Non-Americans who have been to the US: What is the weirdest thing about America that Americans don't realize is weird?

The United States has long been a place of intrigue for non-Americans. Its culture, customs and everyday life often strike people from other countries as a curious blend of the familiar and the bizarre. To Americans, much of what happens day-to-day feels normal, but when viewed from the perspective of a foreigner, certain aspects of American life can appear odd, amusing, or even downright perplexing. This essay delves into various observations made by non-Americans who have visited the U.S. and explores the "weird" things that Americans often don't realize are unusual. By shedding light on these cultural quirks, we can gain a better understanding of how America is perceived by the rest of the world.

1. The Overwhelming Size of Everything

One of the first things non-Americans notice upon arriving in the U.S. is how everything seems supersized. This extends from the sheer size of the country itself to the scale of its buildings, roads, cars, and even food portions. For people from countries with dense populations and smaller infrastructure, the vastness of the U.S. can be both fascinating and overwhelming.

Supersized Portions

One of the most frequently mentioned "weird" aspects of America is the portion size at restaurants. In many other countries, portions are more modest, often just enough for one meal. However, in the U.S., servings can be so large that they often require a doggy bag. A sandwich that’s the size of a small meal in Europe might come with a mountain of fries and a bottomless soda in America. Non-Americans are often bewildered by this and wonder how anyone could consume so much in one sitting.

Big Cars and Roads

Another noticeable "supersizing" is seen in the cars Americans drive. Large SUVs and pickup trucks are common, especially in suburban and rural areas. Visitors from countries where small cars are the norm find it astonishing to see such large vehicles dominating the roads. The roads themselves can also be surprisingly wide, with multiple lanes stretching out for miles. In many parts of Europe and Asia, streets are narrow, and traffic can be congested, so the spaciousness of American roads and the prevalence of large vehicles can feel excessive.

2. Obsession with Air Conditioning

Air conditioning in the U.S. is not just a convenience—it's a cultural phenomenon. Non-Americans often find it peculiar that Americans crank up the AC to the point where buildings are freezing cold, even during the summer. In many parts of the world, air conditioning is used sparingly and primarily in extreme heat, but in the U.S., it’s a year-round fixture.

Foreign visitors sometimes joke that they need to carry a sweater in the summer to cope with the frigid indoor temperatures. This can be particularly confusing for those from countries where people are more accustomed to adapting to the outdoor temperature and where energy use is more conservative. The ubiquity of air conditioning, even in regions where it may not be strictly necessary, is seen as an odd aspect of American life.

3. The Tip Culture

The tipping culture in the U.S. is a source of confusion and frustration for many non-Americans. In most countries, tipping is either not expected or is included as a service charge in the bill. However, in the U.S., tipping is an ingrained part of dining and service experiences. Visitors are often baffled by the expectation that they should tip 15-20% of the bill at restaurants, in addition to leaving tips for bartenders, taxi drivers, hairdressers, and hotel staff.

What’s particularly strange to non-Americans is that tipping seems to be obligatory, even though it’s theoretically a reward for good service. Many find it odd that American service workers rely on tips for a significant portion of their income, rather than receiving a living wage from their employers. Visitors from countries with strong labor protections or more equitable pay structures can find this system perplexing and even unfair.

4. Excessive Patriotism

Patriotism is another cultural phenomenon that stands out to non-Americans. In the U.S., it’s common to see American flags flying from homes, businesses, and public buildings. National anthems are sung before sporting events, and many Americans express pride in their country in ways that are sometimes viewed as excessive by outsiders.

Visitors from countries where patriotism is more understated may find this constant display of national pride a little over the top. Some even describe it as "performative" or "forced," especially when it comes to things like reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in schools. While patriotism itself isn’t unusual, the intensity and frequency of its expression in the U.S. can feel alien to those from more reserved cultures.

5. Healthcare System

Perhaps one of the most perplexing and often alarming aspects of American life for non-Americans is the U.S. healthcare system. In many countries, healthcare is publicly funded, either fully or partially, and citizens expect access to affordable medical care. However, in the U.S., healthcare is largely privatized, and costs can be astronomically high.

Visitors from countries with universal healthcare often find it strange—and troubling—that people in the U.S. can go bankrupt from medical bills or that they must navigate a complex system of insurance to receive care. The idea of paying thousands of dollars for an ambulance ride, or of having to compare insurance plans to cover basic medical needs, is foreign to many non-Americans. The U.S. healthcare system is seen as uniquely convoluted and inefficient, and the fact that Americans seem to accept it as "normal" is baffling to outsiders.

6. The Legal Drinking Age

The legal drinking age in the U.S. is another common source of confusion for non-Americans. In most countries, the legal drinking age is lower, often 18, and drinking is seen as a normal part of social life for young adults. However, in the U.S., the legal drinking age is 21, which seems unusually high to many visitors.

What’s even stranger to non-Americans is that while you must be 21 to legally drink alcohol, you can join the military, vote, or get married at 18. This discrepancy in legal responsibilities and privileges is puzzling to many foreigners, who often question why Americans are trusted with some adult responsibilities but not others at the same age.

7. Advertising for Pharmaceuticals

Another unusual aspect of American life that shocks non-Americans is the prevalence of direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising. In the U.S., it’s common to see commercials for prescription medications on television, complete with lengthy lists of potential side effects. In most other countries, pharmaceutical companies are not allowed to advertise directly to consumers; instead, medications are prescribed based on consultations with healthcare professionals.

Visitors often find it strange that Americans are encouraged to "ask their doctor" about specific drugs based on what they see on TV. This kind of advertising can feel invasive and inappropriate, particularly to people from countries where medications are treated more cautiously and with less commercial influence.

