Bored Panda works better on our iPhone app

Continue in app Continue in browser

239Kviews

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them

ADVERTISEMENT

Going abroad almost always stuns you when you’re suddenly forced to adapt to an entirely new culture. Not to make it sound too simple but things are different elsewhere. [Gasp.] I know. But we tend to underestimate just how different life really is in other countries. And the experience can be truly jaw-dropping for some.

People who went to the United States reported back the weird and hilarious things that they noticed while there, in response to redditor Daleelab’s thread on r/AskEurope. The redditor from the Netherlands wanted to know what the biggest culture shocks were for their fellow site users. And, wow, did they respond in detail.

Their answers paint a very interesting (not to say comical) picture of the United States, from peculiar bathrooms and mega cars to huge drinks and friendly strangers. Check them out below and upvote the answers that made you smile or chuckle. American Pandas, let us know what you think in the comment section. And we can wait for all the Pandas who’ve been to the US to share their own culture shock moments.

The author of the thread, redditor Daleelab, revealed to Bored Panda more about their first trip to the Western United States back in 2014 that inspired their post in the first place. "I was 13 at the time. I presumed the US to be like Europe only bigger. Then when we arrived, it was nothing like Europe, especially the Netherlands. Somehow, I got reminded of that and I wanted to know other people’s experiences going to the US," they said.

This post may include affiliate links.

#1

As a German the patriotism is very scarry. I worked in a camp for kids in the woods of North East and the first thing we did in the morning was to gather at the flag and sing the anthem. Every morning! I can't even remember when I sang the Germany anthem the last time?! One time the boys of my group, who were the oldest group in camp, randomly stud up after lunch and started singing the anthem again. All the kids joined in and after they were finished the chanted "USA USA..." And hit on the tables in rythm. I sat there with a guy from South Africa and we both were paralyzed. I guess for someone with a history that made it necessary to reflect critically on patriotism the American patriotism is super scary.

dubledo2 Report

Final score:

321points

TropicalPanda 3 years ago

we have national anthems and pledges recited in schools in India too everyday.. But that's about it!!

30points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#2

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them Police are the rudest and most aggressive I have experienced anywhere in the world (and I say this as someone who's dealt with some famously prickly regimes). I go up to ask directions and they put their hand on their gun. If I have more than a single question they are basically telling me to back off and move along. I always read about conflicts between American police and citizens; with that attitude, no wonder it's a problem.

crackanape , André Gustavo Stumpf Report

Final score:

310points

MrLoufoque 3 years ago

I was once in California for New Year's eve and had found a driver's license on the ground, so I approached nearby police officers to give it to them so they can get in touch with its owner. They were completely cordial and friendly, so I guess the whole thing is up to everyone's experience...

36points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#3

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them I witnessed a mother opening several packs of sugar and sprinkle it in their kids Coca Cola. I’m still speechless.

I also can’t comprehend how people think private health insurance is a threat to their freedom or that private prisons could be a good idea.

Lastly, the gap in the toilet doors. WHY

Luzi1 , Go to Artem Beliaikin's profile Artem Beliaikin Report

Final score:

271points

Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago (edited)

WTF, there is already s**t loads of sugar in coke. I don't think that is a normal US thing, probably just some idiotic parent trying to give their kids diabetes. But correct me if I'm wrong though.

149points

View More Replies...

View more comments

According to the original poster, Daleelab, the biggest difference between the United States and the Netherlands that they found was how many Americans had an "utter obsession with 'patriotism.'" In the redditor's opinion, too much patriotism can lead to "dangerous nationalism."

They said: "I love the Netherlands and I’m happy to be privileged to live here and to be Dutch. But the nationalism in the US is blinding people to the huge faults in their country anyone could see if not for that nationalism. Another big difference is that almost everyone there is a Christian."

Another thing that Daleelab was shocked to see on their visit to the US was that "people would shoot the 'Welcome to [State]' signs." They also were surprised by the road signs: "Everything on the street was spelled out instead of it being symbols. It’s a sign that says 'one way' while a simple arrow would do fine in Europe."

ADVERTISEMENT

In an interview with Yale News, Sterling Professor of Political Science, Ian Shapiro, said that the trust in politicians, parties, and democratic institutions has become eroded. The cause of this? The transfer of political power to the grassroots. As such, there has been a rise in divisive and populist politics in the US.

“Many people are concerned about the damage Trump has inflicted on America’s political institutions. What they are missing is that Trump is a product of bad political institutions. The main infirmity is that the United States has very weak political parties. They are weak because they are subject to control by unrepresentative voters on their fringes and those who fund them,” Shapiro said.

#4

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them Having to say the ”Pledge of allegiance“ every single day, not gonna lie I found that really strange because it kinda gave off North Korea vibes to me, that’s just something that would be unheard of in German schools

GalileoGaligeil , Brett Sayles Report

Final score:

243points

Aaron W 3 years ago

American kids have always been taught to worship the flag and the anthem. If only they had been taught to respect democracy and justice instead of superficial symbols.

190points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#5

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them I saw more obese and morbidly obese people than I ever had seen before in my life. Literally, before I visited NYC, I think I only once or twice saw a morbidly obese person.

Taalnazi , Tony Alter Report

Final score:

239points

Demi Zwaan 3 years ago

My husband was morbidly obese when we went to Blizzcon in 2010 (a convention for gamers). We saw people who needed TWO chairs to sit down. My husband looked tiny compared to a lot of people there. We went to Walmart (cheap store that sells everything) and they sold XL shirts that were bigger than our 5XL for the same price as M/L clothes here. Same with pants. He got multiple new outfits for normal prices that would've cost a fortune here, simply because 'XL' is quite normal in the US.

68points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#6

The poverty. I had been to the US a lot, but always along the costal cities. Sure, I saw homeless people around LA and New York, but I’ve seen homeless people in Sweden too and figured it probably had to do with addiction or mental illness. Then a couple of years ago I decided to travel across the US. I started in Los Angeles, then Nevada and then just moved on throughout the southern parts of the country. There were places that looked like a third world country. Homes barely holding together, people with dirty clothes, just horrible horrible poverty that I’ve never ever seen in a developed country before.

Final score:

237points

Aaron W 3 years ago

They adore capitalism though. Sure we have no decent education or healthcare, no food or clothes, but as long as the corporations are making bank we are good.

121points

View More Replies...

View more comments

The Dutch redditor who created the thread in the first place shared their own experience with going to America for the very first time.

“I went to the US in 2014. We landed in San Francisco and had to rent a car. We thought, ‘We're in America, let's rent a big car.’ So we rented a ‘big’ car. Then we joined the I101 and we were the smallest car on the road... So with our redefined car, we went to the Golden Gate Bridge but we were hungry,” they wrote.

ADVERTISEMENT

#7

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them When I was a young child I went on holiday to Florida. I remember going to a museum and seeing a ‘non guns’ sign at the entrance. My mum has to explain to young me that in the US people regularly carried guns around, which blew my mind. Still does today.

Squidco-2658 , R Report

Final score:

216points

Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago

Blows most people's minds in almost every western country.

