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If you grew up watching American movies, you probably have a certain image of the United 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!

#1

"We Don't Know Your Address"

"We Don't Know Your Address"

koreydior Report

#2

A Normal Education In America

A Normal Education In America

PhtevenHawking Report

#3

This Is America

This Is America

radiofreegeorgy Report

America is a place full of quirks that 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 a fun glimpse into the quirks of American life. They might not prepare you for everything, but they’ll definitely show you a unique side of the States.

#4

The Guy On The Left Has Had A Slew Of Signs Like This

The Guy On The Left Has Had A Slew Of Signs Like This

3aTroop Report

#5

Cool

Cool

shortney0006 Report

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#6

Florida Teacher Here. This Is Our School's "Library" Now

Florida Teacher Here. This Is Our School's "Library" Now

Florida passed a law that said no books can be displayed in a school until they've been reviewed and approved by an appointed team. If a teacher shows a book that has not been approved, they could be charged with a felony.

missmyrajv Report

When it comes to food, it seems like bigger is always better for Americans. Whether it’s a pizza or 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.

#7

Alabama Banned Abortions

Alabama Banned Abortions

bluefishredsea Report

#8

"Not Medically Necessary"

"Not Medically Necessary"

_TallieRose Report

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#9

United States Of Convenience

United States Of Convenience

ManLikeGinola Report

Apart from their supersized food, Americans have a reputation of being fans of sugared beverages as well. If you are planning on visiting the US, prepare for a lot of flavored sodas and sweet iced teas.

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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.

#10

Only In America Would A Restaurant Display On The Wall That They Don’t Pay Their Staff Enough To Live On

Only In America Would A Restaurant Display On The Wall That They Don’t Pay Their Staff Enough To Live On

M7plusoneequalsm8 Report

#11

America's Response To The COVID-19 Global Pandemic All Boiled Down To One Picture

America's Response To The COVID-19 Global Pandemic All Boiled Down To One Picture

jcepiano Report

#12

I Had To Pay $39.35 To Hold My Baby After He Was Born

I Had To Pay $39.35 To Hold My Baby After He Was Born

halfthrottle Report

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 with drive-thru features. 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.

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#13

Bulletproof Backpack Inserts

Bulletproof Backpack Inserts

itsnotlookinggood Report

#14

America: A Nation Of Many Layers

America: A Nation Of Many Layers

dhowe100 Report

#15

A Gun Store And A Daycare Center Sharing The Same Building. God Bless America

A Gun Store And A Daycare Center Sharing The Same Building. God Bless America

reddit.com Report

While tipping is 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.

#16

The Bill For My Liver Transplant – Welcome To The USA

The Bill For My Liver Transplant – Welcome To The USA

no_not_like_that Report

#17

Not Sure If This Belongs Here But In My Opinion, This Is The Real Problem With America

Not Sure If This Belongs Here But In My Opinion, This Is The Real Problem With America

jade_phoenix7 Report

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#18

America In 4 Words

America In 4 Words

NO_LAH_WHERE_GOT Report

Medical bills in the US can be shockingly high compared to countries with universal healthcare, like Canada or the UK. In those places, most people do not have to pay for doctor’s visits, surgeries and staying in the hospital, because this is financed by the state. Here, on the other hand, a simple visit to an emergency department could lead to a bill that runs into hundreds of thousands of dollars.

#19

On Hold With Covered California For Over 11 Hours Because They Canceled Our Health Insurance

On Hold With Covered California For Over 11 Hours Because They Canceled Our Health Insurance

tristpa2 Report

#20

It Finally Happened. I Was Prompted To Tip At The Airport Self-Checkout Station

It Finally Happened. I Was Prompted To Tip At The Airport Self-Checkout Station

_seaweed_ Report

#21

A Final Warning To Protestors In The Mall Of America

A Final Warning To Protestors In The Mall Of America

beet111 Report

When it comes to holidays, 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.

