America is a country full of unique customs, many of which seem perfectly normal to those who live there but utterly baffling to the rest of the world. From everyday habits like excessive tipping and drive-thru everything to deep-rooted cultural quirks like school spirit and extreme patriotism, the U.S. has plenty of traditions that leave visitors scratching their heads. Some of these practices are rooted in history, while others are simply the result of America’s love for convenience, efficiency, and, in many cases, doing things bigger and bolder than anyone else. Whether amusing, confusing, or downright strange, here are 40 “normal” American behaviors that the rest of the world will never quite understand.
1. Smiling at Strangers for No Reason
In many parts of the world, smiling at someone you don’t know can seem odd, suspicious, or even flirtatious. But in the U.S., it’s just part of everyday politeness. Whether it’s in the grocery store, at a gas station, or just walking down the street, Americans tend to smile at strangers as a form of friendliness. Visitors from other countries often wonder if they’re being mistaken for someone else or if there’s an ulterior motive behind the grin—but in reality, it’s just how Americans acknowledge each other in public.
2. Using Imperial Measurements
Despite being a global superpower, the U.S. clings stubbornly to its own system of feet, inches, pounds, and Fahrenheit. While almost every other country uses the metric system for ease and standardization, Americans continue measuring distances in miles and cooking with cups and ounces. The system confuses tourists, scientists, and even some Americans themselves. NASA famously lost a $125 million Mars orbiter in 1999 due to a mix-up between metric and imperial units.
3. Excessive Tipping Culture
In most parts of the world, tipping is either included in the bill or simply a small bonus for good service. In America, however, tipping isn’t just appreciated—it’s expected. Restaurant workers rely on tips to make a living wage, with 15-25% considered standard. But it doesn’t stop at restaurants—baristas, hairdressers, hotel staff, and even food delivery drivers all expect tips. Foreigners often find it stressful, not knowing when or how much to tip, while Americans can’t imagine a meal without leaving extra cash behind.
4. Free Refills on Drinks
Go to almost any American restaurant, order a soft drink, and you’ll likely get endless refills at no extra charge. In most other countries, each glass of soda, tea, or coffee costs money, and refills are unheard of. This practice can feel like a dream come true for visitors who love sugary drinks but confuses those accustomed to paying per cup.
5. Driving Everywhere, Even Short Distances
Many American cities and suburbs are designed for cars, making walking or public transport inconvenient. Even if a destination is just a few blocks away, many Americans will hop in their cars rather than walk. While cities like New York and Chicago have robust public transportation systems, many smaller cities and towns are built with sprawling suburbs and highways that almost require personal vehicles to get around.
6. Extreme Patriotism
American flags wave proudly from homes, businesses, and even clothing. The national anthem is sung before sports events, and schoolchildren recite the Pledge of Allegiance daily. While some level of patriotism exists in other countries, few nations celebrate their flag and national identity as openly and frequently as the U.S. does. To outsiders, this level of national pride can feel overwhelming or even excessive.
7. Advertising Prescription Medications
In the U.S., pharmaceutical companies can run ads encouraging people to ask their doctors for specific medications. These commercials often end with a long list of side effects, read at lightning speed. In most other countries, direct-to-consumer drug advertising is either illegal or heavily restricted, as medical decisions are typically left to doctors, not marketing campaigns.
8. Calling Everything the “Best in the World”
Americans are known for their confidence, and that extends to how they describe their food, products, and sports teams. Even if a particular city has dozens of great pizza places, you’re bound to hear claims like, “This is the best pizza in the world!” This habit often comes across as charmingly enthusiastic—or completely unrealistic—to outsiders.
9. Ice in Every Drink
In America, a glass of soda or water without ice is nearly unheard of. Servers will automatically fill drinks with ice unless specifically asked not to. In many other countries, ice is used sparingly, if at all, as people prefer their drinks slightly chilled rather than freezing cold.
