Landing in the United States for the first time is a lot to take in, no matter where you are coming from.
When non-Americans were asked to list the weirdest things they’ve experienced, these common suspects popped up online: the aggressive tipping culture, the mystery math of sales tax, and the bizarre public bathroom stalls.
The conversation has reached a fever pitch lately. With the FIFA World Cup drawing a fresh wave of international fans, many newcomers are expressing their confusion and surprise across Reddit.
But the list isn’t all bad. Tourists are also discovering the sudden warmth of the American stranger, and the traditions that make this country so uniquely charming.
Whether you’re trying to decode American life or a local who wants to see their country through fresh eyes, we’ve rounded up the internet’s most honest confessions. Here is what it’s actually like to experience America for the first time.
#61
Years ago my brother in law (a lawyer) was hosting a lawyer from Russia. Like a student exchange program, but with lawyers. He stood stunned and wide eyed at the dog food aisle in the grocery store. Their dogs mostly eat whatever. Mostly what the family is eating.
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5points
#62
A coworker of mine from another country said he was blown away by the size of the freeways in California.
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5points
#63
The sheer size of everything. you look at the map and think you can drive between cities easily, then realize its an all day trip.
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5points
#64
Going to Buc-ee’s was the most overstimulated I have ever been in my life.
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4points
#65
I keep visiting but 4 years ago when it was new it was wilderness. Like, real wilderness. With bears. Fascinating stuff, this time I wanna go camping.
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4points
#66
Despite having 15+ booths at immigration, only three of them were staffed. That surprised me.
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4points
#67
People are really friendly and give huge smiles and strike up conversation very easily. Everyone seems to have their volume up a little higher than mine. Portion sizes are very large. Grits are gross.
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4points
#68
Not necessarily non-American, but whenever someone sees Lake Michigan for the first time, their minds are absolutely blown by how HUGE it is. One girl from South Carolina was the funniest, "Ya'll have beaches here?!" Yes, babe. Lots of them!
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3points
#71
If you're in the NY area for the games, welcome & enjoy. We might seem rude, but we really are not we just want to get where we have to get to and the art of ignoring your surroundings is typically.
If you're lost or need help finding something just ask.
Food stay away from the tourist traps they suck. You can alway just ask someone where you can get a good lunch at.
Just two things
Wearing your backpack on the front while walking makes you look like a tourist.
Don't block the sidewalk move the hell over to one side and let us pass.
If you're lost or need help finding something just ask.
Food stay away from the tourist traps they suck. You can alway just ask someone where you can get a good lunch at.
Just two things
Wearing your backpack on the front while walking makes you look like a tourist.
Don't block the sidewalk move the hell over to one side and let us pass.
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3points
#72
When we found out that “bottomless” chips and salsa didn’t refer anything about our butts and it meant all you can eat - wow we don’t have that.
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3points
#73
I am not sure if this is just a New England thing but you can talk to anyone about sports. Everyone knows if the patriots/sox/celtics won last night, which player had a good game, the one dumb coaching move, etc. Coming from another part of the country, I’d never seen so many people care so much.
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3points
#75
80% of these observations on this thread feel like Americans just messing around TBH.
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2points
#76
The cars here are massive and everyone drives everywhere instead of taking public transport.
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2points
#77
The old homeless dude complimented my gf cap. I mistakenly thought he complimented both our LA caps and I said "Thank you." He assure me he wasn't complimenting us both by saying, "I was complimenting the lady, jerk".
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1point
#78
Americans are polite, friendly, and genuinely love hosting the world cup.
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1point