1. Singing the National Anthem at Events
Americans often feel a strong swell of patriotism when the national anthem is played before sports games and public events, Rob Sheffield of Rolling Stone says. It’s easy to assume this tradition is uniquely American, but it’s actually common around the world. Countries like Canada, Germany, and Brazil also play their anthems at major events, particularly international competitions or national holidays. It’s a shared way to show unity and pride—just not as uniquely American as it might seem.
What may feel distinct is how frequently Americans do this, even at small-scale events like high school games. But the basic idea—using music to invoke national pride—is widespread. In some places, people stand, in others they sing, and some remain silent, but the anthem is still there. The ritual might differ slightly, but the sentiment is nearly universal.
2. Tipping at Restaurants
Americans often assume tipping is a local quirk, especially when they hear tourists are confused by it, Simon Parker of The Telegraph explains. But tipping exists in many countries—just not always in the same way or to the same extent. Countries like Canada and Mexico have similar tipping customs, and in places like Egypt or India, tipping is expected in service industries. The main difference is how it’s built into the pricing or whether it’s discretionary.
In the U.S., tipping fills a gap in wages, which isn’t the case everywhere. In countries like Japan and South Korea, tipping isn’t customary because service workers are paid differently. Still, many countries include service charges or expect small tips in taxis, salons, or cafes. The presence of tipping may vary, but the concept definitely isn’t exclusive to America.
3. Backyard BBQs
Few things feel more quintessentially American than grilling burgers in the backyard with friends and family. But outdoor grilling is a worldwide pastime, adapted to local flavors and traditions. In Australia, the “barbie” is practically a national symbol, while Argentina has its famous asado, Mariana Enriquez explains in Words Without Borders. South Africans enjoy their own version called a braai, often with large social gatherings.
The idea of gathering around a fire to cook meat is ancient and deeply human. Americans might associate it with July 4th or tailgating, but others have their own beloved versions tied to different events. Whether it’s grilling satay in Indonesia or yakitori in Japan, the sentiment is remarkably similar. The sauces and seasonings change, but the spirit of sharing grilled food is universal.
4. High School Proms
Prom is often portrayed in American movies as a rite of passage—fancy dresses, awkward dancing, and lots of teenage drama. It seems like something that could only happen in the U.S., but formal school dances are a thing in many countries. Canada has similar events called “grad” or “prom,” and the UK hosts school-leaver balls, Hannah Marriott of The Guardian explains. Even in countries like Germany, formal dances are common when students graduate secondary school.
The details vary—some events are more casual, and others are tied to exams rather than social traditions. But the idea of marking the end of school with a celebration, a nice outfit, and often a date is hardly unique. It’s just the American version that’s been so widely broadcast through film and TV. Strip away the Hollywood glam, and you’ll find similar events happening worldwide.
5. Saying “God Bless You” After a Sneeze
Many Americans instinctively say “bless you” when someone sneezes, sometimes even to strangers. It can feel like a quirky cultural reflex, but it’s actually pretty common globally. In Germany, people say “Gesundheit,” and in Arabic-speaking countries, “Yarhamuk Allah” is a typical response. These sayings often stem from religious or superstitious roots, just like in the U.S.
It’s an old tradition believed to ward off illness or misfortune, especially back when sneezing was associated with the plague. Even in secular societies today, many people still say something polite after a sneeze. The phrasing may differ, but the impulse to respond with a blessing or wish is widespread. Americans didn’t invent it—they just use their own version.
6. Road Trips
Americans romanticize the idea of the open road—the freedom of driving across states with playlists and snacks. And while U.S. geography makes road trips feel like a national pastime, it’s a favorite activity in many parts of the world. Australians take cross-country drives, Europeans go on scenic coastal tours, and South Africans explore wine country or national parks. The structure may change, but the love of the journey is the same.
The difference is that in the U.S., long distances between cities make road trips almost necessary for travel. In other countries, trains or buses might be more convenient, but people still love piling into a car and seeing where the road leads. The idea of stopping at quirky towns, snapping photos, and sleeping in motels isn’t exclusive to the States. It’s just the American landscape that gives the road trip its particular flavor.
7. Freedom of Speech
Many Americans view freedom of speech as a cornerstone of their national identity—and it is. But the concept is enshrined in the constitutions or legal codes of many democratic countries. Nations like Germany, Sweden, Japan, and South Korea also guarantee citizens the right to express themselves. Of course, each country has different limits, particularly concerning hate speech or national security.
In the U.S., the First Amendment protects even unpopular or controversial opinions. In other places, speech protections are balanced with stronger protections against defamation or incitement. Still, the broader principle of free expression isn’t something only Americans cherish. The belief in speaking one’s mind freely is a shared value in much of the world.
