18 Shocking Surprises Non-Americans Experience When Visiting the USA
Ever wondered what goes through the minds of our foreign friends when they step foot and travel on US soil? Things we think are normal are bewildering customs unique to our way of life, and visitors can find themselves in some pretty surprising situations because of it.
Whether it’s our obsession with big portions, the way we treat our pets like royalty, or the fact that fast food always comes with a giant pile of napkins, there’s a lot to unpack. So, here are the top shocking surprises that non-Americans experience when they visit the USA! You might find it hilarious to see what quirks leave a lasting impression.
1. Too Much Ice!
If you think your drink will last longer because it’s packed with ice, think again! Non-Americans are often baffled by the sheer volume of ice in American beverages. “The amount of ice you put in drinks is ridiculous,” one visitor exclaimed.
They might be onto something; sometimes, it feels like you’re ordering a glass of ice with a splash of drink. Ask for no ice if you actually want some liquid.
2. Portion Sizes That Could Feed a Small Village
“Portion sizes are INSANE! Your smalls are bigger than our larges.” shared one incredulous traveler. Another added, “When the waitress brought my food, I thought I had accidentally ordered for the whole table.”
Whether it’s a burger bigger than your head or a soda that requires two hands to lift, Americans take “go big or go home” seriously. Unless you’re ready for a food coma, splitting a meal might be the way to go.
3. Entrée Confusion: When Appetizers Aren’t Appetizers
In America, the main dish is called an entrée, which left one visitor thoroughly perplexed: “This confused me because entrée literally means ‘entrance’.”
It’s a quirky holdover from French dining traditions that Americans decided to keep. So when you order your entrée, don’t expect a small appetizer; you’re getting the main dish.
4. Pickup Trucks Galore
If you thought you’d see a lot of pickup trucks in the USA, you’re absolutely right. “The amount of pickup trucks was pretty funny,” one visitor laughed.
These gas-guzzling behemoths are everywhere. Whether they’re being used for work or just for show, pickups are an American staple.
5. Places Where Everyone Calls You “Honey”
Especially in the deep South, the terms of endearment flow freely. Everywhere you go, people call you “honey,” “sugar,” “babe,” “sunshine,” and “love.”
One visitor gushed, “I found it very sweet, blushed every time and generally couldn’t get enough of it.” The warmth is so genuine it almost makes you forget about the humidity. Almost.
6. Aisles of Sweet Temptations
“It was the first time I have ever seen an entire aisle in a supermarket specifically for cookies,” one visitor marveled. American supermarkets are a wonderland of sugary indulgences, with whole aisles dedicated to treats like cookies, cakes, and candy.
In fact, supermarkets in the USA offer an array of snacks and convenience foods that might seem foreign or overwhelming to visitors from other countries.
7. Pharmacies That Sell Everything
American pharmacies are a one-stop shop for just about anything. “Nothing shocking there, except it also sold booze and cigarettes,” one visitor commented, clearly taken aback.
Need to pick up your prescription, a bottle of wine, and some chips? No problem! It’s all under one roof. It’s the ultimate convenience, but it can be a bit jarring if you’re used to pharmacies being strictly for medicine.
8. Small Talk: The American Social Sport
In America, small talk is practically a national pastime. “Even the most common ‘hey, how are you?’ doesn’t necessarily mean he or she wants to know how my day has been so far,” noted one bemused visitor.
Don’t be alarmed if strangers strike up conversations while you’re waiting in line or walking down the street. It’s just their way of being friendly.
One of the best surprises in America is how quickly strangers become friends. “Americans will invite you into their home after knowing you for 5 minutes,” one visitor happily reported. Whether it’s offering directions, showing you around, or inviting you to a barbecue, the friendliness is genuine.
9. Flagapalooza: Stars and Stripes Everywhere
Americans love their flag, and they love displaying it everywhere. “The amount that Americans display their flag is certainly what we would consider a bit over-the-top,” noted one surprised visitor.
The Stars and Stripes fly proudly from homes, businesses, and even cars. It’s like a constant Fourth of July celebration.
10. Surprise! Taxes Aren’t Included
Shopping in the USA can be a bit of a math test. “Went to a convenience store to get a drink and was very confused when the price labeled was different at checkout,” one baffled shopper shared.
Imagine seeing a price tag, calculating your total, and then being totally caught off guard at the register.
11. Credit Cards Rule the Roost
Cash might be king elsewhere, but credit cards are royalty in the USA. “Only one shady motel accepted cash payment,” noted one traveler.
Seriously, even the smallest mom-and-pop shop will happily swipe your card. On the bright side, it does make transactions quick and easy.
12. Bathroom Stall Gaps
Ever feel like you’re being watched while doing your business? In the USA, bathroom stalls have these unsettling gaps. It’s like the designers wanted you to make awkward eye contact with everyone walking by.
13. Food, Glorious Food
If there’s one thing America excels at, it’s food. “You guys have got food on point,” raved one satisfied eater. From hole-in-the-wall diners to high-end restaurants, American cuisine is an adventure.
“Where we might have a local sandwich shop in Australia, your local sandwich shop will have a history and a sauce that was based on someone’s Italian grandmother’s secret recipe,” they added. Every region has its own unique flavors and stories.
14. The Stark Divide of Neighborhoods
America’s cities can be a tale of two worlds. “Once we went through non-tourist areas, the poverty was painfully obvious. It was like night and day,” remarked one observant traveler.
Tourist areas are pristine and filled with restaurants and shops, while residential areas can tell a different story. “It’s very obvious how the tourist areas get more maintenance and cleaning than the residential areas,” they noted. The stark contrast can be jarring.
15. Billboard Bonanza
Driving through the USA is like flipping through a giant magazine of ads. These towering signs are everywhere, selling everything from insurance to the latest phone. It’s part of the landscape. They say everything’s bigger in America, including the advertising.
16. Each State: A Country of Its Own
One of the coolest (and sometimes confusing) things about America is how each state feels like its own country. “Sure, you have commonalities, but LA has a completely different culture to New Orleans, as does Green Bay, as does upstate New York,” observed one traveler.
You’ve got Hollywood glitz, Southern charm, Midwest friendliness, and East Coast hustle all rolled into one nation.
17. Tipping: The Anxiety-Inducing Ritual
Tipping in America can feel like navigating a minefield. “As a foreigner, not knowing when you are supposed to tip, how much you’re supposed to tip, who you’re supposed to tip, and all that is really quite anxiety-inducing,” admitted one visitor.
It’s a new layer of social etiquette that can leave you sweating bullets. Should you tip the barista? What about the hotel staff? And how much? Even after you leave, you’ll probably wonder if you missed someone.
Pro tip: when in doubt, just tip.
18. Everything’s Gigantic
“Everything has to be gigantic. From buildings to cars, food portions, airports,” one visitor noted with wide-eyed wonder.
Even the soda cups are super-sized! “Soda cups at US can hold more than 500ml,” another bemused traveler remarked.
Catherine, a seasoned travel writer, has lived in 4 different states and explored 36 states and 28 national parks. After spending two years embracing van life, she's now dedicated to sharing her vast knowledge of day trips across America. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.
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