1. Expecting 24/7 Convenience
In the U.S., convenience is king, and many businesses operate around the clock. Whether it’s a 24-hour diner, a midnight grocery run, or a late-night pharmacy, Americans expect access to goods and services at all hours, Eillie Anzilotti from Bloomberg explains. But in many other countries, businesses close early, and Sundays are treated as a day of rest. Finding a restaurant shutting down between lunch and dinner or a store closing by 6 p.m. can be a real shock for American travelers.
This difference stems from a cultural emphasis on work-life balance in many parts of the world. In places like Germany, France, or Japan, people accept that businesses have set hours, and they plan accordingly. The idea of employees working through the night just for customer convenience is much less common. If you’re traveling abroad, don’t be surprised if you have to adjust to a slower, more structured schedule.
2. Expecting Free Refills
If you finish your soda at a restaurant in the U.S., your server will likely refill it without you even asking. Bottomless coffee and never-ending soft drinks are a standard part of American dining culture, Sayed Kashua explains in The New Yorker. But in many other countries, refills are far from free—if they’re even an option at all. If you’re in Europe or Japan and want more to drink, expect to pay for another full serving.
This habit comes from the American culture of abundance and customer service. Restaurants in the U.S. thrive on keeping drinks flowing, often using cheap, oversized beverages to increase customer satisfaction. In contrast, many other countries treat drinks as a separate purchase rather than an all-you-can-drink deal. If you’re traveling abroad, don’t be shocked when your empty glass isn’t magically replenished.
3. Leaving a Big Tip
Tipping generously is second nature to Americans, who often leave 15-20% at restaurants. But in many countries, tipping isn’t expected—sometimes, it’s even considered rude. In Japan and South Korea, leaving extra money can be seen as insulting, as if you think the worker isn’t paid enough. In much of Europe, service charges are already built into the bill, so extra tipping is unnecessary.
This habit is rooted in the U.S. wage system, where service workers rely on tips to make a living, Arwa Mahdawi explains in The Guardian. Other countries have stronger wage protections, meaning workers don’t depend on gratuities to survive. While some places appreciate a small tip, overtipping can seem excessive or uninformed. Before throwing down 20% everywhere you go, check the local customs to avoid awkward encounters.
4. Talking to Strangers in Public
In the U.S., casual small talk with strangers is completely normal. Whether it’s a quick chat with a cashier, a friendly comment to a fellow commuter, or striking up a conversation in an elevator, Americans love making connections, according to Andy Molinsky from Harvard Business Review. But in many other countries, this level of openness can feel intrusive. People in Europe or Asia may find it odd—if not outright uncomfortable—when a stranger suddenly starts chatting them up.
This difference comes down to cultural attitudes toward privacy and social boundaries. While Americans see friendliness as a virtue, many cultures reserve conversation for friends and family. In places like Germany or Japan, people value quiet in public spaces and prefer to keep to themselves. If you find yourself getting one-word answers or blank stares, it might be best to dial back the chattiness.
5. Wearing Athletic Clothes Everywhere
In the U.S., leggings, hoodies, and sneakers are everyday wear, even if you haven’t stepped foot in a gym. Athleisure is a lifestyle, and it’s perfectly acceptable to run errands in workout clothes, according to Derek Thompson from The Atlantic. But in many other countries, people dress more formally, even for casual outings. Walking around in leggings and a sweatshirt can instantly mark you as an American tourist.
This habit comes from the American emphasis on comfort and practicality. Brands like Nike and Lululemon have made sporty attire mainstream, blurring the line between gym wear and everyday fashion. However, in places like France or Italy, people tend to dress more put-together, even for a simple coffee run. If you want to blend in abroad, consider swapping your sneakers for something a little more polished.
6. Assuming Everyone Speaks English
Many Americans travel with the assumption that they can get by speaking only English. While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, expecting locals to accommodate you everywhere can come off as entitled. In countries like France or China, even a small effort to speak the local language is appreciated. If your first question is, “Do you speak English?” without even attempting a greeting, you’re giving yourself away.
This expectation stems from English being the dominant global language. Since many international businesses and schools operate in English, Americans assume it’s universal. However, not everyone is fluent, and assuming they are can be frustrating to locals. A simple “Bonjour” or “Hola” can go a long way in showing respect and making a good impression.
7. Being Loud in Public
Americans have a reputation for being loud, especially in public spaces. Whether it’s in restaurants, on public transport, or at tourist sites, their volume tends to stand out. In many other cultures, people speak more softly, and raising your voice in public can seem disruptive or even rude. If you’re the loudest person in the room, chances are people have already pegged you as an American.
This habit comes from the American cultural emphasis on confidence and enthusiasm. In the U.S., being heard is often seen as a sign of engagement, whereas in other countries, discretion is valued more. Animated storytelling might be normal back home, but elsewhere, it can be perceived as over-the-top. To avoid unwanted attention, try matching your volume to the locals around you.
8. Drinking Iced Beverages Year-Round
Americans love their drinks ice-cold, even in the dead of winter. Whether it’s soda, coffee, or water, it’s not uncommon for drinks to come packed with ice. But in many other countries, beverages are served at room temperature or just slightly chilled. If you ask for extra ice abroad, you might get confused looks—or just a couple of cubes.