8. Politeness and Friendliness in Everyday Interactions

One of the things non-Americans frequently mention is how polite and friendly Americans tend to be, especially in casual encounters. Strangers smile at each other on the street, customer service workers are often exceptionally polite, and people are generally quick to strike up conversations. For visitors from countries where social interactions are more reserved, this can be both surprising and a little unnerving.

While the friendliness of Americans is usually appreciated, it can also come across as superficial to people from cultures where personal space and privacy are more highly valued. Some visitors note that it’s difficult to know whether Americans are genuinely interested in forming a connection or if they are simply being polite out of social obligation. This blend of friendliness and formality is often perceived as an odd cultural trait.

9. Drive-Through Everything

Drive-throughs are a quintessentially American phenomenon that non-Americans often find both fascinating and strange. While drive-throughs for fast food exist in many countries, the U.S. takes the concept to a whole new level. In addition to fast food, you can find drive-through pharmacies, banks, coffee shops, and even liquor stores in some states.

This convenience-focused culture of drive-throughs strikes visitors as odd, particularly in places where walking and public transportation are the norms. The idea that you can do so many everyday tasks without ever leaving your car feels like a uniquely American approach to life. For some, it’s a symbol of American efficiency, while for others, it raises questions about the culture of convenience and its impact on health and social interaction.

10. 24/7 Availability

Another aspect of American life that many non-Americans find strange is the 24/7 availability of goods and services. In many parts of the world, businesses have set hours, and it’s not unusual for stores to close early in the evening or be closed on Sundays. In contrast, in the U.S., it’s common to find 24-hour supermarkets, pharmacies, and even gyms.

The idea that you can go grocery shopping at 3 a.m. or hit the gym in the middle of the night seems unusual to people from cultures where life follows a more predictable daily rhythm. While the convenience of 24/7 availability is appreciated by many, it can also feel excessive to those who are used to a slower, more regimented pace of life.

11. Extreme Sports Fandom

American sports culture, particularly the enthusiasm for football, basketball, and baseball, is another cultural quirk that non-Americans often find surprising. The level of passion and dedication that Americans have for their sports teams can seem extreme, especially to visitors from countries where sports fandom is more subdued or focused on different games, like soccer or rugby.

What strikes many foreigners as particularly odd is the way sports culture is woven into the fabric of daily life, from high school football games to college sports rivalries and professional leagues. The commercialization of sports, with its vast amounts of money, media coverage, and celebrity athletes, also stands out as a unique aspect of American life. The fervor surrounding events like the Super Bowl, with its multimillion-dollar advertisements and elaborate halftime shows, can be hard for non-Americans to grasp.

12. Gun Culture

Perhaps one of the most controversial and puzzling aspects of American life for non-Americans is the prevalence of guns and the country's gun culture. In many parts of the world, strict gun control laws mean that firearms are rare and often restricted to law enforcement or the military. However, in the U.S., guns are relatively easy to purchase, and gun ownership is deeply ingrained in the culture, particularly in certain regions.

Visitors from countries with stricter gun laws often find it disconcerting to see firearms openly carried in public or to hear Americans discuss gun ownership as a fundamental right. The frequency of mass shootings in the U.S. is another source of bewilderment and concern for foreigners, who may struggle to understand why stricter gun control measures haven’t been implemented.

13. Religious Influence on Politics and Society

The influence of religion on American politics and daily life is another aspect that can seem strange to non-Americans, particularly those from more secular countries. While the U.S. is officially a secular nation, religion plays a significant role in public discourse and policymaking. Political candidates often openly discuss their faith, and issues like abortion, same-sex marriage, and evolution are frequently debated in religious terms.

For visitors from countries where religion is a private matter, the visibility of religion in public life can be surprising. The fact that religious beliefs can influence legislation and public policy in a country that prides itself on the separation of church and state strikes many non-Americans as contradictory.

14. Customer Service Enthusiasm

In the U.S., customer service is often elevated to an art form. Workers in retail, hospitality, and other service industries are generally expected to be cheerful, helpful, and accommodating to a degree that can seem exaggerated to non-Americans. In many other countries, customer service is more transactional and less emotionally engaging.

Foreign visitors often remark on how "fake" or overly enthusiastic American customer service can feel. While it’s appreciated that staff are friendly and eager to help, the constant smiles, upbeat greetings, and frequent check-ins can sometimes come across as insincere. In cultures where directness and modesty are valued, the effusiveness of American customer service can feel overwhelming.

15. The Concept of "Free Refills"

One small but notable cultural difference that often surprises non-Americans is the concept of free refills on drinks at restaurants. In many parts of the world, when you order a beverage, you pay for each drink separately. However, in the U.S., it’s common to receive unlimited refills on soft drinks, coffee, and sometimes even iced tea.

For visitors, this can be a pleasant surprise, but it’s also seen as peculiar. The idea that you can keep drinking soda indefinitely without additional cost feels excessive and is often cited as another example of the "supersized" nature of American culture.

Conclusion: Embracing the Weirdness

The things that non-Americans find strange about the U.S. often reflect deeper cultural differences in values, norms, and behaviours. What might seem perfectly normal to Americans can feel foreign or even bizarre to visitors, and vice versa. These cultural quirks provide a fascinating window into the American way of life and highlight the diversity of perspectives that exist around the world.

Ultimately, what non-Americans perceive as "weird" about America isn’t necessarily negative—it’s just different. These observations serve as reminders that cultural norms are relative and that every country has its idiosyncrasies. For Americans, understanding how their country is viewed by others can foster a greater sense of self-awareness and perhaps even a new appreciation for the things that make America unique. After all, it’s often the "weird" things that make a place memorable.