131points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#8

The prices. Deals were extreme. Like you would get 12 donuts for the price of 2.5 single ones. I didnt want to overpay for a single donut, but i couldnt eat 12. So i didnt bought anything.

Healthy stuff was 2x-3× the price Im used to. Unhealthy stuff was half the price.

BrunoBraunbart Report

Final score:

190points

Happy_Pandalover 3 years ago

yeah, healthy food is usually more expensive in almost any industrial country. but the price gaps are alot biggere in the us. it makes people with low income buy unhealthy food - exactly what the food industry wants us to do :(... that‘s a problem everywhere though

56points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#9

How hard it is to walk in smaller cities. Everything is designed around cars. Want to go to the mall across the street? There’s a 6 lane road, good luck crossing that! If you somehow manage to do it, you still have to cross a gigantic parking lot that is like 10% full.

superpauloportas Report

Final score:

189points

Aroha 3 years ago

My friend from Finland moved to the States and tried to keep up the habit of walking everywhere. She was regularly stopped by the police, or even worse, very dodgy men would stop their car and offer her a ride. Also some nice people stopped as they thought she needed help! I walk 10km per day, I could not imagine being tied to a car...

4points

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

“So we stopped at a diner. My brother ordered a burger and a small 7 Up. He got a liter of 7 Up. He wasn't even halfway and the waitress came to ask if he'd like a free refill (!). To quantify the bigness would be an insult of the bigly bigness that is the American lifestyle. Certainly a shock for me,” the redditor shared their experience and just how huge everything seemed once they arrived on the West Coast.

#10

Everything is sugary and sweet. I swear even bread was sugary instead of salty.

napaszmek Report

Final score:

188points

Sum Guy 3 years ago

I read an article sometime back that the Irish supreme court ruled that subway bread is too sweet to be classified as bread.

106points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#11

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them Any time I’m in the States I’m always shocked by the amount of homeless people. Especially in San Francisco and Los Angeless.

orangebikini , Sandra Cohen-Rose Report

Final score:

185points

Hans 3 years ago

Even worse, (mentally) ill homeless people. The lack of universal healthcare and homelessness seem to be closely connected.

101points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#12

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them Obligatory (not-really-but-yes-totally-obligatory) tipping

Panceltic , Tzuhsun Hsu Report

Final score:

176points

Samantha Power 3 years ago

Very obligatory, when I lived there an English friend of ours didn't tip well enough and the waiter followed him out into the street and asked if his service was poor. Can't imagine that happening in England. Friends would carry a tip calculator which would show exactly how much to leave.

60points

View More Replies...

View more comments

Plenty of people have heard a lot about American culture without having delved into the culture firsthand because of how prolific movies, TV shows, books, video games, and other forms of media from the US are. So it’s only natural that some individuals have a skewed understanding of how things in American society work, basing a lot of their knowledge on stereotypes.

ADVERTISEMENT

#13

I went to Miami for a day when I was 11. I was just so shocked and disgusted by the slums, the country acts like they’re so far ahead but their poverty is indescribable. Every country has their poor and underdeveloped areas, but wow man. Miami gave my system a shock.

myownfreemind Report

Final score:

170points

BusLady 3 years ago

So many people have poorly paying jobs, or they are unemployed, or they live on government assistance (which is not enough to live on). Also, this is usually rental housing owned by slumlords who don't keep the property up. I've lived in some awful places, but I'm at a nice place now.

40points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#14

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them People wear shoes inside their homes. So strange.

Tballz9 , tdr28 Report

Final score:

158points

Aski Markup 3 years ago

Ew.

35points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#15

Extremely sad to see people freak out about having to get medical attention and/or illness at work. Also going through the trouble of verifying my travel insurance indeed cover me in the states. I have been less concerned going into literal war zones.

LeBronzeFlamez Report

Final score:

152points

Tracy Willis 3 years ago

My jaw dropped when I first found out you have to pay for an ambulance in the US. Living in the UK we take it for granted that any medical care is free (well we do pay in taxes but way less than the US pay for one procedure)

2points

View more comments

But in reality, the United States is such a huge country that it wouldn’t be wrong to assume that even Americans can experience culture shock. Somebody going from the West Coast to the East Coast or from Texas to Minnesota might encounter a host of differences. Though one doesn’t have to travel far: just going to a metropolis or visiting the countryside is enough to show you that the way that you live might not be the norm elsewhere.

ADVERTISEMENT

#16

All the waste and no concern for the environment. It really irks me.

And how the 'greed is good' mantra has taught many people how they shouldn't give a sh*t about others.

ImFinePleaseThanks Report

Final score:

150points

BusLady 3 years ago

I live in the States, and I am shocked and outraged by all the littering. Why, just why? The waste of water is awful. Huge lawns that need to be watered every day. I've seen sprinklers watering sidewalks, and being run even when it is raining.

72points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#17

The loudspeaker announcements about how much we love the soldiers. What the hell? It sounds so fascist.

crackanape Report

Final score:

148points

Anthony Mann 3 years ago

As a Soldier, it always made me feel uncomfortable, when people said things like that, or looked at you like you were a hero. It was my profession, and one that I chose, so to be treated like a rock star made me feel very weird and conspicuous. I sometimes felt like it was over compensation for how Vietnam Vets were treated when they came home.

136points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#18

In hotel rooms: We didn't watch a lot of TV, but when we did, I was very taken aback by the amount of commercials. I watched Cartoon Network as a kid and I remember the screen faded to black and immediately back to whatever I watched like every 10 minutes maybe (usually during an exciting part, for dramatic effect). I realized those blackouts were meant for commercials, but my home country didn't do that.

And also commercials for booze. And just in general the intensity of them. Some were hilarious though.

thelotiononitsskin Report

Final score:

131points

Demi Zwaan 3 years ago

And the ads for medication. So weird! Ask your doctor about this medicine! Uhm, no? My doc tells me what I need, not the other way around...

97points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

Like other countries, the US is multifaceted. You’re as likely to find someone who’s willing to give you the shirt off their backs as someone who’s rude to you. Incredibly wealthy and startlingly poor? Check. Socially backwards (which can mean drastically different things depending on your point of view, of course) while also incredibly progressive/traditional? Double-check. It’s a country of contrasts. Like most (if not all) nations are.

#19

Said it before, and I’ll say it again. The gaps in toilet stalls.

I’d heard of them before I visited but they still shocked me. Literally like 2cm of space between the partitions, for literally zero reason at all. People can look right into the stall. Goodbye privacy! Why? Whyyyyyy? Baffling.

Rottenox Report

Final score:

131points

TV Junkie 3 years ago

I grew up in the US and can confirm that this is incredibly awkward. You never get used to it.

23points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#20

How religious the US is. Pretty much everyone attended a church and the churches were a big part of everyone's life. Weekly attendance was a thing. One of my teachers was very progressive (gay democrat philosophy phd literature teacher in a Bush worshipping area) and he was asked by his students about which church he attended. I felt that was weird thing to ask in the first place.

