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Cultures are a thing. And they’re all unique in their own ways.

Hence, it’s only normal that someone outside of a particular culture would find some things odd about it—or at the very least interesting.

AskReddit is at it again, asking non-Americans who had been to the US what they thought was the weirdest thing about America that Americans don’t realize it’s weird.

Bored Panda has recently covered this topic in another article, so be sure to check it out once you’re done with this one. And while you’re down there, why not vote and comment on the submissions you like the most!

#1

Foreigners Share 30 Of The Weirdest Things About The US That Americans Don’t Even Realize Tax. I find it annoying how in America tax is added after you check at the cashier. In Australia tax is included in the price, e.g if the price says $6.00 you pay $6. But in America if it costs $6.00 it's actually $6.07 or something. Idk I just have found it a nuisance.

im_no_W0LF , Jeramey Jannene Report

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    #2

    Foreigners Share 30 Of The Weirdest Things About The US That Americans Don’t Even Realize Now that Thanksgiving and Christmas is over:

    The weirdest thing is that Americans will ask what you are doing for thanksgiving. Are you going to your family etc... When you say no. They invite you to their home.

    (I was a student, My family was thousands of miles away, and I'm happy that the local Cracker Barrel is open and looking forward to a meal there)

    My Professor did that. Invited me to his home. I had a good time, but it was strange. I'm meeting his uncles and aunts. and one little girl threw a tantrum, I had to take her to calm her down etc...

    It was weird. But also wonderful. In my country things like this would never happen. You don't bring a stranger to a family event.

    But I'm thankful things like this happen here.

    tinkrman , Brian Black Report

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    Foxxy (The Original)
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When I was younger I thought thanksgiving was what the Americans called Christmas Eve. It wasn’t til I was older that I found out Thanksgiving is like a month before. I do have a question for the Americans, do you eat the traditional turkey on Christmas Day as well as thanksgiving or vice versa etc?

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    #3

    Foreigners Share 30 Of The Weirdest Things About The US That Americans Don’t Even Realize How your medical ads show an old guy living life well because of X-drug. He has the best time, the wife is having the best time and it's all because of the drug making things better.

    The end of the ad is full of warnings about how this happy drug can potentially kill you and your family, nuke your dog and make cats impotent.

    Recap the cliff-hanger episode of life in Alaska before another ad break.

    Unwatchable TV

    bodhan40 , CommercialsUSA Report

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    J. F.
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We in Germany have the same adverts - just the mention that we should ask our doctors or pharmacist for the risks at the end

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    #4

    How much power your employer has over you. They can fire you at will, dictate that you work overtime, mandate that you take a drug test at will... the power balance between employer and employee in NZ is very different...

    muncherofhay Report

    #5

    Foreigners Share 30 Of The Weirdest Things About The US That Americans Don’t Even Realize Flags. Everywhere. It’s not as if you’re likely to forget where you are!

    who-wasi , Jim Winstead Report

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    #6

    The concept of pharmaceutical advertisements. Your doctor is supposed to recommend drugs to you, not the other way around.

    handouras Report

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    backatya
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We don't like the commercials of large companies trying to sell us their drugs on TV either. But you can't tell the doctor to prescribe you a drug unless he feels you need it. It's just a choice from other drugs when you know what drug you need.

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    #7

    Foreigners Share 30 Of The Weirdest Things About The US That Americans Don’t Even Realize Americans are super friendly to the point that I (Australian) thought it was sarcasm or fake.

    dinosaur-pudge , Insights Unspoken Report

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    Foxxy (The Original)
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Really? I find Australia is pretty friendly too. I walk along the street and most of the time people will say good morning/afternoon. You drive in the country and people will wave, you get greeted by checkout operators etc.

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    #8

    Foreigners Share 30 Of The Weirdest Things About The US That Americans Don’t Even Realize I went to seaworld with my mum when I was in my mid teens. Halfway through the show, the performer (Not the whale) asked everybody in the military to stand up and the whole crowd gave them a round of applause. They sat back down and the show continued as if nothing had happened. Couldn't imagine anything similar happening back in Blighty.

