16 Things Non-Americans Think Are Totally Strange About the U.S.
The United States is a fascinating place, full of diversity, innovation, and culture. But for visitors, some everyday things can feel downright baffling. Here’s a look at a few aspects of American life that tend to leave non-Americans scratching their heads.
Tipping
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In the U.S., tipping isn’t just polite—it’s expected. While many countries include service charges in the bill, Americans leave 15-20% extra for waitstaff, bartenders, and even taxi drivers. To outsiders, it can feel like an unnecessary math test after every meal. But for Americans, it’s how the service industry survives, given that wages in these roles are often far below the minimum.
Homeowners Associations
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If you think buying a house means freedom to paint it purple or plant wildflowers, think again. Homeowners Associations (HOAs) set strict guidelines on everything from lawn height to mailbox design. While some see them as necessary for maintaining property values, others—especially international visitors—view them as micromanagers of personal choices.
Endless Free Refills
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Sit down at an American diner, and your coffee cup might never reach the bottom. Free refills are a beloved tradition here, from soft drinks to iced tea. To non-Americans used to paying for each individual beverage, this seems extraordinarily generous. This is a cultural gesture of hospitality and abundance.
Highways Full of Billboards
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As foreigners cruise along American highways, they often feel like driving through a giant magazine. Billboards for fast food, lawyers, and roadside attractions line the roads, shouting their messages in bright, bold fonts. Visitors from countries with stricter advertising laws often find it overwhelming—or oddly entertaining.
The Four-Year High School Hierarchy
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The American education system doesn’t just go by grade levels—it assigns personality to each year with terms like “freshman” and “senior.” The system has its own language, and these labels are just the start. Add in school mascots, proms, and graduation gowns, and it’s almost too much to cope with.
Drive-Thru Everything
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Sure, everyone knows about drive-thru burgers, but America takes it further. Need to pick up a prescription? Drive-thru pharmacy. Want to deposit a check? Drive-thru bank. This car-centric convenience blows the minds of visitors from places where walking or public transit is the norm.
Car-Centricism
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Speaking of cars, in much of the U.S., they’re not just a luxury—they’re a necessity. Public transportation is limited in many areas, and cities are spread out, which means driving is the most practical–and often the only–way to get around. The sprawling suburbs, lack of a transit system, and endless freeways make it difficult for non-Americans to adapt.
Heavy Milkshakes
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American milkshakes are an experience. These thick, creamy concoctions often come topped with whipped cream, sprinkles, or even a full slice of cake. People expecting a simple drinkable dessert are left wondering if they need a spoon, a straw, or a construction permit to finish one.
The Obsession with College Sports
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The energy around college sports in the U.S. is on another level. Stadiums packed with fans, games televised nationally, and mascots hyping up the crowd—all for students who still have homework due. The rest of the world does care about sports, but they tend to reserve the hype for their professional teams.
Family Christmas Cards with Photos
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During the holidays, it’s common for American families to send personalized Christmas cards featuring smiling portraits. For people from other countries, this tradition feels deeply personal—perhaps too personal. But in the U.S., it’s just a way of sharing joy and connection with friends and loved ones.
Squirrels Everywhere
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If you visit a park in the U.S., you’re bound to see squirrels darting around, collecting acorns and chattering from trees. The United States have a notably large and visible squirrel population compared to many other countries, particularly in urban and suburban areas.
Supersized Meals
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American portion sizes are legendary. Order a salad, and it might come with a loaf of bread on the side. People often find themselves taking leftovers home (a concept that’s also uniquely American). It’s all part of the culture of abundance—and it’s why many restaurants provide takeout containers without you even asking.
Massive Superstores
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Walking into a superstore like Walmart or Target is an adventure in itself. Where else can you buy groceries, furniture, clothes, and a fishing rod under one roof? People from countries with smaller, specialized shops often find these all-in-one giants both convenient and overwhelming.
American Cheese
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Bright orange and perfectly square, American cheese is unlike any other. Its smooth, melty consistency is beloved on burgers but often leaves visitors wondering what exactly it’s made of. (Spoiler: It’s technically cheese, but let’s not ask too many questions.)
Baggers at Grocery Stores
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In the U.S., grocery shopping often comes with a bonus: someone to bag your items at checkout. It’s a small gesture of service, but one that surprises visitors from countries where bagging your own groceries is standard. It’s just one more way Americans prioritize convenience.
The Confusing Date Format
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In the U.S., dates are written month-day-year, which can cause serious confusion for anyone used to day-month-year. A date like 07/04/2025 might look like April 7th to international eyes, but Americans know it as July 4th—Independence Day. It’s a small difference with a big potential for mix-ups.