JoeAppleby Report

Final score:

125points

Kathryn Baylis 3 years ago

Just wait a generation or so. Church membership is dwindling at a pretty good pace, so the old Holy Rollers will go the way of the dinosaurs soon enough.

6points

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#21

So many overweight people. I'll see more alarmingly obese people in 15 minutes in an American airport than in a year living in Amsterdam

crackanape Report

Final score:

123points

Alexander Albon 3 years ago

Yep. Welcome to America. (no offense)

8points

View more comments

Nonetheless, there are certain features that make America, well, America. Founded on the ideas of liberty and justice for all, the United States very much values freedom of thought and expression, as well as the drive and ambition to succeed. After all, the pilgrims who were some of the first colonists escaped England because they were persecuted for their religion.

#22

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them I went to the US in 2014. We landed in San Francisco and had to rent a car. We thought: "we're in america, let's rent a big car" So we rented a "big" car. Then we joined the I101 and we were the smallest car on the road... So with our redefined car we went to the Golden Gate Bridge but we were hungry. So we stopped at a diner. My brother ordered a burger and a small 7up. He got a liter of 7up. He wasn't even halfway and the waitress came to ask if he'd like a free refill (!). To quantify the bigness would be an insult of the bigly bigness that is american lifestyle. Certainly a shock for me.

daleelab , Willis Lam Report

Final score:

122points

Ileana Sky Aviles 3 years ago

I gain 25lbs! Everytime I go I prepare for weight gain. Resturant portions can be shared between 2 people per plate! But oh so delicious!

22points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#23

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them The prices not including tax so you never know how much you're gonna pay because you can't multiply by 1.08875 in your head

Panceltic , Dan Keck Report

Final score:

121points

troufaki13 3 years ago

This is sooo annoying! And if you are in a restaurant is plus tax plus tip! Ugh!

44points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#24

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them Swiss are famous for the love of cheese and putting cheese on and in things, but America takes that to another level...even if the cheese is less good tasting. They think they have Swiss cheese, but what they call Swiss like a really sh*t version of Ementaller cheese. They are surprised that we have like 400+ kinds of cheese, none of which we call Swiss.

Tballz9 , Ioan Sameli Report

Final score:

120points

Cupcake168 3 years ago (edited)

Emmental is an area in Switzerland and the cheese they make there is called „Emmentaler“ (single L). It’s a trademark and a quality feature. Only the Origin Emmentaler is allowed to be named so. But obviously that’s only in Europe like that. US-Chesse has as much in common with Emmentaler as Trump with a Trumpet. Both can be made out of milk (Emmentaler MUST be made out of Milk) - both makes noises. that’s it.

17points

View more comments

However, that’s not to say that there’s no conformity in the US. Quite the opposite. It’s a very human part of our nature to seek out those who think like us, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that in America speaking out (especially on polarizing topics) isn’t always met with respectful listening.

#25

The amount of "fakeness" from people in the service industry: waiters, receptionists, bar staff, store employees etc

Everyone greets you with a fixed totally artificial smile, they speak in standard scripts, everything will be "their pleasure" and they will do it "for you". You just feel they are acting out a part but actually not listening to what you say and they certainly never do any of the things they promise. You just wish (a) they would start acting like human beings rather than pre-programmed service bots and (b) they would treat you like an actual human being rather than a visiting emperor.

prustage Report

Final score:

118points

BorPand8 3 years ago

The scripts and the big smiles are usually required by their employers, so it's not really their fault.

121points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#26

Flags. EVERYWHERE.

The portion sizes. The price of petrol is ridiculous.

Final score:

111points

BusLady 3 years ago

In Texas, you also see Texas flags and symbols EVERYWHERE. When I lived in Colorado, you only saw flags on public buildings, like City Hall, the Post Office, etc. And the American flag was displayed with the state flag. In Texas you will see the Texas flag displayed alone.

29points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#27

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them So many whackos around. People just standing in the middle of the pavement with a huge "Jesus is coming" sign or similar

Panceltic , frankieleon Report

Final score:

106points

Mz Phit 3 years ago

Ah, so they visited Tucson! (JK Old Pueblo, but you know it's true)

17points

View more comments

Friendly yet fierce, incredibly individualistic but still very tribal. That’s the US for you, representing some of the best and some of the worst qualities of the human experience. But what do you think, dear Pandas? What’s your experience with America and Americans been like?

#28

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them My experience was that Americans act or seem to be more friendly and personal. But it always feels like they don’t actually mean it. Don‘t get me wrong, I met great people in the US. But Europeans, especially Germans, seem to be more reserved at first or second contact.

BHJK90 , Cherrydeck Report

Final score:

100points

Samantha Power 3 years ago

I thought that. I did live in NYC for a while, not so friendly there, but good people once you get to know them.

17points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#29

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them How divided everything is. There are only extremes, no in between. I thought this was mostly the case on the internet.

On the drive from the in Florida airport I saw an "the NRA is a terrorist organization" billboard right next to one advertising semi automatic (assault) rifles.

I was also surprised how many churches there were in rural Florida. Most seemed to have advertising unlike anything here in Europe. Some seemed to wage war against each other.

_eg0_ , Fibonacci Blue Report

Final score:

99points

Dan Buczynski 3 years ago

We're moments away from civil war at any given moment.

46points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#30

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them Educational system sucks and is made to print money and throw the youth under the debt bus. Professions that don't make any sense to spend years in uni for (nurse for example) instead of doing an apprenticeship course.

iwysashes1 , COD Newsroom Report

Final score:

97points

Giovanna 3 years ago

Well, I dont think nurses dont need to study for their job! It's a university degree in Italy too, and for a good reason

13points

View more comments

#31

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them Extremely dirty and old public infrastructure - NY subway feels unsafe to use at times, some of the stations look like they're collapsing any minute now

Panceltic , Enrique Vázquez Report

Final score:

95points

Y T 3 years ago

Yeah, and also that the stations all look the same so you really have to be alert for when to get off.

22points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#32

How difficult it actually is/how much knowledge is required just to not get fat

Final score:

93points

BusLady 3 years ago

Too much availability of junk food and fast food. Ridiculously huge servings in restaurants. You always need a take home box for leftovers.

24points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#33

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them To be honest, the flag salut in school. I could not comprehend it. I had flashbacks to videos seen in history class.... Made me feel super uncomfortable.

radleafdog , Paul L Dineen Report

Final score:

91points

Hans 3 years ago

Great opportunity to waste time that could be used to learn, play or do anything else...saluting a piece of textile is just strange if you set aside the symbolic pathos of it.

29points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#34

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them Extreme friendliness to you when you're a customer. Too much in my opinion, it made me feel uneasy

Panceltic , ELEVATE Report

Final score:

90points

Samantha Power 3 years ago

I always remember that. Often I hadn't even had a bite of my food and the the waitress/waiter would be asking how I was enjoying it and chatting when I wanted to eat. It can be a bit overwhelming.

37points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#35

The sheer distance between everything and the fact that most americans consider an 8 hour drive no big deal

nobody0110101 Report

Final score:

90points

Kristal 3 years ago

Yeah, 8 hours can be done in a day, no problem :) I enjoy road trips though.

