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Non-Americans Are Sharing The Things That Shocked Them The Most When They Visited, And Some Of These Are So Random
//humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2025/08 .. hey-visited-and-some-of-these-are-so-random.html
Published in Humor and Quirks on Sunday, August 3rd 2025 at 16:25 GMT by BuzzFeed🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
" Beverly Hills Cop did not prepare me for your national parks."
Non-Americans Reveal the Wildest Things That Shocked Them About Life in the U.S.
In a world that's increasingly connected through travel, media, and the internet, cultural exchanges often lead to eye-opening revelations. For many people from outside the United States, visiting or moving to America brings a mix of excitement and bewilderment. From everyday habits to societal norms, the U.S. has a way of surprising newcomers with its unique quirks. Drawing from shared experiences on platforms like Reddit, non-Americans have opened up about the aspects of American life that left them stunned, amused, or downright confused. These insights highlight the contrasts between American culture and the rest of the world, shedding light on everything from food portions to social customs. What follows is an in-depth exploration of these shocking elements, as recounted by those who've experienced them firsthand.
One of the most frequently mentioned shocks is the sheer size of food portions in America. Non-Americans often arrive expecting meals similar to what they're used to back home, only to be confronted with plates overflowing with food that could easily feed two or three people. A traveler from the UK described ordering a "small" soda at a fast-food joint, only to receive a cup that was larger than a typical European large. This isn't just about quantity; it's tied to the American ethos of abundance and value for money. In many countries, meals are modest, designed to satisfy without excess, but in the U.S., supersizing is the norm. This leads to another related surprise: the prevalence of leftovers. People from places like Japan or France, where finishing your plate is a sign of respect, are baffled by the American habit of taking home doggy bags. It's not uncommon to see diners wrapping up half their meal for later, a practice that's efficient but strikes some as wasteful or indicative of overconsumption. This portion phenomenon extends to grocery stores too, where bulk buying—think massive jars of peanut butter or gallon jugs of milk—leaves foreigners scratching their heads. Why buy so much at once? The answer often lies in America's car-centric culture and sprawling suburbs, where frequent small trips to the store aren't as practical.
Tipping culture is another major point of contention and confusion for non-Americans. In countries like Australia, Japan, or much of Europe, service workers are paid a living wage, and tipping is either minimal or nonexistent—perhaps a small gesture for exceptional service. But in the U.S., tipping is essentially mandatory, woven into the fabric of dining out, rideshares, and even coffee runs. A Canadian visitor recounted their horror at realizing that not tipping could mean a server earns below minimum wage, as tips make up a significant portion of their income. This system shocks many because it places the burden of fair pay on the customer rather than the employer. Imagine finishing a meal and being prompted to add 15-20% on top, with options sometimes pre-calculated on the bill. For someone from New Zealand, where such practices are rare, it feels like an awkward social dance: How much is enough? Is it rude not to tip extravagantly? This extends beyond restaurants to hairdressers, delivery drivers, and hotel staff, creating a constant mental calculation that non-Americans find exhausting and inequitable.
The American healthcare system is a frequent source of disbelief and dismay. Coming from nations with universal healthcare, like the UK, Canada, or Scandinavia, foreigners are often appalled by the costs and complexities of medical care in the U.S. Stories abound of people who assumed a doctor's visit would be straightforward, only to face exorbitant bills or insurance hurdles. An Australian shared a tale of a minor injury leading to a $2,000 emergency room charge, something that would be free or low-cost back home. The concept of medical bankruptcy is particularly jarring—how can a country so advanced allow illness to ruin lives financially? Non-Americans are shocked by the need for insurance tied to employment, the high deductibles, and the fear of ambulance rides costing thousands. This contrasts sharply with systems where healthcare is a right, not a privilege, leading many to view the U.S. approach as inefficient and inhumane. It's not just the costs; the bureaucracy—dealing with copays, networks, and pre-authorizations—feels like navigating a maze designed to discourage seeking help.
Patriotism and national pride manifest in ways that bewilder outsiders. In America, flags are everywhere: on homes, cars, schools, and even clothing. A German expat described feeling overwhelmed by the constant displays of the Stars and Stripes, which in their home country might be reserved for official buildings or holidays to avoid evoking historical sensitivities. The Pledge of Allegiance in schools, recited daily by children with hands over hearts, strikes many as indoctrination rather than education. Holidays like the Fourth of July, with fireworks and barbecues celebrating independence, are fun but the intensity of national fervor—chants of "USA! USA!" at sports events or the emphasis on military service—can feel over-the-top to those from more subdued cultures. Non-Americans from places like Sweden or the Netherlands, where patriotism is quieter and more introspective, often see this as a form of exceptionalism that borders on jingoism.
Gun culture is perhaps one of the most profoundly shocking elements for non-Americans. In countries with strict gun control, like the UK or Japan, firearms are rare outside of law enforcement or hunting. But in the U.S., the Second Amendment right to bear arms means guns are accessible, visible, and sometimes openly carried. A visitor from Brazil, no stranger to violence, was still taken aback by seeing civilians with handguns in holsters at a grocery store. The frequency of mass shootings reported in the news adds to the unease, with foreigners wondering how such events don't lead to sweeping reforms. Shooting ranges as recreational spots, gun shows, and the casual discussion of personal arsenals leave many feeling unsafe. This contrasts with global norms where guns are heavily regulated, and the American attachment to them is seen as a dangerous anomaly.
Public restrooms in America also elicit surprise, particularly the gaps in stall doors. Non-Americans from Europe or Asia are accustomed to fully enclosed facilities for privacy, but U.S. bathroom stalls often have significant spaces at the bottom and sides, allowing glimpses in or out. A French traveler humorously noted feeling exposed, as if the design prioritized quick cleaning over dignity. This ties into broader observations about American infrastructure, like the lack of bidets or the prevalence of automatic flushing toilets that sometimes activate prematurely.
The obsession with air conditioning is another quirk. In hotter climates abroad, people might use fans or open windows, but Americans crank the AC to frigid levels indoors, even in mild weather. A visitor from India described bundling up inside malls during summer, only to step out into sweltering heat—a jarring temperature swing that's energy-intensive and environmentally questionable.
Work culture shocks many with its intensity. The lack of mandatory paid vacation, maternity leave, or sick days compared to European standards leaves non-Americans aghast. A Swede recounted disbelief at colleagues working through illness or forgoing holidays, viewing it as a recipe for burnout. The "hustle" mentality, where success is tied to long hours, contrasts with work-life balance emphasized elsewhere.
Finally, the friendliness of strangers stands out positively but surprisingly. Americans' willingness to chat with anyone—complimenting outfits or asking about your day—can feel overly familiar to those from reserved cultures like Finland or Japan. It's charming yet disorienting, as if personal space in conversations doesn't exist.
These revelations from non-Americans paint a picture of the U.S. as a land of extremes: generous in portions and smiles, but perplexing in its systems and norms. They remind us that what feels normal in one culture can be utterly astonishing in another, fostering greater understanding across borders. Whether it's the thrill of a massive burger or the dread of a medical bill, these experiences highlight the unique tapestry of American life. (Word count: 1,248)
Read the Full BuzzFeed Article at:
[ https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/non-americans-sharing-things-shocked-143102436.html ]