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If you grew up watching American movies, you probably have a certain image of the United States—a land where dreams come true, everyone’s chasing success, and patriotism runs deep. But hey, there's so much more to the US than what Hollywood shows us!
Today, we’ve put together a collection of intriguing and surprising things about life in America that might catch you off guard, leave you questioning some stereotypes, or make you realize that life in the U.S. isn’t always as glamorous as it seems in the movies. So, Pandas, let's dive into the real deal!This post may include affiliate links.
#1
"We Don't Know Your Address"
RELATED:
#2
A Normal Education In America
#3
This Is America
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.
#4
The Guy On The Left Has Had A Slew Of Signs Like This
Kristy Marion 1 year ago
Women voting is what will hopefully save America this election cycle!
#5
Cool
Luis Hernandez Dauajare 1 year ago
Seriously, USA, what the actual f***k is your mayor malfunction regarding guns?? Are you that afraid of your own government that you prefer psychopaths with high powered rifles than a background check?
#6
Florida Teacher Here. This Is Our School's "Library" Now
Florida passed a law that said no books can be displayed in a school until they've been reviewed and approved by an appointed team. If a teacher shows a book that has not been approved, they could be charged with a felony.
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.
#8
"Not Medically Necessary"
#9
United States Of Convenience
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.
#10
Only In America Would A Restaurant Display On The Wall That They Don’t Pay Their Staff Enough To Live On
#11
America's Response To The COVID-19 Global Pandemic All Boiled Down To One Picture
#12
I Had To Pay $39.35 To Hold My Baby After He Was Born
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.
#13
Bulletproof Backpack Inserts
#14
America: A Nation Of Many Layers
#15
A Gun Store And A Daycare Center Sharing The Same Building. God Bless America
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.
#16
The Bill For My Liver Transplant – Welcome To The USA
#17
Not Sure If This Belongs Here But In My Opinion, This Is The Real Problem With America
#18
America In 4 Words
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.
#19
On Hold With Covered California For Over 11 Hours Because They Canceled Our Health Insurance
Penny Hernandez 1 year ago
Most of what is wrong with medicine in the U.S. has to do with money. For profit insurance companies, for profit hospitals, and advertising d***s to consumers are by far the worst offenders. Said as a resident of the U.S.
#20
It Finally Happened. I Was Prompted To Tip At The Airport Self-Checkout Station
#21
A Final Warning To Protestors In The Mall Of America
When it comes to holidays, Americans don’t get much vacation time. With an average of just two weeks of paid vacation, they might feel rushed to squeeze in their trips. Compare that to countries like France or Germany, where five to six weeks of paid holiday is the norm. So it is no surprise that Europeans are said to go globetrotting more often.
#22
Just Got My $39k Hospital Bill For Having A Stroke At 34
Libstak 1 year ago (edited)
My brother had a stroke at 32. One year in hospital including therapy, years of specialist and hospital visits, procedures for stents you name it, he went through it. Passed 11 years ago at 56. Total bill...$0. Except for medications which were capped at $500 annually, after that free.
#24
Does Anyone Else Hate That We’ve Normalized Not Putting Back Your Cart? I Just Find It Lazy (In The US)
When living in the US, it is usually hard to get around without a car unless you are located in a major city like New York or Chicago. On the other hand, when people go to places like India, Bangladesh or other Asian countries, they find and enjoy superb public transportation facilities such as railroads, buses and three-wheeler vehicles.
#25
Only In America
Lavern Defazio 1 year ago (edited)
Bought at the gun shop next to the day care. Y'all come back and see us sometime, ye hear.
#26
I Was Forced To Throw Away Bags Of Bread While At Work. There Is A Homeless Shelter Two Miles From Where I Work. All Of This Food Wasted
#27
This Bill Is Crazy
#28
$12,000 Worth Of Cancer Pills
In the end, America is a land of unique customs and habits that can leave outsiders both amused and bewildered. Which of these quirks did you find the most amusing? Was it the supersized portions or the drive-thru culture? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
#29
Meanwhile, In California
#30
Screw You, USA Today
#31
I Have An Autoimmune Disorder. This Is The Amount Of Bills I Received For A Single Diagnostic Test Due To Insurers Negligence And A Clerical Error. US Healthcare: Do Better
Alpacas_Are_Life 1 year ago
It's not really healthcare that needs to change... It's the f***ing insurance companies!
