1. Paying for Everything With Their Phones
Many Americans are now skipping cash and cards entirely, using digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Wallet. Foreign visitors are often surprised at how quickly and casually this has become the norm. Tap-and-go payments are accepted almost everywhere, from coffee shops to gas stations. Some small towns have even become almost cashless, which feels futuristic to someone used to coins and bills.
The convenience is undeniable: transactions take seconds, and people rarely carry more than a phone. Some Americans even rely on apps that track spending automatically. This means tipping, splitting bills, and paying for public transportation can all be done with a few taps. For visitors from countries where cash is still king, this feels like stepping into a sci-fi movie.
2. Driving Huge Pickup Trucks in Urban Areas
In 2025, massive pickup trucks still dominate the roads, even in dense city centers. Foreign visitors often gape at how easily these vehicles squeeze into tiny parking spots. Fuel efficiency seems like an afterthought when comfort and status are prioritized. These trucks are frequently modified with oversized wheels and fancy lighting.
Many Americans see pickups as versatile vehicles for work and leisure. Families load them with sports gear, pets, or even small boats. Urban traffic doesn’t slow down their popularity, and some cities have entire communities built around truck culture. For someone used to compact city cars, this is a surprising display of size over practicality.
3. Obsessing Over Branded Coffee
The love for coffee has reached almost cult-like levels in 2025. Americans flock to chains or local cafés with names they’ve never heard before, often paying five dollars or more for a single cup. Many bring reusable tumblers and track caffeine intake meticulously. For a visitor used to cheap, strong coffee, this level of branding and ritual seems extreme.
It’s not just about drinking coffee—it’s about identity. Social media posts about rare blends or latte art are common. People discuss origins, roast types, and milk alternatives like they’re debating fine wine. Visitors may find themselves lost in conversations about beans while waiting in a 20-minute line.
4. Having Smart Home Gadgets Everywhere
From smart fridges to voice-controlled lights, American homes are packed with devices that talk to each other. Foreign visitors often marvel at how much daily life is automated. Thermostats adjust themselves based on routines, while refrigerators can order groceries when supplies run low. Even toilets and mirrors sometimes have screens or sensors.
The trend isn’t just about convenience—it’s about data. Apps track energy use, shopping habits, and even health metrics. Many Americans can control their entire house from a phone or smart speaker. For someone from a less tech-saturated country, this level of integration can feel like living in a high-tech movie set.
5. Working from Coffee Shops and Parks
Remote work isn’t just for offices anymore. Americans often set up laptops in cafés, co-working spaces, or even outdoor parks. Visitors from countries where office presence is strict may find this extremely relaxed. Wi-Fi, chargers, and power outlets are treated like public utilities.
This trend reflects broader cultural shifts toward flexibility and entrepreneurship. Many people mix work and leisure fluidly throughout the day. It’s common to see someone in professional attire surrounded by picnic blankets and laptops. Foreigners may find it odd that formal work attire coexists with casual environments.
6. Eating Fast Food at Strange Hours
Late-night or even 24/7 fast food consumption is still a major part of American life. Chains like McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and Chick-fil-A cater to night owls and shift workers. Visitors are often surprised at how normal it is to grab burgers at 2 a.m. or breakfast at midnight.
This habit is linked to both convenience and culture. Food delivery apps reinforce this trend, making fast food available without ever leaving home. Some Americans even make fast-food runs a social activity. Foreigners accustomed to strict restaurant hours may find this flexibility shocking.
7. Carrying Snacks Everywhere
Americans frequently carry snacks in purses, backpacks, or even pockets. Granola bars, trail mix, and protein snacks are common daily companions. Foreign visitors often notice the sheer volume of food Americans consume on the go. It’s not just for hunger—it’s a preventive approach to snacking anytime.
This trend reflects both lifestyle and convenience. Busy schedules mean meals are often replaced by quick bites. Schools, offices, and public transit hubs cater to this “snack culture.” For someone used to structured meal times, this constant nibbling is a cultural curiosity.