This preference comes from the American restaurant industry, where ice-filled drinks became standard. In many places outside the U.S., large ice machines aren’t even common because the demand just isn’t there. Some cultures even believe that drinking cold beverages is bad for digestion. If you want to blend in abroad, try drinking your soda the local way—without the frost.
9. Wearing Baseball Caps Everywhere
In the U.S., baseball caps are worn casually with nearly any outfit, whether it’s to the gym or out to dinner. The cap is practically a cultural icon, often paired with everyday clothes as a fashion statement. However, in many other countries, baseball caps are seen primarily as sportswear and are reserved for fans at games or athletes. Wearing one outside of these contexts can make you stand out as a tourist.
This habit comes from baseball’s deep roots in American culture, where the cap symbolizes everything from team spirit to casual relaxation. In countries like France or Japan, hats are typically seen as functional—like sun protection—or are reserved for more formal occasions. If you’re aiming to blend in, consider leaving your cap at home unless you’re at a sporting event.
10. Over-Apologizing for Everything
Americans have a tendency to apologize frequently, even for things that aren’t their fault. Whether it’s bumping into someone or just accidentally stepping into someone’s path, “Sorry!” is often said out of habit. But in countries like Germany or France, apologies are reserved for situations where there’s a genuine fault. If you’re saying “sorry” for minor inconveniences, it could make you seem overly apologetic or insecure.
This comes from a cultural emphasis on politeness and the desire to avoid conflict in American society. The idea is that offering an apology smooths over social awkwardness, even when no real harm has been done. However, in other countries, over-apologizing can be interpreted as a lack of confidence or an attempt to avoid responsibility. If you’re traveling, try reserving your “sorries” for situations that truly warrant them.
11. Cutting Food with a Fork in Your Right Hand, Then Switching
In the U.S., it’s common to cut food with your right hand and then switch the fork to your right hand to eat. This “zig-zag” method, while perfectly natural for Americans, can appear strange to people from other countries. Many European cultures, for example, stick to the “continental” style of eating, where the fork stays in the left hand the entire time, while the knife is used only to cut.
This habit likely evolved from American dining etiquette, which has been traditionally more relaxed compared to European norms. The “zig-zag” style may seem more casual, but to Europeans, it can appear clumsy or inefficient. If you want to fit in at a formal dinner abroad, try using the fork in your left hand throughout the meal and keeping the knife in your right.
12. Smiling at Strangers
In the U.S., it’s common to flash a big smile at anyone, whether you know them or not. It’s seen as a sign of friendliness and politeness in most American contexts. But in other countries, especially in places like Russia or France, smiling at strangers for no reason can be seen as insincere or overly familiar. If you’re grinning at everyone on the street, you may get puzzled or even suspicious looks.
Americans are raised to value openness and friendliness, even toward strangers. The “customer service smile” has become so ingrained in daily life that it feels almost automatic. In contrast, many other cultures reserve smiles for genuine moments of happiness, not as a social reflex. If you find yourself getting strange looks while smiling at people in public, it might be time to tone it down.
13. Having Big House Parties
Americans are known for their massive house parties, where everyone from neighbors to distant acquaintances is invited to join in. It’s a way of socializing that celebrates abundance, freedom, and casual connections. But in many other countries, parties are often more intimate, with fewer people and a focus on close friends or family. If you invite a large group over in places like Italy or Spain, expect a much more reserved atmosphere.
This cultural difference comes from the American emphasis on inclusivity and casual socializing. In the U.S., a house party is often seen as a casual way to meet new people and let loose. However, in places like Japan or France, privacy and exclusivity are more highly valued, so large, impersonal gatherings are rare. If you’re traveling abroad and looking to throw a party, consider keeping it small and more intimate to respect local customs.
14. Celebrating Every Achievement
Americans love to celebrate even the smallest victories, whether it’s a work promotion, a child’s good grades, or simply surviving a tough week. This culture of constant recognition can seem excessive to people in other countries. In places like Sweden or the Netherlands, achievements are acknowledged in a more subdued manner, and public displays of celebration are less common. If you’re over-the-top about your accomplishments, you may come off as overly boastful.
This habit comes from the American culture of individualism and the belief that everyone’s success should be celebrated. Recognition and rewards are often seen as motivational tools in American society. However, in cultures with a more collective mindset, such celebrations can seem unnecessary or even self-serving. If you’re traveling abroad, consider dialing back on the public praise and celebrating more quietly with close friends or family.
15. Constantly Checking Your Phone
In the U.S., it’s not uncommon to see people glued to their smartphones at all times, whether it’s texting, checking social media, or browsing the web. Phones are constantly checked for updates, even in the middle of conversations or during meals. However, in many other countries, phone use is more reserved for specific moments. In countries like France or Italy, people are more likely to focus on the present moment and the people around them rather than their screens.
This habit stems from the U.S.’s tech-driven culture and the increasing importance of staying connected in every aspect of life. While smartphones are essential tools for productivity and entertainment, they can be seen as a distraction elsewhere. In places where conversation and face-to-face interactions are highly valued, checking your phone constantly can seem rude or disrespectful. If you’re abroad, try to disconnect and immerse yourself in the moment.
