To many Americans, the way of life in the United States feels completely normal expected, even. But when viewed through the lens of international experience, many day-to-day American habits are actually quite unique.
From food and education to healthcare and hospitality, several customs that seem standard in the U.S. can surprise or even baffle visitors from other countries.
Having spent over a decade traveling and living abroad, I’ve had the opportunity to compare cultures firsthand.
And time after time, I found myself recognizing just how deeply American culture stands apart in unexpected ways.
So here’s a breakdown of 20 things that are “normal” in the U.S. but uniquely American from a global point of view.
1. Drive-Through Everything (Even ATMs)
While drive-through restaurants are familiar in many countries, America takes it a step further offering drive-through pharmacies, dry cleaners, and even ATMs.
In most parts of the world, accessing your money still involves walking up to an ATM, not rolling down your car window.
2. Fraternities and Sororities
Greek life is deeply embedded in American college culture, offering students a social network, events, and lifelong affiliations.
But outside the U.S., fraternities and sororities are rare or non-existent. Most international students find this concept unusual and sometimes hard to grasp.
3. Dessert-Like Breakfasts
Sugary cereals, donuts, and muffins are breakfast staples in many American homes. Meanwhile, breakfast in other countries often leans savory or includes far less sugar.
In fact, Americans consume an average of 77 grams of sugar per day much of it at breakfast.
4. State Over Country Identification
Ask an American abroad where they’re from, and many will say “Texas” or “California” rather than “the United States.”
It’s common for Americans to lead with their state something that confuses people from other nations who typically just name their country.
5. City First, No State Needed
On a related note, people from major U.S. cities like New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago often skip the state name altogether. Globally known, these city names carry enough weight on their own to stand as identifiers.
6. Flag Display Everywhere
Americans display their national flag more frequently than people in many other countries. From porches and schools to bumper stickers and T-shirts, the Stars and Stripes are a constant presence. To foreigners, it can feel overwhelmingly patriotic.
7. Free Refills
Unlimited drink refills at restaurants may feel like a standard courtesy to Americans. But in much of the world, a refill is a separate purchase. Expecting one for free is likely to result in puzzled looks or polite refusals abroad.
8. Prescription Drug Commercials
In most countries, advertising prescription medications on TV is either heavily restricted or outright illegal.
The U.S. (and New Zealand) are the only two countries that allow direct-to-consumer marketing of these drugs. Commercials asking you to “ask your doctor” are uniquely American.
9. Thanking Veterans Regularly
While expressing gratitude to veterans is noble and well-intentioned, it’s not something commonly done in many parts of the world.
In countries with mandatory military service, for example, serving in the military is seen more as a rite of passage than an act requiring thanks.
10. Letting Servers Take Your Credit Card
In the U.S., it’s still common practice for restaurant staff to walk away with your credit card to process payment.
This can be unnerving for visitors from countries where cards never leave the customer’s sight, usually due to concerns about fraud or privacy.
11. Car Dependency
America is built for cars. Public transportation exists but isn’t always practical outside of major cities.
People from more compact countries often find it bizarre that some Americans have to drive 30 minutes just to buy groceries.
12. Prices Without Tax
In many countries, the listed price is the final price. But in America, taxes are added at the register.
Foreigners often experience sticker shock when their bill ends up higher than expected. It feels deceptive, even if it’s just the norm in the U.S.
13. Photo Christmas Cards
Sending holiday cards with family portraits is a widespread American tradition. What confuses non-Americans is that these pictures often aren’t even holiday-themed summer vacation snapshots or beach pics are surprisingly common.
14. Paying to Have a Baby
Healthcare in the U.S. can be costly, and childbirth is no exception. The idea of paying thousands of dollars to deliver a baby is shocking to residents of countries with universal healthcare systems.
For many foreigners, the fear of getting sick in the U.S. is very real.
15. “Casserole Culture”
The American concept of a casserole often made by mixing canned foods, cheese, and maybe pasta can seem odd to those used to cooking with fresh ingredients. While convenient, this method of cooking doesn’t translate widely.
16. Singing the National Anthem… All the Time
Singing the national anthem before sports events, school ceremonies, and public gatherings is deeply American.
While other countries reserve their anthems for international competitions or special occasions, Americans proudly sing theirs in more routine settings.
17. All-Inclusive Air Conditioning
Air conditioning is available in many countries, but America’s relationship with it is different. U.S. homes often have central air systems with vents in every room. In contrast, many countries use stand-alone or window units and only when it’s unbearably hot.
18. Cross-Country Road Trips
Thanks to its size and infrastructure, the U.S. is perfect for long road trips. You can drive for days and still be within the same country. That’s not possible in most nations crossing a country often takes hours, not days.
19. Not Asking for the Bill
In many countries, diners signal for the bill when they’re ready to leave. Americans, on the other hand, are often handed the check automatically, sometimes before they’re even finished eating. While efficient, this can feel rushed to foreigners.
20. Tipping Culture
Tipping is perhaps one of the most distinct American practices. While tipping exists in other countries, it’s rarely expected at the same high percentage.
In the U.S., tipping 15-20% is the norm, sometimes even higher. For visitors, it can be confusing and financially surprising.
Alicia Richards