#32
What My School Gave Its Teachers For Teacher Appreciation Week. Seven Starburst And A Square Foot Of Bubble Wrap. Score
WindySwede 1 year ago
Stress relief bubble wrap? At least cheaper that the stroke medical bill! 🤬
#33
Is It Like That Right Now In America?
#34
Drove To An Urgent Care To Have My Throat Looked At, Got To An Exam Room, And Learned They Were Only Doing Telehealth Visits When They Wheeled This In
Geoffrey Scott 1 year ago
Not to one-up..but went to an urgent care that I had visited before for a Upper Resp infection. Got a bill for the whole amount, when my BC/BS should have paid 80%. Upon investigation it was reclassified by the conglomerate as a Ready Care, or, an offsite ER. Oh...the hospital ER is 4 blocks away. I refused to pay any more than my 20% co-pay due to their "subterfuge". They threatened credit reporting after a few months. Called my (GOP) Rep. and explained the situation. I sent them 20% right after my call to my Rep. Got an e-mail from McClaren telling me it was paid in full.
#35
What's The Point Of Putting A Paper Lid If There's Plastic Under It?
#36
Got Charged 9k For A Doctor To Tell Me It Was Just Period Cramps, And After Going To Another Doctor It Was A Ruptured Ovarian Cyst
#37
This Classy Individual Climbed On Our Porch To Steal Our Flag Today. Then Promptly Threw It Into A Mud Puddle
Savannah greenleaf 1 year ago
Clear fishing line with small hooks tied around the base of the flag. My grandmother did this when she was fed up with the theft. Never was stolen again.
#38
Classic America
#39
Can We Ban This From Our Beaches
#40
This Year, Give Your Special Someone The Gift Of Accessing The American Healthcare System
Tucker Cahooter 1 year ago
Given the medical costs shown in the other posts, I am wondering what exactly a $49 gift card will get you. "Hello, I'm Dr Smith...sorry, your time is up"
#41
First Child Support Payment In Three Years. I Asked My Ex Why He Paid Only Fifty Cents, And He Showed Me The Receipt Where He Paid $300. The State Of Michigan Kept $299.50 In Fees
#42
Only In America
The sticker says: "Do not tailgate me. Antisocial gun-toting sociopath behind the wheel. Please just go around".
#43
Alabama, Ladies And Gentlemen
ZombieRedfox 1 year ago
Yeah, that thing is kind of an unofficial landmark down here now. Old sign got ruined in a storm and someone made a new one.
#44
Bathroom Passes. Each Circle Represents One Pass. We Get One Of These Papers Per Semester. To Get More, We Have To Arrange An Appointment With The Administration
#45
My School Bag Check Line
#46
Came For Boxer Briefs. Everything Is Locked Up. I Had To Track Someone Down Just To Get These Unlocked
I pointed at a 10-pack and said “The 10-pack in medium” and they grabbed a 6-pack… Of course, I didn't check (which adds to my mild infuriation) just because I thought they saw and heard. They were both the same price so it only made sense. Didn't realize until I got home. Thought it was fine cause I had to get tums, to find the same thing… And find another associate. Finding someone took about 5 minutes. The funny thing is they just hand it over right after and let you take it to the front.
#47
Lady Goes To Self-Checkout, Makes The Attendant Unload Her Cart, Scan, And Bag Each Item
Note that she had way more items than you should for self-checkout, and a recommendation was made by the employee that she consider going to the standard checkout, which had nobody in line, and she refused.
#48
My Local Grocery Chain Sells Individually Shrink-Wrapped Potatoes At $1.29 A Piece
#49
Never Forget… To Buy Things
Chocolate llama 1 year ago
So you can deconstruct the twin towers by buying stuff? That seems....a bit insensitive?
