10 everyday things in the US that cause culture shock for foreigners

American life can surprise even experienced travelers. Find out which 10 everyday things in the US shock foreigners — from the culture of tipping and workaholism to strange insurance rules and patriotic traditions

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside Ukraine

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The United States is a country of opportunities, contrasts, and peculiar customs that come as a real culture shock to many foreigners. Daniel Moran, a “digital nomad” who lived in the US for a long time, talks about these strange, funny, and sometimes illogical features of American life. We share his observations below, with reference to the publication VegOutMag.

1. Tipping — the second economy of the United States

In American culture, tipping is not just a token of gratitude for service, but an integral part of the economic system. In cafes, restaurants, beauty salons, and even when receiving delivery services, a tip of 18–25% of the bill is expected. If the service was not perfect, customers are encouraged to inform the staff, but still leave the same amount. For Ukrainians, who are used to fixed payments, such a system may seem strange — after all, the real price of the service becomes significantly higher than the stated one.

2. The price on the price tag is not final

Another surprise is the difference between the price on the price tag and the final amount at the checkout. In the US, taxes are added at the time of payment, so the actual cost increases by 8–12%. For Europeans, this is confusing, as in most countries taxes are already included in the price. Here, you have to constantly recalculate how much the purchase actually costs.

Read also: What to do after U4U status expires in the US — legalization options for Ukrainians

3. Love of “small talk”

Americans sincerely adore small talk — light conversation about “nothing.” In an elevator, in line, or in a park, someone may ask how your day is going or what you think about the weather. For Ukrainians, such openness sometimes seems excessive or insincere, but in the US, it is a way to maintain a friendly atmosphere and show sociability.

4. The cult of work and workaholism

A two-week vacation is the norm, three weeks is a luxury. Americans often respond to work messages even during dinner or on weekends. In a country where “work is life,” the concept of balance between personal and professional life often loses its meaning. To foreigners, it looks like an endless treadmill.

5. A confusing health insurance system

The American healthcare system is another phenomenon. Most citizens have insurance through their workplace, and a visit to the doctor often results in several different bills that arrive late. Even Americans themselves sometimes cannot figure out what their insurance covers.

By the way, if you are planning a trip to the US, it is important to take care of medical insurance for traveling abroad. You can quickly take out a policy online on the Visit Ukraine portal — this is a guarantee that in case of injury or illness during your trip, you will not have to pay high medical bills yourself.

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6. Everything is big — from burgers to cars

Americans have a special love for everything large: restaurant portions, cars, refrigerators, houses. They even turn on the air conditioning so high that the temperature is comfortable only for penguins. So in the summer, when going to a shopping center or cafe, it is worth taking a sweater or light jacket with you.

7. A country where you can't get by without a car

Outside of big cities like New York or San Francisco, it's hard to get around without a car. In small towns, sometimes there aren't even sidewalks, let alone buses. So in “single-story America,” a car isn't a luxury, it's a necessity. For those traveling independently, it is worth having a valid international driver's license and mandatory insurance.

Read also: How to spot scammers among immigration “assistants” in the US — tips for Ukrainians

8. Demonstrative patriotism

Flags on every porch, the national anthem before sports games, the Pledge of Allegiance in schools — patriotism is everywhere in America. For locals, it is a natural form of respect for their country, although foreigners sometimes find such displays excessive.

9. Strict rules regarding alcohol

Alcohol is only allowed in the US from the age of 21. And even if you are 40, be prepared to show your ID. Violating the rules can result in serious fines for both the buyer and the seller. Bartenders don't risk “guessing” age — the law is above all else.

10. Disclaimers at every turn

The culture of lawsuits in the US is so developed that manufacturers often play it safe. That's why you'll see dozens of warnings and disclaimers: from “do not wash cats in the washing machine” to “the park is not responsible for your reaction to the smell of the trampoline.” Americans are simply used to signing documents waiving claims — and moving on.

The American way of life may seem strange, but that is precisely what makes it so appealing. It is a place where rules, scale, and culture shape a completely different reality — one that is both magical and crazy.

If you are planning a trip to the US, take care of your medical insurance in advance. This is not only a requirement for a visa or crossing the border, but also real protection for your health and finances while you are overseas. You can easily purchase a policy on the Visit Ukraine platform — quickly, online, and without unnecessary bureaucracy.

We remind you! In 2025, many Ukrainians are asking: does the U4U program work, how to apply for Uniting for Ukraine, are there any alternatives, and what kind of support can Ukrainians in the US receive? Read about what has changed in the migration program for Ukrainians in the US, what opportunities Ukrainians in America have to stay in the country in 2025, how TPS status works, what visas are available, and how to get legal assistance for Ukrainians.

Photo: Pixabay

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