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What Foreigners Find Weird About America That Americans Don't Even Notice

October 21, 2024

When non-Americans visit the U.S., they often encounter things that seem completely normal to locals, but leave them scratching their heads.

A recent conversation online asked non-Americans to share what they found strange, amusing, or downright baffling about America. From quirky customs to surprising social interactions, here are some of the most interesting responses.

1. Real Estate Agent Faces on For-Sale Signs

One of the top responses was how American real estate signs often include the agent’s face. As one commenter put it, "Why do you need a headshot to sell a house?"

While this seems like a basic marketing tactic to Americans, it leaves many visitors puzzled. In most countries, it’s just the house that’s featured—no smiling faces involved.

2. Coins Without Clear Denominations

Ever tried to figure out American coins as a foreigner? It’s more confusing than it sounds! A 10-cent piece is labeled “One Dime,” but nowhere does it actually say it’s worth 10 cents. One person vented, “How are tourists supposed to know how much a dime is worth??” Many assumed the smallest coin was worth the least, only to find out they were very wrong.

3. The Sheer Size of the Country

Americans may not realize it, but their country is huge. One UK traveler shared, “I did Route 66... it took 4 days of 12+ hours driving.” Many visitors are amazed at the distances people travel in the U.S., especially compared to much smaller countries in Europe. “You drive two hours in the UK, and you’re in another country. In America, you’re still in the same state!”

4. Friendliness: Americans Are Really Nice

One thing that shocked many respondents is just how friendly Americans are.

“Y'all can strike a conversation with a tree!” one person joked. Another shared, “I was freaked out when random people asked me how I was. In Italy, if someone asks you that, they really want to know.”

Visitors noted how easy it is to make friends in the U.S., with strangers often going out of their way to help. One heartwarming story involved an American woman who took a nervous visitor under her wing, guiding her through customs, letting her use her phone, and even walking her to meet her partner at the airport. It’s this kindness that many non-Americans find surprisingly refreshing.

5. Prescription Drug Ads

The prevalence of prescription drug ads on TV came as a shock to many, especially when they casually list side effects like "may include death."

"And they say it while the people are dancing joyfully," another commenter joked.

6. Customizable Food Orders

Another thing that amazes foreigners is the endless array of options when ordering food.

“I thought it was a TV joke,” one commenter said. In the U.S., you can ask to swap fries for mashed potatoes or get your burger a dozen different ways, and it’s completely normal. “In my country, I’d feel naughty asking to swap out anything!”

7. Information Overload on News Channels

American news channels don’t hold back on cramming in as much info as possible.

“Your news channels display FAR TOO MUCH info on the screen,” one commenter noted. With ticker tapes, headlines, and constant updates, it can be overwhelming for visitors used to a simpler news format.

8. Standing Cashiers

In many countries, cashiers are seated at their checkout stations. But in the U.S., they typically stand, which struck several commenters as odd. “Why don’t they sit down?” one person wondered. It’s a small difference, but it stood out to visitors.

9. Garbage Disposals: "The Angry Sink"

Foreigners have a funny nickname for the garbage disposal in American sinks: “The angry sink that chops sh*t.”

The idea of food scraps getting ground up in the kitchen sink is unusual in many other parts of the world, where composting or trash bins are more common.

10. Wearing Shoes in the House

To many non-Americans, leaving shoes on inside the house is downright shocking. In places like Europe and Asia, it’s typical to remove your shoes at the door. But in America, people seem to walk right in with their shoes on, which can be a cultural head-scratcher.

A Surprising Conclusion? Americans Are Friendlier Than Expected

While the quirks and differences were fun to note, one theme came up again and again: the overwhelming kindness and friendliness of Americans. Despite what they might see on the news, many visitors were pleasantly surprised by how warm and welcoming people are in the U.S.

“The fact that looking at the news you’d think they’re the angriest, most aggressive people in the world,” one person wrote, “but in person, they are, with very few exceptions, decent and welcoming.”

Another shared a similar sentiment: “Why can’t we Germans be as happy and nice to each other?” It seems that, for many foreigners, America’s biggest surprise isn’t the size of the country, the customizable food options, or even the strange coins—it’s the kindness of its people.

These little observations offer a lighthearted, yet revealing look at the everyday things Americans might not even realize are unique or strange. But one thing’s for sure: no matter how odd some customs might seem, visitors often leave with fond memories of the friendly folks they meet along the way.