As American tourists venture beyond their borders, they often encounter a huge variety of cultural norms and practices distinct from their own. From dining etiquette to fashion choices, the ways Americans interact with their surroundings can inadvertently reveal their nationality.
Reddit users from various countries have shared their observations, shedding light on the behaviors and habits that distinguish American travelers.
The Significance of Footwear
Americans traveling abroad can be easily identified by their choice of footwear, specifically running shoes, which are less common among locals in many countries.
This observation was shared by Reddit user questfor17, who recounted, “I walked into a museum in Germany and the women selling tickets greeted us in English… she said, ‘It’s your shoes.’ Indeed, I was wearing running shoes.”
They’re Loud
The volume at which Americans speak is often perceived as loud in other cultures.
This was exemplified by Reddit user jrlags‘ experience in South Korea: “While in Korea, I was casually talking to a friend on the bus in regular speaking voice. Not even a minute later, the lady in front of us turns around in her seat and says very casually, ‘Please calm down.'”
Tipping
Tipping is a deeply ingrained practice in the United States but is not universally accepted or expected in other countries. In some places, it is even considered an insult.
Reddit user lukan2 stated, “Tipping. Americans will try to tip everyone, even in countries where tipping isn’t a thing/is considered a serious insult.”
Iced Beverages
The American preference for iced drinks is not as common in other parts of the world, which can surprise locals.
According to Reddit user nakedreader_ga, “If you’re from the South, especially, you like ice in your drinks. Drinking liquids at tepid temperatures is not enjoyable for those of us who grew up in South, Georgia for me.”
The American Smile
Americans are often recognized abroad by their tendency to smile at strangers, a behavior that is less common in some cultures.
Reddit user thewidowgorey shared, “When I went to Italy with a friend, I couldn’t figure out why everyone greeted me in English before I said a word… My friend told me, ‘It’s because you’re smiling at them.'”
Navigating Directions With Confidence
The confidence with which Americans approach navigation, even when unsure of their surroundings, can be distinctive.
Reddit user olaolie remarked, “Confidence. I have never seen someone walk so confidently in the wrong direction like an American can.”
Language and Terminology Differences
American tourists are often identified by their use of specific terms, such as “restroom.”
Reddit user MogadonMandy shared an interaction in Scotland: “a woman politely asked the barman where the restrooms were. He didn’t know what she was on about and then it obviously clicked. ‘Ye mean the toilet? Aye hen it’s joost back ‘err.'”
Airport Security Procedures
The practice of removing shoes during airport security checks, common in the United States, can distinguish American travelers abroad.
Reddit user R3ddspider noted, “I hear that us Americans can easily be spotted in the airport by the fact we’re used to taking off our shoes in TSA.”
The Challenge of Finding Public Trash Cans
Americans’ search for public trash cans, especially in countries where they are less common, can reveal their nationality.
As Reddit user Dayoldpancakes explained, “If you see an American in Japan, they will frantically look for public trash cans.”
American Tourist Attire
The clothing choices of American tourists, including baseball caps, university spirit wear, and cargo shorts, can serve as indicators of their nationality.
Reddit user Zack1018 described, “Baseball caps, University spirit wear, cargo shorts, free t-shirts from events with ads and text all over them.”
Fascination With Historical Sites
Americans’ expressions of awe at historical sites older than what is commonly found in the United States can be a tell-tale sign of their nationality.
This is because, as noted by Dusepo, they are “amazed by things which are more than 200 years old, presumably because they don’t have many things that old in the USA.”