32points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#36

On the first night of my first trip to the USA we ended up in a restaurant where pretty much all the customers openly carried handguns. That was quite shock.

Final score:

89points

Steve Barnett 3 years ago

Replace 'shock' with 'unnerving'.

47points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#37

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them The water level in the toilets, I walked into 3 different cubicles in JFK that where all seemingly blocked, until I realised that in the states the water level in the toilets is much higher, like half the bowl, where as here in Europe theres just a bit of water at the bottom.

fruity_brown_sauce , Corey Balazowich Report

Final score:

88points

Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago

It is such a huge waste of water.

51points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#38

Homeless and drugs ins the street, it is incredible.
I feel like this is a deeply splitted society, either you serve or you are served. Or you die in the street.

dansmabenz Report

Final score:

88points

El Dee 3 years ago

Trump had the audacity to call another place a 'shithole country'

4points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#39

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them Strangers talked to me for no reason. I could be walking on the street and a total stranger would come up to me and say "nice jacket" or something similar.

DogsReadingBooks , Davidlohr Bueso Report

Final score:

84points

Samantha Power 3 years ago

I think that is a nice thing

113points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#40

I went for the first time in 1999, to Washington DC, it was the first time I had ever seen truly obese people, I grew up in Ireland and yes we had some overweight people but nothing comparable.

Final score:

80points

Sista of the moon 3 years ago

It’s true. Washington DC does have a lot of obese people.

3points

View More Replies...

View more comments

Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium

Unlimited content

Ad-free browsing

Dark mode

ADVERTISEMENT

#41

Went to Florida for 3 weeks. Asked for directions to a certain mall at the hotel. They said it's 2 miles up the road. I ask for the closest sidewalk (as they are far from standard) that could take me there and they look at me like I'm an idiot.

Receptionist: You can't walk there, its 2 miles! Me: Yes, and the sun is shining, what's the problem? Receptionist: But it's really far! Me: You said it was 2 miles, which means 3,2km to me, or did I get the conversion wrong? Receptionist: I dont know kilometers but I know it's too far to walk to the mall! Me: Okay. I'll try it and I'll tell you if it killed me.

Had a nice stroll and came back after a nice day out and about, she looked absolutely astounded

thewinberg Report

Final score:

35points

Sue Hazlewood 3 years ago

I walked back to my hotel in Las Vegas and was aware I was being followed so crossed the road (The Strip) to where there were more people. Got to my hotel and was in the reception area and the guy following me came in. He came up to me and asked if I was okay, I said yes why? Because he had never seen anyone walk so far before. It was only a km or two.

20points

View more comments

#42

The size of drinks in fast food restaurants is crazy, we were in Florida driving from Miami to Orlando and we stopped on the way to eat in Wendy's, I got a medium Coke and when it came I was shocked, it was literally the size of a bucket, it just goes to show why the obesity problem is so bad in the US.

AdamFinnegan03 Report

Final score:

32points

bryguy 3 years ago

Yesss! I did the same thing at Wendy's there as well, the medium is insanely massive! I didn't even get to see the "large" cups or fries but the medium fries seemed like something you'd order for the table to share anywhere else. Order a small anything at Wendys and it'll be similar to the large or XL options you are used to.

1point

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#43

A single coffee is like a liter and yet there's barely any coffee in it.

nemoxori Report

Final score:

31points

Nikki Sevven 3 years ago

Most places in the US serve coffee that's reminiscent of dish water. It's weak, bitter, and acidic. More like coffee-flavored water than actual coffee.

9points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#44

The weirdest thing for me were houses. They were, like huge, even in middle class people, with a huge front yard no one used but had to be perfect and tiny tiny backyard for the family. It was just a waste of space for me: you buy a land and use only a small part on it. Why a so big front yard?

Iseult-benoit Report

Final score:

31points

Nela Rothenbach 3 years ago

This is always something I don't understand. Huge front yards and front porches....If I owned a house I'd want a big garden and a deck behind the house.

18points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#45

The streets were generally wayyy more dirty and filthy than they are in Europe, and the amount of homeless people were downright depressing. Also the sizes of everything you ordered from restaurants were completely unhuman lol. Also the inefficiency was surprising, you could easily spend half an hour queueing in shops or supermarkets, even though there weren't even that many costumers

Hyonokokoro Report

Final score:

28points

BusLady 3 years ago

Most homeless people suffer from mental illness and/or substance abuse. It's a disgrace that our country does not provide the help that they need. It may be difficult for them to apply for help. There are long waiting lists, and a ton of paperwork.

10points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#46

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them Teens addressing adults by their first name. When the school bus driver invited my 16-yo self to "just call him Dave" I had no idea what to do with myself. It just wouldn't go through my throat.

Also, the over-the-top-friendliness in the service sector towards total strangers. Yeah, no wonder American's think we're gloomy and depressing, lol. The first time a shop assistant exclaimed "Hi!! How are you today??" looking as if the sun has just come into the store I had a minor panic attack because I thought we had met, she knew me and I was the asshole who forgot her. People criticize the American "fake friendliness" and the obligatory "fine" but I quite liked it if it wasn't turned up to 11, made everything seem smoother.

Agamar13 , Max Fischer Report

Final score:

27points

nanashi 3 years ago

man, every fibre of Asian in me will refuse to address someone older than me with their first name only. I don't think I can do it lol

5points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#47

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them My wife was shocked by all the open space, and how we horizontally fill much of it up with low, hastily built buildings. Strip malls and such. "It's like you have more space than you know what to do with." And it's true!

She was also astonished that you can drive through dozens, sometimes even hundreds of miles of wild empty nothingness, with nothing but the road you're driving on to indicate you're still in civilization.

ColossusOfChoads , daryl_mitchell Report

Final score:

27points

Nathan Pogorzala 3 years ago

We haven’t even scratched the surface. The open land where there are no people within miles and miles is my favorite part of America.

13points

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#48

I knew the public transit was pretty bad in most cities, but I didn't realize to what extent. I went to Orlando FL and stayed in the suburbs (not even that far out though) and the nearest public transport stop for getting to the city center was almost a 2h walk

pinedeer Report

Final score:

27points

Paul Davis 3 years ago

Cities used to have more public transportation but auto industry executives started bribing politicians in key roles in city governments to get rid of it.

14points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#49

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them In general, low price seems to be favored over high quality. An American will buy a 10 USD shovel a dozen times in his life.

Tballz9 , Ryan McFarland Report

Final score:

25points

Lorelai Dewrell 3 years ago

its not because we want too trust me we want nice things that last but we have no money and we cant afford the nice ones sometimes

5points

View more comments

#50

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them The size of food. And not just portions but like the size of chicken breasts in a supermarket and things like that.

FreeAndFair , Konrad Summers Report

Final score:

24points

Samantha Power 3 years ago

Huge portions everywhere especially in diners (do miss them though) often one meal was enough for one or two more. When I moved back to England it took me a year to adjust to English portions (often very small).

