Americans are traveling internationally in record numbers. According to data from the National Travel and Tourism Office, U.S. citizens made approximately 9 million international trips in March 2024, marking a 15.4% increase compared to March 2023.
This continues a consistent upward trend. We’re out there exploring the world, which is amazing! But with all that travel comes a few quirks. We have certain ways of doing things that are as American as apple pie and paying for water at a restaurant.
Cultural expert and author Erin Meyer notes in The Culture Map that American communication is famously explicit and low-context, which can be jarring in more nuanced cultures. It’s not about being “good” or “bad”; it’s just different. So, in the spirit of good fun and a little self-awareness, here are some of the habits that make Americans stick out, for better or for worse.
The Big, Friendly Smile to Strangers
In the U.S., smiling at a stranger on the street is normal, a small gesture of friendliness. Try that in Moscow or Berlin, and you might get some confused, even suspicious, looks. It’s a cultural difference that often catches Americans by surprise.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) found that countries with greater ancestral diversity from centuries of immigration, like the U.S., rely more on expressive, non-verbal cues like smiling to build social bonds and signal trust. In more homogenous societies, that same smile can be interpreted as insincere or even strange.
The Sheer Volume of Your Voice
You might not think you’re being loud, but to the rest of the world, Americans can sound like they’re perpetually announcing a sports game. We tend to speak at a higher volume in public spaces, from restaurants to trains.
Linguists attribute this to a combination of cultural norms and the acoustics of American life (think wide-open spaces). Americans value individualism and expressiveness, which can translate to, well, being loud. It’s not meant to be obnoxious; usually, it is just what we are set up to do.
Asking “How are you?” and Not Wanting an Answer
In America, “How are you?” is a greeting, not a question. It’s the verbal equivalent of a head nod. You expect a quick “Good, you?” in return before moving on with the conversation.
In many other countries, especially in Europe, it’s a genuine inquiry into someone’s well-being. Asking a shopkeeper in Amsterdam, “How are you?” might get you a detailed, honest-to-goodness answer about their health and their day, which can be a bit awkward when all you wanted was to buy a postcard.
The Casual Wardrobe, Everywhere
Americans have mastered the art of casual comfort. We’ll happily wear sneakers, athleisure wear, and baseball caps to tour ancient cathedrals or dine in nice restaurants. While comfort is king in the U.S., it can stick out in places where people tend to dress up a bit more for everyday life.
Comfort and practicality are top priorities for American travelers. That often means a pair of New Balance sneakers, which are a dead giveaway from a mile away, especially in fashion-conscious cities like Milan or Tokyo.
Tipping Generously (or When It’s Not Necessary)
The American tipping culture is unique and deeply ingrained. We tip for almost every service, and the standard 15-20% is expected. This habit is so strong that we carry it abroad, often to the confusion of service staff.
In many countries, like Japan or Australia, tipping is not customary and can even be seen as a bit strange. In much of Europe, a service charge is already included, or rounding up the bill is sufficient. As travel expert Rick Steves constantly advises, researching local tipping customs is one of the easiest ways to blend in.
Insisting on Ice in Your Drinks
Americans love ice. We want our sodas, water, and even iced tea filled to the brim with frozen cubes. Ask for a Coke in Rome, and you’ll likely get a small bottle with a single, lonely ice cube, if you’re lucky.
Our obsession with ice is a relatively modern, American phenomenon tied to the historical mass production of refrigerators. In much of the world, drinks are served cool, not ice-cold. Demanding a mountain of ice is a distinctly American request.
The Need for Personal Space
Americans generally prefer a larger “personal bubble” than people in many other cultures. We get a little antsy in crowded markets or when someone stands too close in a queue.
Anthropologist Edward T. Hall, a pioneer in the study of proxemics, noted that Americans keep a “personal distance” of about 1.5 to 4 feet. In contrast, people in Latin America or the Middle East are comfortable with much closer interaction. What feels normal to them can feel like an invasion of personal space to an American.
Eating While Walking
In the U.S., it’s completely normal to grab a sandwich or a coffee and eat it on the go. We’re a culture that values efficiency and multitasking. However, in many other cultures, eating is seen as a deliberate act, something to be done sitting down.
Strolling through the streets of Kyoto while munching on a snack is considered impolite. Similarly, in countries like Spain and Italy, mealtime is a respected ritual. The “street meal” is a uniquely American habit born of our fast-paced lifestyle.