    Edit: this was at Seaworld, Orlando not San Diego. Roughly 2003/4

    Daverotti , woolennium Report

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    #9

    Foreigners Share 30 Of The Weirdest Things About The US That Americans Don’t Even Realize Everything in America is huge. I don't just mean the people or portion sizes, because we all know about that- but the roads, the buildings, the ceilings, the space between everything... America is gigantic. It just feels larger than it does here. I'm Australian but I've been to Asia and size-wise it's similar to Australia, and I've seen Europeans say the same about America. Everything is bigger.

    betterthansteve , Chris Lawrence Report

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    N G
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We honeymooned in Florida. The hotel apartment had a bigger floor space than our entire two-bed house! ETA: we live in the North of England for comparison's sake.

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    #10

    Foreigners Share 30 Of The Weirdest Things About The US That Americans Don’t Even Realize Free refills. Went to a restaurant with my dad (both German) and all of a sudden the waiter took away my drink with another perfectly good sipp in it and I must have looked pretty shocked. It was only then when my dad explained to me that you guys have free refills.

    AnLe21 , Mike Mozart Report

    #11

    Foreigners Share 30 Of The Weirdest Things About The US That Americans Don’t Even Realize Legal drinking age at 21 it’s really weird especially at age 18 people consider u as an adult.

    rachelxie888 , Steven Miller Report

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    Truth Monster
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, most Americans don't really understand it either. You can be handed a weapon and told to kill someone in the military, but nooooo, pweese no drinky.

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    #12

    Complimenting strangers. When I visited the US I went to an amusement park and a girl complimented my glasses and that was my first time getting complimented and at the same amusement park a senior lady complimented my dad for having a beautiful family and a handsome son (lol me). I was really happy that day.

    ItzMeRzx Report

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    Foxxy (The Original)
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It brightens my day when randoms compliment me too. Just yesterday someone complimented my son and said he has such beautiful eyes. Best compliment I ever got was a woman telling me that I’ve got this and I am doing a good job even though I was a sobbing mess because my son was being difficult in the middle of the footpath.

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    #13

    Waste. Especially of food.

    I've seen half of a large pizza thrown in the garbage, simple as that. Broke something? Don't even bother fixing it, just throw it into the bin and buy another.

    I once went to a show in Broadway, they had special themed cups for the Phantom of the Opera show that you could purchase. They were made of glass. Some of the theater bought it, consumed it, and just left it there. They didn't even bother taking it home as a souvenir. They saw it, had the urge to buy it, and just did it.

    That's something insane for me.

    checkyourlogicmate Report

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    Samantha PandaNotBored
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’d of collected all their unwanted ones, bought them home washed them up and be very proud of myself 🤣

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    #14

    Foreigners Share 30 Of The Weirdest Things About The US That Americans Don’t Even Realize On behalf of my wife “what’s up with the gaps in the toilet stall doors and no bidet?”

    Inaka_ , Forest Service, Eastern Regional Report

    #15

    In Germany "How are you?" is an actual question and you generally only ask it, if you know the other person. It was super hard to explain to my mum that the answer is always "fine, thank you" and that cashiers don't really care about how you actually feel, when we visited the US in 08.

    Wished-this-was-easy Report

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    Paul Budhram
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    yeah we just say "good". If we don't then they get alarmed... only is they know us tho

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    #16

    Some European told me that it’s crazy how restaurants are loud and busy and how people eat quick and leave. For him it was normal to sit around and talk for an hour or more after eating in a restaurant.

    Ashtronica2 Report

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    Foxxy (The Original)
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would hate to be rushed whilst eating my meal. It’s completely normal to sit down and chat whilst having you meal, we take our time and socialise.

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    #17

    Foreigners Share 30 Of The Weirdest Things About The US That Americans Don’t Even Realize American that just traveled overseas. I went to a great bookstore in Edinburgh and the cashier asked if I wanted to sign up for a rewards membership. This led to a conversation about how their CEO or something just took over Barnes and Noble in the States. I stated the closest B&N to me is an hour away, and the other cashier jumped in, saying how easy it is to forget how far apart things are in the States. He was just kind of baffled and said it often blows his mind. I moved 13 hours away from my hometown and I still manage to be in the same country, which seems like a foreign concept for most Europeans. When, in reality, I could have moved even further away and still been in the US.

    suomihobit , Mike Kalasnik Report

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    Foxxy (The Original)
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You can drive for few days to a week in Australia and still be in the same country. Our country is about the size of the US. It will take approx 60 hours (without stopping) to drive from one side of Australia to the other.

