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18 Everyday American Habits That Baffle the Rest of the World
From giant bathroom stall gaps to free refills and right turns on red, everyday American routines leave international visitors completely bewildered.
12 hours agoVerified Editorial
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18 Everyday American Habits That Baffle the Rest of the World 
18. Giant Bathroom Stall GapsThe wide gaps in American public restrooms leave international visitors stunned. 
17. Turning Right On Red LightsThe standard American rule allows drivers to turn right on red. 
16. Sales Tax Added At CheckoutThe price on the tag is never the price paid at checkout. 
15. Massive Cups Packed With IceThe American obsession with ice leaves foreign visitors shivering and confused. 
14. Free Endless Fountain RefillsThe concept of unlimited free drink refills is uniquely American. 
13. Frigid Indoor Air ConditioningThe aggressive indoor air conditioning forces Americans to wear sweaters in summer. 
12. Wearing Outdoor Shoes On CarpetThe habit of walking indoors with street shoes appalls many cultures. 
11. 20% Default Tipping At CountersThe expectation to tip 20% across digital touchscreens causes global confusion. 
10. The Imperial Measurement SystemThe refusal to adopt the metric system baffles international travelers. 
9. Month-Day-Year Date FormatsThe middle-endian date format causes constant booking and deadline mix-ups. 
8. Supersized Restaurant PortionsThe colossal plate sizes in American diners can feed an entire family. 
7. Friendly Small Talk With StrangersThe eager friendliness toward strangers can feel disarming to foreign tourists. 
6. Prescription Drug TV CommercialsThe rapid-fire side-effect disclaimers on TV ads shock foreign viewers. 
5. Drive-Through EverythingThe car-centric culture allows Americans to do virtually anything from their car. 
4. Massive Yellow School BusesThe iconic yellow school buses are real, not just Hollywood movie props. 
3. High Ambulance Ride BillsThe staggering price of emergency medical transport shocks international patients. 
2. Individually Wrapped Cheese SlicesThe shiny, individually plastic-wrapped yellow squares stun artisan cheese lovers. 
1. 'How Are You?' As Just A GreetingThe standard American greeting is strictly rhetorical, not an invitation for life updates.
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