15 Strange Things About America That Tourists Find Weird
You don’t really notice it when you grow up here, but once you talk to someone visiting from another country, you realize… yeah, some of this stuff is strange. From how we handle money to how much ice we put in drinks, these are the things that leave outsiders confused, amused, or just plain speechless.
Asking, “How Are You?” Without Wanting an Answer
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Americans say, “How are you?” the way others say hello. We don’t expect a full response—it’s just polite. Travelers often try to answer seriously, which makes the exchange feel awkward. For them, it’s confusing, whereas it’s just automatic for us.
Constantly Talking to Strangers
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At the store, on the street, in line for coffee, Americans often chat with people they don’t know. Visitors from countries where public small talk is rare find this odd. It’s not really considered rude, just unexpected.
Free Refills Everywhere
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When you order a soda, the server refills it without asking. People are surprised this isn’t an extra charge. In many other countries, one drink means one glass, but in America, the refill is often automatic—even before you finish the first round.
Obsession with Red Solo Cups
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Those red plastic cups are everywhere in movies and parties. No other country links one specific cup so strongly with college parties and barbecues. In the U.S., they’re practically tradition.
Advertising Prescription Drugs on TV
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It’s normal here to see commercials that list every possible side effect of a medication. In most countries, direct consumer drug ads are banned. Watching a cheerful ad about a serious illness feels strange and a bit off-putting.
Giant Gaps in Bathroom Stalls
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Why do American public restrooms have those awkward gaps between the door and frame? People are baffled by how little privacy there is. In other countries, bathroom stalls are often fully enclosed. The open design feels exposed and uncomfortable to visitors.
Massive Portions at Restaurants
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Tourists regularly point out how huge American meals are. A “small” drink could be a “large” elsewhere. Appetizers feel like entrees. No wonder takeout boxes are standard. The portions seem more suited for sharing—or feeding a small village.
Confusing Sales Tax at Checkout
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You see one price on the shelf, but pay a different total at the register. It is easy to forget that U.S. sales tax is added at checkout. Most countries include tax in the sticker price, so this system throws people off.
Tipping Culture Feels Uncomfortable
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Knowing when and how much to tip isn’t always clear—even for Americans. But for those who don’t live here, it’s even more confusing. Many are from countries where tipping is rare or not expected. In the U.S., not tipping can feel like breaking an unspoken rule.
So. Many. Flags
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There are American flags on homes, cars, schools, and even clothing. Other countries save flag displays for official buildings or national holidays. Visitors often notice how many flags are around—like it’s part of the everyday landscape.
Drive-Thrus for Everything
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It’s not just fast food. There are drive-thru pharmacies, coffee shops, and even wedding chapels. For people from cities where walking is the norm, the number of services available without leaving your car is surprising—and a little amusing.
Air Conditioning Cranked Up Indoors
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In summer, the outside might be blazing hot, but step indoors and it’s freezing. Visitors often complain about restaurants, buses, and stores being uncomfortably cold. Americans love A/C, and it shows—sometimes a little too much.
School Spirit and Pep Rallies
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High school and college sports come with cheerleaders, mascots, chants, and band music. It is normal for outsiders to be shocked by how seriously Americans take school pride. It feels more like a national event than a student activity.
Mixing Sweet and Savory Foods
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Chicken with syrup. Bacon on donuts. Individuals from other countries often raise eyebrows at sweet-and-salty combos. But here, it’s common. These pairings sound strange at first—but sometimes, people end up liking them more than they expected.
Peanut Butter Is Everywhere
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From sandwiches to desserts, Americans love peanut butter. It’s not as popular in other places, and many say it’s hard to find good versions of it outside the U.S. Many people don’t get the hype.