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    #18

    Foreigners Share 30 Of The Weirdest Things About The US That Americans Don’t Even Realize Clearly the fact that there are people to put your groceries in a bag for you, I’ve never been so stressed and uncomfortable that while I was watching this young girl taking care of my groceries

    alicebaguette , West Seattle Herald Report

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    Truth Monster
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is not common in my area of the US. You bag your own while the cashier glares at you.

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    #19

    Foreigners Share 30 Of The Weirdest Things About The US That Americans Don’t Even Realize Not necessarily weird but I've been here five years and I still can't get used to people replying to "thank you" with "uh huh". To me it sounds/feels like I'm thanking them and their response is "yes that is correct, you should thank me".

    InternetWeakGuy , Nate Bolt Report

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    Samantha PandaNotBored
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Knowing me, I’d think they didn’t hear me correctly and say it again 🙈🙆🏼‍♀️

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    #20

    For context: I'm from The Netherlands. The weirdest thing for me was a drive through liquor store. And a drive through ATM. In fact, it was the realization that Americans do everything by car.

    My wife went to Philadelphia for work about ten years ago and wanted to walk from the hotel to the Target store across the street. People thought she was crazy.

    robvdgeer Report

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    Commander Rex
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well take into consideration that it’s Philadelphia, we do weird crazy stuff all the time. A man stole an ambulance, got shot at by cops, got tazed, and at last, arrested.

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    #21

    Foreigners Share 30 Of The Weirdest Things About The US That Americans Don’t Even Realize Someone from my country who lives in USA told me that without a car you are crippled in America.

    Edit: this is just an observation, not criticism.

    The point of that person was that a car in US is a necessity, not a luxury or extravagance or a status symbol or sth.

    And a lot of people buy second hand or used cars coz they are cheaper.

    [deleted] , Greg Walters Report

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    Truth Monster
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Most of America's infrastructure was built for or with the expectation that people would be using cars.

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    #22

    Foreigners Share 30 Of The Weirdest Things About The US That Americans Don’t Even Realize Car dealerships have huge flags. I don’t get why you’d have a flag the size of ten RVs.

    So many roads don’t have street lights.

    Not weird, but portion sizes are also huge. I struggled with finishing my food sometimes.

    linerys , Michel Curi Report

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    Your_local_introvert
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    With the portion size thing (which is one of the things people tend to find odd about the US) a lot of us like the larger portions because we can bring home the leftovers to eat on busy days where there isn't much time to make supper.

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    #23

    For me as British bloke who only travelled for 6 weeks in the US:

    Your public transport is largely poor but everything is built for cars and your cars are big.

    You advertise not businesses but personalities a lot. So it’s not that KGH Estate Agents will well your property but MARY HUGHTON WILL PERSONALLY SELL YOUR HOUSE (with a big picture of her face).

    Random people will talk to you. I’m a Londoner so it is different up north in the UK but especially when I got to the southern states people were so happy to talk to random strangers.

    You guys actually sit at the bar in bars. When we go to a pub/bar, we’ll go with friends and rarely interact outside of that group really. You guys jump up at that bar and just start chatting.

    Where homelessness is visible it’s bloody awful. San Francisco was horrible for this, me and my (now) wife ended up making a load of extra spag bowl to give to the homeless people outside our hostel because it was shocking to us.

    If I think of anymore I’ll add them but it’s Christmas Day and I should probably talk to my family.

    OIiver Report

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    Commander Rex
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In the south a lot of people are very polite, wE nOrThErNErS call it southern hospitality, idk if anybody else calls it that but we do.

