50 Photos That Perfectly Capture Life In The USA

America is a place full of quirks that can feel completely foreign to outsiders. From the suspiciously big serving sizes to tipping for a cup of coffee to even just how people go about their lives, the experience of being in America can be a real shocker for visitors and new immigrants.

And while some things don’t fully make sense until you’re actually there, these posts give you a fun glimpse into the quirks of American life. They might not prepare you for everything, but they’ll definitely show you a unique side of the States.

When it comes to food, it seems like bigger is always better for Americans. Whether it’s a pizza or a soda, the portion size is often double what you’d get in other countries. So, what’s considered a large soda in Europe might just be a medium in the States.

Apart from their supersized food, Americans have a reputation of being fans of sugared beverages as well. If you are planning on visiting the US, prepare for a lot of flavored sodas and sweet iced teas.

Compared to countries like Italy, where people sip on small, strong espressos, or Japan, where green tea is the norm, US drinks are super sweet and come in sizes that could last all day.

On top of this, they have truly become successful at being able to do things quickly, especially when it comes to food. There are many fast food places in the States that come with drive-thru features. But that’s not simply it.

There are even drive-thru pharmacies, banks, and coffee shops. In other countries like Spain, people usually enjoy sit-down meals with friends and family. To these people, the concept of taking a cup of coffee through the window is quite alien.

While tipping is a common practice in many countries, it is practically a requirement in the States. And no, you can't skimp on tips—15-20% is the expected norm at restaurants.

On the contrary, in countries like Japan, there is an actual cultural principle not to tip anyone, and a good number of European nations include the gratuity within the bill itself.

Medical bills in the US can be shockingly high compared to countries with universal healthcare, like Canada or the UK. In those places, most people do not have to pay for doctor’s visits, surgeries and staying in the hospital, because this is financed by the state. Here, on the other hand, a simple visit to an emergency department could lead to a bill that runs into hundreds of thousands of dollars.