What truly defines being American? From drive-through ATMs to tipping 20% at restaurants, American culture is filled with unique habits and customs that stand out to the rest of the world.
Whether it’s the love for long road trips, the abundance of national flags, or the preference for dessert-like breakfasts, these everyday practices paint a vivid picture of life in the United States.
In this article, we’ll explore 20 distinct traits that define the American way of living, some practical, some puzzling, and all undeniably fascinating to outsiders. Discover what sets Americans apart in ways you might not have noticed before.
1. Magic Money (Drive-Through ATMs):
The United States has over 500,000 ATMs, and many of these are drive-through. This is not common in most other parts of the world, where people typically have to exit their cars and walk up to an ATM.
2. Greek Life No-Go:
Social life is a significant part of attending college in the U.S., beyond the education itself. Fraternities and sororities are described as almost exclusively an American phenomenon, with people from many other countries finding the concept odd.
3. Dessert for Breakfast:
Foods like donuts, sugary cereal, and muffins are standard morning staples for many Americans. However, in many other parts of the world, these items are not considered breakfast material.
The source also notes that Americans consume an average of 77 grams of sugar per day, with 25% of that coming from breakfast, compared to the American Heart Association’s recommendation of no more than 25 grams for women and 36 grams for men.
4. Residency Mishaps (Saying Your State):
When traveling abroad and asked where they are from, Americans often state their state’s name first, rather than their country’s name.
For example, while a Canadian or Brazilian would typically say “Canada” or “Brazil,” an American might lead with their state. This is not how most other foreigners communicate with one another.
5. City Mishaps (Saying Your City):
Americans from large cities might even skip mentioning their state entirely and just give their city’s name.
While this is usually understood by foreigners familiar with major U.S. cities like “New York City” or “Miami,” the practice itself is noted.
6. So Many Flags:
It is common for many Americans to hang the American flag outside their homes, taking patriotic pride seriously.
The author suggests that foreigners might notice this more not because Americans necessarily hang more flags than other countries, but because the design is unfamiliar to them.
7. Free What? (Free Refills):
A “harsh reality” mentioned is that free refills at restaurants are not common outside the U.S.. The source imagines the eye-rolling local restaurant workers must do when American tourists expect them.
8. Prescription Medicine Commercials:
Seeing commercials for prescription medicine on TV is not the norm in many countries. The source states these ads are even illegal in England, although over-the-counter medicine can be advertised.
9. Thanking Veterans:
In many countries, it is not common for residents to thank fellow citizens for serving in the military. The source suggests this might be partly due to dozens of countries having mandatory military service, making it a standard part of life.
10. Stranger No Danger (Credit Card Handling):
While less common now, some U.S. restaurant employees take a customer’s credit card away from the table to swipe it.
The source notes this is unsettling for some international tourists who are accustomed to their cards remaining in sight in their home countries.
11. Driving (Car Dependence):
Many foreigners perceive being dependent on a car as distinctly American. Using pick-up trucks for transport instead of carrying materials is also seen as ultra-American.
12. Tax Ghost (Prices Before Tax):
Displaying prices without the tax included is considered odd in many other cultures. Some foreign tourists might even view it as a tactic to make prices appear cheaper than they actually are.
The author attests that knowing the final price upfront, as is common in many other countries, is preferable.
13. Christmas Cards With Photos:
Including a family photo in a Christmas card is described as the “epitome of American”. The source notes that non-Americans sometimes find it humorous that these photos often aren’t even winter-themed, with family summer vacation pictures being a popular choice.
14. Chump Change (Paying for Healthcare):
Paying money to have a baby at a hospital, or for medical treatment of any kind, is seen as very American by foreigners from countries with free healthcare.
The source mentions hearing from foreigners who were scared of becoming ill in the U.S. due to the potential costs.
15. Canned Casseroles:
In many American households, mixing several cans of food together with cheese is considered cooking. The source states this is not the case in many other countries.
16. Singing the National Anthem:
While singing the national anthem is common globally when other nations are involved (like at a soccer game), it is quite American to sing the national anthem even when there is no international competition.
17. Air Conditioning (Installation/Use):
Although air conditioning exists in many countries, the way Americans install and use it differs. American homes often have vents in every room for central air, whereas residents in many other countries use rectangular window units, often only in select rooms.
18. Long Road Trips:
Compared to many countries, long road trips are an “oh-so-American thing,” largely due to the vast size of the U.S.. One can drive over 2,000 miles in a single direction.
19. Not Asking for the Bill:
Unlike millions globally who ask their server for the bill, Americans typically do not. Flagging down a waiter for the bill feels uncomfortable to Americans. The bill normally arrives automatically, often while customers are still eating.
20. Tipping:
Tipping restaurant servers, barbers, and others is either uncommon or not expected in many other parts of the world.
Even where tipping is acceptable, the expected percentage is typically not as high as in American culture, where 20% or more is now considered standard.
The source also mentions that some are tired of American tipping practices, referencing other articles about places where tipping is rude or uncommon.
Alicia Richards