Buzz
If you ever embark on a journey around the world, you'll soon realize that while everyone shares similar needs and desires, cultures have shaped their own unique approaches to fulfilling them. What we take for granted in our daily lives can seem strange when viewed from another cultural perspective. Venturing outside your comfort zone often brings surprising encounters that differ from what you're used to back home. Some might seem odd, but they’re mostly quite enjoyable. Here are 10 things that stand out as distinct from life in the United States.
10. Pharmaceutical Ads
If you've visited Europe and spent some time watching television, you've likely noticed the formatting differences in ads. Apart from potential language barriers, commercials are often grouped into longer time blocks rather than being scattered throughout the show (a great feature—now you can cook, eat, and clean up without missing your favorite programs!). You may also realize that certain ads, like those for cars or pharmaceuticals, are absent. This is because, except for the US and New Zealand, most countries have banned direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical marketing, including TV commercials.
It’s refreshing not to be bombarded with lengthy lists of potential side effects, ranging from hair loss treatments to managing depression, or a variety of other health conditions. These warnings often seem more alarming than the actual condition. Many of them list terrifying side effects like death or cancer. It’s a bit surreal to think that these ads are legally allowed anywhere. It almost feels like a throwback to the days of dubious snake oil salesmen! A more logical approach might be to restrict such marketing to doctors and medical professionals only.
9. Garbage Disposals
That handy appliance in your kitchen sink, which grinds up vegetable scraps, spoiled fruit, and sometimes even your fingers if you're not careful, isn't as eco-friendly as it might seem. It actually poses a significant risk to older sewage systems, which can easily get clogged by fibrous waste. Additionally, many people dispose of things down the drain that shouldn't be there, like coffee grounds or eggshells—something you might only realize after dealing with a blocked pipe. All the water you wash down the sink, whether through the disposal or not, eventually goes back into the water supply after being treated. But remember, treatment plants can't remove everything; they're not miracle purifiers!
An Australian study has revealed that sending food waste down the disposal is actually three times worse than simply sending it to a landfill. In fact, many European countries have banned them altogether. Even New York City is currently debating whether to continue allowing them!
8. Deceptive Price Tags
We've all experienced the familiar feeling of checking out at the grocery store only to realize the final price is higher than what we had calculated along the way. Whether it's tax or hidden fees, we often find ourselves reluctantly handing over money when a few extra dollars appear out of nowhere. Most of the time, we don't bother to do the math—or we simply don't know the tax rate—so we just sigh and pay the difference.
There’s a better approach! In the EU, there are no hidden costs. Price tags are required to display the total cost, including taxes, right on the product label or on the shelf itself. How refreshing! Additionally, sellers are prohibited from adding extra charges when you pay with a credit or debit card. Maybe it’s time for the USA to take a few notes from some of our European cousins!
7. Enormous Food Portions
How many times have you opted for the 'larger size' at a fast food drive-thru or counter? It's probably happened more than once. French fries, let’s be honest, are delicious, and we can’t resist checking the bottom of the bag for stray fries—it’s just part of the fun and joy of fries!
However, many Europeans find this part of our culture perplexing. Meals in other countries tend to have smaller portions compared to our regular servings. So the idea of supersizing anything seems a bit over the top. With such large meal sizes, it’s not surprising that obesity rates are climbing. If freedom means the ability to do whatever you want, you also have to accept the consequences that follow.
6. “How Are You?” as a ‘Hello’
Guilty! In the US, “How are you?” is a common substitute for “Hello.” It’s something you probably say and hear multiple times throughout the day—at least when we're not hiding indoors due to a pandemic. You’re walking down the street, make eye contact with a stranger, smile, and out it comes. The response you’ll likely get is just as formulaic. No real answer is expected, and you’d probably be shocked if someone actually gave you one.
However, in other places, like Europe, you’d likely get a detailed answer about someone’s day. They expect a similar response from you and might find it rude if you don’t reciprocate. So, if you’re heading to Europe, you might want to remember to use a simple “hello” unless you’re prepared for some unexpected and lengthy conversations!
