11 American Manners You Should Leave at Home

Navigating your way through various cultural differences can be as challenging as it is rewarding. What could be acceptable in one place might offend or upset others in another place. Americans who travel or live abroad must understand local etiquette and be aware of which American mannerisms should be left at home.

Today we’re sharing 11 American mannerisms that are better left at home. We’ll touch on some insights into why the mannerisms could be offensive or just not received as you intended, and what you could do instead. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or just preparing for your first trip, understanding these cultural nuances can make a big difference in how your trip goes. Ready to dive into it? Let’s go!

1. Required Tipping

Tipping isn’t legally required in the United States, but it’s a custom that is typically abided by. In fact, if you don’t tip, you might have the server come and ask you what they did wrong to not deserve a tip. The tip can be anywhere from 15 to 25% on top of the bill. (20% is considered the standard for tipping.) Many servers and bartenders live off their tips and depend on them to make ends meet.

With the increasingly high cost of living, it’s easy to understand why some people heavily rely on tips. In America, it’s not uncommon to tip taxi drivers, servers, hair stylists, estheticians, coffee baristas, and more. In other countries, tipping could be considered inappropriate or even rude. Many countries pay their workers a fair living wage, and people can become offended if you try tipping, as it could mean that the workers aren’t being paid well. It could be misconstrued as demeaning or even confusing. 

Instead of tipping while you’re abroad, you could verbally compliment someone, leave a small note of appreciation, leave a small gift like a box of chocolates, or round the bill up and leave that small amount as a token of gratitude.

2. HUGE Portions

If you’re going out to eat in another country, don’t expect massive portion sizes like you get in the United States. It’s common practice when you order food in America that you can upgrade the whole thing or certain parts of it for a slight fee. (For example, a burger with upsized fries would swap the regular-sized fry for a larger size.) Others who travel to the United States often see portion sizes as wasteful and unnecessary. Americans cling to the idea of value perception, enjoying the idea of having more for less. If you’re traveling abroad, you won’t get the same serving sizes.

Other countries put a focus on quality over quantity. Super sizing the meal isn’t a trendy thing and people tend to enjoy smaller portions of higher quality foods.

3. Coffee to Go

Coffee to go in America is a ritual that many are obsessed with. If you’re heading to the grocery store, work, the park, or anywhere else, it’s common to grab coffee beforehand. It blends convenience with efficiency, and Americans love it. Contrary to this, in other places in the world, coffee is the main event and is not enjoyed on the go as often.

4. Restaurant drinks have a lot of ice

Ordering a large Coke will look different in the United States than anywhere else in the world, and that’s because of the ice that’s added. It’s a good way to keep the drink cold, but you’ll notice if you’re in another country that there is less or no ice at all. In addition to ice being a common practice in drinks, hotel rooms even have ice buckets and ice machines that can be filled up and taken back to the room, whereas in other countries, there aren’t any ice machines. Americans love ice, and if you’re traveling or living elsewhere, you won’t find the same ice obsession.

5. Pumpkin Everything

In many parts of the world, people enjoy pumpkin in soups, stews, and other entrees, whereas in the United States, people love pumpkin spice drinks and pumpkin desserts. It’s a cherished tradition symbolic of the fall season. It brings feelings of nostalgia and familial tradition. However, Americans don’t just love consuming pumpkins; they also deck their homes out in pumpkin decorations. Pumpkins spark excitement about the upcoming holiday season, with many places hosting festivals and other fun activities centered around the bright orange fruit. 

6. Tailgating

Tailgating is a beloved American practice that you won’t find on your travels. It’s something that Americans enjoy before a major sporting event, concert, or festival that combines delicious food with community. People often bring portable grills, coolers, fold-out tables, and chairs, and many events even organize entertainment for tailgating before the main event. In other parts of the world, you may find festivities to celebrate a particular event, but it won’t be the same as tailgating.

7. Sweet Breakfasts

America swaps the typical savory breakfast that most other places adore for sweet breakfasts. This could be pastries, pancakes, waffles, yogurt parfaits, cinnamon buns, and much more. Sweet breakfasts are readily available in the United States, making them accessible and convenient. Many other countries prioritize a protein-based breakfast rather than sweet one. 

8. Patriotic Pride

Americans have a strong sense of patriotic pride. It’s common to have yard ornaments displaying the famous stars and stripes as well as clothing, food items, and much more. Displaying the United States flag is common in schools, homes, stores, public spaces, and anywhere else you could think of. You probably won’t find anywhere else as patriotic as America. 

9. Black Friday

Black Friday is an American tradition that happens the day after Thanksgiving. It is a massive retail phenomenon, and many Americans start and finish their holiday shopping during the event. Retail stores offer major discounts and sales for Black Friday in all different areas like furniture, grocery items, clothing, vehicles, electronics, etc. While other countries may have sales at their stores, it won’t be what an American knows as Black Friday.

10. 24/7 Shopping

If you’re travelling or living abroad, then don’t get used to the 24/7 shopping that you had in America. Retail stores, restaurants, convenience stores, and more are often open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, catering to different lifestyles and hours of availability. In most other countries, stores have more rigid opening and closing hours and don’t foster the same availability as the United States.

11. Superbowl Sunday

The first Sunday in February draws a record number of people tuning in or even seeing in person, and that’s because it’s the American-loved Superbowl Sunday! The cultural phenomenon sparks parties, themed foods, and social gatherings. It’s the last game of the National Football League season, but for many, it’s a familial tradition, long-lasting memories, and friendly rivalries. It is one of the most anticipated days in the United States, with millions celebrating regardless if their team made it or not. 

Final Thoughts

America, like other countries, is packed with traditions, rituals, and mannerisms that make the country unique, charming, and a wonderful place to live and travel to. However, there are several American manners that you should leave tucked away at home when you’re visiting another place. Don’t expect large portions at restaurants or ice in your drink when you’re traveling abroad. In addition, you probably won’t see tailgating anywhere else or the true patriarchy either. These 11 American mannerisms make sense in the United States, but if you’re traveling or living abroad, it’s best to leave them at home.