Culture shock is a significant topic for American travelers this year, with many experiencing interesting and surprising cultural traits during their journeys. Some travelers have made observations about the lack of free water and AC in Europe amidst intense heat, while others have investigated options for temporary residency visas in Latin America. This summer, American adventures reflected a wide array of cultural differences.
At the same time, visitors to the USA also encountered surprising aspects of American life, despite an overall decrease in international travelers. Notable events, like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, drew curious visitors who raised various questions about American culture.
Discussions on platforms like Reddit revealed noteworthy inquiries, such as packing ranch dressing and the legality of certain substances across different states. In a recent study by BC Game, researchers analyzed Reddit threads to uncover which American habits astonished foreign visitors most, grouping recurrent themes from topics like tipping, portion sizes, and friendly small talk.
Here are the top five biggest culture shocks for foreign travelers in the USA:
5. Homelessness and Visible Poverty
Tourists are often taken aback by the visible homelessness in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, where scenes of people living on the streets starkly contrast with expectations of wealth in America.
4. Car Dependence, Poor Walkability, Limited Public Transport
Many international visitors, especially from Europe and Asia, are surprised by the American reliance on cars. Mid-sized cities often lack alternatives for getting around, leading to dissatisfaction and extensive discussions in American media about public transport issues.
3. Tipping Culture
Tipping is another source of confusion for travelers, with many unsure about how much to tip or when it is expected. This practice, which varies greatly from other countries where service charges are included, leads to numerous questions and experiences shared online.
2. Supersized Food Portions
Foreign visitors are frequently shocked by the large portion sizes at American restaurants, often realizing too late that they’ve ordered meals potentially meant for multiple people. This peculiarity has garnered significant international media coverage.
1. Surprisingly Friendly Strangers
The biggest culture shock appears to be the prevalence of small talk. Many travelers find the American friendliness and casual greetings, like “How are you doing?”—often just a way to say hello—unusual and somewhat theatrical, leading to widespread commentary.
These observations reflect not just cultural differences but also varying perspectives on daily life in the United States.