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#22

Just Got My $39k Hospital Bill For Having A Stroke At 34

Just Got My $39k Hospital Bill For Having A Stroke At 34

jpegjoshua Report

#23

Paid Leave By Country

Paid Leave By Country

npjprods Report

#24

Does Anyone Else Hate That We’ve Normalized Not Putting Back Your Cart? I Just Find It Lazy (In The US)

Does Anyone Else Hate That We’ve Normalized Not Putting Back Your Cart? I Just Find It Lazy (In The US)

Kingstatuss Report

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.

#25

Only In America

Only In America

samababa Report

#26

I Was Forced To Throw Away Bags Of Bread While At Work. There Is A Homeless Shelter Two Miles From Where I Work. All Of This Food Wasted

I Was Forced To Throw Away Bags Of Bread While At Work. There Is A Homeless Shelter Two Miles From Where I Work. All Of This Food Wasted

SpartenTie Report

#27

This Bill Is Crazy

This Bill Is Crazy

HaggertyNews Report

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#28

$12,000 Worth Of Cancer Pills

$12,000 Worth Of Cancer Pills

reddit.com Report

In the end, America is a land of unique customs and habits that can leave outsiders both amused and bewildered. Which of these quirks did you find the most amusing? Was it the supersized portions or the drive-thru culture? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

#29

Meanwhile, In California

Meanwhile, In California

3LlamasInATrenchCoat Report

#30

Screw You, USA Today

Screw You, USA Today

ash109114 Report

#31

I Have An Autoimmune Disorder. This Is The Amount Of Bills I Received For A Single Diagnostic Test Due To Insurers Negligence And A Clerical Error. US Healthcare: Do Better

I Have An Autoimmune Disorder. This Is The Amount Of Bills I Received For A Single Diagnostic Test Due To Insurers Negligence And A Clerical Error. US Healthcare: Do Better

Morekoolaid Report

#32

What My School Gave Its Teachers For Teacher Appreciation Week. Seven Starburst And A Square Foot Of Bubble Wrap. Score

What My School Gave Its Teachers For Teacher Appreciation Week. Seven Starburst And A Square Foot Of Bubble Wrap. Score

rjyanco Report

#33

Is It Like That Right Now In America?

Is It Like That Right Now In America?

Stepbro_canhelp Report

#34

Drove To An Urgent Care To Have My Throat Looked At, Got To An Exam Room, And Learned They Were Only Doing Telehealth Visits When They Wheeled This In

Drove To An Urgent Care To Have My Throat Looked At, Got To An Exam Room, And Learned They Were Only Doing Telehealth Visits When They Wheeled This In

Iswitt Report

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#35

What's The Point Of Putting A Paper Lid If There's Plastic Under It?

What's The Point Of Putting A Paper Lid If There's Plastic Under It?

rayneedshelpMentally Report

#36

Got Charged 9k For A Doctor To Tell Me It Was Just Period Cramps, And After Going To Another Doctor It Was A Ruptured Ovarian Cyst

Got Charged 9k For A Doctor To Tell Me It Was Just Period Cramps, And After Going To Another Doctor It Was A Ruptured Ovarian Cyst

Carlpoppa1738 Report

#37

This Classy Individual Climbed On Our Porch To Steal Our Flag Today. Then Promptly Threw It Into A Mud Puddle

This Classy Individual Climbed On Our Porch To Steal Our Flag Today. Then Promptly Threw It Into A Mud Puddle

Betterwithhoney Report

#38

Classic America

Classic America

cmikailli Report

#39

Can We Ban This From Our Beaches

Can We Ban This From Our Beaches

alfhernandez16 Report

#40

This Year, Give Your Special Someone The Gift Of Accessing The American Healthcare System

This Year, Give Your Special Someone The Gift Of Accessing The American Healthcare System

RumHam2010 Report

#41

First Child Support Payment In Three Years. I Asked My Ex Why He Paid Only Fifty Cents, And He Showed Me The Receipt Where He Paid $300. The State Of Michigan Kept $299.50 In Fees

First Child Support Payment In Three Years. I Asked My Ex Why He Paid Only Fifty Cents, And He Showed Me The Receipt Where He Paid $300. The State Of Michigan Kept $299.50 In Fees

CruelTasteOfLust Report

#42

Only In America

Only In America

The sticker says: "Do not tailgate me. Antisocial gun-toting sociopath behind the wheel. Please just go around".

