Visiting the USA is something many of us have on our bucket list. As a Brit, I constantly see photos of New York, Los Angeles and Manhattan, but you know, quaint little towns offer a truly unique experience. It’s easy to assume that Western cultures are very similar. Trust me though, there are many fun surprises for a Brit visiting America.
Although famous places have a lively buzz, you really don’t need to visit big cities to experience American culture. Last summer I explored little towns in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, but you know what? I didn’t regret it for a minute. In fact, I wouldn’t have seen many of my favourite features had I stuck to the big cities. If you’re looking for travel inspiration and fun American quirks, here are 10 interesting features to look out for on your next trip to the USA.
1. There are Rocking Chairs Absolutely Everywhere
From the moment I landed in America, I was surprised to see rocking chairs everywhere (even in the airport)! Picture this: you arrive in America, walk yourself off the flight, and next to the moving walkways are people sitting in white wooden rocking chairs with matching wooden tables. I know right? It’s wonderful!
Even big hotel chains like Hampton, swapped the legs of their dining chairs for rockers so you can rock while eating breakfast (See the image above). In small towns, they took it to a whole new level. Many shops had hand-decorated rocking chairs outside. As a Londoner, I was surprised by how they were not stolen or vandalized. I grew up in the middle of the British countryside and even there, people wouldn’t risk leaving handpainted wooden rocking chairs outside. They’d probably disappear sooner or later.
2. Ice is Readily Available (There are Even Ice Vending Machines)
In British cafes and restaurants, I’ve asked for ice countless times just to be told that the drink is chilled. Let’s be honest though, it’s never really cold that way. You Americans will understand me, right? Something I really loved in the US was how all the cold drinks were served with ice (even if they just came out of the fridge).
There are Self-Serve Ice Vending Machines (And They’re Actually Popular)
In the UK, grocery stores are about the only place to buy ice. In small-town America though, there are little self-serve vending machine huts that dispense ice. Even if there’s a supermarket nearby, people roll up in their car and purchase a 32lb bag from the machine (that’s about 14.5kg for us Brits). In the UK, even big bags of ice from the grocery store are only 2kg. Out of all the fun things that surprised me as a Brit in America, this has to be a highlight!
Having an Ice Machine in the House is the Norm in America
While on holiday, I was surprised to see how practically all American homes had ice makers in their fridge freezers. As a Brit, I only know about 2 people who have an ice maker built into their fridge. We need to take some tips!
3. Grocery Shopping is a Whole New Experience
Shopping in the USA is a whole new experience. I could genuinely spend all day walking around Walmart. The variety of products varies wildly too (with American products tasting better in my humble opinion). Health is important of course, but sometimes it’s nice to have a change from the British rules. In the UK most crisps (chips for you Americans) come with a big label saying “baked not fried”. Let’s face it though, they really don’t taste the same that way. Similarly, UK grocery stores don’t sell Jolly Ranchers, Blow Pops or Rootbeer as British food can’t use artificial colours and flavourings.
The Prices are Crazy (And I Mean Crazy Expensive)
While looking at the price of crisps (chips) in America, I was gobsmacked to see bags selling for over seven dollars just in a regular mall. In the UK, large bags of crisps are about two pounds and that includes tax. The whole pricing system in the USA is about enough to send any Brit into a coma. Think about it: why would anyone want to calculate the tax on every item they ever buy? Having grown up in the UK, I’ve taken for granted being able to pay exactly what it says on the shelf.
4. American Restaurant Norms are Really Something Else
The bright side of eating out in the USA is that you receive generous portion sizes, refills, and sometimes even free food. In Britain, there’s a stereotype of large American portions, but the differences are insane. In one small town, I asked for half of a child’s portion of ice cream for half the price (I know right, I can’t believe they let me) and it was the same size as a British adult regular portion.
British portion sizes are becoming somewhat pathetic these days. A large portion in Britain is actually smaller than a regular portion in America. What’s crazier is that larger restaurants and cafes in the UK are required to list the calorie count for each dish on the menu. I know it’s to improve health, but if I’m treating myself to a meal out, I don’t always want to know how many calories I’m consuming.
Americans Take Tipping Culture to a Whole New Level
Growing up in the UK, I’ve never thought much about tipping, but in the US, oh my did that change. In America, many hospitality workers rely on tips so it’s expected that people give generously even at cafes and car washes.
I remember whenever I bought ice cream in America, a message showed on the payment machine asking if I wanted to tip 10%, 15% or 20%, with a small option below saying “no tip”. The thing is though, the server is right there watching you. Either you smile and give a generous tip or say no and feel severe guilt. I’m all for generosity but it is something you need to factor into your budget before you go out!
