This country isn’t called America the Great for nothing. There are so many wonderful things about the vast and impressive country of the United States, yet foreigners have a hard time getting their heads around these 18 things.
Tipping Culture
No one does tipping quite like the Yanks. And it can often be quite bamboozling to the outsider. While tipping isn’t unheard of in other countries, it tends to be a custom when one has experienced an extremely good restaurant meal, etc., whereas in America tipping is almost an obligation – irrespective of how good the
service was.
Language Barriers
Visitors whose native language isn’t English often struggle communicating with Americans, owing to their language nuances with traditional English, fast speaking, American slang, and thick accents.
The Confusing (And Often Crazy) Politics
It blows many non-Americans’ minds that the political system in the United States is so complex. The idea that there are state laws and federal laws is perplexing and confusing to many. Also, the constant civil unrest between Republicans and Democrats isn’t lost on foreigners.
Arms Culture
Arms culture is arguably rifer in America than it is in any other country, and many tourists find the Yanks’ right to bear arms concerning – especially in the wake of the school shooting culture that is a huge problem in the USA.
Consumerism/Materialism
Given that America is a very capitalist country, residents are known for their love of consumerism, which can be owning multiple cars, designer brand clothing, furniture and home appliances, and so on, which can be off-putting for less consumer-driven foreign visitors. Heck, just the size of the malls are rather jaw-dropping.
Cost of Living
America may call itself the land of the free, but there’s nothing free about living there – or even visiting. The cost of living has been rapidly increasing in most western countries, and the United States is no exception.
Healthcare
No other country has an extortionate healthcare system quite like America does. Not only is healthcare in America incredibly expensive, but it is also complicated and befuddling, and can mean many Americans don’t have access to the medical care they need.
High Taxes
Given that America has one of the highest tax rate systems in the world, it can be quite shocking for visitors or immigrants who come from countries with lower or no income tax.
Limited Public Transport
Unless you’re in the cities, public transport in the States is virtually unheard of. Folks who live more rurally NEED a car, as buses, trains, and even cabs are scarce, and walking anywhere is too far and often not doable, owing to a lack of sidewalks.
High Education Costs
America has one of the highest student debt rates in the world because further education tuition is considerably higher than that of most other countries. This can be off-putting for foreigners wanting to study in America.
Hustle Culture
Life in the US is FAST. This is especially noticeable in places like New York, where people are always in a hurry, and stopping to smell the flowers (as it were) will get you yelled at by busy natives!
Lawsuit Obsession
Americans will sue someone at the drop of a hat. The States is renowned for its litigious system, which means it doesn’t take much to wind up in court, which can be a stressful, costly, and inconveniencing matter.
Enormous Food Portions
If you can afford to eat out in America, you won’t go hungry – that’s for sure. There is a well-documented ‘super-size’ culture within the fast food industry, and even going to the supermarket can be overwhelming for the non-native, as package sizes are huge and there is so much choice.
Scarce Vacation Time
Again, this stems from America’s notorious ‘hustle culture’ and the inability to take some downtime and live slowly. Also, paid vacation leave isn’t guaranteed in the United States, which can mean many Americans cannot afford to take time off.
Lack of Cultural Understanding
America is incredibly diverse, so it can be confusing to the outsider to understand the cultural nuances, etiquettes, or even language barriers when visiting.
Restaurant Etiquette
Going out for a sit-down meal in the States can be a minefield if you’re not accustomed to the restaurant ordering etiquette – which is somewhat backwards. In most countries an entrée is an appetizer, but in America, it is the main course.
Desserts For Breakfast
The Yanks have a rep for liking to load up on sugar for breakfast. This includes pancakes, Belgium waffles, scones, donuts, and sugary cereals. It’s rare to find another country that goes that hard on the sweet treats first thing in the morning.
Talking to Strangers
Many foreigners, particularly Europeans, aren’t crazy about striking up conversations with strangers. Not Americans! They’ll happily jibber-jabber away to anyone, which is mind-blowing for the shy and reserved visitor.
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