1. Talking Loudly on Public Transport
Americans have a reputation for being loud, and nowhere is that more noticeable than on buses and subways. While chatting on your phone or with friends seems normal in the U.S., countries like Japan or Germany have strict social expectations about keeping public transport quiet. In Japan, there are even “silent” train cars where making phone calls is outright frowned upon. Violating these norms can lead to awkward stares, verbal warnings, or even fines in some European cities.
In the U.S., talking loudly in public often feels harmless, almost like a cultural norm. It’s just part of the casual, expressive communication style many Americans adopt. Travelers often notice how startling it can be when they switch countries and suddenly even a normal conversation feels disruptive. This is one of those subtle cultural differences that can make a person stand out instantly abroad.
2. Crossing the Street Against a Red Light
Jaywalking is practically a sport in many U.S. cities, where pedestrians will cross anywhere, anytime. In contrast, countries like Singapore and Germany treat jaywalking as a real offense, sometimes with fines or warnings. The laws are strict because traffic is highly regulated, and safety is taken very seriously. Americans often view jaywalking as minor, not realizing it’s illegal in so many other places.
It’s easy to see why this habit exists—American streets are often wide, and crosswalks can feel inconveniently placed. Plus, the culture of personal freedom makes people feel they can make their own judgment about when it’s safe. In other countries, disobeying pedestrian signals is not just frowned upon, it’s enforceable. Ignoring these rules abroad can cost both money and respect from locals.
3. Eating While Walking
In the U.S., grabbing a snack and strolling down the street is second nature, especially in busy cities. But in countries like Japan, eating while walking is considered rude and unhygienic. There, people usually eat at designated spots or stand still at food stalls to consume their meal. This rule helps keep public spaces clean and encourages mindfulness while eating.
Americans often eat on the go because of their fast-paced lifestyle and convenience culture. Fast food chains, street vendors, and coffee shops practically encourage it. When traveling abroad, the simple act of walking with a sandwich can make locals raise their eyebrows. Adapting to these unwritten rules is one of the little challenges of international travel.
4. Flashing Your Credit Card or Cash
Pulling out money in plain sight is something most Americans do without a second thought. In many European countries and parts of Asia, this can attract pickpockets or even be seen as careless. Some countries like Norway advise keeping all valuables discreet, especially in crowded tourist areas. Americans might find it strange to hide money when it feels perfectly normal at home.
In the U.S., paying in cash or using a card openly is standard behavior. People often trust public spaces more or rely on security measures that aren’t present everywhere else. This casual approach to money can be risky abroad, both in terms of theft and cultural perception. Travelers often learn quickly to be more discreet with their wallets.
5. Public Displays of Affection
Holding hands or a quick peck on the cheek is totally fine in most U.S. cities. In other countries, especially in parts of the Middle East or Southeast Asia, public displays of affection can actually be illegal. Authorities may issue fines, or worse, in some conservative regions. Even casual hugging or kissing can draw negative attention or legal trouble.
American culture is generally more permissive with affectionate behavior in public. Movies, media, and everyday social norms reinforce this openness. When visiting stricter countries, even a simple hand-hold may be seen as disrespectful. Understanding local customs is key to avoiding uncomfortable encounters.
6. Wearing Flip-Flops Everywhere
Casual footwear is everywhere in the U.S., from grocery stores to offices in some areas. But in countries like Italy or Japan, flip-flops outside the home, especially in formal settings, can be considered disrespectful. Proper footwear is tied to tradition and etiquette, with locals viewing casual shoes in certain spaces as sloppy. Americans often don’t think twice about comfort over style.
Flip-flops in public seem innocent because of the American emphasis on practicality and ease. In hotter climates, it’s almost expected. Yet abroad, dress codes are stricter, and shoes can signal respect for the environment and people around you. Ignoring this can make someone seem culturally unaware.
7. Speaking on Speakerphone in Public
Loud conversations on speakerphone are common in U.S. airports, streets, and coffee shops. Other countries, like South Korea or Switzerland, expect phone calls to be private and discreet. Using a speaker in public can be considered intrusive and disrespectful. In extreme cases, authorities might intervene if it disturbs public order.