Jjokes11 Report

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#43

Alabama, Ladies And Gentlemen

Alabama, Ladies And Gentlemen

InfernalCape Report

#44

Bathroom Passes. Each Circle Represents One Pass. We Get One Of These Papers Per Semester. To Get More, We Have To Arrange An Appointment With The Administration

Bathroom Passes. Each Circle Represents One Pass. We Get One Of These Papers Per Semester. To Get More, We Have To Arrange An Appointment With The Administration

Cheese_is_good1 Report

#45

My School Bag Check Line

My School Bag Check Line

JL-Nobody568 Report

#46

Came For Boxer Briefs. Everything Is Locked Up. I Had To Track Someone Down Just To Get These Unlocked

Came For Boxer Briefs. Everything Is Locked Up. I Had To Track Someone Down Just To Get These Unlocked

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.

yadielc4kaboom Report

#47

Lady Goes To Self-Checkout, Makes The Attendant Unload Her Cart, Scan, And Bag Each Item

Lady Goes To Self-Checkout, Makes The Attendant Unload Her Cart, Scan, And Bag Each Item

Note that she had way more items than you should for self-checkout, and a recommendation was made by the employee that she consider going to the standard checkout, which had nobody in line, and she refused.

snownative86 Report

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#48

My Local Grocery Chain Sells Individually Shrink-Wrapped Potatoes At $1.29 A Piece

My Local Grocery Chain Sells Individually Shrink-Wrapped Potatoes At $1.29 A Piece

applebeepatios Report

#49

Never Forget… To Buy Things

Never Forget… To Buy Things

online_shawn Report

#50

Anti-Theft Gates On Laundry Stuff And Chocolate

Anti-Theft Gates On Laundry Stuff And Chocolate

queen_clean Report

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#51

This Lady Resting On The Apples At Walmart

This Lady Resting On The Apples At Walmart

visuallymessy Report

#52

They Are Going After Halloween

They Are Going After Halloween

"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."

Carnalvore86 Report

#53

At A Gas Station In Rural Southern Indiana

At A Gas Station In Rural Southern Indiana

ChiefDisbelief Report

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#54

Bank Of America Is Slowly Draining My Savings Account Because I Don’t Have Enough Money In My Account

Bank Of America Is Slowly Draining My Savings Account Because I Don’t Have Enough Money In My Account

Imadethisforkarma247 Report

#55

You Peel The Sticker Off To See The Original Price Of $1.99. In Hawaii, Prices Are So Much Higher, But This Is The Next Level

You Peel The Sticker Off To See The Original Price Of $1.99. In Hawaii, Prices Are So Much Higher, But This Is The Next Level

RapidSeaPizza Report

#56

They Gave Us Rocks As A Reward. It's Juneteenth And We Were Given Rocks As If That Could Ease Our Suffering (Amazon Dsp Drivers)

They Gave Us Rocks As A Reward. It's Juneteenth And We Were Given Rocks As If That Could Ease Our Suffering (Amazon Dsp Drivers)