4points

View more comments

#51

The sheer amount of advertising and open display of patriotism felt very odd to me.

wurstsemmeln Report

Final score:

24points

Nikki Sevven 3 years ago

It feels very odd to most Americans too.

8points

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

#52

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them The country is vast and covers many different climates and biomes, yet it is also shockingly the same. One can be at the Wal-Mart in Juneau Alaska or Portland Maine and see the same products. The plazas contain the same stores, with only some regional variation. It is really weird how similar the feel of it all is...even when the people and landscape are different.

Tballz9 , Mike Mozart Report

Final score:

23points

Happy_Pandalover 3 years ago

i think it‘s fascinating how big and how different heach state is. I‘s like many little countries in one. Different climates, different cultures. But it‘s pretty common that supermarket chains will have the exact same look and products. Same in Europe. Each Aldi, Lidl, Carrefour etc. is the same in every country

8points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#53

The size of the portions was the most obvious culture shock, we were there with my mum and my then teenage brother who ate a lot. But on the second day we stopped ordering three portions and asked for two with an extra plate because we were absolutely unable to finish them.

curly_nerd Report

Final score:

23points

Samantha Power 3 years ago

I used to visit a famous diner in NJ. Even before the meal was served you were given hot cheese bread, a huge bowl of crudites, and a large bowl of soup. Then there was a huge meal followed by a huge slice of pie or cake.

4points

View more comments

#54

The need to do math at 2 AM in the morning while drunk to settle the bill. I don't want to stiff anybody for their earnings, but sales tax really adds to the confusion

Skaftetryne77 Report

Final score:

22points

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

#55

A/C. I visited New York in the summer, going from the hot streets and subway stations to the freezing indoors was a shock in its own right.

griselde Report

Final score:

22points

troufaki13 3 years ago

I hate A/C too!

8points

View more comments

#56

I havent been to an American airport that didnt suck. Also the queue to get through customs is a joke.

howunoriginal2019 Report

Final score:

22points

Stacy Beare 3 years ago

And the CBP (custom border patrol) are a bunch of arseholes.

6points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#57

The tap water tasted like pool water, that's how much chlorine there was in it. If it hadn't been for the fact that the water from a drinking fountain tasted the same, I'd have thought that it wasn't drinkable.

mcweaa217 Report

Final score:

22points

Y T 3 years ago

I'm also amazed that no one drinks the tap water.

3points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#58

That there seemed to be no normal restaurants like we have in Europe. It was either fast food or an expensive restaurant where you have to make a reservation.

Final score:

22points

Nikki Sevven 3 years ago

I'm not sure where you visited, but in my area, there are loads of small, locally-owned restaurants. In my small city alone, there's a Puerto Rican restaurant, a noodle shop, several Chinese restaurants, several Italian restaurants, etc. All casual dining and affordable.

7points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

#59

The blatant every day racism.

Like, I knew Americans were racist but it was just soo blatant and disgusting.

Final score:

22points

Happy_Pandalover 3 years ago

racism is a bad thing, no matter which place. i‘ve travelled alot and sadly people can be blatanly racist everywhere.

12points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#60

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them All my USA visits were for business purpose so I can only tell how insanely toxic is US working environment.

also as someone born and grown behind iron curtain, young stupid me idealised USA as country of freedom not as a country where people like to all aspects of their lives to be dictated and policed. The number of arrests in the US every year is something completely absurd to me.

and one more thing, I was told I should follow some urinal etiquette which means use every second one for no reason but I don't know if that was real or some sort of joke against me.

Heebicka , Alex Kotliarskyi Report

Final score:

20points

Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago

That's a urinal etiquette here in Australia too, unless there isn't that option. I don't know why I know this lol.

13points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#61

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them I was a 17yo french guy visiting California, I was mostly annoyed by how much people wanted to hug for no reason.

Chibraltar_ , Ricardo Moraleida Report

Final score:

20points

Mystery Egg 3 years ago

I find it so rude to just ignore someone's personal boundaries like that. I hug people I am intimate with. Nobody else. Ever.

10points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

#62

For a car centric country I found the roads to be bad (California / Nevada / Arizona). Even the worst countries in Europe are reasonable compared to there. The first trip in the rental car I thought the car was broken, but it was the highway.

Final score:

20points

Yugan Talovich 3 years ago

I remember driving from Long Island into NYC with a friend. The road surface was so bad that we joked it was defense against tanks.

6points

View more comments

#63

The vehicles are really big and most people are driving the kind of heavy truck/van mashups that normally I only see for the king's motorcade or something. How can they afford all that fuel?

crackanape Report

Final score:

20points

Steve Barnett 3 years ago

Because it's dirt cheap.

3points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#64

I went there for a semester and had to attend a bunch of sexual harassment education classes before classes started. Seemed like a way bigger cultural problem than in Europe.

pgomes95 Report

Final score:

20points

BusLady 3 years ago

Unfortunately, it IS a big problem. I can't understand why some men think women owe them something. Women are people, not toys.

24points

View more comments

#65

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them Americans are shockingly open and friendly. It is terrifying at first. The generally are lovely, but I can see why they think we are cold. It took me years to understand things like small talk between strangers. Many times when I first arrived I thought people might be mentally ill, cult members, or trying to set me up for a crime. lol.

Tballz9 , Andrea Piacquadio Report

Final score:

19points

Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago

I actually think it's kinda sad that people are shocked by friendliness.

15points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

Woman Refuses To Chip In For Babysitting Because She Doesn’t Even Have Kids, Asks If She’s A Jerk

Woman Refuses To Chip In For Babysitting Because She Doesn’t Even Have Kids, Asks If She’s A Jerk

Woman Refuses To Chip In For Babysitting Because She Doesn’t Even Have Kids, Asks If She’s A Jerk

“This Breaks My Heart”: People Stunned—And Angry—After Woman Buys Lost Luggage From Airport

“This Breaks My Heart”: People Stunned—And Angry—After Woman Buys Lost Luggage From Airport

“This Breaks My Heart”: People Stunned—And Angry—After Woman Buys Lost Luggage From Airport

#66

I was in San Francisco with my family a few years ago. At some point we stopped in a Hard Rock Cafe and I ordered what I thought would be a small brownie, and I got probably a dozen of brownies mashed into the biggest cup I’ve ever seen, along with a load of ice cream and chocolate on top; even by sharing it with everyone we didn’t finished it, and it was the same everywhere.

The size of the meals over there is ridiculous. Also the distance you can travel before finding any sign of life freaked me out a bit at first.

Final score:

19points

#67

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them Americans are very aggressive drivers. Courtesy for fellow motorists seems to not exist. Everyone everywhere goes considerably over the posted speed limit, even when police are present. I never figured out what the rush was or the reason for the "me first" attitude when driving. Perfectly friendly people turn into raving lunatics behind the wheel.