8. Spending Hours on Social Media During Meals
Many Americans scroll through social media while eating, even at restaurants. Visitors might find it rude or distracting, but this is normalized. Phones are often more present than the meal itself. Sharing food photos online is a common ritual.
It’s not just about entertainment—it’s about social connection and self-expression. Influencers, memes, and trending content keep users glued to their screens. Even family meals often include phone time. Foreigners may struggle to reconcile this with traditional dining etiquette.
9. Wearing Athleisure Everywhere
In 2025, leggings, sneakers, and sweatshirts are not just gym wear—they’re daily fashion. Foreign visitors are often surprised to see this outfit choice at offices, grocery stores, and casual events. Comfort has largely overtaken formal dress codes. Even “business casual” often includes sneakers or stretchy pants.
The trend is practical as well as stylistic. People want clothing that accommodates commuting, exercise, and lounging seamlessly. Brands have embraced this, creating sleek designs that blur the line between sportswear and fashion. For someone from a culture with strict dress codes, this level of casualness is eye-opening.
10. Using Electric Scooters and E-Bikes in Big Cities
Micro-mobility is booming in American cities. E-bikes and scooters zip along sidewalks and bike lanes, sometimes faster than traffic. Visitors from countries without this infrastructure are often surprised at how chaotic and normalized it feels. Safety gear varies, and locals navigate it all casually.
These vehicles are part convenience, part environmental effort. They allow for quick trips without parking headaches or gas costs. Many cities have integrated apps for easy rentals and drop-offs. To a visitor used to cars or public transit only, this seems like a transportation revolution.
11. Extreme Sports Fandom
In 2025, Americans are passionate about niche sports, from drone racing to pickleball. Foreign visitors are often shocked at how invested people get. Tailgating, fan gear, and dedicated social media coverage aren’t reserved for traditional sports anymore. Fans livestream and analyze games as obsessively as professional analysts.
This trend reflects both community and identity. Being a fan often involves deep knowledge and rituals. People may even host themed parties or weekly meetups around a sport. For outsiders, it’s surprising how seriously Americans treat something entirely unfamiliar.
12. Decorating for Every Holiday, Big or Small
Americans decorate homes extensively for holidays, even minor ones. Visitors might be stunned by elaborate setups for obscure events like National Donut Day or Groundhog Day. Lights, inflatables, and themed merchandise flood streets and online marketplaces. The enthusiasm can feel over-the-top to those from more restrained cultures.
The tradition stems from both commerce and community spirit. Seasonal decoration is a way to bond, celebrate, and create photo opportunities. Social media amplifies the trend, making it almost competitive. Foreign visitors often leave wondering how every small occasion becomes a full-blown celebration.
13. Carrying Reusable Water Bottles Everywhere
Hydration is taken very seriously by Americans in 2025. Reusable water bottles are seen everywhere—offices, gyms, sidewalks, and schools. Visitors may notice that disposable bottles are increasingly rare. People even personalize bottles with stickers, colors, or tracking metrics.
This habit reflects environmental awareness and health consciousness. Many Americans track water intake through apps or bottle markings. It’s seen as both practical and socially responsible. For travelers from countries still relying heavily on single-use plastics, this is impressive and unexpected.
14. Obsessively Tracking Fitness and Health Data
From smartwatches to fitness apps, Americans monitor steps, calories, sleep, and heart rate constantly. Foreign visitors may be shocked at how openly people discuss metrics and trends. Workouts, meals, and even bathroom breaks can be logged. Health tracking is deeply woven into daily life.
This trend is driven by technology and a wellness culture. Personalized data informs lifestyle choices, workouts, and even social interactions. Many Americans compete with friends or strangers via apps. For those from countries where health tracking is minimal, this intensity can feel both inspiring and extreme.
This post 14 Things Americans Are Doing in 2025 That Would Shock Foreign Visitors was first published on American Charm.
