From free refills to tipping rules that feel like a math test, certain US habits leave the rest of the world baffled. Yet to Americans, these things are part of their everyday life. Here are nine things Americans do that the rest of the world just can’t quite figure out.
9. The Casual Small Talk
Ever saw a stranger in America flash a wide smile and ask, “How are you?” as they pass by? This interaction often leaves foreigners bewildered, as in many cultures, the question would require a detailed response. In the US, this small talk isn’t meant to be taken literally. It’s the equivalent of a simple “hello.” The expected response is a brief “Good, how are you?” before both parties move on.
8. Wearing Shoes Indoors
In many countries across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, removing one’s shoes before entering a house is a sign of respect and cleanliness. In the US, many people see no issue with keeping them on. The practice is often linked to convenience, especially for those making quick trips in and out.
7. The Kitchen Sink Garbage Disposal
For many non-Americans, the concept of a garbage disposal unit, which is a grinding machine installed in the kitchen sink to shred food scraps, is a bizarre home feature. The invention, which dates back to the 1920s, was promoted as a modern solution to food waste. For visitors, the noisy machine can be intimidating, and the idea of putting anything other than liquid down the sink feels weird.
6. The Imperial System of Measurement
In a world that almost universally adopted the metric system, the US is an outlier, clinging to its inches, feet, pounds, and gallons. Everything from road signs in miles to recipes in cups and ounces requires a mental conversion that can be frustrating and prone to error. For anyone visiting the US, a good conversion app on your phone is a must-have tool for navigating the American measurement maze.
5. College Sports Mania
In most countries, university sports are a low-key affair. In the United States, they are a cultural phenomenon. College football and basketball, in particular, are multi-billion dollar industries, with national television deals, massive stadiums, and fanatical followings that rival professional leagues. For foreigners, the intensity of college sports culture, including tailgating, marching bands, and fierce rivalries, is often baffling.
4. Supersized Portions and Free Refills
Visitors to the US are consistently stunned by the sheer size of meal portions, which seem large enough to feed a small family. A “small” drink can be the equivalent of a large in other countries, and the concept of free, unlimited refills on soft drinks is a particularly American perk. While Americans have become accustomed to this scale, many foreigners find it overwhelming and even wasteful.
3. The Minimalist Approach to Vacation Time
In many parts of the world, a month of paid vacation is the standard. In the US, it’s a distant dream for most workers. The US is the only advanced economy in the world that does not federally mandate paid vacation time for its workers. While most full-time employees receive paid time off, the average is a mere 11 days per year, according to a 2024 Expedia survey.
2. The Tipping Minefield
In most countries, tipping is a small gesture for exceptional service or is already included in the bill as a service charge. In the US, it’s often an unspoken social contract. Tipping is essential for the livelihood of many service industry workers, whose base wages are often below the minimum wage. The unwritten rules of who to tip and how much can feel like a minefield for outsiders. The fear of causing offense by under-tipping can also turn a pleasant meal into a stressful experience.
1. The Confusing Healthcare System
The US healthcare system is a patchwork of private insurance companies, employer-sponsored plans, and government programs like Medicaid and Medicare. Navigating this system, with an array of deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, can be a nightmare even for Americans. The idea that a medical emergency could lead to financial ruin is an alien concept to those accustomed to healthcare as a public right.