14 Things Non-Americans Find Most Surprising About the USA

While we navigate our daily lives, it’s easy to get caught up in what feels normal to us. However, some uniquely American things, customs, and practices that we take for granted might seem downright bizarre to foreigners.

According to non-Americans, here are the 14 weirdest things about American life that many of us don’t even realize are weird. Prepare to be surprised by what we think is totally normal, and perhaps even take a moment to appreciate the wonderfully strange aspects of American culture!

1. Happy Medical Advertisements With a Dose of Side Effects

Medical ads in the USA usually start off all the same, with elderly folks pushing their grandchildren on a swing, showing how a pill will solve all your problems. Then, the last 10 seconds come at you with a rapid-fire list of side effects.

In America, you can watch TV and end up urging you to ask your doctor about some new miracle drug. Isn’t it supposed to be the other way around?

2. More Commercials Than Show

In America, just when you’re getting into the plot, here we go with another commercial break. It feels like there are more ads than actual content. By the time the episode ends, you’ve seen the same car ad five times.

In many other countries, there are strict regulations on the amount and timing of commercials during TV shows. For instance, in Europe, commercials may be longer, but they don’t break up your show as much.

3. Billboard Overload

Driving down any highway in the USA feels like flipping through a giant magazine. Every few seconds, there’s another billboard trying to sell you something from fast food to personal injury lawyers. You start to wonder if you’re supposed to drive or just read these giant signs.

4. Squirrels Are the Real Landlords Here

Squirrels are everywhere. Running through your backyard, climbing a tree in a city street, or sitting on top of that mountain you just climbed in the Grand Tetons, these little critters are always around.

They’re so common that Americans barely bat an eye at them until you travel abroad and see that they aren’t as common in other countries.

5. The “How Are You?” Question

“How are you?” isn’t a strange greeting by itself, but the expected response is. In America, this inquiry tends to be a mere pleasantry, carrying an unspoken rule that it rarely opens the door to real conversation.

It may not be asked as often in other countries, but they genuinely want to hear how you’re doing.

6. Bottomless Free Refills

The magic of free refills is an American phenomenon that surprises many foreigners. Ordering a soda at a restaurant turns into a never-ending cycle of refills, and you only pay once.

In most other countries, you get the size you pay for, and that’s that.

7. The Struggle of American Distances

Without a car or being in a city with decent public transportation, the logistics of just visiting a friend on the other side of town feel so difficult.

You can forget about walking unless you want to spend half your day trekking across town. I grew up 18 miles from NYC, but it takes me nearly 1.5 hours to get into the city with public transportation. With a car, it’s only 30 minutes.

It’s wild how Americans just accept that driving is the only sensible way to get anywhere.

8. Small Talking with Strangers

Waiting in any line in the US is an open invitation to hear about what the granddaughter of the stranger in front of you is studying at university.

Americans are super social and love sharing their life stories with anyone who’ll listen. It’s never a surprise if someone starts telling you about their childhood or latest drama.

Foreigners think it’s weird at first, but after a while, you start to appreciate these random, heartfelt connections.

9. Supersize Everything

Everything in the USA is just bigger. From the giant food portions to the enormous superstores that have everything under one roof, even the parking lots and the cars in them are massive. Honestly, it’s no wonder the people themselves tend to be larger, too.

10. The Color of “American” Cheese

We all slab the neon orange American cheese slices on our burgers and sandwiches without a second thought. However, after spending months in France, I’ve realized that that’s not a natural cheese color by any means.

Foreigners are often perplexed by this neon cheese and texture, but Americans just can’t get enough of it. Don’t get me started on “Easy Cheese.”

11. Grocery Bagging

We take it for granted that when you get to the checkout, someone else bags your groceries for you. You just stand there, maybe even on your phone, while someone carefully places your items into bags. This is not the experience in most other places around the world.

12. Complimenting Strangers

I love telling random strangers that I love their vibe or that their hair looks amazing. It happens a lot here, especially if you’re doing social activities. Americans are super into giving compliments to people they’ve never met. At first, it can be a bit jarring, but it’s a small thing that can totally make your day.

13. You Have to Be 21 to Drink Here

You can’t legally buy a drink until you’re 21 (and now some states for tobacco, too). The government trusts you to vote and join the military at 18, but a beer? Nope.

This rule makes turning 21 feel like a rite of passage. You wouldn’t believe how many college parties have to tiptoe around this rule.

Foreigners find it hilarious and confusing, especially those from countries where the drinking age is much lower.

14. Flags Are Everywhere!

American flags are literally everywhere. Every property must be draped in red, white, and blue from front yards to gas stations. Americans are so used to it, but for many visitors, it’s rare to show so much patriotism so openly on the streets.

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.