23 things that are considered 'normal' in the US but that the rest of the world finds weird

Jessica BoothMay 3, 2021, 20:27 IST

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

Some common practices in America are actually quite strange to people from other countries.
America's obsessions with drug commercials and American flags are odd to people from overseas.
Other countries also don't have the same tipping culture or the same amount of student debt.

Using money that is all the same color.

It seems confusing. REUTERS/Jo Yong-Hak

Putting a lot of ice in our drinks.

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

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

A proud American. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

Writing the date beginning with the month.

The way the US writes dates is unusual. Shutterstock

Advertising prescription drugs all over the place.

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

Hanging American flags everywhere.

An American flag in an empty lot in Waveland, Mississippi, on August 26, 2015. REUTERS/Jonathan Bachman

The fact our pharmacies sell so many things.

A customer at a pharmacy. Reuters

Eating bread that almost always tastes sweet.

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

Using the imperial system of measurement instead of the metric system.

The US is one of three countries that still use it. Reuters

The constant commercials on TV.

US television has a decent number of commercials. Kris Connor/Getty

Expecting free refills everywhere we get a drink.

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

Using a lot of water in the toilet bowls.

It might seem excessive to others. B Brown/Shutterstock

Putting giant gaps in between bathroom stalls.

It doesn't offer too much privacy. Buckeye Sailboat/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. Getty Images

Eating giant portions.

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

Paying sales tax on pretty much everything we buy.

It's not built into the price. Getty Images

Tipping waiters and waitresses and other service professionals.

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

Using red cups to drink alcohol out of.

They're common in US movies and in real life. Shoshy Ciment/Business Insider

Wearing swimsuits to the beach.

Swimsuits are the norm. iStock

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. Shutterstock/beeboys

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