I lived in the US for 3 months – the 12 bizarre things I noticed as a Brit from drive-through weddings to VIP service

The Sun

24-06-2025

AFTER spending three months in the States, I came home with a suitcase full of souvenirs, sugary cereal, and a whole load of culture shock.
I had been living in Santa Rosa, California, a beautiful city near San Francisco known for its wine, perfect weather and the invention of Snoopy.
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Back when I boarded my 11 hour flight from London, I really didn't know what to expect on the other side.
It was my first trip to the states - and whilst I knew that America does things big, I didn't realise just how extra it would be.
After a summer of settling in, there was loads that left me baffled and bursting to tell people back home my weird encounters.
Here's the 12 strangest things I noticed from my time in America, that will leave the British brain scrambled.
Toilet door gaps
One thing I just couldn't get over was the giant gaps in public toilet cubicles.
I'm talking wide open spaces above and below the toilet door.
Sometimes the gaps were so big you could see someone's shoes, shins, and even their knees through the stall.
Going to the loo in a public place felt less like a private moment and more like a public stage.
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Huge portions for smallish prices
No need to worry about being charged a ridiculous price for a tiny serving - here, everything comes massive.
In America, a small drink from McDonald's is 89 per cent bigger than in the UK, and a cup of Big Gulp fizz can hold up to a whopping 1.9 litres.
The overlooked Florida winter sun destination with theme parks and historic cigar neighbourhood
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I couldn't believe my eyes when I ordered a 'Bigger Plate' at Panda Express - it looked like enough to feed a family for under $12.
And if you decide to 'supersize' anything, best of luck. At least you'll have your dinners for the entire week ahead sorted.
Insane public parks
When I think of a park, I think of a large patch of grass lined with trees, a couple of benches, maybe even a fountain if you're lucky.
In California, a walk in the park would have you stumbling across lakes with lifeguards, inflatable obstacle courses, dog agility courses, barbecue grills, public picnic blankets and outdoor fitness equipment.
In America, the local park isn't just for walking your dog - it can be an entire day out for the whole family.
Needing a car to cross the road
Here in the UK, pretty much everywhere is walkable. In the US? Not so much.
I quickly learned that American cities just aren't built for pedestrians.
Pavements are rare, crossings are few, and ' jaywalking ' is taken very seriously.
But things got pretty ridiculous one day when my friends and I had to order an Uber just to cross the road to McDonald's.
Tipping culture madness
We all know that tipping is way more of a thing in the states than at home in the UK.
I knew heading over to America that if I go out to eat, I should tip my waitress around 20 per cent of the bill.
But what I didn't expect was that tipping culture doesn't just apply to restaurants.
Taxi drivers, baristas, bartenders, hairdressers, even bus drivers - I soon found out that everyone expects you to leave a tip.
As a Brit, I couldn't bear the thought of coming off as rude. So I kept forking over my dollars.
So if you're planning a trip to the states - be sure to budget your tips for more than just meals!
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Over-the-top customer service
Walking into any American restaurant, I felt like a VIP.
Hospitality is taken to the next level in America - before you've even sat down, you know your waiter's name and your drink is on the way.
Sometimes the servers were so friendly that it actually creeped me out a bit.
There's only so many times someone can ask "is everything perfect for you?" with a big grin on their face before you start to get a little weirded out.
Nonetheless, it's hard to complain when you feel like you're being treated like royalty every time you order a burger.
Everyone's your best friend
Us Brits are known for our small talk and for being stand-offish.
An American stranger will strike up a conversation with you in a lift like they've known you for years.
People chatted to me in shops, queues, streets, even out on a run.
Americans really are just that friendly - once you get over the initial "are they talking to me?", it's actually quite refreshing.
Drive-through everything
In America, if there's a way to do something without getting out of the car, they've made it possible.
Drive-thrus aren't just for fast food anymore - it's coffee, pharmacies, banks and even weddings.
It's all about convenience - something Americans have mastered the art of.
It all seems a bit over-the-top at first, but when you actually find yourself in a hurry, those drive-thru cash machines can be a life-saver.
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Overly-customised coffee
Ordering coffee at home tends to be pretty simple: black, white, oat milk or skimmed?
Head to somewhere like Dunkin, and it's a whole different ball game.
If there's one thing Americans love, it's customising their coffee.
Waiting in line for my cappuccino, I'd often overhear requests for something like a venti iced swirl decaf caramel oat latte with a quarter cup of creamer, and eight pumps of sugar-free vanilla.
These coffees often looked and tasted more like milkshakes - but who am I to complain when they're so delicious?
Leave the British-isms at home
You probably wouldn't expect to read this on a list about travels in America, but brace yourself for the language barrier.
You're going to need to swap takeaways for takeouts, crisps for chips, chips for fries, taps for faucets and rubbish for trash.
When I was working at a traditional American summer camp, I caught myself telling my kids to "throw your chip bags in the trash".
When I tried to say things in British English, they'd simply look at me confused.
By the end of the summer, I was basically fluent in American.
Needing a jumper even in a heatwave
I've never been to Antarctica before, but I have experienced American AC - so does that count?
Just when you've gotten used to the scorching heat, you'll walk into a store or shopping mall and get hit with a blast of freezing cold air.
Forget packing light - if you're heading to America in the summertime, you'll still need to bring a hoodie or two for your trip to Target.
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American flags everywhere
I think I can count the amount of times I've seen the Union Jack out and about on one hand - Jubilees, The Olympics, and maybe once or twice when watching Eurovision.
In America, patriotic pride is next-level.
From front gardens, schools and sports games to shirts, cars and bars - the American flag is truly everywhere.
I even saw the American flag attached to a dog several times.
The stars and stripes are a truly iconic symbol, and are just as much a part of the scenery as the pickup trucks and neon fast food signs.