Tballz9 , Open Grid Scheduler Report

Final score:

18points

Badulesia 3 years ago

I'm not sure that this aggressive behavior is exclusive to US. Visit France ... :(

15points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

"I Didn't Start The Dryer": Karen Gets Taught A Lesson After Throwing Out Neighbor's Wet Clothes

"I Didn't Start The Dryer": Karen Gets Taught A Lesson After Throwing Out Neighbor's Wet Clothes

"I Didn't Start The Dryer": Karen Gets Taught A Lesson After Throwing Out Neighbor's Wet Clothes

Guy Divorced 3 Years Ago Drops Off 3 Y.O. With His Ex-Wife Completely Out Of The Blue

Guy Divorced 3 Years Ago Drops Off 3 Y.O. With His Ex-Wife Completely Out Of The Blue

Guy Divorced 3 Years Ago Drops Off 3 Y.O. With His Ex-Wife Completely Out Of The Blue

#68

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them Paying with a 5 dollar note and getting my change back in notes. It's weird to me that 1 dollar notes even exist.

Brainwheeze , Karolina Grabowska Karolina Grabowska Report

Final score:

18points

Paul Davis 3 years ago

Our government talks about issuing dollar coins to save the money it takes constantly printing new bills, but then fails to follow through by requiring vending devices all take them.

4points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#69

For me a very strange thing was that in the USA people share pizzas, I was with a group of US friends and they looked at me very strangely because I ordered my personal pizza, then I realized that everybody share their And it’s not common, since In Italy everybody have their own (only in rare circumstances like when ‘meters of pizza’ are purchased) I seemed rude but you know, I want my own pizzas ! Also tips, I needed 5-7 days to realize that it’s rude to pay ‘just’ the normal amounts in a restaurant

ItalianDudee Report

Final score:

18points

troufaki13 3 years ago

We share pizzas in Greece too

6points

View more comments

#70

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them We've been several times, but my first experience was when I was 15 and transiting through Houston to get back to the UK from visiting Mexico.

I think it was just the scale of everything that stuck with me at the time. We never left the airport, but the scale of the airport, the sheer size of everything (including the people I'm sorry to say) was enormous.

The size of the walkways, even the toilets were bigger. I was hungry so bought a slice of pizza, and I swear it was the size of a dinner-plate (although on reflection probably not).

I've gotten used to it over repeated trips and it doesn't phase me anymore - but the US certainly takes 'bigger is better' to the extreme.

gouplesblog , I am R. Report

Final score:

16points

Ileana Sky Aviles 3 years ago

Everything is huge in Texas! I was shocked at the size of the beer mugs!

4points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

“All Three Shot Out Pink”: Triplets' Baby Shower Turns Sour, Pregnant Wife Wants A Divorce

“All Three Shot Out Pink”: Triplets' Baby Shower Turns Sour, Pregnant Wife Wants A Divorce

“All Three Shot Out Pink”: Triplets' Baby Shower Turns Sour, Pregnant Wife Wants A Divorce

College Student Does Exactly As Told After Roommates Demand They Keep Their Stuff In Their Room

College Student Does Exactly As Told After Roommates Demand They Keep Their Stuff In Their Room

College Student Does Exactly As Told After Roommates Demand They Keep Their Stuff In Their Room

#71

The taxi driver asking me, a student driving to a cheap ass motel to stay over the night and earning 1/10 of his salary, to give him a tip after paying $40 for a taxi drive 15 minutes away from the airport.

OdiousRant Report

Final score:

16points

M O'Connell 3 years ago

In some cities, cab drivers have to pay a special fee (read: bribe) to be able to pick people up at the taxi stands at the airport.

3points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#72

The friendliness and openness of people. Visited the south and everyone talked, some invited me over. The curiosity and enthusiasm of people overwhelmed me haha.

Dutchcloggie1 Report

Final score:

16points

Sista of the moon 3 years ago

The south is wonderful.

4points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#73

Went to Chicago and was brought to a deep dish pizza place. We ordered a starter, it was breaded chicken and a gigantic portion of fries. Couldn't believe it. Barely made it through a slice of the pizza. My friend boxed up the leftovers, put them in the fridge. On Friday her and her husband would eat all the leftovers from the week.

Final score:

16points

Aroha 3 years ago (edited)

To be fair, cold pizza for breakfast is better than hot fresh pizza! :)

1point

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#74

Tipping is so annoying and I hate the fake friendliness that waiters put on. Americans are already nice enough, we shouldn't have to pay them to pretend to be even nicer

crackanape Report

Final score:

16points

Heather Atwood 3 years ago

TIPS stands for To Insure Proper Service and over across the pond, it started out as something you did BEFORE you ordered and that determined how much service you wanted (refills, quicker service etc). Most waitstaff only make $5-7/hour before tips, so it is important to them!

-1point

View More Replies...

View more comments

#75

Imperial measurement system. For a whole month I had to google convert everything to metric. A year later, I joined the military and most American Vehicles in our army were are using imperial measurement system and to this day this is something that annoys me

Constantine__G Report

Final score:

16points

Steve Barnett 3 years ago

As a UK citizen I’ve grown up with imperial/metric measurements. The UK has a mixture of both. Speed limit? In miles. Liquids? In litres. Inches, feet, centimetres or metres? Yep, we use both. We’re are still kinda stuck in that transition phase of really not knowing which one to use. It’s haphazard.

7points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#76

40 Foreigners That Visited The US Reveal What Was The Biggest Culture Shock For Them The feeling that everyone is out to squeeze you for just one more dollar. Granted, I've mostly visited touristy cities (NYC, Miami, LA, San Francisco, Las Vegas), so it might be different in more rural/less touristy areas, but it was all sorts of small things which built up to this feeling, and it made me more wary when I encountered people who seemed friendly, because I'd automatically assume they just wanted money from me. And pretty much everything came with a prize tag. So weird to drive into a national park and paying at a booth to enter.

kwowo , Adrian Scottow Report

Final score:

15points

Riani Kivela 3 years ago

It is less in rural areas. Right after I moved back to a small town in the Midwest after living in Washington DC, I was surprised when a guy at the grocery store started talking to me just to tell me the product I was looking at was on sale for $3 cheaper at a different nearby store. Had to reset my brain to get used to that again.

3points

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#77

When you're sitting down in a diner, somebody will constantly top up your glass with icy water. I mean thanks but it was December!

Panceltic Report

Final score:

15points

Triple-AAA battery 3 years ago

I honestly hate ice-water. Too cold for me

1point

#78

In clubs, partying, women would come up to you and start a conversation. Happened 0 times in 15 years of adulthood in Europe. Happened several times a night every time I was out in California.

Final score:

15points

Steve Barnett 3 years ago

It's the accent.

11points

View more comments

#79

Distance. No, you can't drive from NY to Florida for the weekend. A flight to California lasts about as long as your flight from Europe.

phoenixchimera Report

Final score:

15points

Happy_Pandalover 3 years ago

yes. you realize how big the us is. quite fascinating!

5points

View more comments

#80

My biggest shock was how small the statue of liberty was because when I saw it on TV I thought it would look completely different. Also beaches in California are not filled with models that will make you feel like you are in heaven. Of course dress code in Walmart or shops in general and morbid obesity. Also seeing an automatic rifle being carried by someone.

