20 Cultural Norms Abroad Americans Find Bizarre
Are you an American stuck in your ways, or are you ready to see the different cultural norms that the world lives by?
The world is full of diversity, colors, and fascinating cultural norms that we may find bizarre if we view it through our American lens.
Although as different as it may be, American travelers should be aware of these cultural differences to expand their knowledge and be respectful while traveling.
Whether it’s specific laws or different ways to greet strangers, in this post, we’ll share the 20 cultural norms abroad that Americans find bizarre to see how cultures around the world live by their own rules. This should help prepare you for your adventures abroad!
1. Drinks With No Ice
Americans don’t just prefer ice in drinks; we obsess over it. Consider our obsession with iced coffee all year round, and refrigerators with built-in ice makers!
Ice may only sometimes be included in your drink when traveling abroad, specifically in European countries.
2. Tipping is Not Always a Good Thing
Tipping is not always a sign of good service or a pleasant dining experience, as many Americans are used to at home.
In countries like Japan, tipping may be a complete sign of disrespect. It signals to the restaurant that they’re not paying their employees fairly.
3. Think Twice Before Giving a Thumbs-Up
Nonverbal communication is only sometimes understood similarly internationally. A simple thumbs-up could be sending the wrong message!
Take Greece, where nodding your head means no while shaking means yes. In places in the Middle East, a thumbs-up may be the equivalent of giving the middle finger!
4. Kissing Strangers at First Encounter
As an American who lived in Spain, this was a culture shock for me, since in the U.S. we usually greet people with a handshake or a hug.
Still, in places like Mexico and Spain, greetings typically include a kiss on each cheek. Without knowing this, could lead to some seriously embarrassing situations.
5. Follow Strange Laws
The U.S. has some interesting laws, but do you know about some unique ones abroad?
Did you know it’s illegal to chew gum in Singapore? Or Canada, you can’t play too many non-Canadian musicians on the radio?
These laws may seem bizarre, but they have their reasons.
6. Incredibly High Safety Levels
If you have kids or are a woman, would you feel safe using public transport in your city at night?
You may find it incredible to see this in cities like Singapore, which ranks highly for safety due to strict penalties and police enforcement.
7. Buildings without A.C.
Would you be cool with no A.C. during summer?
Despite having hot summers, many (new and old) European buildings don’t have A.C. due to energy costs or environmental impact.
Though the reasoning is good, it may still shock Americans who are used to blasting the A.C.
8. Independent vs. Community-Oriented Cultures
In the U.S. young adults move out at 18, seeking their path, and gaining independence in an American individualistic society.
In Latin America for instance, Americans may find it strange to witness kids living at home well into adulthood, until marriage to support one another.
9. Accessible and Efficient Travel
According to CNN, Europe and Asia are the continents with the best public transportation.
Although many Americans already know that traveling through Europe, for example, is easy and quite efficient, our American brains can’t fully process how it’s possible to go from Paris to London in 2 hours!
10. The Customer is Not Always Right
“The customer is always right” is one of the most common expressions in American hospitality, but what may shock many is that this isn’t always true abroad.
In countries like France, returning a dish to the kitchen is considered disrespectful, as it shows that the dish was made terribly.
11. 24-Hour Clock vs. 12-Hour Clock
Though not official, the 24-hour clock is commonly used everywhere except the U.S., which may confuse Americans.
Whether it’s constantly converting the time or adjusting to the 24-hour clock, being unaware of it may confuse some people and even create problems getting around!
12. Dining Etiquette Changes Drastically
Next time you’re dining abroad, don’t be surprised to witness different dining etiquette. Even more, don’t be quick to judge others’ manners.
Slurping noodles is considered acceptable and even a good manner in countries like Japan. In India, eating with your hands is the proper way to eat.
13. Strangers May Not Want to Smile or Talk
I’m guilty of smiling at strangers, as other Americans, and although small talk is considered friendly in the States, it may come off as weird or fake abroad.
According to the BBC, locals prefer to stay silent and to themselves in Nordic countries like Sweden and Finland.
14. Dressing to Impress
One thing we Americans notice in other countries is style.
While we’re all about comfort to match our busy lifestyles, countries like Spain pride themselves on effort and style when hitting the streets, even if it’s just to the grocery store.
My host mom always said you never know who you meet.
15. Openness to Nudity
Entering a sauna with strangers in Finland and going topless at a nudist beach in Spain are a few examples of normalizing nudity in some parts of the world.
For Americans, nudity is taboo and is not always mixed with the general public or openly accepted.
16. Long Meal Times
As an American who worked in Spain, I experienced a few 2-hour long lunch breaks. It was strange, but I couldn’t complain since, in the States, we mostly eat on the go.
According to The Jakarta Post, Spain and Greece are the countries with the longest meals (3 hours!).
17. Different Meanings of Being Punctual
Americans tend to be punctual, especially when meeting new people, and a bit relaxed with friends.
But can you imagine being late even if you arrive on time? That’s Germany and the Netherlands.
Or meeting with friends on time and waiting 20+ minutes for everyone? That’s Argentina and Ghana.
18. Uncommon Foreign Delicacies for Americans
Do you consider yourself part of the 53% of Americans open to trying new foods?
The world is full of interesting flavors and dishes from fertilized duck eggs in the Philippines, to tripe dishes in France, fried grasshoppers in Mexico, and China’s Century Egg.
19. Using Squatting Toilets or Bidets
The world does its business differently. Europeans use bidets, while Chinese and Turkish people have squatting toilets, to name a few.
Even though these types of toilets and fixtures are said to be better, some Americans are still getting used to them and how they work.
20. Driving on the Left Side of the Road
When thinking of driving on the left side of the road, the UK and Ireland may come to mind, but 70+ countries follow this cultural norm.
Driving on the left-hand side is a no-brainer from parts of Oceania and Asia, but for Americans, it’s another thing to stare in curiosity and confusion.
Which One Did You Find the Most Bizarre?
