The United States is a hodgepodge of mixed cultures and ethnicities. The mix of all these influences would familiarize us with the cultures from which they are derived. Wrong. We Americans do a lot of things that leave foreigners scratching their heads. I'll let you decide if these things are weird or if the rest of the country is just not on our level.
AUTHOR: Adam Spraker
Table of Contents
- 1. Price Tags Without Added Tax
- 2. Tipping
- 3. Giant Portions
- 4. Coffee To-go
- 5. Prescription Drug Commercials
- 6. Pajamas in Public
- 7. Fried Everything
- 8. Flags Everywhere
- 9. Ice in Water
- 10. Smiling at Strangers
- 12 American Foods People From Other Countries Find Gross
- 12 Dirt Cheap Poverty Meals That Taste Like a Million Dollars
- 12 Life Secrets From People Over 70 You'll Wish You Knew Sooner
1. Price Tags Without Added Tax
I had a friend visit from Australia, and one of the things he always commented on was the fact that we don't include sales tax on our price tags. Travelers to the U.S. need clarification as to why the price is more than they added up when they go to checkout. I guess it's just common knowledge to us Americans, but I can see how it can be confusing to those who don't know.
2. Tipping
Tipping is common in the United States. A lot of people make a living off of tips, but in other countries, like those in Europe, tipping is very different. A small tip in Germany can show you greatly enjoyed the service, but do not tip anywhere close to 20%, or you could offend the establishment. Servers are paid differently over there, and travelers in the U.S. still need clarification on the tipping system in our country.
3. Giant Portions
Blame Texas for this. I'm kidding, but foreigners claim that American portions are almost twice the size you would receive in Europe. The concept of a 44-ounce big gulp would be hard to find if you were traveling through Europe. Getting more food for your buck is better than less, right?
4. Coffee To-go
Starbucks and other coffee shops make getting coffee on the go so easy these days. Drinking coffee on the run is not a common thing in Europe. Coffee is meant to sit down and enjoy. Most European coffee shops don't offer to-go cups and serve their coffee in ceramic cups. Many foreigners urge Americans to slow down and enjoy their morning instead of chugging their coffee on the run.
5. Prescription Drug Commercials
If you watch any sort of television, you'll be flooded with ads for prescription drugs. Did you know that is not the case in other countries? Nope, other countries feel that advertising a drug that comes with a mile-long list of side effects is unappealing. They will consult their doctor if they need a specific drug instead of turning on the TV.
6. Pajamas in Public
Europeans take pride in their appearance, so much so that they will get dressed up to do basic chores like grocery shopping. Do you ever feel uncomfortable wearing loose sweats and a T-shirt to buy groceries? Me neither, but we would be shamed for hitting up a market in London without the proper attire.
7. Fried Everything
Fried chicken is a worldwide cuisine, but the trend of deep frying everything is a very American tradition. You will be hard-pressed to find a chicken fried steak at a restaurant in any part of the world that isn't America. Our state fairs that serve up fried Oreos must be a bizarre scene for those visiting our country. Whatever, I'm proud to boast my country's obsession with frying up anything we can.
8. Flags Everywhere
We are a patriotic country. There is no doubt about that. Other countries are patriotic as well, but we might be the only country that flies our flag EVERYWHERE. One thing foreigners comment on is that the American flag is found everywhere, including shirts, hats, cars, and everywhere else we can put the stars and stripes. We are a proud nation; what else can I say?
9. Ice in Water
I've been to other countries before, and this is very true. Other countries do not put ice in their drinks. Do they not realize how much better a beverage is chilled? I don't want a lukewarm glass of water when I'm sitting outside. I want it cold. I always wondered why this was such a novel idea. Luckily, they will gladly serve you a few ice cubes if you ask nicely.
10. Smiling at Strangers
All of you introverts would fit in fine in another country. Say what you will say about us Americans; most of us are overly friendly. Foreigners tend to avoid eye contact and a friendly "Hello" if they don't know the other individual. It takes them a bit more time to warm up. Smiling on the streets of Europe is a sure sign that you are a tourist. What a weird thing to disagree on. Can't we just all smile at each other?
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