ShyHumorous Report

Final score:

15points

BusLady 3 years ago

Visit peopleofwalmart.com. I'm afraid that someday I will see myself on there.😂

4points

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#81

I experienced the biggest culture shock when my uncle and I went to get money at a drive through ATM. That's when I realized that Americans truly do anything with their cars

Nico_Th_ Report

Final score:

15points

Anthony Mann 3 years ago

We have drive-thru liquor stores. Why?

1point

View More Replies...

View more comments

#82

One thing that still seems to surprise me on every trip is the amount of open space once you leave the cities. Drive an hour from any city and you're pretty much in the middle of nowhere.

Final score:

14points

Aaron W 3 years ago

Lol try Australia. If you leave the cities without taking water, you die.

20points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#83

Fat wildlife everywhere was sad, junk food pouring out of bins.
Amazing nature but cafes everywhere. Getting donuts at the top of pikes peak. Employee says 'we had to get a special donut fryer because of the altitude, they won't cook properly in a regular one'. Why get a special fryer though?!

Final score:

14points

Morna Bibbw 3 years ago

Omg!! My mom's friend ran the gift shop on Pikes Peak for years.

3points

View more comments

#84

I am 30 years old,look older. Went to a pub after work, dressed smart as your average office worker. Still got asked for an ID when I ordered a beer. Felt so awkward.

BlueEmpathy Report

Final score:

14points

Pappy West 3 years ago

Yep, saw a sign behind a bartender once that said "I would card my own mother." The bartenders are not stupid, they are trained to avoid liability by asking everyone, regardless of their obvious age. If a patron leaves a bar intoxicated and kills someone with their car, the bartender or server is often prosecuted or sued, along with the perpetrator. It also depends on the state, but here in beautiful Tennessee I get carded buying beer at the grocery...and I'm 71 y-o. It's just avoidance of liability in the most litigious society on the planet.

6points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#85

Depends on what state. In California i was surprised at how many homeless there were and that we couldn't drink the tap water. In Tennessee i was surprised how involved parents were in their kids lives. Even after turning 18 they are still considered kids as long as they live with their parents. It's like "as long as you live under our roof you will follow our rules". I also noticed how present the cops are everywhere

more9898 Report

Final score:

13points

Katchen 3 years ago

We can drink the tap water in California.

4points

#86

The open and friendly mentality of the people. People were always helpful and polite. Being a 15 y.o. teenager and called "sir" by the people felt very good :D

Everydaysceptical Report

Final score:

12points

#87

There's this fast food chain, called Sonic. It's basically a drive-in restaurant. Looks like a gas station, where you order from screens where the gas pumps would be. You get your order delivered to your car, where you eat it. It's not a drive through, you stay in the parking lot, you just don't need to leave your car for a single moment.

birotriss Report

Final score:

12points

Morna Bibbw 3 years ago

That's more of a nostalgia thing. Drive up restaurants were really a thing in the 50s and 60s. I remember going to a few when I was a little kid in the early seventies. And sometimes they would wear roller skates when delivering your food.

20points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#88

How strangely old fashioned the lorries/trucks looked compared to European ones. Very strange to see them chugging around NYC with their massive bonnets.

thelaurasaurus Report

Final score:

12points

Steve Wilson 3 years ago

European trucks are all cab-overs due to length restrictions for the entire vehicle. The US loosened those restrictions years ago so bonnets are back as the standard here. European roads, narrower than those in the US & with more extreme turns, still require using cab-overs with short wheel bases.

3points

View more comments

#89

On our last trip to the US, our car rental didn't have the car we had pre-booked available anymore.

They asked if a brand new Dodge Viper would be ok.

YES, IT IS VERY MUCH OKAY, said we, with the excitement of the innocent.

...and then we had to drive at speed limits of 60 and 70mph (~95 and 110Kph), on loooong straight streches of open road 😢.

Why. Why deposit such a toy unto our hands if you're not allowed to drive faster than a dying slug. WHY

SerChonk Report

Final score:

11points

BusLady 3 years ago

Well, it's not the Autobahn. 60-70 is not slow.

11points

View more comments

#90

The thing I found really weird about dating was that people would have the "conversation". So you could just being dating/having-sex with multiple people, but until you had the "conversation" there was no indication of monogamy. This was in the early 2000s so perhaps things have changed.

I found the American attitude to sex much less romantic in some ways, which had it's positive and negative aspects. Of course, this is generalising over a huge country from a very small sample.

strahlungsfluss Report

Final score:

11points

Y T 3 years ago

Yeah, I feel it's weird to date several people at the same time and that's totally fine with everybody until you decide to "be exclusive". I don't want the dude I'm dating dating ten other women. Just figure out fast if you like this person or not, if you don't just find someone else to date.

5points

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#91

Our waitress in the 230-FIFTH Bar in Manhattan INSULTED us ("jerks!") when we declined to tip her because the service was really bad. She actually came running after us ("Guys, you forgot the tip!"), when my friend turned around and told her: "30 minutes no service: no tip". I've never seen a waiter/waitress being pissed, but she was so pissed and had us almost thrown out after calling us names.

CeterumCenseo85 Report

Final score:

11points

Nikki Sevven 3 years ago

If you're a terrible server, you don't deserve to be tipped, though. Ignoring your customers for 30 minutes is being a terrible server.

11points

View more comments

#92

I was not shocked but surprised how dirty the public buildings (like airport) were and how low-quality (doors, floors, windows) everything in buildings (including plumbing and electric installations in private buildings). Sizes in general weren't as large as i had expected, especially cars were much smaller than I thought.

ncendium Report

Final score:

10points

dev mehta 3 years ago

Nowadays, cars in North America are probably same size as in Europe

0points

View more comments

#93

I guess just how grey and industrial everything looked and felt. All those buildings towering over me like that was just so intimidating. I mean, I have seen it all in movies and shows of course, but those just can't convey exactly how it feels to actually be there.

ItsAPandaGirl Report

Final score:

9points

Noemie Houtekie-N'Da 3 years ago

Excuse me where were you? Most of America is incredibly beautiful. For example, take trip from Flagstaff Arizona to Phoenix. It’s gorgeous.

2points

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#94

How massive the roads were and the fact that lane discipline does not exist. Ordinary roads with six lanes which is basically a motorway in the UK. The lack of roundabouts and everything built on a grid means you have to stop at a four way junction every couple of hundred metres. People waiting when the lights have turned green. In UK, if it’s green you go.

PasDeTout Report

Final score:

9points

Spork420 3 years ago

Occasionally these roundabout things pop up somewhere, and we Americans loathe these things.

4points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#95

Next time went to Nashville, entirely different story. Biggest difference I noticed was traffic and transportation. So many cars, huuuge parking lots everywhere, virtually impossible to get anywhere on foot or by bus. And the hotel was something that could never happen in Europe either.

BrickJoke Report

Final score:

8points

#96

ACs protruding from every single house, with special protection metal grids mounted around them.