10. Huge Portion Sizes
American restaurant meals are often double or triple the portion sizes found elsewhere. Visitors from other countries are frequently shocked when their plate arrives, wondering how they’re supposed to eat so much food in one sitting. Many Americans take leftovers home in “to-go boxes,” but the portion sizes still stand out as excessive to outsiders.
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11. Writing the Date in the “Wrong” Order
The American format of Month/Day/Year confuses much of the world, which typically uses Day/Month/Year. The U.S. system can lead to misunderstandings, especially in business and travel documents. A date like “03/07/2025” could mean March 7th or July 3rd, depending on where you’re from.
12. Tons of TV Commercial Breaks
If you’re watching television in the U.S., be prepared to see as many commercials as actual programming. American TV networks rely heavily on ad revenue, so they frequently interrupt shows with multiple ad breaks—sometimes every five to seven minutes. Watching a movie on a cable channel can turn a two-hour film into a three-hour experience, frustrating viewers who just want to enjoy the content.
In many other countries, commercial breaks are less frequent, often airing only between programs or at natural transition points in a show. Some European countries even regulate the number of ads per hour, making American-style ad saturation seem overwhelming.
13. Schools with Mascots and Cheerleaders
In most countries, schools are places of education, and sports teams exist but rarely take center stage. In the U.S., however, high schools and colleges are known for their strong sports culture, complete with mascots, cheerleaders, and pep rallies. Many Americans grow up associating school spirit with football games, halftime performances, and homecoming celebrations.
In contrast, other countries often see school as a strictly academic institution, with sports treated as an extracurricular activity rather than a community-wide event. Foreigners are often surprised by the intense school pride and the level of involvement students and alumni have in their teams.
14. Obsessing Over High School and College Sports
In the U.S., college football and basketball are massive industries, with stadiums that can hold over 100,000 fans and television contracts worth billions. For many Americans, rooting for their alma mater’s team is a lifelong passion, and college athletes are treated like celebrities. ESPN dedicates entire networks to college sports, and March Madness, the annual college basketball tournament, attracts millions of viewers.
This obsession is baffling to much of the world, where professional leagues dominate, and school sports are seen as purely amateur. In Europe, for example, talented young soccer players often join professional academies rather than playing for a university team. The idea that a university coach could be one of the highest-paid public employees in a U.S. state seems almost absurd to outsiders.
15. Huge Gaps in Public Restroom Stalls
One of the biggest shocks for foreigners visiting the U.S. is the lack of privacy in public restrooms. Unlike many other countries where restroom stalls are fully enclosed with minimal gaps, American stalls often have large gaps at the bottom and significant spaces between the doors. This design choice has been justified for various reasons, including making it easier to tell if a stall is occupied, improving ventilation, and preventing illicit activity.
However, for visitors accustomed to more private bathrooms, these gaps can feel uncomfortably exposed. In places like Europe, Japan, and the Middle East, public restrooms often have floor-to-ceiling doors, making the American design seem bizarre and unsettling. Some foreigners even try to avoid using public bathrooms in the U.S. altogether due to the lack of privacy.
16. Talking to Strangers in Elevators
In many cultures, silence in an elevator is the norm. People stare at their phones, look at the floor, or simply ignore each other until they reach their destination. In the U.S., however, making small talk in an elevator is fairly common. A simple “How’s your day going?” or a joke about the weather is considered polite, while in some countries, this would be seen as unnecessary or even awkward.
Americans tend to be more socially open, and making casual conversation—even with strangers—is part of the culture. This friendliness extends beyond elevators to grocery store lines, coffee shop counters, and even while waiting at traffic lights. While some foreigners appreciate this warm approach, others find it surprising or even invasive.
17. Grocery Stores That Are Open 24/7
Need eggs at 3 a.m.? No problem—many American grocery stores and convenience stores are open 24/7. While some countries have strict retail hours, especially in Europe where stores may close early in the evening or on Sundays, the U.S. thrives on convenience. Supermarkets like Walmart and 7-Eleven cater to night owls, shift workers, and anyone with an unexpected craving for ice cream in the middle of the night.
