After the articles American differences and American differences 2, here is a new, more general article about a few more American differences that stand out in everyday life.

Americans’ pride in their country

Americans are known for their love of their nation and their pride in belonging to this country. You will see American flags everywhere: in stores, in front of houses, and along the roads. There are even lots of clothes featuring the American flag. The national anthem is also highly respected, especially on July 4, when Americans put their hand over their heart while listening to it.

Americans’ enthusiasm and kindness

In the street or with neighbors, people are approachable, smiling, and always ready to give you a little help. In stores, employees are also smiling and willing to assist you. Of course, it is not Disneyland, but having smiles and kindness in everyday life feels good. There is also this strong positive mindset. In fact, looking for the positive side of everything is a very American concept.

Tips

Tips in the United States are extremely important, especially for all service jobs such as servers, hairdressers, and others. In general, they should be between 15% and 20% of the final bill. In a restaurant, for example, if you pay by card, it is often up to you, once the bill has been charged, to add the tip amount by hand on the receipt. Be careful, because some establishments include it directly in the bill under the word gratuity.

Air conditioning

In the United States, air conditioning is everywhere, whatever the season. Of course, in Florida in the middle of summer you appreciate it, but with the constant hot-and-cold contrasts, it is always better to keep a light sweater with you!

Services for people with disabilities

There are many things in the USA designed for people with disabilities. There are reserved parking spaces just like in France, but also many practical details such as sidewalks adapted for going up and down, ramps to avoid stairs, audible pedestrian crossing signals, adapted restrooms, and more. In supermarkets, you will also see electric shopping carts that elderly or disabled people can sit on while doing their shopping.

Drive-thrus everywhere

The United States is famous for its fast food and its drive-thrus. You will find drive-thrus to order food and drinks almost everywhere on the road, but also to withdraw money or pick up your medication at the pharmacy. On the other hand, in a country where the car is such a big part of everyday life, there used to be almost no drive-thru service in supermarkets. Walmart only started offering this service a few years ago.

Public restrooms

They are everywhere: on beaches, in parks, in supermarkets, and in stores. Most of them are equipped with baby changing stations. Public restrooms are generally clean and there is always paper. On the other hand, you will notice that the opening at the bottom and sides of the stall door is quite large, so in terms of privacy there is definitely room for improvement. Apparently this is meant to reduce risks in case of aggression or other problems. In the end, you get used to it, and nobody really pays attention.

A kid-friendly country

America is definitely a country for children. As parents, you naturally notice that. Not only is it great for the kids, but it also makes daily life much easier for us as adults. At restaurants, you will almost always find kids’ menus, coloring pages, little games, high chairs, and places to put strollers. In any store, you will find fun shopping carts adapted for children. In every restroom, you will have a place to change a baby. In theme parks, strollers are available to rent.

You will find beautiful playgrounds everywhere. When you arrive somewhere with children, people do not look at you with annoyance, they welcome you with a big smile. On top of that, Americans are big fans of babies, so you can be sure they will always say a kind word about your little one: beautiful, sweetie… It is cultural, that is just how it is, and I guarantee that it makes everyday family life much easier!

To learn more about expatriation and settling in the USA, do not hesitate to get my two books on the subject: “Our American Dream: The Story of an Expatriation to the USA” and “Expatriation to the USA, The Day After: The Guide to Settling in the United States”.