8. Brunch
Brunch culture in the U.S. feels like an indulgent weekend tradition—bottomless mimosas, avocado toast, and a mix of breakfast and lunch foods. But it’s not just an American thing. In the UK, brunch has long been a stylish, late-morning affair, and places like Australia and New Zealand have thriving café cultures that rival any Brooklyn bistro. Even in cities across Asia and Europe, brunch menus are growing in popularity.
What might set the American brunch apart is the volume—both in food and enthusiasm. But the idea of leisurely dining between breakfast and lunch, especially on weekends, is beloved in many urban centers. Local ingredients and customs shape the menu, but the vibe remains familiar. It’s more global café chic than purely American invention.
9. Wearing School Spirit Gear
Sporting your school’s logo on a hoodie or t-shirt is a big deal in the U.S., from high school to college. Americans take pride in repping their alma mater, sometimes long after graduation. But school spirit apparel isn’t exclusive to the United States. In Canada, Japan, and even the UK, students often wear gear with their school’s name or mascot—especially at the university level.
What’s different might be the marketing: U.S. schools often treat their apparel like a brand. College bookstores are full-on merchandise operations. But around the world, especially in sports-heavy schools, showing off your school pride through clothing is common. It might not be as commercialized elsewhere, but the sentiment is there.
10. Black Friday Sales
The frenzy of Black Friday—doorbusters, long lines, and midnight openings—feels uniquely American. But the idea of massive retail sales tied to a holiday season is global now. Countries like the UK, Canada, Mexico, and even Brazil have adopted their own versions of Black Friday. Some tie it to U.S. Thanksgiving, while others use it as a kickoff to Christmas shopping.
What started as an American tradition has morphed into a worldwide retail phenomenon. Thanks to globalization and online shopping, many non-U.S. retailers now run “Black Friday” promotions to stay competitive. The chaos might be more muted elsewhere, but the consumer behavior is strikingly similar. Bargain hunting, it turns out, knows no borders.
11. Celebrity Worship
Americans often seem obsessed with celebrity culture—from red carpet events to tabloid scandals. But idolizing famous figures isn’t unique to the U.S. Countries around the world have their own celebrity scenes, whether it’s Bollywood in India, K-pop in South Korea, or football stars in Europe. Fan culture is intense just about everywhere.
The difference might be how it’s packaged and exported. Hollywood dominates global media, so American celebrities are visible worldwide, giving the illusion of U.S. celebrity culture being “bigger.” But local celebs command massive followings elsewhere, often with similar levels of devotion. Fame may look different, but it’s a global language.
12. Drive-Thru Everything
Drive-thru culture is strong in the U.S.—not just for fast food, but also for coffee, pharmacies, and even weddings. It can seem like a uniquely American convenience obsession. But drive-thrus exist in many countries, especially those with car-heavy cultures like Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe. Even countries with strong public transport have adopted versions of it.
Of course, the scale is different. The U.S. still leads in sheer number and variety of drive-thru services. But the basic idea of staying in your car for speed and ease? That’s something plenty of places have borrowed, even if just for a morning latte.
13. Homecoming
Homecoming—pep rallies, parades, football games—is a nostalgic American tradition tied to schools and alumni. But the broader concept of alumni reunions or school festivals exists worldwide. In Japan, “bunkasai” (cultural festivals) are annual events with student performances and games. Many European universities hold alumni days or special gatherings to honor returning graduates.
The American homecoming might have unique pageantry, like naming a king and queen, but the essence—welcoming back former students—is not unique. People everywhere enjoy revisiting their formative years and catching up with old classmates. The U.S. version just happens to include more pom-poms and marching bands.
14. Ice in Drinks
If you’ve ever traveled abroad, you might have noticed a difference in how drinks are served. Americans love their beverages cold and full of ice, and it’s easy to think that’s a national quirk. But plenty of countries serve iced drinks—Thailand, Vietnam, and Brazil among them—especially in warmer climates. Even in Europe, iced coffee and soft drinks are catching on more and more.
What makes the U.S. stand out is the amount of ice used. While others might serve a chilled drink or a few cubes, Americans often go for half a glass of ice. Still, the idea of cooling down your beverage is not uniquely American—it’s just approached with different levels of enthusiasm. And with global warming, ice is getting more popular everywhere.
15. Loving Dogs Like Family
Many Americans treat their dogs like children—birthday parties, doggy daycares, matching outfits. It feels like a uniquely American devotion. But people around the world are equally obsessed with their pets. In Japan, small dog breeds are pampered like royalty, and in Italy, pets often dine beside their owners at restaurants.
Even in developing countries, growing middle classes are spending more on pet wellness and care. While the U.S. may lead in pet industry revenue, the emotional bond is everywhere. The love of dogs—and treating them like family—is not bound by borders. It’s just that Americans might advertise it more loudly.