Foreign visitors often find it mind-boggling that they can shop for groceries or buy electronics at any hour of the day. In contrast, many countries have strict labor laws that prevent stores from staying open late, making the 24-hour American shopping experience a novelty.
18. Super Enthusiastic Customer Service
Walk into any American store or restaurant, and you’ll likely be greeted with a bright “Hi, how are you today?” or “Welcome in!” Employees often go out of their way to be friendly, offering assistance and checking in multiple times. While this level of attentiveness is seen as good service in the U.S., visitors from other countries can find it overwhelming. In places like France or Japan, customer service is professional but less personal.
Employees are there to help, but they won’t engage in as much small talk or hover around customers. Some foreigners visiting the U.S. even feel pressured by the constant attention, mistaking it for aggressive sales tactics rather than genuine friendliness. However, Americans see this as normal, viewing excellent customer service as part of the shopping or dining experience.
19. Having Drive-Thrus for Everything
Drive-thrus are a staple of American life. While most people associate them with fast food, in the U.S., you can also find drive-thru pharmacies, banks, coffee shops, and even wedding chapels. The concept is built around convenience—Americans love getting things done quickly without leaving their cars.
In many other countries, the idea of picking up prescription medication without stepping inside a pharmacy or withdrawing cash from an ATM without leaving your vehicle seems unnecessary or strange. Drive-thrus are much rarer in Europe and Asia, where cities are more walkable and public transportation is more accessible. However, in the U.S., where many people live in suburban areas with car-centric infrastructure, drive-thrus are a natural part of daily life.
20. Wearing Shoes Indoors
In many cultures, removing shoes before entering a home is a strict rule. In countries like Japan, South Korea, and Sweden, it’s considered disrespectful (and unsanitary) to wear outdoor shoes inside. Many homes have designated slippers for guests, and schools or certain businesses may even require a change of footwear. Americans, on the other hand, often wear their shoes inside the house without a second thought.
While some households do follow a “no shoes indoors” rule, it’s far from a universal practice. Foreigners visiting the U.S. are often surprised when they see people lounging on couches or even putting their feet up on furniture while still wearing their shoes. The habit is so ingrained that many Americans don’t think twice about it—until they travel abroad and realize how unusual it is elsewhere.
21. Strange Flavors of Food
America is known for taking food experimentation to the extreme, resulting in flavors that seem bizarre to the rest of the world. From pumpkin spice everything in the fall to bacon-flavored soda, dill pickle potato chips, and peanut butter and jelly-flavored popcorn, the U.S. has a love for creative (and sometimes questionable) taste combinations. Limited-edition fast food items, like cheeseburger-flavored Pringles or Mountain Dew that tastes like cake, often leave foreigners either intrigued or horrified. While other countries have their own unique snack flavors, the sheer variety and boldness of American flavor choices can be overwhelming.
22. Sugar in Everything, Even Bread
Foreigners visiting the U.S. often complain that American food is too sweet, and this includes items that aren’t even supposed to be sugary—like bread. Many store-bought breads in the U.S. contain added sugar or high fructose corn syrup, making them taste noticeably different from the bread found in Europe or Asia. This can be jarring for visitors used to simpler, more natural ingredients. Even foods like pasta sauce, peanut butter, and salad dressings often contain unexpected sugar, reinforcing the stereotype that Americans have an unusually high tolerance for sweetness.
23. Super Early Dinner Time
In much of the world, dinner is an event that happens later in the evening, often between 7 and 9 p.m. or even later in countries like Spain and Argentina. In the U.S., however, it’s common for families to eat dinner as early as 5 or 6 p.m. This early dining schedule is partly influenced by American work culture, with many people finishing their workday around 5 p.m. and eating shortly after. Restaurants also cater to this habit, often starting their dinner service before 5 p.m. and closing their kitchens well before midnight—something that surprises visitors from countries where late-night dining is the norm.
