If you grew up watchingAmerican movies, you probably have a certain image of theUnited States—a land where dreams come true, everyone’s chasing success, and patriotism runs deep. But hey, there’s so much more to the US than what Hollywood shows us!Today, we’ve put together a collection of intriguing and surprising things about life in America that might catch you off guard, leave you questioning some stereotypes, or make you realize that life in the U.S. isn’t always as glamorous as it seems in the movies. So, Pandas, let’s dive into the real deal!This post may includeaffiliate links.
If you grew up watchingAmerican movies, you probably have a certain image of theUnited States—a land where dreams come true, everyone’s chasing success, and patriotism runs deep. But hey, there’s so much more to the US than what Hollywood shows us!
This post may includeaffiliate links.
RELATED:
America is a place full ofquirksthat can feel completely foreign to outsiders. From the suspiciously big serving sizes to tipping for a cup of coffee to even just how people go about their lives, the experience of being in America can be a real shocker for visitors and new immigrants.And while some things don’t fully make sense until you’re actually there, these posts give you afun glimpseinto the quirks of American life. They might not prepare you for everything, but they’ll definitely show you a unique side of the States.
America is a place full ofquirksthat can feel completely foreign to outsiders. From the suspiciously big serving sizes to tipping for a cup of coffee to even just how people go about their lives, the experience of being in America can be a real shocker for visitors and new immigrants.
And while some things don’t fully make sense until you’re actually there, these posts give you afun glimpseinto the quirks of American life. They might not prepare you for everything, but they’ll definitely show you a unique side of the States.
When it comes to food, it seems like bigger is always better for Americans. Whether it’s apizzaor a soda, the portion size is often double what you’d get in other countries. So, what’s considered a large soda in Europe might just be a medium in the States.
Apart from their supersized food, Americans have a reputation of being fans ofsugared beveragesas well. If you are planning on visiting the US, prepare for a lot of flavored sodas and sweet iced teas.Compared to countries like Italy, where people sip on small, strong espressos, or Japan, where green tea is the norm, US drinks are super sweet and come in sizes that could last all day.
Apart from their supersized food, Americans have a reputation of being fans ofsugared beveragesas well. If you are planning on visiting the US, prepare for a lot of flavored sodas and sweet iced teas.
Compared to countries like Italy, where people sip on small, strong espressos, or Japan, where green tea is the norm, US drinks are super sweet and come in sizes that could last all day.
On top of this, they have truly become successful at being able to do things quickly, especially when it comes to food. There are many fast food places in the States that come withdrive-thrufeatures. But that’s not simply it.There are even drive-thru pharmacies, banks, and coffee shops. In other countries like Spain, people usually enjoy sit-down meals with friends and family. To these people, the concept of taking a cup of coffee through the window is quite alien.
On top of this, they have truly become successful at being able to do things quickly, especially when it comes to food. There are many fast food places in the States that come withdrive-thrufeatures. But that’s not simply it.
There are even drive-thru pharmacies, banks, and coffee shops. In other countries like Spain, people usually enjoy sit-down meals with friends and family. To these people, the concept of taking a cup of coffee through the window is quite alien.
Whiletippingis a common practice in many countries, it is practically a requirement in the States. And no, you can’t skimp on tips—15-20% is the expected norm at restaurants.On the contrary, in countries like Japan, there is an actual cultural principle not to tip anyone, and a good number of European nations include the gratuity within the bill itself.
Whiletippingis a common practice in many countries, it is practically a requirement in the States. And no, you can’t skimp on tips—15-20% is the expected norm at restaurants.
On the contrary, in countries like Japan, there is an actual cultural principle not to tip anyone, and a good number of European nations include the gratuity within the bill itself.
When it comes toholidays, Americans don’t get much vacation time. With an average of just two weeks of paid vacation, they might feel rushed to squeeze in their trips. Compare that to countries like France or Germany, where five to six weeks of paid holiday is the norm. So it is no surprise that Europeans are said to go globetrotting more often.
When living in the US, it is usually hard to get around without a car unless you are located in a major city like New York or Chicago. On the other hand, when people go to places like India, Bangladesh or other Asian countries, they find and enjoy superb public transportation facilities such as railroads, buses and three-wheeler vehicles.
