So, traveling down any city block, suburban street, or rural road, a foreigner will probably encounter at least a few American flags flying high, which likely isn't the norm in their home country.
In most countries outside the U. In America, on the other hand, taking time off is often treated like a sin. Many people's vacation days tend to pile up as the months of hour workweeks roll on. Our collective workaholism is totally bizarre to outsiders—and quite frankly, we can see why. Red Solo Cups are the symbol of college keggers and backyard barbecues alike—and yet, they're rarely seen outside of the U. At Slate , Seth Stevenson gave a good explanation of the appeal of the plastic cup: Its opaque color makes it impossible for authorities to casually tell what's in the cup; its sturdy design makes it virtually spill-proof; and its newly created square bottom makes it easy to hold.
Americans love their free refills. Foreigners, on the other hand, aren't even familiar with the concept. In most other countries, when you buy a drink, that prince is for a single cupful of your beverage of choice.
If you want a second soda in a place like Paris, for example, be prepared to dole out some extra cash. For a country that's the center of the global economy, America's currency is pretty dull.
While other countries boast colorful bills with cultural figures, the U. In many instances, the name of a coin will tell you something about how much it's worth. However, while the quarter makes sense—seeing as its value is equivalent to one-fourth of a dollar—that's the only coin whose name is at all logical in terms of its worth. If even we Americans don't get it, we can't expect anyone else to either. While New York City famously never sleeps, it's not the only city with hour businesses.
Foreign tourists might be surprised to find out just how many other destinations in the U. We like to eat when we like to eat—and if that means going to Denny's at 3 a. Whether you're heading into a bar or buying a six-pack at the grocery store, there's a good chance you'll be asked for your ID in the United States—even if you're well into your 50s.
This is baffling to many foreigners, especially since, by the time they're in their 30s , they've been drinking legally for more than two decades. Americans are nothing if not by the book about the little things, so most foreigners quickly learn that it's wise to keep some form of ID on them at all times if they plan on having a drink.
The concept of dancing cheer squads that help support sports teams or compete against each other is pretty odd for most non-Americans. You don't see cheerleaders at the World Cup, do you? This might be less surprising these days thanks to the ubiquity of Starbucks , but Americans originated the practice of ordering coffee to go, and it still strikes many Europeans as bizarre behavior.
After all, isn't coffee meant to be enjoyed in a ceramic cup over conversation at a leisurely pace? Not in America it isn't! In most other countries, you take the time to at least park the car and walk through the front doors of the place you're patronizing—not in America, though!
Our reason for doing so remains a mystery but The Guardian has some theories. We've got major baby fever in the U. To us, baby showers seem commonplace, but they're not really a tradition in other parts of the world. Some even consider it bad luck to celebrate a baby before they're born. And while we're on the subject of celebrating It's always lovely to receive a gift.
Although it may seem polite to open a present in front of the giver in order to thank them personally, it doesn't work that way everywhere.
In some Asian cultures , it is considered rude to open gifts immediately after receiving them; you may actually be seen as greedy for doing so. This one isn't so much of a weird custom as it is just a funny cultural association. The idea of going to a party and drinking out of red solo cups is viewed by the rest of the world as a very American thing to do. This has a lot to do with Hollywood consistently using them in party scenes. The cups are a staple at America-themed parties thrown around the world.
We love our personal space here in the U. Invasion of that space in a social situation especially with a stranger makes Americans uncomfortable and is sometimes seen as unnecessarily aggressive remember that Seinfeld episode? Foreign travel blogs advise that it's best to give Americans space during conversation, and note that even minimal physical contact is a bit too intimate for most.
Restaurant-goers outside the U. Sounds unfair, until you realize that service industry employees abroad tend to earn higher hourly wages than their American counterparts, whose pay structure is built around gratuity. As one TripAdvisor article noted , "[Those] who provide service are often dependent on tip income and generally are grateful for any tips received, especially when prompt and exceptional service has been provided.
In addition to being one of just a handful of countries that prohibit alcohol consumption for anyone under 21, some places across the U.
In Indiana, for example, liquor stores still aren't allowed to sell alcohol on Sundays, and Kansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi are "dry states by default," meaning municipalities have to "opt in" if they want to sell booze. Americans' penchant for small talk can be off-putting to people who didn't grow up talking about the weather.
Especially perplexing? The fact that "How are you? In a country where Speedos never stood a chance, it's no surprise that nude sunbathing is especially frowned upon. The Japanese think it's rude to show one's teeth , which is why they aren't fond of Americans' tendency to let out hearty, open-mouthed guffaws.
Some experts think that the reason Americans are just so darn nice is because, as a nation of immigrants, Americans had to find ways to transcend language barriers. Hence, the tendency to smile at strangers, which just isn't something non-Americans are used to. This is an obvious one, and, yet, it's still a constant source of bewilderment for most of the world.
Instead of following the metric system, America is one of just three countries to follow the imperial system of measurement. Not surprisingly, they had a lot to say about gun control and politics, but some of the other answers might surprise you. Foreigners think Americans do some pretty bizarre things while traveling. How Does It Affect You? You'd have to specify tap if that's what you want—but keep in mind that not everywhere in the world has drinkable tap water.
So do your research. Our mistake? Also why is it based on percentage cheap vs. If anyone deserves a tip I believe it should go to the cook. Should I tip at Starbucks and ice cream parlors too? Been to America a few times and eating out is so awkward. The fakeness of it all because it's tips-based is very off-putting.
I'm going to Walmart, not being welcomed into your home. People speak to the person next to them as if they're projecting onstage in a Broadway play. Reddit: ehhwhy Flickr: Terry Johnston.
I don't know what coffee creamer is, nor do I want to try. It's just an album cover, not artwork for my child's bedroom wall.
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