29 Things Non-American Tourists Loved And Hated About Visiting The US, As Shared In This Online Thread

Spanning 50 states with their own unique characteristics, when it comes to cultural quirks, few nations can rival the United States. Sure, there are guidebooks that do a good job of telling tourists what they should avoid doing if they want to make it without unnecessary altercations with patriotic locals. But even then, what they find is usually something entirely different: ranging from dog owners kissing their pets to borderline crazy tipping practices, it's a whirlwind of weirdness that can leave even the most seasoned globetrotter feeling like a fish out of water.

One of the most perplexing aspects of American culture, not surprisingly, lies in their tipping etiquette. While in many countries, tipping is seen as a gesture of appreciation for exceptional service, Americans have elevated it to an almost mandatory ritual. Foreigners are often taken aback when confronted with the expectation of tipping not only waitstaff but also taxi drivers, hotel maids, and even baristas. According to one survey, 79% non-American visitors say they feel more pressure to tip than in their home country, and half of them feel judged when doing so.

Another cultural quirk that bewilders tourists is the American obsession with supersized portions. In a land where bigger is often considered better, it's not uncommon to be served a plate of food that could easily feed a small family. From towering hamburgers that seem to defy the laws of gravity to heaping plates of fries that could double as building materials, the American concept of portion control leaves many visitors dumbfounded.

In addition to tipping and portion sizes, there are a myriad of other cultural oddities that foreigners encounter on their American adventures. The overabundance of drive-through establishments, the relentless cheerfulness of customer service representatives, and the ubiquitous use of ice cubes in every beverage are just a few more puzzling aspects of American life.

But it's their love for Old Glory that is shocking to some visitors. In a country where national pride runs deep, visitors often find themselves thrust into a whirlwind of flag-waving, anthem-singing, and fervent displays of allegiance that seem alien to their own cultural sensibilities.

From the fervor of Fourth of July celebrations to the overwhelming presence of patriotic symbols on every corner - depending on the state you're visiting, try messing with one and see what happens - it's a spectacle that leaves many outsiders questioning the intensity and magnitude of American devotion to their nation. It's admirable, sure. But it sometimes gets to the point where even residents themselves question what being patriotic means in today's America.

"The first time I came to the USA, I was scared of the pace the people are living here," Beatričė Lungytė, a 27-year-old Lithuanian who moved to the US a year ago, told Bored Panda. "Everything and everyone felt and looked like they're in fast-forward mode." While Lungytė found the transition from one culture to another quite scary, yet exciting, she found that people in America were much more tolerant, echoing some of the comments from today's list.

"You can go to the shop to buy groceries with your pajamas and no one will bat an eye," she said, "you can express yourself in many ways and you won't be made fun of, which brings comfort." This also rings true to her ambitions of becoming a make-up artist, which can be quite a challenge in a country with 2.6 million residents.

"The market [here] lets you try everything, accepts your failures, and allows you to continue to get better without much judgment," Lungytė remarked about the land of opportunities. "That's one of the things I really love about the USA - it's really a country with open arms for people who want to do something with their lives and careers." According to Census Bureau, approximately 5 million brand new businesses were created in the US last year, a 42% increase from the pre-pandemic days.

Of course, everything might seem different if you have a bit more mileage with American culture. According to Lukas Kvietkauskas, a 28-year-old Lithuanian who's been living in the US for almost a decade now, says that people might be more chatty and easy-going than his fellow Lithuanians.

However, there are a few caveats to consider. "As long as you don't get into politics and understand that people will have different worldviews," he explained to Bored Panda, "you should get along with everyone."

This holds particular value if you're not familiar with America's unyielding obsession with firearms. Something that has permeated American culture, sparking heated debates, cultural divisions, and even shaping political landscapes. "If you own a gun - you probably own 10, and usually base your whole character around them," Kvietkauskas, who tries his best to understand 'gun nuts,' as he calls them, reasonings for making America seem like Wild West, explained.

According to a Pew Research survey, 1-in-3 adults in the US own a firearm today, or 120.5 firearms per 100 residents, meaning that Americans have more guns per capita than anywhere else in the world. Kvietkauskas, who embarked on his American journey in Pennsylvania, one of the few states where locals can openly carry firearms without a permit ("as long as the firearm is visible"), acknowledges that adapting to this reality can be a sensitive process that requires time, particularly depending on the region of the US in which one resides. "It's hard for me to understand those people, no matter how hard I try, their reasonings are always out of this world but they're still people and I call them friends nevertheless."