12 Jaw-Dropping Culture Shocks Every Foreigner Faces When They Step Foot In The USA!

Brace Yourself for the Astonishing Culture Shocks that Await You in the Land of the Free!

From bizarre tipping customs to asking “how are you?”, when we don’t really care, American’s quirks will leave you stunned.

Think you know everything about the USA? Think again!

Every time I’ve returned to the U.S. after years abroad, I think I’ve had American culture down. And I’m always wrong!

From confusing tipping rules which have now turned into a national pandemic to endless small talk, I quickly realize how many strange quirks I always seem to forget.

If you’re not prepared, America’s surprises will hit you like a ton of bricks!

So buckle up for the 12 biggest cultural shocks foreigners face when visiting the U.S.A….

1. The Tipping Trap That Feels Like Legalized Extortion

You’re at a restaurant, the meal’s done, here comes the bill, but wait, where’s the tip?

Unlike many countries where tipping is usually rounded up as a reward for great service, in the U.S., it’s expected, even for mediocre service.

The standard? 15–20%. Workers rely on tips to survive due to low wages.

And don’t get too comfy. That speedy service?

It’s not efficiency, it’s to get you out the door so they can turn tables for more tips. Expect your plate to vanish before you’re even done.

Pro Tip: Not sure how much to tip? Ask a local or check your bill. Sometimes, especially in heavily touristy places, gratuity is sneakily included.

Think that’s bad? Wait until sales tax sneaks up on you at the register!

2. The Hidden Tax That Hits You When You Least Expect It

See a $20 price tag and think it’s a bargain? Don’t get too excited. Whether it’s Walmart or a New York City Steakhouse, it’s never the final price.

Sales tax gets added at checkout, varying by state, county, or city.

One place you pay 6%, drive 20 miles, and suddenly it’s 9%.

If you’re used to tax-inclusive pricing, this will blow your budget fast.

Pro Tip: Mentally add 5–10% before you checkout (plus tip of course, where relevant). It’s not perfect, but it’ll soften the blow.

Taxes are just the beginning. Wait until you see the sheer number of American flags!

3. Flag Frenzy: America’s Obsession with Patriotism

In the U.S., flags are everywhere, on houses, cars, public buildings, streets, schools, even clothes.

For foreigners, it feels like overkill, but in America, especially in small towns, patriotism is woven into daily life.

The flag symbolizes unity and pride, and for many Americans, it’s just part of their identity.

Pro Tip: Don’t be put off by the flag overload. Ask locals about it, you’ll gain insight into their pride.

We might seem like a divided country, whether it’s race, religion, ethnicity or even political persuasion, but the flag is surprisingly, one of the few things that unites us, go figure.

And if you think flags are intense, just wait until you realize you can’t go anywhere without a car!

4. The U.S. Car Dependency That Leaves Foreigners Stranded

In many countries, public transportation is king. In the U.S.? Not so much.

Outside of cities like New York or San Francisco, a car isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.

Distances are vast, sidewalks are rare, and public transport is unreliable or non-existent. Without a car, you’re stuck.

Oh, and we like our cars BIG too! You’ll see why below in #6 and #12….

Pro Tip: If you’re exploring outside the city, rent a car. Don’t rely on public transport, it’s often an afterthought.

Shocked by the lack of transit? Just wait until you see what else is missing. Cozy outdoor cafés!

5. Where Are the Sidewalk Cafés? The Missing Pedestrian Culture

If you love strolling through streets and squares with outdoor cafés, you’re in for a disappointment.

U.S. cities are built for cars, not pedestrians.

Sidewalks are rare, and leisurely café culture is almost non-existent outside of places like New York or San Francisco.

Coffee (our version, a big watery sugary substance served in big gulp sized plastic cups) is often consumed on the go, drive-thru style.

Pro Tip: Stick to walkable cities like New York, San Francisco, or Boston for a taste of pedestrian-friendly culture.

Feeling bewildered? Get ready, the next shock is literally larger than life.