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    #24

    Foreigners Share 30 Of The Weirdest Things About The US That Americans Don’t Even Realize Canadian here, canadas fast food restaurants have signs that fairly normal height, just enough to get the point across while not being obnoxious, cross over to the usa and within 5 seconds of leaving customs you can see fast food signs hundreds of feet in the air on giant poles. 2 - 3 times taller than here in Canada, why!? also finding peanut butter and jelly swirled into the same jar was shocking.

    rustyplayer1515 , JJBers Report

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    S T
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm from America, whoever had that jar of peanut butter and jelly is currently being deported, we do not accept them.

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    #25

    Foreigners Share 30 Of The Weirdest Things About The US That Americans Don’t Even Realize When we were flying between cities, I found it weird to look out of the side of the plane and see towns midflight. In Australia, once you leave the city's airspace the landscape is completely barren until you arrive at your destination.

    victimsoftheemuwars , Shelby L. Bell Report

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    Foxxy (The Original)
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That’s because the further you go inland the more un-inhabitable and barren it becomes.

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    #26

    Foreigners Share 30 Of The Weirdest Things About The US That Americans Don’t Even Realize Ranch; it is somehow both delicious and revolting. And changes which with every mouthful.

    Kiki200490 , Larry Hoffman Report

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    Samantha PandaNotBored
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Never tasted it. What’s it taste like. I haven’t seen it in the UK . I probably wouldn’t buy it either way 🙈

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    #27

    European here, to me what was surreal was how openly they talk about guns and how many they have at home.

    Also I took an uber for what 5-10 mins to get back to the hotel and the lady driving me super casually told me about how when she was a child in the compton area, she'd be playing outside, lie to the ground when there was a drive by then just continue playing

    TractoJohn Report

    #28

    The rituals for paying after food.

    Call server ask for bill Wait Server brings bill, put card down Wait Server takes care and bill away Wait Server brings back copy, you add tip Get up and leave.

    In NZ Finish meal, go to front of the restaurant and pay then leave (no tip)

    frogsbollocks Report

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    Foxxy (The Original)
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In most places in Australia (SA) you go to the counter, order your meal and pay it as well as your drinks then you sit down and wait for your drinks and food to be served, eat and then leave. Also no tip.

    Sasy
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not sure where Foxxy but in NSW restaurants and cafes you sit, you order, you eat you pay. Occasionally you order and sit, but that has never been common here, as it is less likely to add on if already finalised.

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    lara
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some restaurants do that, some you pay up front. The "nicer" the restaurant, the bill is delivered to you.

    Remi Flynne
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Exactly this. People will have a different experience in fast, family, fine dining restaurants. That's not country specific. That is restaurant type and style specific.

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    Marik
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In germany: 1st option would be: server asks how you're going to pay (cash/card) - leave - bring back a mobile card-reader if needed - you pay - you get receipt - done. 2nd option you walk up to the cashier - tell your name/table nr - pay (cash/card). ---- Tips are optional and must be announced before paying, for the server/cashier to type it in. ---- no cashier will touch your card, nevertheless walk away with it, without your direct & clearly announced consent.

    InfectedVoice
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm not letting anyone disappear with my card, are you mad? You bring the card reader to me or I come to the counter and pay.

    tom t
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A lot of food service workers are paid a "food service worker" minimum wage which can be 1/4 of the minimum wage for other workers. A lot of food service workers main income is from tips. I think it's criminal for any business not to pay it's workers a wage that is not livable.

    Monty Is Fiennes
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When you are not required to tip the server... and they give exceptional service.... feel free to give a financial compliment...sometimes you are financing dreams and hardwork...

    Matt Gilliam
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I actually had a conversation with a waitress a few months ago. She explained a lot to me about how her life was going. She didn't really have much. She was 19 with a baby and a the baby's dad hit the road as soon as he found out she was pregnant. She wanted to go to school. I tipped her 50 dollars. A way to give to somebody without the "insult" of it being a handout. I was out the door before she could notice how big the tip was and protest.

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    H.L.Lewis
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wait staff get paid below minimum wage here. So tipping. Totally ludicrous.

