20 things that are normal in the US that the rest of the world finds weird

Jessica BoothApr 11, 2024, 22:20 IST

Many people from other countries don't understand the US tipping culture.Anastasiya Aleksandrenko/Shutterstock

Some common practices in the US are actually quite strange to people from other countries.
America's obsessions with drug commercials and American flags are odd to some people from overseas.

Using money that is all the same color

It seems hard to navigate different bill sizes when they all look similar.REUTERS/Jo Yong-Hak

Putting a lot of ice in drinks

Cocktails are often packed with ice.Monica Schipper/Getty Images for Here Media

Using "America" or "Americans" to describes ourselves, our customs, and our country

American flags can be found all over the US.REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

Writing the date beginning with the month

The way the US writes dates is unusual to much of the world.Shutterstock

Advertising prescription drugs all over the place

Drug ads are in magazines and on television.Image Point Fr/Shutterstock

Hanging American flags everywhere

Many people in the US decorate their trucks or houses with American flags.REUTERS/Jonathan Bachman

Eating bread that almost always tastes sweet

People in the US may not even realize how sweet bread is.DmyTo/iStock

Using the imperial system of measurement instead of the metric system

Measuring systems in the US puzzle some people.Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Expecting free refills everywhere we get a drink

It's banned in some countries.successo images/Shutterstock

Using a lot of water in toilet bowls

It might seem excessive to others.B Brown/Shutterstock

Drinking huge coffees while we walk around

In other places, coffee is often consumed in smaller quantities.Shutterstock

Taking leftover food home from a restaurant

It's not uncommon to take your leftover meal back home for tomorrow's lunch.Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

Eating giant portions

Some foreigners can't believe the portion sizes.OhEngine/Shutterstock

Paying sales tax on pretty much everything we buy

Taxes usually aren't built into the price of goods in the US.d3sign/Getty Images

Tipping servers and other service professionals

Travelers are warned about it before coming here.Anastasiya Aleksandrenko/Shutterstock

Using red cups to drink alcohol out of

Red cups are common in US movies and in real life.Shoshy Ciment/Business Insider

Wearing swimsuits to the beach

Swimsuits are the norm on US beaches.Jeff Greenberg/Getty Images

Going into debt to go to college

It can lead to student debt.Getty Images

Throwing baby showers

Some foreigners find it to be rude.Jeneil S/Getty Images

Working constantly with relatively little vacation time

The work never stops for many Americans.Shutterstock/beeboys

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