5. Free Refills on Drinks
How many Cokes do you drink during a meal? You pay for one, but can refill as much as you want. Many of us are guilty of refilling at least twice, if not more. They offer it, so why not take advantage? We’ve already said yes to the supersized meal, so why not go all in!
This is a common practice in the US, but you won’t find it in many other countries. In most places, especially in Europe, you’re expected to pay for every drink you consume. So don’t be surprised when your final bill includes charges for the six colas you had. They’re also puzzled by the amount of ice we insist on in our drinks.
4. Red Solo Cups
The iconic red solo cup even has its own song in the US! Toby Keith’s 'Red Solo Cup' (Unedited Version) has over 61 million views, which really speaks to how beloved these cups are. It perfectly explains everything you need to know about this easy-to-store, disposable cup that many of us probably have stacked in our kitchens or pantries, always ready for action at a moment’s notice.
However, the red solo cup's fame doesn’t extend beyond the US. You’re unlikely to find these famous drinking vessels outside the States. This might be because in other countries, you’re less likely to need to hide what you’re drinking in public, since most places have more relaxed alcohol regulations.
3. Large Gaps Under Bathroom Stalls
They can see you! Most of us have likely had that uncomfortable thought when using a public restroom. Let’s face it, nobody really enjoys using a public toilet. And if you're a woman at an event, you’re probably going to be stuck in a long line before you even get a chance to sit down. Unfortunately, it’s a necessary evil. But when nature calls, it calls! And those significant gaps between the stall door and walls, or between the door and the floor, certainly don’t help make the experience any better. You can see people passing by and clearly spot your neighbor’s legs and feet, adding to the awkwardness. It’s far from the most comfortable setup.
In Europe, if you need to use a public restroom, you'll find yourself fully enclosed and hidden from public view! The partitions extend all the way to the floor, and there are no awkward gaps between the door and the walls. However, you should expect to pay a small fee to use the restroom. And no, this isn't a privacy fee—it's a maintenance charge, which makes sense when you think about it. Maybe American restrooms would be cleaner if there was a small fee! You might also encounter a bidet (also found in Japan) instead of toilet paper. It’s a preferred self-cleaning method in various places around the world and helps reduce waste. Additionally, many places ask you to throw used toilet paper in the waste bin instead of flushing it.
2. To-Go Coffee
What would we do without our to-go coffees when we're rushing to work or taking an afternoon break? Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts would hardly be the cultural phenomena they are without that precious 'black gold' available from the windows of our cars. If anything unites us as a nation, it’s our obsession with convenience. We want it immediately, just the way we ask for it. And nothing embodies this cultural mindset more than our coffee on the go.
But this approach contrasts with how many other places in the world view coffee. In other countries, coffee is seen as an experience to be savored slowly from a ceramic cup (never plastic or styrofoam), often shared with a friend or enjoyed while sitting alone listening to a beautiful piece of music. In Italy, the birthplace of espresso, coffee is a quick ritual enjoyed in the café, not a rushed event that holds no meaning beyond a caffeine boost. Psssst, buy a French press and make your coffee at home... you'll never want to buy to-go again! It’s just as fast as brewing tea, much tastier than an automatic drip, and you can customize it however you like.
1. Tipping
The tipping culture in the US is astonishing to most international visitors. The notion that an employee’s wage is largely dependent on customer tips is difficult to grasp for many. And what if the service is poor or unfriendly? Even in that case, you’re still expected to leave something. It's just a part of the routine! In Europe, the service charge is often included in the meal price. Meanwhile, in Japan and South Korea, tipping is seen as insulting. So when people from these countries visit the US, the expectation of tipping can be a costly and unwelcome surprise.
Have you ever traveled and tried to give someone a tip, only for them to look puzzled and return your money? The author has learned the hard way not to tip taxi drivers in certain parts of Central America. It's wise to familiarize yourself with the tipping customs of your destination to avoid unintentionally offending anyone.