    Ginny Swart
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    New Zealand waiters must be paid really well! Most here dont get a living wage and rely on your tips which are usually 10% of the bill

    Fixin'Ta
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Visited NZ in 2016 and was COMPLETELY confused by that! It took my adult son and I a couple of restaurant visits before we realized you don't have to wait for the server to come do all the rigamarole. You just walk up front, slide your card into the reader (we were just beginning to get those for the customer in the US, so that was weird, too), and go on your merry way. We got very used to that in our two weeks there. Wish it was that way here in the States.

    Siah avis
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Same here in Sweden. I was hesitant not to leave a tip the first time then I realized there isn't even a way for me to leave it. Everyone is paid well, they don't need it. I love that

    Donny Cromwell
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Many parts of America you can't live off a hourly wage in the food service industry. Most of the time servers are underpaid and making less than the minimum wage because they are supposed to be getting tips, but it is not required to tip. They're income is really coming from you in tips.

    Just Pam
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Servers in the US are not payed a living wage (generally around $2.35/hr and even if they are guaranteed minimum wage, it's only around $8/hr in the Midwest) so they depend on tips to survive.

    Kat Hoth
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's because wait staff at restaurants in the US are paid less than half the minimum wage and depend on those tips to survive. Basically, you are paying for your food and their wages the owner isn't paying.

    Javiera Gotelli
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In my country they bring the machine to the table, they will never take away your card, and most of the time they make you scan it and enter your pin. No wonder these people have so much credit card fraud

    Matt Gilliam
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You go to front of restaurant and pay at many restaurants in USA. Though a tip is expected because restaurant owners don't pay the wait staff much more than $2/hr.

    Susan Egan
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This isn't true in all restaurants. There is variety depending on the place. Recently they have added a new type of server. The waitress takes your order, then a server brings it out. Why? The server has no idea who ordered what. The waitress makes the tips, the server does not. Although my son (a server) brought this up and now they get a percentage of the tips. Why not pay everyone a reasonable wage and do away with tipping. It would make up for the non-tippers and low tippers. Sorry for the rant but it bugs us as much as you.

    Susan Mercurio
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In NZ you have national health care. In the US, the server doesn't make much money (minimum wage is $7.50; living wage is $22- most waiters don't get minimum wage), mostly works for tips, and has to pay for doctor's bills, medicine, and all.

    Geoff Rogers
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As a NZer, I found it very strange for the waiter to take care of the bill as well. I guess it has something to do with tipping - also strange.

    Tom Pepper
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As much as I love NZ any AU: The US way as described above is same as in Europe and I would call that service/classy. The NZ way is a bit crude.

    Martha Higgins
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Paying the server puts the responsibility on the server to make sure the bill is correct and that the proper change is given to the customer, it also eliminates the position of cashier, thus saving the restaurant money and a line at the door. In some restaurants in the U.S. the custom is still to pay at the door as you are leaving.

    Rob Williams
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A lot of places in the UK allow you to pay using your mobile phone and an app without leaving your table.

    Suzanne Haigh
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Similar to Europe in the UK but often tip purely through choice.

    Edwin Lesperance
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    American servers depend on tips to make a living wage. Tips are usually in proportion to the quality of the food and especially the service.

    Catherine Spencer-Mills
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That fussing may or may not go on with the bill. Some places do it that way, some don't.

    somnomania
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    a lot of the diners i've been in work that way, except you leave your tip on the table

    Lisa Chambers
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There are restaurants of all types who practice all the different payment styles. But the most common one for a sit down restaurant not fast food is that your server takes care of your bill at the end, as described.

    Brett Layton
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That one depends we have the pay at the counter when you leave type places. As well as the one described above and of course with more recent technology you can just swipe your card at a kiosk on the table to pay in some establishments as well.

    Julie C Rose
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Also New Zealand restaurants’ computers are set up to make it easy for people to pay separately.

    Sac Shim
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In Japan, as well. Service fee is included in the price. Plus, the Japanese are quite proud of the level of their customer service and strive to find a better way to be useful to the customer every day.

    Matheus Oliveira
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What if you want to use contactless payment? Do they bring you a machine or do you send them your phone/watch?

