A curious traveler on an Ask An American forum wondered what people with foreign families are most shocked about when they come to America. Giant Pizzas, gun culture, and freedom are just some of the biggest culture shocks tourists report experiencing when they touch down in the U S of A.
1) Eating Giant Pizzas
A user named Lyla insists that the different pizza sizes in the U.S. are shocking. I would have never thought about this when I lived in America. Still, once I came to Australia, I realized those little pizzas you get from Domino’s is the largest size you can get anywhere.
After living here for a few years, I’m horrified about how large a single slice of pizza from my local pizzeria back home would be. No wonder we have such high obesity rates. You get a better deal in the U.S. but pay with your health.
2) Going to Big Retail Stores
An Oregonian with family from overseas insists his German relatives were blown away by the mystical land that is Walmart, especially since they took them to the largest one in their area.
Others with foreign relatives share the sentiment about being awed by the sheer size of our retail stores like Walmart, Target, and Costco. More than just the size of these places, it’s so utterly American.
Target in Australia, for example, is a pretty dull clothing and merchandise store. In contrast, the American version has a grocery store, a pharmacy, electronics, clothes, a Pizza Hut, and a Starbucks inside, which is why Australians don’t understand why Americans are so obsessed with Target.
3) Millions of Options Available All the Time
Nothing can prepare you for the sheer availability, convenience, and 24/7 supply of food and products in America. An Italian-born and raised couple visited the U.S. with their son, who was taken aback by Costco. He said, “Wow!!! It’s like if Amazon was a store!”
The father jokes that he said, “son, this here’s what America’s all about.” Say what you will about consumerism, but it’s convenient to go to the store whenever you want, with endless options for any item you could dream of. Moreover, you face fewer limitations, which Americans take for granted until they travel elsewhere.
Using Australia as an example again, I couldn’t believe stores here close at 5:00 pm and that their “late night shopping days” only extend until 9:00 pm and on Thursdays, no less, so not even on the weekend. A tourist from India was shocked you can go shopping at midnight in the U.S.
4) Everything Has a Drive-Thru
I hadn’t thought much about this one, but we have many Drive-Thrus. This took one American’s “overseas friend” by surprise—Drive-Thrus for fast food places, pharmacies, coffee shops, banks, and liquor stores.
My favorite comment came from this person who says, “My favorite ‘even that has drive-thru options’ moment as a Brit so far has been a church where the pastor turned to the camera that was doing the live stream and said ‘and for the folks watching at home, drive-thru communion is available until 3:30, just pop on by.’ What a time to be alive!”
5) Needing a Car To Go Anywhere
Many users commented on how vast distances are between places. After all, you can drive for 12 to 14 hours in Texas and still be in Texas. One American’s Indian cousin was also shocked by how long you can drive on the road without seeing another car.
A funny anecdote shared by a New Yorker with Irish cousins is when they wondered out loud if they could do a round-trip by rental car from NYC to California, explore the area, and then return to NYC all within three days. As hilarious as that is, they insist it isn’t even as ridiculous as some other driving estimates they’ve heard from Europeans. I guess that’s what happens when you can travel to several countries in no time at all.
6) Large Portion Sizes & Refills at Restaurants
A person with British cousins made a list of what the Brits were astonished by. Among them were portion sizes at restaurants, especially considering the low prices of such portions.
Another individual mentioned that refills at restaurants are a culture shock that confuses people from overseas, who assume that their refilled coke is something they will be charged for. This one’s funny because I’ve gotten so used to living overseas that I genuinely forgot free refills even exist.
7) Freedom
People mentioned various things in this thread, referencing the freedom to do or buy certain things. For example, a German couldn’t believe that a copy of Mein Kampf would be displayed for sale in a bookstore because it was banned in Germany for 70 years. Only recently, a scholarly critical edition was released.
On a similar note, foreigners often can’t believe that Americans can walk into a public space or store while being armed because few other countries in the world have the same level of protection of gun rights as an upheld value. People can also buy and set off their own fireworks, which may not be legal in several other countries.
8) Huge Cars
One traveler was blown away by the massive size of American cars when visiting St. Paul, Minnesota, from Germany. Even compact American SUVs are at least 1.5x the size of European vehicles. The trucks are even larger than the cars, with this commenter insisting their neighbor had what looked like a monster truck parked in their driveway.
9) Chatty People
One foreigner said, “Honestly, my parents were shocked by how polite and kind everyone was.” They obviously didn’t go to New York. However, it’s a familiar and true stereotype that Americans are more chatty and optimistic than Europeans. Well, maybe not New York, but we’re more likely to chat up strangers for no reason.
10) Big Houses & Wide Roads
A common notion was that everything in America is bigger — the cars, lawns, buildings, stores, and houses. Even the roads are wider than the narrow excuses for a “street” in Europe. The trade-off, unfortunately, is that we don’t have sidewalks.
This thread inspired this post.
More From Savoteur
What worries you the most about America? I’ll go first. As an American in an interracial couple, I’m most concerned about the threat of civil war.
I’ve heard some looney tunes spouting hate and have read scary things regarding polarizing politics and civil unrest. It’s a concern. After someone asked non-Americans what their concerns were, these were their biggest confessions.
10 Genuine Things Non-Americans Are Worried About the Most for America
The Most Famous Person in Your State Will Surprise You
When you think of certain states, famous residents immediately come to mind. From The Oracle of Omaha to Jon Bon Jovi, Prince, or Will Smith, their names are synonymous with their home states. But what about the other states in America? Take a look at The Most Iconic Person from Each State to see if you agree with our picks!
The Most Famous Person In Your State Will Surprise You
The Worst Cities in America to Avoid at all Costs
The United States is home to many of the most beautiful natural wonders of the world. Unfortunately, it’s also home to cities in steep decline due to increases in poverty, homelessness, and violent and property crimes. While there are many safe towns and cities in the U.S., some online users from a social media discussion board believe there are some you should avoid.
15 of the Worst Cities in America To Avoid at All Costs
10 Weapons People Recommended for Self-Defense While Traveling
One thing that scares me about solo travel is not being to defend myself. An RV owner shared that they are trying to decide whether to get a gun or any other weapon to help them feel safer on the road. Other travelers in an online forum suggested these options.
10 Weapons People Recommended for Self-Defense While Traveling
Top 10 Countries With the Absolute Worst Cuisine in the World
Have you encountered a country of terrible foods in your traveling endeavors? You’re not alone. After someone asked travelers, “What country has the worst cuisine overall?” These are the top-voted responses.
Top 10 Countries With the Absolute Worst Cuisine in the World