Dreid97 Report

#57

Get A Look At These Stickers

Get A Look At These Stickers

dingogrundle Report

#58

Thank You, America, For Your Awesome Bathroom Privacy

Thank You, America, For Your Awesome Bathroom Privacy

Elden_Sage Report

#59

Obesity Rates In The USA vs. Europe

Obesity Rates In The USA vs. Europe

whitegoddessx Report

#60

Proof I Live In Chicago

Proof I Live In Chicago

adollarpun Report

#61

Happy Halloween? Found In My Kids' Bucket

Happy Halloween? Found In My Kids' Bucket

FullMetalStabb Report

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#62

Received This In My Work Email. Only In America

Received This In My Work Email. Only In America

bobby_baylor Report

#63

Got An Eviction Letter For Being 15 Minutes Late Paying My Rent. Look At These Fees

Got An Eviction Letter For Being 15 Minutes Late Paying My Rent. Look At These Fees

$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?

lvl100Evasion Report

#64

I Saw This As “Teach Your Kids To Accept Ab*se From Their Future Employer”

I Saw This As “Teach Your Kids To Accept Ab*se From Their Future Employer”

ExegeticGenoa63 Report

#65

Having To Pay To Wear Shorts At Walmart During A Heatwave In Maine

Having To Pay To Wear Shorts At Walmart During A Heatwave In Maine

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.

LaurieIsNotHisSister Report

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#66

This Is The Line In My Local Target Because They Only Allow Self-Checkout

This Is The Line In My Local Target Because They Only Allow Self-Checkout

chitown1992 Report

#67

This Should Be Illegal

This Should Be Illegal

W33b3l Report

#68

Eat Local (We Live In North America)

Eat Local (We Live In North America)

penelopeduck Report

#69

Here’s What $1,000 Looks Like In The USA

Here’s What $1,000 Looks Like In The USA

tydalt Report

#70

Pay For Your Own Sidewalk?

Pay For Your Own Sidewalk?

garkus77 Report

#71

Sith-Fil-A Here In The Texas Heat

Sith-Fil-A Here In The Texas Heat

Codyayo Report

#72

Starbucks Mobile Orders Make Store Customers Wait Longer, While No One’s There To Pick Up The Coffees

Starbucks Mobile Orders Make Store Customers Wait Longer, While No One’s There To Pick Up The Coffees

dkaty Report

#73

The Gift I Got From Work For "National Thank You Day". I Feel Truly Insulted

The Gift I Got From Work For "National Thank You Day". I Feel Truly Insulted

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.

RazorsInMyTaco Report

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#74

I Was Caught Off Guard By This. I Don't Understand The Point Of This Other Than A Money Grab. I Was Able To "Skip Just This Once" For Free

I Was Caught Off Guard By This. I Don't Understand The Point Of This Other Than A Money Grab. I Was Able To "Skip Just This Once" For Free

Brilliant_Floor_3991 Report

#75

The "Hotdog" Served At My High School

The "Hotdog" Served At My High School

Primalfish1844 Report

#76

Cut My Finger And Got 4 Stitches. This Is Why Americans Avoid Hospitals As Much As Possible

Cut My Finger And Got 4 Stitches. This Is Why Americans Avoid Hospitals As Much As Possible

TitaniumTryton Report

#77

One Of The Most Expensive Cities In The USA (Las Vegas). They Took Out The Bus Waiting Seats So No Homeless People Slept There. Welcome To America

One Of The Most Expensive Cities In The USA (Las Vegas). They Took Out The Bus Waiting Seats So No Homeless People Slept There. Welcome To America

UFO-seeker1985 Report

#78

$100 Worth Of Groceries

$100 Worth Of Groceries

vinnie_the_poobah Report

#79

FedEx Showed Its Appreciation For Its Essential Employees With This And A $2 Pay Cut. Thanks, FedEx

FedEx Showed Its Appreciation For Its Essential Employees With This And A $2 Pay Cut. Thanks, FedEx

Eternity_Mask Report

#80

Got A Knife That Says USA. It Broke, And Then I Realized It Said China On The Back

Got A Knife That Says USA. It Broke, And Then I Realized It Said China On The Back