Americans often prioritize convenience over subtlety, treating public spaces like extensions of home or work. Phones are practically glued to their hands, so speaker calls are convenient. When abroad, this habit can clash with local expectations of silence and privacy. Adjusting phone etiquette becomes part of being culturally aware.
8. Bringing Pets Everywhere
Many Americans love taking dogs to restaurants, stores, and even public transport. In countries like Singapore, strict laws regulate where pets are allowed, with fines for violations. Public health concerns and urban cleanliness drive these regulations. Americans often assume pets are universally welcome, but that’s not the case.
Pet culture in the U.S. is strong, and animals are treated like family members. This shapes behavior in public spaces, where access is normalized. Abroad, the rules can feel restrictive, especially in dense cities or regions with strict sanitation codes. Observing these boundaries is essential for respectful travel.
9. Drinking Alcohol in Public
In many U.S. cities, drinking in public parks or streets is surprisingly common. However, countries like Sweden, Norway, and the UAE have strict bans on public alcohol consumption. Breaking the rules can result in fines or confiscation. Americans often think casual drinking outside is harmless, not realizing it’s illegal elsewhere.
Public drinking is tied to social habits and festivals in the U.S. It’s often part of community life or celebration. When traveling abroad, even holding a beer in hand can be a legal offense. Observing local regulations prevents trouble and shows respect for cultural norms.
10. Wearing Pajamas in Public
Some Americans treat pajama-wearing like casual streetwear, especially for quick errands. In countries like France or Japan, leaving the house in sleepwear is socially unacceptable. Dressing appropriately in public reflects social norms and personal presentation. Americans’ comfort-driven mindset clashes with these cultural expectations.
The habit comes from practicality, laziness, or just a fashion statement at home. In contrast, other nations emphasize public appearance and impression. Being caught in pajamas outside can draw stares or social disapproval. Understanding subtle dress codes is part of blending in abroad.
11. Letting Kids Run Wild in Public
Parents in the U.S. sometimes allow kids to play freely in parks, streets, or restaurants. In places like Japan or Germany, strict supervision is expected, and public misbehavior can lead to social reprimands. Public discipline is taken seriously, and unsupervised children are often frowned upon. Americans’ casual parenting style can clash with these norms.
The approach in the U.S. emphasizes freedom, exploration, and social development. Kids are allowed to test boundaries openly. Abroad, even mild disruption can trigger complaints or legal consequences. Observing local parenting norms helps avoid misunderstandings.
12. Using Your Car Horn Excessively
American drivers are notorious for honking at minor annoyances. In countries like the U.K. or Japan, horn use is legally restricted to emergency situations only. Constant honking is considered aggressive and antisocial. Americans often see horn use as normal communication on the road.
Horns in the U.S. are a way to express frustration or alert others quickly. Traffic culture treats it as a safety tool, even if it’s overused. Abroad, misuse can lead to fines or irritated local drivers. Adjusting driving habits shows respect for foreign traffic laws.
13. Taking Photos Everywhere Without Permission
Snapping pictures of people or buildings freely is common in American tourist culture. In countries like France or India, photographing individuals without consent can be illegal. Privacy laws are stricter, and cultural sensitivity matters. Americans often underestimate how invasive this can feel abroad.
Photography is tied to personal expression and memories in the U.S. Social media culture amplifies this habit. Internationally, rules vary, and some locations require explicit permission. Respecting these boundaries avoids conflict and legal trouble.
14. Wearing Offensive Clothing
Americans often wear shirts or hats with controversial slogans without thinking twice. In countries like Saudi Arabia or Iran, clothing that offends religion or the government can be illegal. Dress codes are closely tied to law, morality, and cultural norms. Casual self-expression can have serious consequences abroad.
Clothing in the U.S. is a form of personal freedom and identity. Humor, political statements, or pop culture references are widely accepted. Traveling to countries with strict rules requires awareness of acceptable attire. Adapting helps prevent unwanted attention or legal issues.
This post 14 Things Americans Do in Public That Would Be Illegal in Other Countries was first published on American Charm.
