15 American Rumors That Non-Americans Were Amazed to Find True
Explore 15 surprising realities about America that left non-Americans amazed! From unique cultural practices to unexpected norms, this post unveils the U.S. in a whole new light.
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Welcome to a journey of discovery and surprise, as we delve into the heart of the United States from an outsider’s perspective. This is a land where the unusual becomes the norm, and the norm becomes unusual. From the vast portion sizes to the ubiquitous squirrels, we’ve compiled a list of 15 things that non-Americans found astonishingly true about America. Buckle up and get ready to see the U.S. through fresh eyes!
Portion Sizes in Restaurants
In America, the portion sizes at restaurants are often much larger than what people from other countries are used to. It’s not uncommon to have leftovers to take home after a meal.
Tipping Culture
Tipping is a standard practice in the U.S. and it’s often expected to tip around 15-20% of the total bill at restaurants. This can be a surprise for visitors from countries where tipping is not customary.
Sales Tax
In many states, the price you see on the tag is not the final price you pay. Sales tax is often added at the register, which can be confusing for visitors.
Drive-Thru Everything
From fast food restaurants to pharmacies and even wedding chapels, the prevalence of drive-thrus in America can be surprising to non-Americans.
Patriotism
The level of patriotism in America, such as the frequency of the American flag being displayed and the national anthem being played, can be surprising to visitors.
Advertisements for Prescription Drugs
In America, it’s common to see advertisements for prescription drugs on television, which is not the case in many other countries.
Gaps in Bathroom Stalls
The gaps around the doors in public bathroom stalls in America can be surprising and uncomfortable for visitors.
Air Conditioning
The widespread use of air conditioning in homes, businesses, and public places can be surprising to visitors from cooler climates or countries where air conditioning is not as prevalent.
Variety of Food Options
The sheer variety of food options available, from different types of cuisine to dietary options, can be surprising to visitors.
Squirrels Everywhere
The ubiquity of squirrels in American parks and neighborhoods can be surprising to visitors from countries where squirrels are not as common.
Drinking Age
The legal drinking age being 21, which is higher than in many other countries, can be surprising to visitors.
College Sports Culture
The popularity and scale of college sports, particularly football and basketball, can be surprising to visitors.
Yellow School Buses
The iconic yellow school buses that transport students to and from school can be surprising to visitors, as this is not common in many other countries.
24/7 Stores
The prevalence of stores that are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week can be surprising to visitors.
Free Refills
The practice of offering free refills on soft drinks at restaurants can be surprising to visitors from countries where this is not the norm.
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Michelle Harler is the founder of Guide2Free, a website dedicated to finding and sharing freebies, product testing opportunities, and other ways to save money. With over a decade of experience in the industry, her expertise in finding quality offers makes Guide2Free an invaluable resource for anyone looking to try new products and save money.