16 Surprising Culture Shocks Foreigners Experience in The USA

We always hear about the cultural shocks Americans face when traveling abroad, but have you ever stopped to think about how our habits and traditions in the US might surprise foreigners? What seems completely normal to us can leave visitors scratching their heads. The way we do things in the US is just one way of looking at the world. Just look at these cultural shocks that tourists often encounter when visiting the U.S. Some will make you laugh, and others might just make you think, “Why do we do that?”
Tip Alert

One of the most surprising aspects for many newcomers is the tipping culture in the US. Unlike in many countries where service charges are included in the bill, tipping is expected in most service industries in the US. The standard tip is usually some percentage of the total bill, whether at a restaurant, for a taxi ride, or even for a haircut. Failing to tip appropriately can be seen as a sign of poor manners or dissatisfaction with the service.
Portion Shock

If you come from a country with modest food portions, prepare to be amazed by the size of meals in the US. American restaurants are known for their generous portion sizes, often significantly more significant than what you might be used to. The sheer volume of food on your plate can be both a delight and a challenge, as it is easy to overeat or feel overwhelmed.
Friendly Chat

Compared to many other countries, the people in the US tend to be more approachable and welcoming towards strangers. It is common for someone to initiate a pleasant conversation with you while waiting in line or sitting next to you on public transport. While this friendliness can be refreshing, it can also feel intrusive if you are not used to such open social interactions.
Drive-Thru Experience

Americans highly value convenience, as demonstrated by the widespread popularity of drive-thru services. The drive-thru culture is widespread, from fast food and coffee to banking and pharmacy pick-ups. The experience of encountering such services can be truly remarkable, especially if you are from an area where they are uncommon or not available at all.
Casual Wear

Getting dressed up is not a thing in numerous regions of the US, especially in areas that are not major metropolitan areas. It is not uncommon to see people wearing athletic wear, flip-flops, or even pyjamas in public. This relaxed approach to dressing might come as a shock if you’re accustomed to more formal or stylish attire in everyday settings.
Space Boundaries

Americans value personal space and may feel uncomfortable if someone stands too close. This personal space concept varies from culture to culture, but maintaining a reasonable distance during conversations and while waiting in line in the US is generally appreciated. The boundaries can differ depending on the individual relationship, but it’s typically best to maintain a comfortable distance when interacting with others.
Patriot Pride

Patriotism is evident in the US, with the American flag displayed prominently in homes, businesses, and public spaces. National holidays like the Fourth of July are celebrated with great enthusiasm; they are days filled with festivities, parades, fireworks, and community gatherings as people come together to honour the nation’s independence. This level of national pride can be surprising if you are not used to such overt displays of patriotism.
24/7 Convenience

In the US, convenience stores, supermarkets, and even some restaurants are open 24/7. They deliver customers with 24-hour access to their services and products. This round-the-clock availability of goods and services can be both a novelty and a convenience, especially if you come from a country where most businesses close early in the evening and remain closed on Sundays.
Diverse Accents

The US is a melting pot of cultures, and the enormous variety of accents genuinely reflects the rich diversity of people and cultures you will encounter. The delightful tapestry of accents reflects this affluent type of individuals and civilization. From the Southern drawl to the New York twang and the Midwestern lilt, the variety of American accents can be fascinating and challenging to understand.
Health Costs

One of the biggest shocks for many newcomers is the US healthcare system. The US has a predominantly private system, unlike many countries that have universal healthcare. Healthcare can be costly, and navigating insurance policies and medical bills can be daunting. It’s essential to have travel insurance and understand how the system works to avoid unexpected costs.
Car Culture

While major cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco have robust public transportation systems, many other parts of the country rely heavily on cars. In suburban and rural areas, public transportation options can be limited or non-existent, making car ownership almost a necessity. This reliance on personal vehicles often leads to longer commutes and higher transportation costs.
Sports Craze

Sports are deeply ingrained in American culture, shaping values and capturing hearts; football, basketball, and baseball are top-rated. Enthusiasm and passion for sports can be seen in the massive stadiums, packed sports bars, and lively game day celebrations. If you’re not a sports fan, this enthusiasm might be surprising, but it can also be a fun way to experience American culture.
Imperial System

Foot, yards, pounds… None of these make sense to most tourists visiting our country. Despite most of the other countries having long adopted the metric system, we still follow the imperial one, making it quite hard for those who were born and raised abroad to understand how long they still need to drive, whether or not they put weight on their trip, and how tall their date is.
No Trains

While the USA has a railway system, it cannot be compared to the European one. When traveling from state to state, most Americans opt for flights or simply drive for hundreds—sometimes thousands—of miles. This may seem absurd to Europeans, who may be used to a much more efficient train system, sometimes connecting even the most secluded villages to the country’s capital.
Weapons

While in most countries outside of the States, it is illegal to carry weapons with you, in the US, this is normal in many states. This means that tourists heading here may see people carrying a gun or other firearm with them, which often freaks them out. On top of this, plenty of people often head to the shooting range – sometimes even with their families – while foreigners rarely consider this activity a pastime.
Card Over Cash

Americans’ reliance on credit and debit cards can be surprising for visitors from countries where cash is still king. In the U.S., even small purchases like a coffee or a pack of gum are often paid for with a card. Many places, like parking meters or food trucks, now exclusively accept digital payments, leaving cash practically obsolete. For tourists, this shift might initially feel odd, but relying on cards instead of cash makes transactions quick and convenient. Hopefully, visitors will appreciate this change!
Visiting the US can be a delightful and eye-opening experience. Understanding the cultural differences beforehand can help you easily navigate your trip and make the most of your time in this diverse and vibrant country. Embrace the unexpected and savour every step of the journey as you discover what makes the US unique.