The sticker says: “Do not tailgate me. Antisocial gun-toting sociopath behind the wheel. Please just go around”.
I pointed at a 10-pack and said “The 10-pack in medium” and they grabbed a 6-pack… Of course, I didn’t check (which adds to my mild infuriation) just because I thought they saw and heard. They were both the same price so it only made sense. Didn’t realize until I got home. Thought it was fine cause I had to get tums, to find the same thing… And find another associate. Finding someone took about 5 minutes. The funny thing is they just hand it over right after and let you take it to the front.
Continue reading with Bored Panda PremiumUnlimited contentAd-free browsingDark modeSubscribe nowAlready a subscriber?Sign In
Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium
Unlimited contentAd-free browsingDark mode
Unlimited content
Ad-free browsing
Dark mode
Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber?Sign In
“Attention Satanic Socialists. This is the home of the patriotic Christian family. We work hard and pay taxes. We do not celebrate satan’s day. We do not give away free candy to lazy entitled freeloaders. No handouts. Welcome to America. If you want candy get a job. And find Jesus.”
See Also on Bored Panda
$180 just for writing an eviction letter? Like seriously? You had to write it once and I bet it was years ago. You have copies just lying around!So, my $1,479 of rent after all these charges and the late fee really means my rent is $1,988. Why is it a bank can tell me I can’t afford a $900 mortgage but $2000 for rent? Nah, you got this bro. Two-bedroom dumpster fire with a drywall missing. This isn’t the luxury apartment that’s advertised, so why charge luxury prices?
We are experiencing some crazy heat in the 90’s with high humidity. Today alone the heat index is forecasting 110°F. $2 a day to wear shorts during a heat advisory is disgusting. This is the Walmart in Augusta, ME.Also, check out the bottom where they are no longer providing CUPS for water during the summer. I won’t generalize Walmart as being out of touch but this particular location sure is.
I also work in finance so I had to expense the invoices for this lavish gift set last week so I knew it was coming.
Modal closeAdd New ImageModal closeAdd Your Photo To This ListPlease use high-res photos without watermarksOoops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.Not your original work?Add sourcePublish
Modal close
Add New ImageModal closeAdd Your Photo To This ListPlease use high-res photos without watermarksOoops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.Not your original work?Add sourcePublish
Modal closeAdd Your Photo To This ListPlease use high-res photos without watermarksOoops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.Not your original work?Add sourcePublish
Add Your Photo To This ListPlease use high-res photos without watermarksOoops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.
Add Your Photo To This List
Please use high-res photos without watermarks
Ooops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.
Not your original work?Add source
Modal closeModal closeOoops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.UploadUploadError occurred when generating embed. Please check link and try again.TwitterRender conversationUse html versionGenerate not embedded versionAdd watermarkInstagramShow Image OnlyHide CaptionCropAdd watermarkFacebookShow Image OnlyAdd watermarkChangeSourceTitleUpdateAdd Image
Modal closeOoops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.UploadUploadError occurred when generating embed. Please check link and try again.TwitterRender conversationUse html versionGenerate not embedded versionAdd watermarkInstagramShow Image OnlyHide CaptionCropAdd watermarkFacebookShow Image OnlyAdd watermarkChangeSourceTitleUpdateAdd Image
Upload
UploadError occurred when generating embed. Please check link and try again.TwitterRender conversationUse html versionGenerate not embedded versionAdd watermarkInstagramShow Image OnlyHide CaptionCropAdd watermarkFacebookShow Image OnlyAdd watermark
Error occurred when generating embed. Please check link and try again.
TwitterRender conversationUse html versionGenerate not embedded versionAdd watermark
InstagramShow Image OnlyHide CaptionCropAdd watermark
FacebookShow Image OnlyAdd watermark
ChangeSourceTitle
You May LikeHow To Ruin Your Entire Life: 35 Scary And Sobering Stories Shared By People OnlineIlona Baliūnaitė“Meanwhile In Japan”: 50 Photos People Just Had To Take In Japan (New Pics)Eglė Bliabaitė“Now Unrecognizable”: 30 People Share What Happened To The Prettiest Girl From Their HSMantas Kačerauskas
Ilona Baliūnaitė
Eglė Bliabaitė
Mantas Kačerauskas
Curiosities