ColourlessGreenIdeas Report

Final score:

8points

Anthony Mann 3 years ago

Only the high crime areas have those metal bars. A lot of houses and apartments in the US have central air and heat.

3points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#97

How large/big everything is. Wide roads, enormous interchanges, food/drink portion sizes (!), cars bigger than tractors at home

Panceltic Report

Final score:

7points

#98

Bagged milk. Who puts milks in bags?! I knew that the canadians did it, but apparently the cheese eating Wisconsinites are part of this madness as well!

HuntingRunner Report

Final score:

3points

Kira 3 years ago

Well, we Russians here put milk (not all of it though) in bags (not our weirdest quality ;-)), along with other dairy products, like kefir or sour cream... Here one can even buy a jug-like plastic thingy to store one's opened milk bag in upright position and prevent it from spilling all over one's fridge)

1point

View more comments

Jonas Grinevičius

Storytelling, journalism, and art are a core part of who I am. I've been writing and drawing ever since I could walk—there is nothing else I'd rather do. My formal education, however, is focused on politics, philosophy, and economics because I've always been curious about the gap between the ideal and the real. At work, I'm a Senior Writer and I cover a broad range of topics that I'm passionate about: from psychology and changes in work culture to healthy living, relationships, and design. In my spare time, I'm an avid hiker and reader, enjoy writing short stories, and love to doodle. I thrive when I'm outdoors, going on small adventures in nature. However, you can also find me enjoying a big mug of coffee with a good book (or ten) and entertaining friends with fantasy tabletop games and sci-fi movies.

Storytelling, journalism, and art are a core part of who I am. I've been writing and drawing ever since I could walk—there is nothing else I'd rather do. My formal education, however, is focused on politics, philosophy, and economics because I've always been curious about the gap between the ideal and the real. At work, I'm a Senior Writer and I cover a broad range of topics that I'm passionate about: from psychology and changes in work culture to healthy living, relationships, and design. In my spare time, I'm an avid hiker and reader, enjoy writing short stories, and love to doodle. I thrive when I'm outdoors, going on small adventures in nature. However, you can also find me enjoying a big mug of coffee with a good book (or ten) and entertaining friends with fantasy tabletop games and sci-fi movies.

Austėja Akavickaitė

Austėja is a Photo Editor at Bored Panda with a BA in Photography.

Austėja is a Photo Editor at Bored Panda with a BA in Photography.

What do you think ?

Pungent Sauce 3 years ago

Is it just me or is “How shocked people are by America/Americans” becoming a bi-monthly feature here on BP?

68points

Heather Pobicki 3 years ago

It seems weekly now, getting real old. We're too patriotic, our toilet stalls have gaps, we're fat, stupid, we all need cars...there saved everyone 5 minutes.

69points

Load More Replies...

Mina Minx 3 years ago

The us vs them thing is definitely getting old.

27points

Big 3 years ago

No matter what we do, we are going to be bashed by the non-Americans. What I'd love to see is a post where people post the positive things they experienced in America.

14points

Omag 3 years ago

First thing that came to my mind. Ive seen post a lot now. Im not even American and this is becoming annoying!

8points

Aileen 3 years ago

Remember that post featuring a tiktok from an American sharing "culture shock" experiences when she went to Italy? Mostly positive things right? Now there's "culture shock" from people visiting America. Every story is negative.

4points

Julie C Rose 3 years ago

It's very much not just you. It's lazy content, and I say this as a non-American myself.

4points

Noemie Houtekie-N'Da 3 years ago

Annoying as heck. America has some surprising but it’s a generally cool country. Honestly other countries are crazy too.

4points

Luthor 3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

tuzdayschild 3 years ago

Yay!!! Another America bashing post. Just what I've been waiting for!

50points

Noemie Houtekie-N'Da 3 years ago

Are you being sarcastic?

3points

Load More Replies...

Heather Mullen 3 years ago

Makes a change from everybody insisting everything in Australia wants to kill you, it doesn't.

0points

Luthor 3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Kristin Ingersoll 3 years ago

YAY!!!! Your daily dose of "Amerians are stupid and fat!!!!" I don't even have to read this crap to know exactly what's on this list. Americans eat too much. Tipping is terrible. We're too friendly and the country is big. YAWN.

34points

Thomas Kanonym 3 years ago

you forgot "...and if you survive getting shot by either a psycho or the police , you'll die homeless on the street after not being able to pay the hospital $2.000.000 for saving your life"

1point

Load More Replies...

Load More Comments

Pungent Sauce 3 years ago

Is it just me or is “How shocked people are by America/Americans” becoming a bi-monthly feature here on BP?

68points

Heather Pobicki 3 years ago

It seems weekly now, getting real old. We're too patriotic, our toilet stalls have gaps, we're fat, stupid, we all need cars...there saved everyone 5 minutes.

69points

Load More Replies...

Mina Minx 3 years ago

The us vs them thing is definitely getting old.

27points

Big 3 years ago

No matter what we do, we are going to be bashed by the non-Americans. What I'd love to see is a post where people post the positive things they experienced in America.

14points

Omag 3 years ago

First thing that came to my mind. Ive seen post a lot now. Im not even American and this is becoming annoying!

8points

Aileen 3 years ago

Remember that post featuring a tiktok from an American sharing "culture shock" experiences when she went to Italy? Mostly positive things right? Now there's "culture shock" from people visiting America. Every story is negative.

4points

Julie C Rose 3 years ago

It's very much not just you. It's lazy content, and I say this as a non-American myself.

4points

Noemie Houtekie-N'Da 3 years ago

Annoying as heck. America has some surprising but it’s a generally cool country. Honestly other countries are crazy too.

4points

Luthor 3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

tuzdayschild 3 years ago

Yay!!! Another America bashing post. Just what I've been waiting for!

50points

Noemie Houtekie-N'Da 3 years ago

Are you being sarcastic?

3points

Load More Replies...

Heather Mullen 3 years ago

Makes a change from everybody insisting everything in Australia wants to kill you, it doesn't.

0points

Luthor 3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Kristin Ingersoll 3 years ago

YAY!!!! Your daily dose of "Amerians are stupid and fat!!!!" I don't even have to read this crap to know exactly what's on this list. Americans eat too much. Tipping is terrible. We're too friendly and the country is big. YAWN.

34points

Thomas Kanonym 3 years ago

you forgot "...and if you survive getting shot by either a psycho or the police , you'll die homeless on the street after not being able to pay the hospital $2.000.000 for saving your life"

1point

Load More Replies...

Load More Comments

You May Like

51 Safest Places To Travel Right Now

Larysa Perih

“Commit Some Crimes, Go To Prison”: 40 People Share Where They Would Move To If Given The Chance

Jonas Zvilius

The Best Travel Shows To Fulfill Your Wanderlust Needs

Viltė Domkutė

Back to Homepage

More about Travel

Related on Bored Panda

Related on Bored Panda

Word Search

WordroW

Jigsaw

Crossword

Sudoku

Picdoku

Killer Sudoku

Kriss Kross

Word Flower

Trending on Bored Panda

Also on Bored Panda