Being Super Chatty with Service Staff
Americans are characterised by their friendly, casual, and relaxed relationships with all people, including the baristas and cashiers. We’ll ask about their day, share a little anecdote, and treat the transaction like a mini social event.
While this is seen as friendly in the U.S., in some cultures it can be perceived as overly familiar or even inefficient. Studies by ResearchGate show that American customers value “relational” service, while customers in many European and Asian countries prioritize speed and professionalism.
The Straight-to-the-Point Communication Style
As mentioned by Erin Meyer, Americans are masters of explicit communication. We say what we mean, directly and clearly. We like to “get to the point” and “put all our cards on the table.”
This can be a huge asset in business, but can come across as blunt or even rude in high-context cultures where communication is more indirect and layered. In places like Japan or the UK, reading between the lines is a crucial skill, and our directness can be jarring.
Requesting a Ton of Modifications to Your Food
“Can I get that with no onions, dressing on the side, substitute fries for a salad, and can you make sure the salmon is well-done?” This is a standard order in any American restaurant, but it can be a kitchen nightmare abroad.
In many culinary traditions, particularly in France and Italy, a dish is designed by the chef to be a complete, balanced creation. Requesting a slew of changes can be seen as an insult to the chef’s expertise. The “have it your way” philosophy is deeply American.
Using Imperial Measurements
While the rest of the world has largely embraced the logical simplicity of the metric system, the U.S. stubbornly clings to inches, feet, pounds, and Fahrenheit. Talking about the weather being in the “80s” or a drive being “50 miles” will instantly mark you as American.
Only two other countries in the world, Liberia and Myanmar, haven’t officially adopted the metric system. It’s one of the most obvious and quantifiable ways Americans stand out from the 95% of the world’s population that uses the metric system.
The Constant Quest for Free Water and Refills
In America, a glass of iced tap water is the first thing that arrives at your table, and refills are endless and free. This is not a global standard. In most of Europe, you have to specifically ask for water, and you’ll likely have to pay for a bottle of still or sparkling water.
The idea of free, unlimited refills on soda is also a uniquely American concept tied to our consumer culture. Asking “Is this free refills?” in a London pub will likely get you a polite but firm “no.”
Showing Your ID for Alcohol, No Matter Your Age
The United States has a strict legal drinking age of 21, and the culture of “carding” is relentless. Americans are so used to showing their ID to buy alcohol that they often do it out of habit abroad, even when they’re middle-aged.
A 60-year-old American pulling out their driver’s license to buy a beer in a German beer garden is a common and amusing sight for locals. In most countries, if you look like an adult, you’ll be served without question.
The “Where are you from?” Guessing Game
When Americans meet someone with an accent, our curiosity often gets the better of us, and we launch into a friendly interrogation: “I love your accent! Are you from Australia? The UK? South Africa?”
While it’s almost always meant as a genuine, friendly compliment, for people who are constantly asked this question, it can be exhausting. It can make them feel like a perpetual foreigner. It’s a habit born of American friendliness and cultural curiosity, but it’s one to use with a bit of social awareness.
Paying with a Credit Card for Tiny Purchases
Americans are increasingly moving towards a cashless society. We’ll happily tap our credit card to buy a $2 pack of gum or a single coffee. This is a habit that can still seem odd in places that are more cash-centric.
While card usage is growing globally, in many places, like the famous street markets of Thailand or small bakeries in Germany, cash is still king. According to the Federal Reserve’s 2024 Diary of Consumer Payment Choice, debit cards make 32% and credit cards 30% of payments, a much higher percentage than in many other nations.
The Unshakeable Optimism
Perhaps the most endearing American trait is our relentless optimism. We believe that problems can be solved, that things will get better, and that we have the power to change our circumstances. It’s a “can-do” attitude that is deeply embedded in the national psyche.
This optimism can be seen as naive in some cases, though it is also the origin of American friendliness, innovativeness, and robustness. Americans tend to have a higher belief in individualism and the idea that anyone can succeed. It’s a worldview we carry with us wherever we go.
Key Takeaway
Being an American abroad isn’t about hiding who you are. It’s about having a bit of self-awareness. These habits aren’t flaws; they’re just cultural signatures. The best travel experiences happen when we observe the local customs, adapt with a sense of humor, and meet people in the middle. Be friendly, be curious, but maybe use your inside voice.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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