6. The Bigger, The Better: America’s Obsession with Supersizing

In America, everything’s bigger, especially food. Restaurant portions are huge, and what’s considered a “small” drink here could be a “large” elsewhere.

It’s not just fast food. Sit-down restaurants and even grocery stores offer massive portions: 2 for 1, 3 for 1… You get the picture.

Bigger is seen as better value.

Pro Tip: Don’t feel pressured to finish. Ask for a “doggie-bag”, a to-go box or share a meal to avoid wasting food, or feeling stuffed.

Think that’s wild? Wait until you see how much it costs just to stay healthy in the U.S.!

7. The Staggering Cost of Healthcare That Will Leave You Reeling

If you come from a country with free or affordable healthcare, prepare for a rude awakening.

The U.S. healthcare system is expensive.

A simple doctor’s visit can cost hundreds, and without insurance, even minor issues can turn into financial nightmares.

Pro Tip: Before visiting the U.S., make sure you have health insurance. Travel insurance is a good option, but check the fine print about US coverage.

Healthcare is expensive, but the next cultural shock is all about everyday greetings, and it’s not what you think!

8. “How Are You?” Is Not an Invitation to Tell Your Life Story

In the U.S., “How are you?” is more like “Hello.” It’s a greeting, not an invitation to share your day. Why?

Because we don’t really care, we’ve got our own problems.

So a brief “Good, thanks” will do.

Americans appreciate brevity, and diving into details might leave your conversational partner looking for an exit.

Pro Tip: Keep it short and sweet. If they want to know more, they’ll ask!

Which leads up to the next paradox: why Americans love to chat about the most trivial things, even with total strangers.

9. The Obsession with Small Talk, And Why You Should Embrace It

Americans are masters of small talk. Whether it’s chatting about the weather or weekend plans, small talk fills silences and connects people.

To foreigners, it might seem pointless, but it’s a key social skill in the U.S.

Pro Tip: Don’t shy away from small talk, it’s an easy way to blend in. In the past small talk (among men used to be sports, today among everyone, it’s politics. Best to stay away from that one).

Comment on your surroundings or ask a casual question instead.

Think small talk is odd? Wait until you see how much America loves credit cards.

10. Cash Is Dead (almost), but Credit Cards Reign Supreme

In the U.S., cash is nearly obsolete. Most transactions, even for a coffee, are done by card.

Some places are even fully cashless, so having a credit card is essential. But foreign cards might not always work, or they could trigger extra fees.

Pro Tip: Make sure your card works internationally and notify your bank before you travel. Keep a little cash just in case.

Speaking of convenience, Americans’ fierce independence might leave you feeling a bit… isolated.

11. Americans’ Fierce Independence — And Why It Can Feel Isolating

Americans value independence above all. From moving out on your own at 18 to handling problems solo, self-reliance is a core value.

It’s admirable but can feel isolating if you’re from a culture that emphasizes family and community.

Americans are happy to help, but independence is the default.

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask for help, but understand that independence is a cultural norm, not a sign of coldness.

And now, get ready for the final shock: it’s not just the portions that are supersized, wait until you see how big the people are!

12. The Size of Americans That Will Leave You Stunned

Supersizing isn’t all about the food, but maybe it’s one of the consequences, because one of the first things many foreigners notice in the U.S. is the sheer size of its people.

From the average person walking down the street to the prevalence of obesity, the U.S. seems to have a larger population, both in height and weight.

It’s a stark contrast, especially for visitors from countries where smaller body types are the norm.

This perception of size is often tied to diet and lifestyle, large portion sizes (see #6), processed foods, and more sedentary lifestyles are all contributing factors.

Americans tend to drive everywhere (see #4), and physical activity isn’t always part of daily routines.

Pro Tip: Be mindful of cultural differences when it comes to body image. Avoid making comments that could be considered offensive, and understand the lifestyle factors at play.

And there you have it, the final shock!

What cultural surprises caught you off guard when visiting the U.S.?