While it might depend on who you ask, the truth is that life in the US is truly very different from everywhere else, for better or worse. However, even though this seems like it should be common sense, many travelers arrive in America and immediately realize that there is a whole lot going on that they maybe didn’t expect.
Someone asked “Non-Americans, what is something quite common in the U.S. that is completely unheard of in your own country?” and people shared their best examples. So get comfortable as you scroll through, upvote your favorites and be sure to comment your own stories and experiences below.
Someone asked “Non-Americans, what is something quite common in the U.S. that is completely unheard of in your own country?” and people shared their best examples. So get comfortable as you scroll through, upvote your favorites and be sure to comment your own stories and experiences below.
#1
* employers firing people on the spot
* having a limited number of days for sick leave
* unpaid maternity / sickness leave
* "tipping culture".
* having a limited number of days for sick leave
* unpaid maternity / sickness leave
* "tipping culture".
Report
79points
#2
People getting bankrupted because of medical emergencies.
Report
79points
#3
Advertising medications on TV.
Dumbest thing I've ever heard of.
Dumbest thing I've ever heard of.
Report
76points
#4
Open carry firearms. Like, I get it, I have a gun licence and go to the gun range and have a good time. But like, folks walking around openly with huge-a*s guns as though they're Walmart Mercenaries is seriously f****d.
Report
76points
#5
Having Kids say the pledge of Allegiance in School.
Last time my Country had something like that.....well lets just say it didnt end wel for anyone involved.
Last time my Country had something like that.....well lets just say it didnt end wel for anyone involved.
Report
76points
#6
Displaying prices without taxes. It threw me off when I first went to buy a bottle of coke a day after I arrived.
Report
70points
#8
Getting into University by being good at sports. I was chatting to an American guy online and he told me he went to college on a "Lacrosse Scholarship". I'm like, seriously? You got to go to college for being good at f*****g lacrosse?
Report
56points
#10
Not sure if it's been said. Americans with disabilities act is amazing. Wheel chair ramps everywhere and ease of access.
Report
50points
#12
Overwork culture. Why would someone choose to work 80 hours a week? I get it, double the money, but what are you going to do with the money if you have just enough free time left to sleep and you die at 65?
Of course someone doesn't have a choice and needs extra hours or multiple jobs, but from afar I still see an undeniable cultural push to a life dedicated to working, with those who choose something else regarded as lesser parts of the society.
Career too. It feels like you *must* always strive to be something more, no peace, no rest, no point where you can be happy where you are.
Of course someone doesn't have a choice and needs extra hours or multiple jobs, but from afar I still see an undeniable cultural push to a life dedicated to working, with those who choose something else regarded as lesser parts of the society.
Career too. It feels like you *must* always strive to be something more, no peace, no rest, no point where you can be happy where you are.
Report
46points
#14
As a Dutchy, driving a car and turning right on a red light. That messed with my head. If you do that here you are gonna hit at least 5 cyclists.
Report
42points
#15
Being worried about calling an ambulance. Or just medical bills in general. I cant imagine not being able to afford getting cancer treatment if needed for example.
Report
42points
#17
As the neighbours from the North, having a milkshake that’s worth your entire calorie intake for the day sounds insane.
Report
38points
#18
Where I from you need to put an euro in a shopping cart in order to use it, when you you return it, it gives back the coin. I think this doesn't happen in the US right?
Also that they take your credit card to pay in the restaurant, in Europe you always have the card with you when you pay.
Also that they take your credit card to pay in the restaurant, in Europe you always have the card with you when you pay.
Report
37points
#20
Drive thru banks and pharmacies. My partner is American and was astonished that I thought that was so weird. We simply do not have enough space for that sort of thing in the UK.
Report
37points