#50
Anti-Theft Gates On Laundry Stuff And Chocolate
#51
This Lady Resting On The Apples At Walmart
#52
They Are Going After Halloween
"Attention Satanic Socialists. This is the home of the patriotic Christian family. We work hard and pay taxes. We do not celebrate satan's day. We do not give away free candy to lazy entitled freeloaders. No handouts. Welcome to America. If you want candy get a job. And find Jesus."
Damned_Cat 1 year ago
Why not just turn off the porch light and go watch Fox News in the bedroom? Jeez!
#53
At A Gas Station In Rural Southern Indiana
#54
Bank Of America Is Slowly Draining My Savings Account Because I Don’t Have Enough Money In My Account
#55
You Peel The Sticker Off To See The Original Price Of $1.99. In Hawaii, Prices Are So Much Higher, But This Is The Next Level
#56
They Gave Us Rocks As A Reward. It's Juneteenth And We Were Given Rocks As If That Could Ease Our Suffering (Amazon Dsp Drivers)
TribbleThinking 1 year ago
The bored overclass cheerily making shopping decisions whilst being wined and dined by expensive marketing consultants. And the issuing nitpicking managerial decisions about bathroom breaks because cost saving measures need to be made as the department's budget keeps being inexplicably being overspent.
#57
Get A Look At These Stickers
#58
Thank You, America, For Your Awesome Bathroom Privacy
#59
Obesity Rates In The USA vs. Europe
#60
Proof I Live In Chicago
Science Nerd 1 year ago
Was this from the AR-15 style rifle that was a raffle prize in an earlier post?
#61
Happy Halloween? Found In My Kids' Bucket
#62
Received This In My Work Email. Only In America
#63
Got An Eviction Letter For Being 15 Minutes Late Paying My Rent. Look At These Fees
$180 just for writing an eviction letter? Like seriously? You had to write it once and I bet it was years ago. You have copies just lying around!
So, my $1,479 of rent after all these charges and the late fee really means my rent is $1,988. Why is it a bank can tell me I can't afford a $900 mortgage but $2000 for rent? Nah, you got this bro. Two-bedroom dumpster fire with a drywall missing. This isn't the luxury apartment that's advertised, so why charge luxury prices?
#64
I Saw This As “Teach Your Kids To Accept Ab*se From Their Future Employer”
#65
Having To Pay To Wear Shorts At Walmart During A Heatwave In Maine
We are experiencing some crazy heat in the 90's with high humidity. Today alone the heat index is forecasting 110°F. $2 a day to wear shorts during a heat advisory is disgusting. This is the Walmart in Augusta, ME.
Also, check out the bottom where they are no longer providing CUPS for water during the summer. I won't generalize Walmart as being out of touch but this particular location sure is.
LonelyLittleLeafSheep 1 year ago
Stop shopping at Walmart, people!! Do not give this evil corporation any of your hard-earned money!!
#66
This Is The Line In My Local Target Because They Only Allow Self-Checkout
#67
This Should Be Illegal
MaximumKarmaSaint 1 year ago
Probably is somewhere. Don't encourage gambling with things that come in food.
#68
Eat Local (We Live In North America)
Jane Jayne Jain Jeign Jein 1 year ago
Whenever I see a store selling patriotic stuff like union jack printed clothing in UK, I always peek a look at label to see where it's made - never seen one yet that was made in UK. (I'm looking at you, National Trust!)
#69
Here’s What $1,000 Looks Like In The USA
#70
Pay For Your Own Sidewalk?
#71
Sith-Fil-A Here In The Texas Heat
#72
Starbucks Mobile Orders Make Store Customers Wait Longer, While No One’s There To Pick Up The Coffees
#73
The Gift I Got From Work For "National Thank You Day". I Feel Truly Insulted
I also work in finance so I had to expense the invoices for this lavish gift set last week so I knew it was coming.
Sarah Suelzle 1 year ago
What are you a crow !? For heaven's sake ... I'm insulted and I don't even work there.
#74
I Was Caught Off Guard By This. I Don't Understand The Point Of This Other Than A Money Grab. I Was Able To "Skip Just This Once" For Free
Savannah greenleaf 1 year ago
That doesn't make sense. Everyone else is at work. Slow times should encourage business.
