15 Cultural Norms in America That Seem Weird to the Rest of the World
From tipping expectations to excessive small talk, American cultural norms can be surprisingly strange to outsiders.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
America has a unique way of doing things, and some of its customs leave the rest of the world scratching their heads. Whether it’s the obsession with ice-cold drinks, the over-the-top enthusiasm for high school sports, or the love of drive-thru everything, these quirks stand out. What seems normal in the U.S. can feel downright bizarre to visitors.
1. Tipping for Everything
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In most countries, the price you see is the price you pay, but in America, you’re expected to tip—everywhere. From restaurants to hair salons, even taxi rides, skipping the tip is seen as rude. Visitors often struggle with the math, not knowing whether 15%, 18%, or 20% is acceptable. To Americans, tipping is second nature, but to the rest of the world, it’s just a confusing extra fee.
2. Talking to Strangers
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Americans have a habit of chatting up people they don’t know—cashiers, baristas, even random folks in line. To many foreigners, this small talk feels unnecessary or even invasive. While an American might ask, “How’s your day?” and expect a cheerful answer, a European or an Asian might wonder why a stranger suddenly cares about their life. It’s friendly, sure, but also a bit puzzling.
3. Huge Portion Sizes
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A “small” drink in the U.S. is a medium elsewhere, and a “large” could double as a bucket. Restaurants pile plates with food, leaving outsiders wondering if they accidentally ordered for two people. While Americans see this as getting their money’s worth, visitors often feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of food. No wonder takeout boxes are so popular.
4. Ice in Every Drink
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Americans love their drinks freezing cold, even if it means diluting the flavor. While many countries serve water or soda at room temperature, the U.S. loads up every glass with ice. Some visitors find this excessive, while others wonder why they got more ice than liquid. It’s a small thing, but it’s a clear cultural divide.
5. Sales Tax Surprise
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In most places, the price tag shows the final price, but in America, tax is added at the register. This means a $9.99 item could cost $10.79 or more, depending on the state. Foreigners find this frustrating because they never know exactly how much they’ll pay. Americans, however, have just accepted mental math as part of life.
6. Drive-Thru Everything
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Fast food drive-thrus make sense, but America takes it further with drive-thru pharmacies, coffee shops, and even banks. Visitors are often shocked that people barely leave their cars to do errands. While convenient, it makes America seem strangely obsessed with staying in vehicles. In some cases, you can even get married at a drive-thru chapel.
7. Obsession with Flags
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American flags are everywhere—outside homes, on clothes, even on coffee mugs. While patriotism exists worldwide, the sheer volume of flags in the U.S. can feel intense. Visitors from countries where flag displays are reserved for government buildings often find this excessive. To Americans, though, it’s just a normal part of national pride.
8. High School and College Sports Craze
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In many countries, sports are for professionals, but in America, high school and college games are a big deal. Stadiums fill up with thousands of fans cheering for teenage athletes as if they were in the NFL. For outsiders, it’s surprising to see so much energy and money poured into student sports. In the U.S., though, it’s a long-standing tradition that creates community pride.
9. Tons of Commercials on TV
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American TV feels like an endless loop of ads, interrupting shows every few minutes. Visitors find it frustrating that a commercial break appears just as a plot gets interesting. In many other countries, ads are clustered at the beginning or end of programs rather than sprinkled throughout. To Americans, this is just the price of “free” television.
10. Casual Clothing Everywhere
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In many places, people dress up even for casual outings, but Americans take comfort seriously. Sweatpants, hoodies, and flip-flops are common in public, even at restaurants or airports. Foreigners often wonder if Americans are just always heading to the gym. The truth is, comfort wins over style in most situations.
11. Super Friendly Customer Service
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Walk into any American store, and a cheerful employee will likely greet you with a big smile. For many visitors, this friendliness feels forced or over the top. In some cultures, customer service is more neutral or reserved, making the U.S. approach seem almost too nice. Americans, however, expect employees to be enthusiastic, even if they’re faking it.
12. Free Refills
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Order a soda at a restaurant in the U.S., and chances are you’ll get unlimited refills. This is practically unheard of in most other countries, where you pay for each drink separately. While Americans see this as a great deal, visitors find it odd that waiters refill their glasses without asking. The upside? You never leave thirsty.
13. Openly Discussing Money
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In some cultures, talking about money is taboo, but Americans don’t shy away from it. They discuss salaries, rent prices, and even how much they tipped their waiter. Foreigners often find this level of openness uncomfortable. On the other hand, Americans see it as just another topic of conversation.
14. Turning Right on Red
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Traffic laws are strict in many countries, but in the U.S., cars can often turn right at a red light. For visitors, this feels chaotic, as stopping at a red light is supposed to be absolute. Many foreigners hesitate, worried they’ll get honked at for waiting, but for Americans, it’s just another way to keep traffic moving.
15. Super Early Dinner Time
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In Spain, dinner at 9 p.m. is normal, but in America, many people eat at 5 or 6 p.m. Visitors are often shocked when restaurants close their kitchens before 9 p.m. While Americans love an early dinner, outsiders may find themselves hungry again before bed. At least late-night diners exist to fix that problem.