There are several facts about the United States that foreigners sometimes find surprising or hard to believe until they experience them firsthand. Here are a few examples:
- Portion Sizes: The large portion sizes of food in the United States can be overwhelming for some foreigners. Restaurants often serve meals that are significantly larger than what people are accustomed to in other countries.
- Tipping Culture: The tipping culture in the United States, where it is customary to tip service workers such as waiters, bartenders, and taxi drivers, can be surprising to foreigners who come from countries where tipping is less common or not expected.
- Geographic Diversity: Many foreigners are surprised by the vast geographic diversity within the United States. From breathtaking natural landscapes like the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls to bustling cities like New York and Los Angeles, the country offers a wide range of environments and attractions.
- Cultural Diversity: The United States is a melting pot of cultures, and foreigners often find it fascinating to encounter such a diverse array of people, traditions, languages, and cuisines within the country.
- Patriotism: The level of patriotism and national pride exhibited by many Americans can be striking to foreigners. Displays of the American flag, the singing of the national anthem at sporting events, and the general sense of pride in being American are often different from what foreigners are accustomed to in their own countries.
- Sales Tax: Unlike some other countries where taxes are included in the displayed prices, the sales tax in the United States is added at the time of purchase. This can lead to surprise when the final price is higher than expected.
- Driving Culture: The driving culture in the United States, including the vast number of cars on the road, the size and scale of highways, and the predominance of automatic transmission vehicles, can be quite different from what foreigners are used to in their home countries.
These are just a few examples, and experiences may vary depending on the individual and their cultural background. It’s important to remember that perceptions and observations can differ, and these are generalizations based on common observations.