Potatomaster6 Report

#81

Subscription To Everything, Including Life's Essentials

Subscription To Everything, Including Life's Essentials

hashtagoras Report

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#82

After You Cross The Road In Some American Cities, You Get This. No Sidewalk On The Other Side. Why

After You Cross The Road In Some American Cities, You Get This. No Sidewalk On The Other Side. Why

Time_Ad_1763 Report

#83

I Can't Trust The Country Of Origin Now

I Can't Trust The Country Of Origin Now

NoMembership2831 Report

#84

US Church Can Sell Fireworks Tax-Free

US Church Can Sell Fireworks Tax-Free

Ttthhasdf Report

#85

My Town Defaulted On Our Only Free Public Charger’s Electricity Bill

My Town Defaulted On Our Only Free Public Charger’s Electricity Bill

Bamboozleprime Report

#86

Imagine Going To A Baseball Game And Having Feet Beside Your Face

Imagine Going To A Baseball Game And Having Feet Beside Your Face

dylan658 Report

#87

Asked To Tip On Amazon Order

Asked To Tip On Amazon Order

Desperate-Record-879 Report

#88

Got Our Groceries Delivered To Our House Today To Save Us From Going Out. In The End, We Had To Go To Walmart So They Could Open This Sucker With Their Special Key

Got Our Groceries Delivered To Our House Today To Save Us From Going Out. In The End, We Had To Go To Walmart So They Could Open This Sucker With Their Special Key

Your_everyday_madlad Report

#89

Just Chillin At The Coffee Shop

Just Chillin At The Coffee Shop

geekaz01d Report

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#90

Just Alabama Things You Find In Tires

Just Alabama Things You Find In Tires

BibboTheOriginal Report

#91

Made In USA?

Made In USA?

luckycharm7 Report

#92

Oh, How Patriotic

Oh, How Patriotic

EevelBob Report

#93

Tipping Culture Is Getting Out Of Hand

Tipping Culture Is Getting Out Of Hand

inked_dragon Report

#94

Went To A Drive-Thru And They Were Using An AI Instead Of A Person To Take Orders (It Was Basically Like A Glorified Automated Phone Call)

Went To A Drive-Thru And They Were Using An AI Instead Of A Person To Take Orders (It Was Basically Like A Glorified Automated Phone Call)

dancingbanana123 Report

#95

A Fine American Education

A Fine American Education

old_lucy_brown Report

#96

Sat Behind 1st Class On A Flight Out Of The Richest County In America & Every Screen Was On Fox News

Sat Behind 1st Class On A Flight Out Of The Richest County In America & Every Screen Was On Fox News

stash3630 Report

#97

In Chicago For Work, Paying $65 A Night For Parking, Wake Up Ready To Go To Work, All My Equipment Is Gone

In Chicago For Work, Paying $65 A Night For Parking, Wake Up Ready To Go To Work, All My Equipment Is Gone

Bmansway Report

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#98

Living In A 3rd World Country, It's Crazy To Me That This Is Legal In The US

Living In A 3rd World Country, It's Crazy To Me That This Is Legal In The US

bastrooooo Report

#99

$250,000 Porsche 911 GT3 RS With A Student Driver Sticker

$250,000 Porsche 911 GT3 RS With A Student Driver Sticker

bryanthebearded Report

#100

American Airlines Changed A Friend's Flight To Spain. The Change Added A 7-Hour Layover In Chicago And Removed Almost $100 From The Value Of The Trip. No Refund Or Voucher Was Issued To Her

American Airlines Changed A Friend's Flight To Spain. The Change Added A 7-Hour Layover In Chicago And Removed Almost $100 From The Value Of The Trip. No Refund Or Voucher Was Issued To Her

LezloMaddoxs Report

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#101

Yikes

Yikes

caresaboutstuff Report

#102

My Psych Ward Shower Drain Says Fiat. You Can't Escape Advertising

My Psych Ward Shower Drain Says Fiat. You Can't Escape Advertising

pelicanmate56 Report