#75
The "Hotdog" Served At My High School
#76
Cut My Finger And Got 4 Stitches. This Is Why Americans Avoid Hospitals As Much As Possible
#77
One Of The Most Expensive Cities In The USA (Las Vegas). They Took Out The Bus Waiting Seats So No Homeless People Slept There. Welcome To America
#78
$100 Worth Of Groceries
#79
FedEx Showed Its Appreciation For Its Essential Employees With This And A $2 Pay Cut. Thanks, FedEx
#80
Got A Knife That Says USA. It Broke, And Then I Realized It Said China On The Back
#81
Subscription To Everything, Including Life's Essentials
Kristiina Männiste 1 year ago
Is Californian tap water safe to drink? Im going to visit next year and I am a bit worried.
#82
After You Cross The Road In Some American Cities, You Get This. No Sidewalk On The Other Side. Why
#83
I Can't Trust The Country Of Origin Now
Donna Peluda 1 year ago
This reminds me of the trick most pop singers use. They all say they sing live at the gigs even though many have been caught out. But yes, the do sing live but what they sing into the mic on stage is not what you her through the PA.
#84
US Church Can Sell Fireworks Tax-Free
#85
My Town Defaulted On Our Only Free Public Charger’s Electricity Bill
#86
Imagine Going To A Baseball Game And Having Feet Beside Your Face
Tucker Cahooter 1 year ago
To be fair, you will see that sort of anti-social behaviour in every country not just the US
#87
Asked To Tip On Amazon Order
#88
Got Our Groceries Delivered To Our House Today To Save Us From Going Out. In The End, We Had To Go To Walmart So They Could Open This Sucker With Their Special Key
#89
Just Chillin At The Coffee Shop
Tucker Cahooter 1 year ago
If I was the manager I would turf that guy out. And that's just because of the man bun
#90
Just Alabama Things You Find In Tires
Lavern Defazio 1 year ago (edited)
What you won't find in Alabama is a woman's right to choose her healthcare self decisions. IVF is also in the chopping block as well.
#91
Made In USA?
#92
Oh, How Patriotic
Maisey Myles 1 year ago
How Pathetic! What’s worse is our obesity epidemic that calls for a 2XL
#93
Tipping Culture Is Getting Out Of Hand
Michael Largey 1 year ago
I'm thinking out figuring tip amounts using imaginary numbers. You do have i (the square root of -1) on your cash register, don't you?
#94
Went To A Drive-Thru And They Were Using An AI Instead Of A Person To Take Orders (It Was Basically Like A Glorified Automated Phone Call)
#95
A Fine American Education
#96
Sat Behind 1st Class On A Flight Out Of The Richest County In America & Every Screen Was On Fox News
#97
In Chicago For Work, Paying $65 A Night For Parking, Wake Up Ready To Go To Work, All My Equipment Is Gone
#98
Living In A 3rd World Country, It's Crazy To Me That This Is Legal In The US
#99
$250,000 Porsche 911 GT3 RS With A Student Driver Sticker
#100
American Airlines Changed A Friend's Flight To Spain. The Change Added A 7-Hour Layover In Chicago And Removed Almost $100 From The Value Of The Trip. No Refund Or Voucher Was Issued To Her
Huddo's sister 1 year ago
Doesn't surprise me airlines would do this, regardless of country. My brother and his partner recently had flights from Noosa to Melbourne delayed and then cancelled due to weather (both on the way there and back). They had to stay in a hotel overnight when the last was cancelled and the next flight didn't leave until the day after. The only compensation from the airline was a $25 voucher to a local restaurant where that amount wouldn't even cover the full cost of the cheapest meal.
#101
Yikes
#102
My Psych Ward Shower Drain Says Fiat. You Can't Escape Advertising
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What do you think ?
Fat Harry (Oi / You) 1 year ago
Carl Roberts apparently thinks voting for the "cackling idiot" appointed without a primary vote is somehow worse than voting for the orange, cackling, narcissistic, lying, convicted felon who his party ACTUALLY VOTED FOR. Carl, you're living in a dreamland, mate. There's one adult standing for president, and it ain't the orange nutcase. VOTE BLUE.
