13 Things That Are Normal Abroad But Weird In America

While traveling can open your eyes to how others live, it can also make you appreciate the little oddities you might have taken for granted back home. Here’s a rundown of things that are perfectly normal abroad but might just make your American friends do a double-take. The world is filled with surprising customs, and some of them might just become your new favorite habits.

1. Public Transportation Etiquette

If you’ve ever taken public transportation in countries like Japan, you might have noticed the almost eerie silence that fills the train cars. People are generally expected to keep conversations to a minimum and refrain from taking phone calls. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, this practice is out of respect for others who might be working or resting. In the US, public transportation often serves as a bustling hub for social interaction, making the silence abroad seem strange. Yet once you get accustomed to it, you might appreciate the peaceful commute.

In many European cities, eating or drinking on public transportation is considered a no-go. While you might be used to sipping your morning coffee on the subway in New York, doing so in Berlin might get you a few side-eyes. This custom is rooted in keeping the public space clean and respecting fellow passengers. In America, public transportation isn’t just a means to get from point A to B; it’s a place to multitask. The cultural divide can be quite stark when you’re suddenly expected to go without your daily latte on the morning commute.

2. Tipping Culture

In America, tipping is a significant part of dining out, deeply embedded in the culture and often expected to be around 15-20% of the bill. But venture outside the US, and you’ll find that the tipping game changes dramatically. In countries like Japan, tipping can even be considered rude, as good service is considered standard rather than something extra. It’s a jarring experience to go from calculating tips to being told “no need” when you try to leave a little extra. This cultural difference can actually make you rethink how you view service and gratitude.

In European countries, servers are paid a living wage, so tipping is more of a bonus than a necessity. Often, rounding up the bill or leaving small change is entirely sufficient. This difference in tipping culture can create an awkward moment when you first encounter it. You might find yourself feeling guilty or confused when you don’t leave a 20% tip. This shift can be a refreshing change from the pressure of always having to do math at the end of a meal.

3. Bathroom Design

Step into a European bathroom and you might be met with a design quirk that’s unusual for Americans: the dual-flush toilet. This eco-friendly fixture offers two options for flushing, allowing you to conserve water based on your needs. According to a report by The Guardian, this simple innovation can save significant amounts of water annually. Meanwhile, the standard American toilet has been slower to adapt to such innovations. Once you get used to having a choice, it can feel a bit wasteful to go back to a single option.

In many places abroad, you’ll find bathrooms designed without the standard face-to-face stalls seen in the US. Instead, you’ll encounter floor-to-ceiling doors that offer a level of privacy that can be startling at first but ultimately liberating. This design prevents awkward eye contact or accidental peeks under stalls. While it might feel a bit claustrophobic initially, you might find yourself missing this privacy back home. The experience can make American public bathrooms feel oddly exposed in comparison.

4. Meal Portions

If you’ve dined in the US, you’re probably used to generous portion sizes that could easily double as tomorrow’s lunch. Head over to France or Japan, and you’ll notice the portions are much smaller, often leaving you just satisfied rather than stuffed. This difference stems from cultural attitudes towards food and eating habits. In many places abroad, meals are about quality over quantity, savoring each bite rather than focusing on abundance. It’s a shift that might take some getting used to, but you might find yourself feeling lighter and more satisfied.

Smaller portions abroad are often complemented by more courses, turning dining into a leisurely experience rather than a rushed event. This practice emphasizes the social aspect of eating, giving you time to enjoy conversations and unwind. In the US, meals are sometimes seen as a task to complete rather than an experience to enjoy. Once you immerse yourself in this slower dining culture, you might find the American hustle at mealtime a bit overwhelming. The focus on flavor and experience can make dining out feel like a special occasion each time.

5. Grocery Shopping

In many European countries, grocery shopping is often done daily or every other day, focusing on fresh ingredients for upcoming meals. This practice stands in stark contrast to the American habit of doing a big weekly shop. According to a study by the Food Marketing Institute, this difference is largely influenced by smaller living spaces and limited storage in Europe. The idea is to buy what you need when you need it, minimizing waste and maximizing freshness. Embracing this approach can be a delightful change, encouraging you to think creatively about meal planning.

When you walk into a European grocery store, you might notice that many products lack the vibrant packaging seen in American stores. Organic and locally sourced items are often the norm, rather than premium products. This focus on sustainability and health can change the way you think about the food you buy. You might find yourself reaching for more whole foods and fewer processed options. This shift can be both refreshing and challenging as you adapt to a different way of shopping and cooking.

6. Taking Shoes Off Indoors

In many cultures, especially in Asia and Northern Europe, removing your shoes before entering a home is standard practice. It’s a sign of respect and cleanliness, keeping the indoors free from the dirt and grime of the outside world. In America, however, it’s more common to walk around the house with shoes on, unless instructed otherwise. This practice can seem peculiar if you’re not used to it, but it quickly becomes second nature. Once you get into the habit, you might find it hard to break when you return to the US.

The custom of taking off shoes indoors is often accompanied by offering house slippers to guests, adding a level of comfort and hospitality. This small gesture can make a home feel welcoming and cozy. In contrast, entering a home with shoes on might seem less personal or relaxed. These cultural nuances can influence how you perceive hospitality and cleanliness. You may find yourself adopting this habit as a way to bring a bit of your travel experiences back home.