    Paul Budhram
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, in America we're used to loads of food and want more... so it does make sense to pay after word. There's also all the tax

    backatya
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    I don't believe in tips either. A customer is not there to pay a servers wages. If a server can't live on those wages then they should pursue a different job.

    Commander Rex
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They may not always be able to get a better job. Say they are studying for a degree, they can’t get a comfy job at a law firm yet, so 7.50 an hour is the best they get, if you’re in America, please please please leave a tip for waiters.

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    #29

    Foreigners Share 30 Of The Weirdest Things About The US That Americans Don’t Even Realize Neon signs for a f!@#$%^ funeral home will always stand out.

    sassygaycriminal , Stevan Sheets Report

    #30

    Foreigners Share 30 Of The Weirdest Things About The US That Americans Don’t Even Realize Ads in general actually, it is so hard to go anywhere without having something in obnoxiously large text trying to get your attention. Whether it be on the road, on tv, on the internet, and hell even in people’s phones.

    Escrovenjah , Matt Wade Report

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    #31

    Canadian here, I was blown away by how weirdly social people are with strangers. Like some random guy I've never seen before just starts telling me his life story on the street. He is super normal, and doesn't seem crazy, just wants to talk to me for some reason. But then also, the dude at Wendy's is loudly threatening some 16 year old cashier in front of like 45 people. I got the impression the Wendy's guy was uncool, but the other guy seemed normal, and where I live I generally assume that a stranger talking to me for no reason is either crazy or high.

    mr_cristy Report

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    HooowlAtTheMoon
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That happened to me too, and even as an American it's kinda weird. Its like ".. i just met you. You don't want to be telling me everything about you."

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    #32

    Foreigners Share 30 Of The Weirdest Things About The US That Americans Don’t Even Realize Lemondade made with real lemons and its like super sour but some how sugary sweet at the same time.

    In Australia lemonade is the same as sprite. So when I was there my mum and I ordered Jack Daniels and Lemonade and they made it with the real lemondade and it was awful. It was also weird because they sold pre mixed bottles of Jacks and lemonade with the real lemonade but in Australia you buy the same ones with sprite lemonade.

    Free refills was the other big one. Everywhere has free refills as many times as you like? Never seen that before.

    Mycelium83 , Bre LaRow Report

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    Foxxy (The Original)
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I didn’t discover the differences in lemonade until about a year ago on another BP post. I had no idea they were so vastly different.

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    #33

    I lived for a long time in different places around the world, and something that I really missed when moving to a new town was the lack of a US-style bar where it was easy for a stranger to meet people. Outside of the US, it is rare to find a bar where everyone just sits and faces the same direction, whether or not a sporting event was playing on the television. Instead, they have a more 'pub-like' environment, where everyone is sitting in groups at their individual tables.

    This makes meeting new people extremely difficult. Think about it, with the "table-style" bar, in order to strike up a conversation with a stranger, you literally have to approach them while they are sitting at their own table with their own friends. It's almost impossible to not look like a total freak! In a proper "Cheers" style bar, you can just say some random phrase to the bartender and if the person sitting next to you wants to talk, they'll just join in on the conversation.

    Basically, In non-US bars, if you aren't invited ahead of time by someone, you are damned to sit alone in some corner of the bar.

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    Foxxy (The Original)
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sounds like Aus, not really the best place to “pick up” coz most of the time our bars are more for people watching sports, having a beer, playing keno or snooker/pool and that’s about it. Also majority of the time it is mostly men in the pubs. Some pubs have weekly special events or live music playing where there are more people and have more of an opportunity to mingle with strangers, it’s like a smaller version of a night club.

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    #34

    I'm not sure if they find it weird or not but as a Canadian who has been to a few states:

    Gambling at gas stations in Montana. So damn weird.

    Edit: So I'm talking about slot/poker machines and sometimes a poker table or two in regular gas stations. Not just truck stops, not on native land. Find a street corner with some gas stations on it in Missoula and odds are at least one of them has a mini casino inside.

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    Paul Budhram
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you think Montana is weird then you are not prepared for Nevada, or California. Montana is pretty unpopulated and there gambling is no match for Las Vegas... That's why we call it "Lost Wages"

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