America is an entire world in itself, with various cultures and traditions shaping its history. Although the country’s customs are popularly known worldwide, there are several unique ones that have left non-Americans scratching their heads in confusion or amusement. So, let’s have a look at such quirky practices followed in the US as shared by foreigners on an online platform.
1. Mode of Payment
Someone who visited America for a brief period stated that they found it weird when waiters took their card away to confirm the payment. An American agreed but said, “This is slowly going away. More restaurants are bringing POS machines to the table.”
2. Halloween
This time, an American shared how a Chinese schoolmate described Halloween in a funny way. They asked if it was true that all Americans celebrate a holiday where kids dress up and ask everyone around for candies. It was, of course, a funny explanation that even left the user speechless, who could just reply with a ‘‘Yes, I guess we do…’’
3. Length of Election Campaigns
A user stated, “I find the length of your election campaigns so crazy.” Replying to them, a local from a swing state said that even the residents hate it equally. Another user wrote that election campaigns just don’t end in the US. It ends one day, and the next day, you see another campaign.
4. No Tax on Price Tag
In other countries, the amount of tax is typically mentioned on the price tag, irrespective of the product. However, as a user shared, this practice is not common in America. Agreeing with them, someone from the US stated that they also hate this norm. They further mentioned that they have been questioning this system since they used to go to grocery stores with their mom (from the age of 5).
5. Obsession with College Sports
Someone who went on a work trip to Texas wrote that they were quite shocked by the inclination of Americans toward college sports. This even includes high school and middle school in some places. They further explained that almost 20,000 people came to watch a football match at their colleague’s daughter’s middle school.
6. A Thanksgiving Dish
A non-American who lives in the country shared that a particular combo used in a Thanksgiving dish baffles them. “I still can’t get over marshmallows on sweet potato casserole or whatever the thanksgiving dish is called. Minor but still baffling lol. I love both of these foods separately, though.”
7. Expensive Healthcare Services
Not just one but a lot of people mentioned the high costs associated with medical care in America. A user even said that dying is a cheaper option than getting treated at any US hospital. Another one highlighted the commercialization of healthcare. According to them, they aren’t quite sure whether one actually needs a prescribed medicine or if it just to run up the bill.
8. Lack of Vacations
Short vacations are the norm in America, which, of course, baffles foreigners as to how one could balance work and life with just two weeks off a year. A user replying to them stated that many individuals get even less than that. They shared that someone from Maryland they knew got just a five-day holiday.
However, another American went on to further explain, “Honestly, this is something that non-Americans seem to misunderstand. You get the perception from reddit that most Americans have zero vacation time and zero sick time and that if we take time off it’s completely unpaid or we are risking being fired. That’s not the case at all. Vast majority of Americans (like over 70-80% I think) have access to time off. We just don’t take it. That’s another thing entirely.”
9. Tipping Culture
In America, service providers are paid below minimum wage, with most of their income depending on the tips they receive. This practice has baffled many non-Americans, and even some locals have written against it. They demand that employers should pay workers enough so they do not have to worry about making enough money with tips to fulfill their basic necessities.
10. Not Preferring World Standards
Someone shared that Americans not using world standards for different things is shocking to them. To explain their point further, they even gave the example of their unusual date format that goes MM-DD-YY. This sometimes gets confusing as most of the other parts of the world prefer the DD-MM-YY style.
11. American Weddings
A user mentioned that they find American weddings to be tiresome, especially for the couple. They enlisted a lot of events commonly celebrated during the ceremony, emphasizing the required efforts and money. Bridal parties, rehearsal dinners, floral arrangements, and the wedding registry are to name a few.
12. Open Carry Laws
Someone shared that America’s approach toward granting legal rights to carry firearms openly is quite odd to them. The user further explained that it can be surprising for people from other countries that implement strict laws regarding this aspect.
Source: Reddit
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