In the UK some smaller places might have a tip jar, but it’s not expected. Many British restaurants have an optional 10-12.5% service charge included in the bill, but if they don’t, 10% is a perfectly acceptable tip. Similarly, in the UK tax is always included in the menu prices but in America, the bill can mount up unexpectedly as the tip and tax are not factored in. I must say, this was a bit of a culture shock for me as a British Student!
They Offer Unlimited Refills for Free (Sounds Too Good to be True)
In the UK it’s quite rare to receive free refills. However, in America not only do they allow unlimited refills but they also bring free takeaway cups and top up everyone’s drink at the end of the meal. What’s more, even in places like Chick-fil-A, you can go up to the counter for a top-up before you leave. This definitely isn’t a thing in the UK (but it should be).
Everyone Offers You Iced Tea (And It’s Freshly Made Not Bottled)
Throughout my time in America, iced tea quickly became a staple. Brits genuinely have no idea how much of a thing iced tea is in the US. Whether you’re in a cafe, fast food chain, or restaurant, they serve unlimited iced tea. What’s more, they make it themselves and bring it by the jug! In the UK, it’s usually possible to find iced tea, but only small pre-packaged bottles in the refrigerator. I know the UK has a big reputation for drinking tea, but people mostly consume it hot (even during the summer).
5. Political Clothing In America Can Be So Extra
In the USA, I was surprised by how open people are about sharing their political views and supporting their candidates. Many of the smaller stores (even beach marts) had political clothing and signs. I’d walk into one souvenir shop and all the items would have Kamala’s face on, and then walk into the next one which would have every piece of Trump merchandise you could imagine.
In the UK, people might have a sign with the name of their party or go leafleting, but nobody wears clothing with a picture of Kier Starmer or Rushi Sunak. However, in America, it was normal to see items with images of Trump or Kamala on them.
6. You can Spot American Flags Everywhere
In the UK, a few shops and houses have British flags, but usually, they’re only popular during national events such as a coronation. In America however, I was surprised to see flags flying outside of houses, gardens and shops. As a Brit, I thought it was wonderful.
Something I’ll never forget is walking through countless American neighbourhoods, feeling the heat, and seeing the many flags flying from the porches, plant pots and gardens. The American Flag is beautiful, and it is surreal to see it in person.
7. The Bathrooms are Different (And Less Private)
Something that really surprised me as a Brit in America was the lack of privacy in public restrooms. In Britain, bathroom cubicle doors have minimal gaps around them. However, in America, not only do they have huge spaces but the doors start higher up and end lower down. Like honestly, who thought that was a good idea? Americans might have many things nailed, but trust me, you could really take some inspiration from the British on this one!
8. In America, There are Houses with Tin Roofs
In the UK I can’t remember ever seeing tin roofs on houses. They’re common in barns, warehouses and mobile homes, but not in regular neighbourhoods. Even affordable housing in the UK doesn’t have this roofing. In America though, I was surprised to see metal roofs even on very large and expensive homes. As a Brit, I liked it. I thought it added a lot of character to the houses and made them seem more rustic!
9. The Mailboxes are Uniform (And Rather Iconic in my Opinion)
As a Brit, I’ve always had my mail posted directly through a slit in the door. Sure some people have mailboxes especially if they live in flats, but there’s no uniform shape. I grew up on the outskirts of a little village where people had incredibly long driveways. Even there, the postman would drive all the way out to each house to deliver their mail. Incredible right? Go Royal Mail!
When visiting the USA, I was surprised to see how everybody has similarly shaped mailboxes at the end of their driveways. Even in neighbourhoods, people don’t have the mail put through their doors. As a Brit, I thought this was a lovely feature. It sounds strange, but there’s something very satisfying about seeing a row of matching mailboxes.
10. There are Countless Drive-Through Services (Talk About Surprises for a Brit in America)
In Britain, we have drive-throughs, but they’re almost exclusively fast-food chains. In America however, there are many places that offer drive-through banking. As a Brit, that was very crazy to me. Why would people want to bank in their car?
In the UK we mostly do mobile banking. If someone does want to go in person though, it’s a bit of a process. Many bank branches have closed down, and the ones left open are usually in the town centre so there’s no parking.
Another thing I noticed was how prolific drive-through pharmacies were. In the UK, even big drugstore chains like Boots don’t offer drive-through services. Americans have really nailed convenient shopping to a tee!
Experiencing Other Cultures is Always Worth the Hype
No matter where you go, there’s always something special about immersing yourself in a new culture. Even within a country, there’s such a variety of experiences depending on which part you visit. People often gravitate towards cities but having visited rural America, I genuinely can say it’s worth the hype. If you’re looking for more inspiration to plan your next American holiday, here are 10 of America’s most idyllic escapes.
Happy holidays, and do share any culture shocks that have surprised you in the comments!