24. Tons of Drive-Thru ATMs
While ATMs exist worldwide, the U.S. takes convenience a step further with drive-thru ATMs, allowing people to withdraw cash without leaving their car. These machines are especially common in suburban areas where cars are the primary mode of transportation. Foreigners often find the idea amusing, as in many other countries, ATMs are located inside bank branches or on sidewalks, requiring people to park and walk up to them. The thought of handling cash transactions while sitting in the driver’s seat strikes some as unnecessary, but for Americans, it’s just another way to make daily tasks faster.
25. Putting Too Much Ice Cream in Milkshakes
American milkshakes are often so thick that they require a spoon rather than a straw. Unlike in other countries where milkshakes are more liquid-based, American versions are often packed with scoops of ice cream, making them closer to a blended dessert than a drink. Many visitors expecting a smooth, sippable milkshake are shocked when they receive a dense, barely drinkable cup of frozen goodness. Fast food chains even provide oversized straws to accommodate the thickness, reinforcing the American tendency to go big with food and drinks.
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26. Saying “How Are You?” Without Expecting a Real Answer
When an American greets you with “How are you?” they’re usually not looking for a deep or detailed response. In the U.S., this phrase is more of a polite greeting rather than an actual inquiry about someone’s well-being. The expected response is a simple “Good, thanks! How about you?” rather than a long explanation of personal struggles. This confuses visitors from cultures where such a question is taken more literally. Some foreigners make the mistake of responding with a full rundown of their day, only to realize the person asking has already moved on.
27. Gargantuan SUVs for Daily Driving
In many parts of the world, compact cars and fuel-efficient vehicles dominate, especially in cities where space is limited. In the U.S., however, enormous SUVs and pickup trucks are a common sight, even in suburban driveways. Many Americans prefer larger vehicles, not just for their spacious interiors but also for a sense of safety on the road. Foreign visitors often wonder why someone who never hauls heavy equipment or drives off-road would need a vehicle the size of a small tank. Gas-guzzling SUVs remain popular despite rising fuel costs, reinforcing the American love for bigger, better, and more powerful automobiles.
28. Having Laws About Weird Things Like Catching Rainwater
America’s legal system is complex, and some laws can seem downright bizarre to outsiders. In certain states, it’s illegal to collect rainwater without a permit due to old water rights laws. Similarly, some cities ban things like jaywalking, wearing masks in public, or even dancing in certain places without a permit. Foreigners visiting the U.S. are often surprised by how many minor rules exist, especially compared to their home countries, where such regulations either don’t exist or aren’t strictly enforced.
29. Having “Dessert” for Breakfast
Many American breakfast foods could easily pass as dessert in other countries. Pancakes drenched in syrup, sugary cereals, cinnamon rolls, and maple-glazed donuts are all standard morning options. Foreigners often find it strange that these sweet treats are considered an appropriate way to start the day. In contrast, breakfast in other countries tends to be more savory, with items like eggs, cheese, toast, or vegetables. The American preference for sugar in the morning contributes to the stereotype that U.S. diets are excessively sweet.
30. Turning Right on Red
In the U.S., unless there’s a sign prohibiting it, drivers are allowed to turn right at a red light after stopping. This practice is designed to keep traffic moving, but it confuses visitors from countries where red means a strict “stop” with no exceptions. In some places, making a turn on a red light is illegal, leading to foreign drivers hesitating or even getting honked at when they don’t take advantage of the rule.
31. Obsession with Pumpkin Spice Every Fall
Come September, America enters full “pumpkin spice season,” with everything from lattes to muffins to breakfast cereals infused with this autumnal flavor. While pumpkin itself is enjoyed worldwide, the obsession with pumpkin spice—a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger—is uniquely American. Many visitors find it amusing that coffee shops roll out elaborate fall-themed menus, and brands release limited-edition pumpkin spice versions of almost every food imaginable.
