One of the best things about the world is its diversity. There are so many different ways to live that sometimes the differences between cultures can be confusing. Ok ok, I'll say it - sometimes the things Americans do can leave you scratching your head, right? There are some parts of culture that are unique to the the United States, but truth be told, most Americans don't know how different it is from outside countries.

If you've ever wondered why Americans do the things they do, maybe this list of 20 fun and interesting (any maybe even weird) facts about American culture, food, and more might help you navigate and prepare you when you encounter these things in real life.

1. In the US, it's customary to tip service workers like waiters (15–20% of total bill), bartenders ($1–$2 per drink), food delivery pros ($3-$5 per delivery), hairdressers (15–20% of total bill), and taxi drivers (15–20% of total tare). 💸 This might be unfamiliar if you're from a country where tipping isn't common practice.
2. American portion sizes 🤤 tend to be larger than in many other countries, so don't be surprised if you're served more food than you're used to!
3. Americans often engage in small talk with strangers or acquaintances, which might seem strange if you're not accustomed to it. Small talk 🗣 is a good way to gain culture insights, but if you would rather not chit chat, you can say something like "It was nice talking to you" and walk away. You can also establish a "rescue me" signal with a friend or partner so they can help you out of a conversation. 🆘
4. Many Americans prefer their drinks, even water, with lots of ice, so much that some even have special ice machines at home that produce different shapes and sizes of ice cubes. 🧊 This might not be the norm in other parts of the world. If you prefer your drink without ice, be sure to tell the person serving you before they bring your drink to you.
5. Americans tend to dress more casually in everyday situations compared to some other cultures, so don't feel pressured to dress formally unless the occasion calls for it. 😎
6. Americans typically value their personal space and might feel uncomfortable with too much physical contact, especially with strangers. 💪 A good rule of thumb is to maintain an elbow's length of space with anyone you don't know.
7. Americans often enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, camping🏕 (don't forget the s'mores 🔥), and barbecuing on the weekends. Make plans with a local friend to experience these cultural activities!
8. American cuisine is incredibly diverse, with influences from all over the world. Don't miss out on trying dishes like Tex-Mex, Southern BBQ, and New York-style pizza! 🍕
9. American sports like 🏈 American football, basketball, and baseball are hugely popular and are an important part of American culture. Attend a game at your university and enjoy the hype!
10. Drive-thru restaurants and services are ubiquitous in the US, offering convenience for grabbing food, coffee, or even banking services without leaving your car. 🚗
11. The US is home to a wide variety of accents and dialects, which can vary greatly depending on the region. ✌️ you might notice differences in pronunciation and vocabulary as you travel around the country.
12. Coffee is a big part of American culture, with a thriving coffeehouse scene ☕️ and a variety of popular chains offering everything from espresso drinks to sugary frappuccinos.
13. At state fairs across the US in the summer & fall, you can find incredibly creative and sometimes bizarre foods like deep-fried Oreos, bacon-wrapped everything, and even deep-fried butter! 🧈 You'll also be surprised by how many foods come on a stick.
14. Depending on where you are in the US, you might experience extreme weather phenomena like tornadoes 🌪, hurricanes, or blizzards, which can be both awe-inspiring and challenging to navigate. Be sure to follow the lead of locals when encountering these storms for the first time.
15. From self-checkout lanes at grocery stores to self-service gas stations, Americans love the convenience of doing things themselves whenever possible. ⛽️
16. In cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco, you'll often find street performers 🎤 showcasing their talents on sidewalks and in subway stations, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of urban life.
17. While the US has not declared a national language, English is the top most spoken language followed by Spanish. 🗣
18. Americans are quite patriotic with the American flag printed on almost anything. 🇺🇸 From clothes and shoes, to plates and napkins, to your dorm-mate's wall, you are likely to see flags everywhere!
19. Wearing shoes inside a home is normal for most people in America. 👟
20. In some states, most of which are in the mid-west, there are more cows 🐮 than people.

As you continue to explore and adjust to life in the US, remember that every culture has its own quirks and traditions. The things that seem odd at first might just become some of your favorite parts of American life! I'd love to hear what you found most interesting or surprising from this list. Feel free to send me a DM on Instagram (@chaiandcoaching) and share your thoughts or even your own experiences with navigating these fun (and sometimes bizarre) cultural differences. Let's keep the conversation going!

Cheers ☕