7. Addressing Strangers

In many parts of Europe and Asia, addressing someone by their first name might be considered too informal, especially in professional settings. Titles and last names are often used until a closer relationship is established. According to a study in the Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, this formality is rooted in societal norms that emphasize respect and hierarchy. In the US, it’s common to skip the formalities and jump straight to first names, fostering a sense of immediate camaraderie. This difference can be a bit of a culture shock if you’re used to American informality.

The use of titles and surnames can make interactions seem more distant at first, but it’s simply a different way of showing respect. Over time, you might start to appreciate the boundaries it establishes, particularly in professional environments. When you return to America, the casualness might feel refreshing or overly familiar, depending on your experience. You might find yourself more mindful of how you address people. This small change in perspective can influence your interactions in surprising ways.

8. Drinking Age Differences

In the US, the legal drinking age is 21, a policy that stands out globally, as many countries set the bar at 18 or even younger. In places like Germany and Italy, having a glass of wine with dinner as a teenager is not uncommon. This more relaxed attitude can surprise American visitors who are accustomed to stricter regulations. In these countries, alcohol is often integrated into meals and social gatherings in a way that’s seen as natural and normal. Experiencing this can shift your perspective on how alcohol is consumed and celebrated.

The relaxed drinking age in many countries often correlates with a more tempered approach to alcohol consumption. When drinking is not viewed as a forbidden fruit, it can become less of a rebellion and more of a casual occurrence. This can lead to fewer instances of binge drinking compared to cultures with stricter regulations. The difference can be striking and might make you question the effectiveness of the US approach. Observing these attitudes can broaden your understanding of cultural norms surrounding alcohol.

9. Renting vs. Buying

In many European cities, renting a home is the standard rather than the exception, and buying property is often viewed as a long-term investment. This contrasts with the American dream of homeownership as the ultimate goal. Urban living in cities like Berlin and Amsterdam makes renting a more practical and flexible option. The focus on renting allows for more mobility and less financial burden. Experiencing this can change how you think about housing and financial stability.

The renting culture abroad often comes with tenant-friendly laws and regulations that protect renters. This stability allows people to invest in other areas of life, like travel and education. In the US, where homeownership is seen as a milestone, renting can sometimes carry a stigma. Witnessing the value and freedom that renting provides abroad can reshape your views on what it means to “settle down.” This can lead to a more flexible approach to housing when you return home.

10. Air Conditioning Usage

In many parts of the world, air conditioning is considered a luxury rather than a necessity, often reserved for the hottest days. In contrast, many Americans can’t imagine life without it, using it liberally during the summer months. This reliance can be bewildering to those from cooler climates or regions with more energy-efficient approaches. In countries like the UK or Sweden, opening windows and using fans are more common solutions. Experiencing these different attitudes can make you reconsider your own energy consumption habits.

When you step into a European home or office, you’re likely to find fans and open windows rather than blasting air conditioning. This approach is often seen as environmentally friendly and more sustainable. In the US, air conditioning is so commonplace that going without it can seem unthinkable. Once you experience life with less reliance on AC, you might start to appreciate the simplicity of natural ventilation. This shift can lead to a more eco-conscious mindset upon returning home.

11. Coffee Culture

In places like Italy and France, coffee culture is more about quality than quantity, with people sipping small, strong espressos throughout the day. This contrasts sharply with the American love for large, milky coffees often consumed on the go. The European approach emphasizes enjoying a coffee break as a moment of relaxation and socialization. You might find yourself savoring each sip rather than rushing to consume caffeine. This change can make your daily coffee ritual feel more indulgent and fulfilling.

European coffee culture often involves standing at a bar or sitting for a brief chat, rather than taking coffee to-go. This custom emphasizes connection and the experience of drinking coffee itself. In America, coffee is frequently seen as fuel to power through a busy day, leading to a different relationship with the beverage. Experiencing the leisurely pace of European coffee culture can be a refreshing change. You might find yourself adopting a more mindful approach to your coffee habits.

12. Public Displays of Affection

In many Latin American and European countries, public displays of affection are much more common and accepted than in the US. People openly hold hands, hug, and kiss in public without batting an eye. This casual attitude towards affection can be surprising if you’re used to more reserved social norms. In America, PDA can sometimes be frowned upon or seen as inappropriate. Spending time abroad can make you more comfortable with expressing affection openly.

The relaxed attitude towards PDA often reflects a broader cultural norm of valuing physical touch as a form of communication. In contrast, American culture can sometimes prioritize personal space and boundaries. Observing these differences can broaden your understanding of intimacy and relationships. You might find yourself less inhibited and more expressive with your affections. This can lead to more open and authentic connections with others.

13. Eating Dessert at Breakfast

In several European countries, having something sweet like pastries or chocolate for breakfast is perfectly normal. This might seem odd if you’re used to cereal, eggs, or toast as the first meal of the day. Embracing this sweeter start can add a touch of indulgence to your mornings. In America, dessert is usually reserved for special occasions or the end of a meal. Trying this breakfast tradition can make you rethink how you approach your morning routine.

The European approach to breakfast often includes a variety of breads, jams, and cheeses, making it a leisurely and enjoyable meal. This contrasts with the often quick and utilitarian American breakfast. Embracing the idea of breakfast as a time to enjoy and savor can be transformative. You might find yourself lingering over your morning coffee and pastry. This change can bring a more relaxed and enjoyable start to your day.