32. Talking Loudly in Public Spaces
Americans tend to speak louder than people from other cultures, especially in restaurants, public transit, or even quiet places like museums. In some countries, speaking at a moderate or low volume in public is seen as polite, while loud conversations can be considered disruptive or rude. However, Americans generally don’t think twice about projecting their voices, leading to the stereotype that they’re “loud tourists” when traveling abroad.
33. Referring to Themselves as “American”
In Latin America and other parts of the world, the term “American” is often used to describe anyone from North or South America. However, in the U.S., “American” is used exclusively to refer to people from the United States. This distinction can sometimes lead to confusion or even frustration from people in other countries who also consider themselves part of the Americas.
34. Super Strict Drinking Laws
The legal drinking age in the U.S. is 21, one of the highest in the world. In contrast, many countries allow drinking at 18 or even younger. Additionally, open container laws in many states prohibit people from drinking alcohol in public spaces like parks or sidewalks. Tourists often find it odd that they can buy a gun at 18 but not a beer until 21, or that carrying a drink in the wrong place could result in a fine.
35. Having Sales Tax Added at Checkout
One of the most confusing things for foreigners shopping in the U.S. is that the price on the tag isn’t the final price they’ll pay. Unlike many countries where taxes are included in the listed price, American stores add sales tax at the register. The tax rate varies by state, and in some places, even by city, meaning the same item can cost different amounts depending on where you buy it. This can lead to surprises at checkout, especially for visitors who aren’t expecting their total to be higher than what was displayed on the shelf.
36. Suing Over Everything
America has a reputation for being a highly litigious society, with lawsuits filed over everything from hot coffee burns to misleading advertising claims. The country’s legal system allows for large settlements, and many people see lawsuits as a way to seek compensation, sometimes for minor inconveniences.
In other countries, suing someone is often seen as a last resort, while in the U.S., it’s not uncommon to hear about people taking legal action over things like a slip on an unmarked wet floor or a neighbor’s loud music. The abundance of “call now!” personal injury lawyer ads on American TV further reinforces the perception that lawsuits are a normal part of life.
37. Over-the-Top Holiday Decorations
Americans take holiday decorations to another level, with entire neighborhoods competing to have the most extravagant Christmas light displays. During Halloween, front yards transform into elaborate haunted house scenes, complete with animatronic skeletons and fog machines. Even lesser-known holidays like St. Patrick’s Day and the Fourth of July inspire themed decorations. Visitors from other countries, where holiday decor is often more subtle, are amazed at the time, effort, and money Americans invest in decking out their homes, sometimes months in advance.
38. Not Using a Bidet
Bidets are standard in much of the world, particularly in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, where they’re seen as a more hygienic way to clean up after using the bathroom. In the U.S., however, bidets are rare, and most Americans rely solely on toilet paper. Many foreigners visiting America for the first time are surprised that bidets aren’t common, and during the toilet paper shortages of 2020, some even joked that Americans could have avoided the panic by adopting bidets like the rest of the world.
39. Peanut Butter Obsession
Peanut butter is a staple in American pantries, appearing in sandwiches, cookies, candies, and even savory dishes. While it’s widely available in some other countries, the sheer love Americans have for peanut butter is unmatched. Foreign visitors are often baffled by the variety of peanut butter-flavored snacks, from Reese’s Cups to peanut butter pretzels and ice cream. In some cultures, peanut butter is an acquired taste or simply not popular at all, making the American devotion to it seem extreme.
40. Extreme Air Conditioning Everywhere
One of the first things foreigners notice when they step inside an American building in the summer is how cold it is. Americans love their air conditioning, and stores, offices, and restaurants often set the temperature uncomfortably low, even when it’s hot outside. Visitors from countries where A/C is used sparingly (or not at all) find it shocking to go from sweltering heat outside to near-arctic temperatures indoors. Some even bring sweaters or jackets to wear inside despite the warm weather. While Americans see blasting the A/C as a necessity, many outsiders consider it excessive and wasteful.
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