City” or “Miami”.
While different from how many other nationalities introduce their origin, the global recognition of major American cities makes this acceptable in many international contexts.
6. So Many Flags (Displaying the Flag)
Many Americans display the American flag outside their homes, often linked to patriotic pride. Foreigners have commented on this visible display.
The author theorizes that it might not be the quantity of flags, but rather the distinct design of the U.S. flag that stands out to foreigners, similar to how unfamiliar flags catch her attention when traveling.
This common display of national symbols is striking to those from other cultures.
7. Free What? (Free Refills)
The expectation of free drink refills at restaurants is a “harsh reality” not common outside the U.S.. This practice often surprises and elicits “eye-rolling” from local restaurant workers serving American tourists abroad.
The norm of unlimited free beverage refills is a convenience Americans are accustomed to but is rare in dining establishments in many other countries.
8. Prescription Medicine Commercials
Seeing commercials for prescription medicine on TV is not common in many countries. The source notes that such advertisements are even illegal in places like England, although over-the-counter medicine can be advertised.
This direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs is a distinctive feature of the American media and healthcare landscape, uncommon in much of the world.
9. Thanking Veterans
In many countries, it’s not common for residents to thank fellow citizens specifically for serving in the military.
The source suggests this could be partly due to dozens of countries having mandatory military service laws, making service a more integrated part of life rather than a distinct voluntary action often publicly acknowledged in the U.S. This cultural practice of thanking veterans stands out to foreigners.
10. Stranger No Danger (Credit Cards Leaving Sight)
While less common now, some U.S. restaurant employees still take a customer’s credit card away from the table to swipe it.
This practice is unsettling for some international tourists who are not accustomed to their credit cards leaving their sight in their home countries.
The handling of credit cards during payment represents a subtle difference in trust and security norms perceived by visitors.
11. Driving
Being dependent on a car for getting around is something many foreigners see as “downright American”.
The use of pickup trucks for personal transport without carrying materials is also considered “ultra-American”.
These transportation habits reflect the vastness of the U.S. and its infrastructure development, differing from many nations where public transit or smaller vehicles are the norm for daily travel.
12. Tax Ghost (Tax Not Included)
Displaying prices before tax is added is considered odd by many other cultures. Some foreign tourists might even view it as a “cruel tactic” to make prices seem lower.
The author, having shopped in countries where tax is included, attests to the convenience of knowing the final price upfront. This pricing convention is a unique aspect of American retail.
13. Christmas Cards With Photos
Including a family photo in a Christmas card is described as the “epitome of American”. Non-Americans can find it amusing that these photos often lack a winter theme, with summer vacation pictures being a common American choice.
This specific custom of incorporating personal family portraits into holiday greeting cards is a tradition particularly associated with American culture.
14. Chump Change (Paying for Healthcare)
Having to pay money for medical treatment, including significant costs like having a baby at a hospital, is considered “very American” by foreigners from countries with free healthcare systems.
Foreigners have expressed fear of becoming ill in the U.S. due to the potential costs. The fee-for-service model common in the U.S. healthcare system is a stark contrast to systems in many other parts of the world.
15. Canned Casseroles
The practice of combining several different cans of food with cheese and mixing them together is considered “cooking” in many American households. The source notes that “that’s not so in many other countries”.
This reliance on pre-packaged, canned ingredients to create simple meals highlights a difference in culinary approaches and the definition of cooking compared to many global cuisines.
16. Singing the National Anthem (Without Other Countries)
While singing the national anthem is common globally when competing against other nations, the practice of singing the U.S. national anthem even when no other country is involved is considered “quite American”.
This demonstration of national pride during domestic events, where international competition is absent, is a cultural practice that stands out to non-Americans.
17. Air Conditioning
While air conditioning exists elsewhere, the American method of installation and usage differs. American homes typically have vents in every room for central AC.
In contrast, residents in many other countries might use rectangular units hung in windows, often only in some rooms. The pervasive installation of central air conditioning throughout homes is a distinct U.S. feature.
18. Long Road Trips
The commonality and feasibility of taking long road trips, driving thousands of miles in one direction, is “oh-so-American”.
This is largely possible due to the country’s substantial size. The source contrasts this with the inability to undertake such extensive drives in a smaller country like Luxembourg. The vast geography of the U.S. facilitates a travel habit uncommon in smaller nations.
19. Not Asking for the Bill
Unlike millions globally who ask their server for the bill when ready to pay, Americans find it “uncomfortable” to flag down a waiter. In the U.S., the bill normally just arrives, sometimes even while customers are still eating.
This difference in dining etiquette regarding how and when the check is presented is a subtle yet noticeable cultural variation in service.
20. Tipping
Tipping for services like restaurant servers and barbers is often uncommon or not expected in other parts of the world.
Even where acceptable, the expected percentage is typically not the “outrageous percentage amounts” that American culture expects, where 20% or more is standard.
The U.S. tipping culture, including the high expected percentages, is a significant global outlier.
Alicia Richards