Load More Replies...
Verena 1 year ago
This is not bashing, the majority is a summary of standard daily situations. And other parts of the world with a comparable standard of living are doing things different. It happens that several of these are handled in a more acceptable way for the average citizen than in the US. Some situations are the same, and a few turn out better in the US.
Freya the Wanderer 1 year ago
True patriotism is not "My country, right or wrong." True patriotism is being willing to criticize what is wrong with your country and taking what measures you can to improve it: petitions, voting, peaceful demonstrations, etc.
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LSD 1 year ago
As an Australian, this list left me feeling sad, angry and totally bewildered for anyone who “lives” in America.
Amy E 1 year ago
It’s hard to leave friends and family, careers and homes. And I love the weather in CA. but yeah…my friends and I at least talk about what it’d be like to leave…
Load More Replies...
Tamra 1 year ago
But you do appear to be a bigoted douchebag, so congrats on that.
Load More Replies... 
Gypsy Lee 1 year ago
Another selective h*te-on-America post that fails to acknowledge every country has bad things going on. No, we're not perfect, but guess what - neither is any other country. The whole trendy h*te America thing is getting old BP. If you HAVE to do h*te articles spread the love around, otherwise, it makes you look biased. I'm disappointed. For "Perfectly capturing life in the US" - you failed. Horribly. I thought you might have one positive thing to say, but no. And for the h*te I'm going to get for posting this; If BP laser-focused on only the bad in any other country the author would be shut down. Be honest. If America fell off the earth tomorrow the Karens of the world would find a new country to rip apart. Not everything in the US is horrible - you get to see the drama that sells stories. Nobody shows the normal positive stuff. - If this comment upsets you, ask yourself why. (deleting negative comments doesn't justify this article and the h*te it generates)
Fat Harry (Oi / You) 1 year ago
Carl Roberts apparently thinks voting for the "cackling idiot" appointed without a primary vote is somehow worse than voting for the orange, cackling, narcissistic, lying, convicted felon who his party ACTUALLY VOTED FOR. Carl, you're living in a dreamland, mate. There's one adult standing for president, and it ain't the orange nutcase. VOTE BLUE.
Load More Replies... Verena 1 year ago
This is not bashing, the majority is a summary of standard daily situations. And other parts of the world with a comparable standard of living are doing things different. It happens that several of these are handled in a more acceptable way for the average citizen than in the US. Some situations are the same, and a few turn out better in the US.
Freya the Wanderer 1 year ago
True patriotism is not "My country, right or wrong." True patriotism is being willing to criticize what is wrong with your country and taking what measures you can to improve it: petitions, voting, peaceful demonstrations, etc.
Load More Replies... LSD 1 year ago
As an Australian, this list left me feeling sad, angry and totally bewildered for anyone who “lives” in America.
Amy E 1 year ago
It’s hard to leave friends and family, careers and homes. And I love the weather in CA. but yeah…my friends and I at least talk about what it’d be like to leave…
Load More Replies... Tamra 1 year ago
But you do appear to be a bigoted douchebag, so congrats on that.
Load More Replies... Gypsy Lee 1 year ago
Another selective h*te-on-America post that fails to acknowledge every country has bad things going on. No, we're not perfect, but guess what - neither is any other country. The whole trendy h*te America thing is getting old BP. If you HAVE to do h*te articles spread the love around, otherwise, it makes you look biased. I'm disappointed. For "Perfectly capturing life in the US" - you failed. Horribly. I thought you might have one positive thing to say, but no. And for the h*te I'm going to get for posting this; If BP laser-focused on only the bad in any other country the author would be shut down. Be honest. If America fell off the earth tomorrow the Karens of the world would find a new country to rip apart. Not everything in the US is horrible - you get to see the drama that sells stories. Nobody shows the normal positive stuff. - If this comment upsets you, ask yourself why. (deleting negative comments doesn't justify this article and the h*te it generates)
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