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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

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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.

#8

"Not Medically Necessary"

"Not Medically Necessary"

_TallieRose Report

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ZGutr
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your doctor has had years of education but does not know sh.it .... We have money, we know what's best

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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

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#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

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ManBlob
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Here's your baby!" "Such a beautiful baby!" "Yes, that'll be $39,35, cash or credit?"

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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

#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

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Lavern Defazio
Community Member
1 month ago

This comment has been deleted.

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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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Libstak
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, yes that is a humiliating situation for anyone to find themselves in.

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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

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Libstak
Community Member
1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My brother had a stroke at 32. One year in hospital including therapy, years of specialist and hospital visits, procedures for stents you name it, he went through it. Passed 11 years ago at 56. Total bill...$0. Except for medications which were capped at $500 annually, after that free.

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#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

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ADJ
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Make them like in Europe - insert coin to get cart, return cart, get the coin back. And there is no cart on parking lot problem whatsoever.

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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.

#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

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#27

This Bill Is Crazy

This Bill Is Crazy

HaggertyNews 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.

#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

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WindySwede
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Stress relief bubble wrap? At least cheaper that the stroke medical bill! 🤬

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#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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Geoffrey Scott
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not to one-up..but went to an urgent care that I had visited before for a Upper Resp infection. Got a bill for the whole amount, when my BC/BS should have paid 80%. Upon investigation it was reclassified by the conglomerate as a Ready Care, or, an offsite ER. Oh...the hospital ER is 4 blocks away. I refused to pay any more than my 20% co-pay due to their "subterfuge". They threatened credit reporting after a few months. Called my (GOP) Rep. and explained the situation. I sent them 20% right after my call to my Rep. Got an e-mail from McClaren telling me it was paid in full.

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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

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Miki
Community Member
1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

With f****d up system like theirs, miss diagnosis should be payed back :/

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#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

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Savannah greenleaf
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Clear fishing line with small hooks tied around the base of the flag. My grandmother did this when she was fed up with the theft. Never was stolen again.

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#38

Classic America

Classic America

cmikailli 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

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Tucker Cahooter
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Given the medical costs shown in the other posts, I am wondering what exactly a $49 gift card will get you. "Hello, I'm Dr Smith...sorry, your time is up"

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#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

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ƒιѕн
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would think the payer would be responsible for and fees, not the payee.

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#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

#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

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elmortero
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And then that sit and wonder why I why online shopping "steals" their business

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#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

#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

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ƒιѕн
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe so the people sitting on them don't stink them up like the lady sitting on the apples.

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#50

Anti-Theft Gates On Laundry Stuff And Chocolate

Anti-Theft Gates On Laundry Stuff And Chocolate

queen_clean Report

Note: this post originally had 102 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.