A European traveler shared 15 culture shocks he couldn’t understand during his visit to the United States.
Ole Lehmann from Germany visited Las Vegas and New York during his first visit to the United States in six years and was shocked 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 massive casinos and noted that everything from cars to drinks were “supersized.”
However, the tourist did like some of the American culture, saying he liked that money and finances were not a “taboo” topic of conversation and that people could be “outgoing and communicative.”
The businessman listed 15 ‘oddities’ that he witnessed in the United States and that left him ‘astonished’ thread In X, he began by saying that he was surprised by how open people in the United States are when it comes to talking about money.
Ole Lehmann of Germany visited Las Vegas and New York during his first visit to the state in six years and was struck by 15 culture shocks, including the food and casinos.
“I realized that people are excited to talk about their work and financial success without any negative attitude. As someone who enjoys these topics, I felt liberated to talk about them with other like-minded people,” he wrote.
Thanks to Americans’ willingness to talk about money, Ole said he noticed more “showiness” and “status symbols” when he was out and about.
“I saw a lot more designer watches, luxury cars and public displays of wealth than I’m used to seeing in Europe,” he said.
‘It’s obvious that American culture places a high value on financial success and all the material goods that come with it.’
Ole was “excited” to try American fast food, but was disappointed and rated the cuisine “disappointing” with a measly two out of 10.
“In-N-Out was a real disappointment. The fries tasted like cardboard and the overall experience was pretty mediocre,” he said.
Ole was “excited” to try American fast food, but was disappointed, rating the cuisine as “disappointing” with a measly two out of 10.
The tourist did not expect to be asked “How are you?” so frequently, as in the United States that phrase “is used too lightly.”
“As a German, I’m not used to exchanging pleasantries with strangers like, for example, cashiers of that kind,” he said.
“It seems a little disingenuous to ask a question that no one really wants an honest answer to, but I guess that’s part of American social norms.”
Ole said tipping in the United States was a “broken system” and struggled to understand the logic behind it.
“I don’t understand why taxes are not included in the prices and then an extra 18-20 percent is expected to be added. Also, tips for basic services like a coffee order seem EXTREMELY excessive to me,” she said.
He noted that Americans are “much louder” than Europeans.
“Like ten times louder. I don’t understand it, it seems unnecessary when I’m standing next to you. The constant noise was disconcerting and confusing for someone like me who is used to more reserved conversations,” she said.
Ole was stunned when he first entered an American casino, calling the experience “wild.”
“I couldn’t believe my eyes as I watched people chain-smoking and losing money at the slot machines,” he recalled.
“It was fascinating and very sad at the same time. Everything is designed to hijack your dopamine, even when you know it’s not.”
During his travels, Ole observed the “dystopian” levels of obesity in the US and said he was shocked by the number of “severely overweight” people he saw.
“But at the same time, I also saw a lot of people in very good physical shape,” he admitted.
“It’s like America is a land of extremes when it comes to physical health and appearance.”
The German said eating healthy food in the US was an “annoying challenge” and that everything from drinks to cars were “oversized.”
“At the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, my ‘small’ Diet Coke was almost a litre. Drinks are always 50 per cent larger than in Europe and there is no option to downsize. The same goes for food portions and vehicles – everything is bigger in the US,” he said.
“I was surprised at how expensive and hard to find nutritious options were compared to Europe. At home, I can easily get a healthy meal without spending a fortune, but in the US, it felt like a treasure hunt.”
After exploring the dazzling and glittering Las Vegas, as well as the city that never sleeps, New York, Ole said the lights were always on in America.
Ole said tipping in the US is a “broken system”: “Tipping for basic services like ordering coffee seems EXTREMELY excessive to me”
“It’s very different from the energy-saving habits I’m used to in Europe and Asia. I guess this permanent glow comes from the wealth of Americans and their love of comfort. It creates a feeling of constant abundance that I haven’t experienced anywhere else,” he explained.
Ole said he felt “inspired” overall by his trip to the United States and had many positive things to say about the country and its culture.
“From what I can tell, the American dream is still alive and well. There is a huge desire to innovate and create a better future,” he said.
“I heard a lot of conversations about world-changing ideas, about startups, and about the pursuit of progress. I honestly loved that aspect of America.”
Although he admitted he felt a little “overwhelmed,” Ole said Americans are “super outgoing and communicative” compared to Europeans.
“They strike up conversations with strangers like it’s no big deal, which can be both comforting and a little overwhelming. This openness is a defining aspect of American culture that really stood out to me,” she said.
Ole also loved the ‘super helpful and friendly’ customer service in the US.
“I guess it’s due to the tipping culture as well as the fact that America is a more consumer-oriented society. The waiters really go the extra mile to make sure customers are happy, which I enjoyed,” she wrote.
Finally, he said he was “inspired” by the “risk-taking spirit of American culture,” which he attributed to the country’s history of immigrants taking a “leap of faith” to leave their homes and start a new life.
“People here are not afraid to change the world, even if it means leaving their comfort zone. It’s a stark contrast to the more risk-averse mindset in Europe, where people tend to play it safe,” he explained.
