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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"

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    #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

    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

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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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    #18

    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

    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.

    #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

    #33

    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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    #34

    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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    #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

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

    Did you miss the part where she was told to use a regular checkout?

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

    Not the first time I see this picture going around, I wonder if this is missing some context.

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

    We’ve no idea if the wording attached is at all accurate; maybe the standard checkouts aren’t working, it could be a protest against self checkouts or something I haven’t thought of!

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    Blondie23
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am pretty sure she knew what she was doing. My dad is VERY against self check out. People are against it are starting to do stuff like this because they think this will make the business stop using them...

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

    one local chain was criticized for putting in self checkout. They had had a policy of hiring disabled youths as baggers, which no longer needed as many as before. The two young men collecting carts and doing misc tasks are still on the payroll.

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

    They won’t do this in Australia. They say I have to be available to help other customers, so you have scan them yourself.

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

    This is not normal. I can guarantee everyone else was giving her dirty looks and making comments about being a Karen.

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

    If this is the case they shouldn't have given her the option.

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

    One thing about my bigger Tesco near me that has started to annoy me? And there's got to be a reason for it such as not enough staff for whatever reason? Is that there are 20 self service tills but only two staffed checkout ones which aren't always open. I usually go to the cigarette kiosk instead if I've only got say, 8 items if there's noone at the staffed checkout ones. The self service tills don't accept cash, they're cards only.

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

    I refuse the self checkout, You're not paying me to work there!

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

    To be fair there are a lot of stories of self checkout problems and people ending up arrested. Maybe this is one way to stop that.

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

    Good for her! This is the only way to stop the self checkout system. I loathe it.

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

    I don't understand "makes". If the attendant did it that's her stupidity. I'd let her stand there all day or go to a proper checkout.

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

    I see this all this all the time, it's because there is usually only one other regular check stand open.

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

    Not everyone is efficient with technology. I won't judge. Here in France, you can get help at every self checkout if needed

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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

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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.