What is living like in USA for those coming from abroad? Are you moving to the US or simply in for a good read? Find out more about the 13 signs that tell you are an international living in USA.

1. Big, bigger, biggest. –

Food and drink portions are not what you’re used to. Ordering a small (that is, if they even have small as a food-size) scoop of ice cream in the USA is like ordering a large ice cream anywhere else in the world. Restaurants serve portions unparalleled in any corner of the world. But, as an efficiently trained time- and moneysaving expat you ask for a doggy bag, so you have a meal ready to be microwaved the next day.

2. Grocery shopping is not what you’re used to. –

When you have finally recovered from the shock of the cashier bagging your groceries for you, you start noticing something even more mind-blowing: every product group is put into a new plastic bag. Naturally, you should not put your frozen peas and minced meat in the same plastic bag: who ever thought that was the normal thing to do??!

3. You need a car. –

If you’re not living in a city with adequate public transportation a car is a must-have. Walking distance, biking, and trains or busses are basically unknown terms in America, so be prepared to spend a lot of time in your car.

4. …and be prepared never to get out of it. –

Once you own a car, there is no need to get out of it. Drive through dinner, drive through laundry, drive through pharmacy, drive through banking, mailbox, groceries… Only the most basic needs (sleeping and visiting the restroom) are not provided via drive through services, but get an RV and that problem is solved too.

5. Don’t throw your own birthday party. –

If you come from a country where it is customary to throw a party for your birthday, it’s best to refrain from this custom when you are in the USA. How can you throw a birthday party for yourself? And, more importantly, how can you expect people to show up on a selfish occasion such as your self-planned b-day party. No, you had better let someone else plan it for you, but then you should make sure people now when your birthday is, as to prevent awkward situations from happening.

6. Breakfast is dinner, dinner is breakfast/lunch. –

Forget what you’ve learned about what proper breakfasts, lunches and dinners contain, in the USA everything is different. You can easily have a warm meal three times a day, and eat breakfast food during dinner time, or vice versa.

7. Fahrenheit, miles, feet and inches. –

Speaking of doing everything differently, the USA really makes an effort to be incomprehensible to (many) foreigners. The first time you hear it is 85 degrees you are shocked beyond belief: how can it possible be 85 degrees on a late summer day in Michigan, or anywhere else in the USA for that matter? Also, not knowing where to look if someone tells you something is just a few yards or feet from where you stand is a common thing at first.

8. You have never been so up to date when it comes to sports. –

Americans love their sports, with a large emphasis on THEIR (because who else in the world plays American football??!) Not being able to recount last night’s NBA game, or missing the Super Bowl is just unforgivable.

9. ‘I’m also part…!’ –

Are you a European living in the USA? There’s a big chance you have heard an American say: I’m also part…(fill in your own nationality)…! America has from its discovery onwards been a nation of immigrants. Therefore, a lot of Americans have (very, VERY) distant relatives in for instance Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Ireland. However, do not mistake their proclaimed heritage for in depth knowledge or understanding of your home country. If one of your American friends is a descendant from early 1920s Polish immigrants, this does not mean they have any contacts or specific knowledge of the country you are from!

10. 24/7 365 Economy. –

New York is known as ‘The city that never sleeps’, but America as a whole is also characterized by its work ethic and 24/7 mentality. Not only the big cities, but also smaller towns have supermarkets and fast food restaurants opened all day long. This is perfect for satisfying your midnight donut cravings, even though you still wonder how companies get their employees to agree to work during such ‘unchristian’ times.

11. Free refills. –

Another thing that seems to be never ending in the USA is drinks. When eating breakfast in a restaurant your coffee will be constantly refilled. When having lunch or dinner and you’ve ordered a soda, it seems to be magically full at all times, even after just having taken an amazingly big gulp.

12. Air conditioning. –

If you have experienced a summer (or even just one warm day) in the USA, you know you’ll need to bring a vest or cardigan wherever you go. That sounds a little contradictory, doesn’t it? Not to Americans: once temperatures go up, AC’s go on. You might be fine walking outside in your shorts and a t-shirt, but once you step inside anywhere you’ll literally be blown away by the icy cold air.

13. Tip your waiters/waitresses. –

Your dinner receipt will always have a special place reserved for ‘sincere’ tipping. Did you not like the service provided by the restaurant? Did you have to collect your own plate and return it after finishing? Do you think it is not your job to pay the wages of your waiters/waitresses? That doesn’t change anything. You’ll still be expected to tip: 10% of the grand total is often the predetermined or expected amount.

Marianne Kuijpers,
ELM team

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