Non-Americans Share 'Weirdest' Things They Experienced Visiting the US

Newsweek

2 days ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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From oversize meals to omnipresent flags and prescription drug ads on television, visitors from around the world have taken to Threads to share the most-baffling aspects of life they have observed in the United States.
The thoughts were shared in comments replying to a thread posted by user @jenny_nuel1. The poster asked: "Non-Americans who have been to the U.S.: What is the weirdest thing about America that Americans don't realize is weird???" The post amassed over 5,700 likes and more than 4,100 comments since it was shared on July 16.
There have been warnings about declining international tourism in the U.S., with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) projecting the country will lose $12.5 billion in visitor spending this year.
Speaking at Newsweek's inaugural New Destinations Travel & Tourism Summit in July, Julia Simpson, president and CEO of the WTTC, said: "Our data shows, this year, the U.S. is on track to lose $12.5 billion in international visitor spending—that's a drop of more than 22 percent in 12 months."
Simpson urged governments not to take tourism for granted. "Too many policymakers assume that tourism will simply look after itself," she said. Growth "does not happen by accident," she added, noting that "it takes investment, political will and clever marketing."
While the causes of the tourism dip are complex, social-media posts such as the recent Threads one underscore a growing curiosity—and confusion—about what international travelers encounter when visiting the U.S.
Stock image: Three U.S. flags flutter on a white fence in a California neighborhood.
Stock image: Three U.S. flags flutter on a white fence in a California neighborhood.
Getty
'Extreme Patriotism'
Several users expressed surprise at the high level of visible patriotism in the U.S. "Flags everywhere. It's like folks forget what country they're in if they aren't constantly reminded," wrote user @aidanfcrawford.
"Patriotism in your face, religious decorations/signs everywhere," wrote user @littleblondebooks.
Another commenter, @lajm26, added: "The extreme patriotism, American flags everywhere … guns are loved more than children."
The Availability of Guns
Among the frequently mentioned topics was firearms. Sharing a picture of a sign on a door, user @susannetopper said "It is hard to see, but it says 'Guns not allowed on premises'. The picture is from Washington DC. The need for this sign is weird."
Others pointed out the contradiction between U.S. gun laws and its stance on other products. "You can walk into a shop and buy a gun but you can't buy a Kinder Egg because they're considered dangerous," noted @colourandglitter.
"The fact that open carry is a thing—dudes armed to the teeth going to get a coffee," added user @chrysanthalas.
Food Portions and Unhealthy Habits
Food culture was another recurring theme. "Super large food sizes!" wrote @leabolante. "Actual 4 portions = for 1 person. Actual gigantic sized drink = called it XL," said @itsroseyw.
One commenter, @bernicabrera, offered a broader critique. "The way people think about food is extremely product-driven. Very few in my generation actually know how to cook things, let alone from scratch. Pop tart for breakfast. Lunchables. Fast food for dinner."
Visitors also criticized the prevalence of processed foods, lack of walkable cities, and environmental apathy. "Plastic everywhere, no one cares about recycling, pretty much no sidewalks and no possibility to live comfortably without a car," said @vifaix.
User @lady_kirstin_of_glencoe described hotel breakfast buffets with "Styrofoam cups, paper plates and plastic cutlery, muffins wrapped in plastic."
Commercials for Medication
Television advertisements for prescription drugs puzzled many users. "Adverts for prescription meds on TV. 'Ask your doctor about …' and then they rattle off possible side effects at speed," wrote @irene5765.
Another added: "Ads for prescription drugs that sound like death threats: 'May cause internal bleeding, night terrors, and loss of moral compass,'" shared user s@qhoughton.
Sales Tax and Tipping Culture
Unexpected costs also drew criticism. "Sales tax—why not just put the final price [including tax] on items? Never seen this in any of the other 40 countries I have been to," noted @matt.brookes. 5621.
"Tipping. Everything becomes a mystery price! Makes it impossible to budget," wrote @seamstressfortheband_vintage.
Surauss added: "Tipping culture, ridiculous! Just pay people a normal decent salary!"
The Use of the Term 'America'
Several users also challenged the exclusive use of the term "America" by U.S. residents.
"Calling the U.S. 'America' when America is the entire continent," noted @valentr.
Cosmodakitten posted: "The fact that they call themselves Americans. It's especially weird to Colombians, Canadians, Brazilians, Argentinians … and all the rest of Americans outside the US."
Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via Threads. This video has not been independently verified.
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