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A European traveller has shared the 15 culture shocks he couldn’t wrap his head around while visiting the United States.
Ole Lehmann, from Germany, visited Las Vegas and New York during his first visit to the States in six years and was taken aback by the ‘cardboard’ food, the ‘dystopian’ levels of obesity and even how often Americans ask ‘How are you?’.
He called America’s tipping culture a ‘broken system’, was shocked by the huge casinos and noticed everything from cars to drinks were ‘supersized’.
The tourist did enjoy some thing about American culture, however, saying he liked that money and finance was not a ‘taboo’ conversation topic and how ‘outgoing and talkative’ people can be.
The entrepreneur listed 15 ‘oddities’ he witnessed in American that left him ‘stunned’ in a thread on X starting off by saying he was surprised by how open people in America are when it comes to talking about money.
Ole Lehmann, from Germany , visited Las Vegas and New York during his first visit to the State in six years and was taken aback 15 culture shocks including the food and casinos
‘I noticed that people are excited to talk about their work and financial success without any negative vibes. As someone who likes these topics, it felt freeing to chat about it with other like-minded people,’ he wrote.
Thanks to Americans’ willingness to talk about money, 텐텐벳주소 Ole said he noticed more ‘flashiness’ and ‘status symbols when he was out and about.
‘I saw way more designer watches, luxury cars, and public displays of wealth than I’m used to seeing in Europe,’ he said.
‘It’s obvious how American culture places a high value on financial success and all the material stuff that comes with it.’
Ole was ‘excited’ to try American fast food but was let down, rating the ‘disappointing’ cuisine a measly two out of 10.
‘In-N-Out was such a letdown. The fries tasted like cardboard, and the whole experience was just meh,’ he said.
Ole was ‘excited’ to ty American fast food but was let down rating the ‘disappointing’ cuisine a measly two out of 10
The tourist didn’t expect to be asked the questions ‘How are you?’ so frequently saying the phrase is ‘thrown around too casually’ in the States.
‘As a German, I’m not used to exchanging pleasantries with strangers such as cashiers like that,’ he said.
‘It feels kind of fake to ask a question that no one really wants an honest answer to, but I guess it’s part of American social norms.’
Ole called tipping in America a ‘broken system’ and struggled to understand the logic behind it.
‘I don’t get why taxes aren’t included in the prices, and then you’re expected to add an extra 18-20 per cent on top? Also, tips for basic service like a coffee order seems EXTREMELY excessive to me,’ he said.
He noticed American people are ‘much louder’ than Europeans.
‘Like 10 times louder. I don’t understand this, it seems so unnecessary when I’m right next to you. The constant noise was jarring and confusing for someone like me who’s used to more reserved conversations,’ he said.