First Time Traveling to the USA: Overwhelming Surprises and Unexpected Cultural Shifts

Traveling to the USA for the first time can be an exhilarating experience, but it often comes with a multitude of surprises. From the familiar to the totally unexpected, these differences can both enrich your experience and leave you a bit surprised. In this article, we explore some of the most off-putting and culturally surprising aspects of the USA, based on the experiences of a first-time visitor.

The Food Experience

One of the most off-putting experiences when traveling to the USA for the first time is the food. A classic example is the visit to your local McDonald's. For many first-time visitors, especially coming from countries where McDonald's is perceived as fast food for the masses, the quality and taste of the food can be quite disappointing. Our experience in Florida emphasized this: the food was so bad that it took us years to have the courage to revisit McDonald's in Australia because of the same disappointing taste we had in the USA.

Racial Encounters

Another off-putting experience for our Canadian family was the encounter with anti-Asian racism. In Florida, a child shouted racial slurs at us, pointing to us and repeating "Look, Mommy, Yellows!" This experience highlighted the unexpected and sometimes unpleasant aspects of race relations in the USA and serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater cultural understanding and tolerance.

Cultural Differences

For a long-time resident of Zimbabwe, the USA presents a multitude of cultural differences that might take some time to adjust to. For instance, the terminology used for everyday items such as scones is different. In Zimbabwe, we called them bread rolls, but in the USA, they are referred to as pastries or biscuits. Similarly, the portions in American restaurants are significantly larger, which can be a hard adjustment for those used to smaller servings. Biscuits and gravy, a dish typically enjoyed in the South, offer a delightful taste that many travelers enjoy, once they get used to the larger portions.

Unexpected Regulations and Etiquette

Many aspects of daily life in the USA can be confusing for a first-time visitor. For example, nightclubs and bars often close down at 2 am, and driving behavior can be quite different. In Zimbabwe, it is common to drive past a red traffic light at night, but in the USA, this is strictly prohibited. Jaywalking is also a non-issue in the USA, where following traffic rules is strictly enforced. Furthermore, transportation costs can be quite different. In the USA, sales tax is added to the final checkout amount, while in Zimbabwe, it is added at the point of purchase, so a number cruncher can be necessary.

Financial and Cultural Considerations

First-time travelers might also find the financial landscape to be quite different, such as the higher cost of alcohol and the need to provide ID for purchases. In addition, tipping culture is quite prevalent and expected in most restaurants, with an amount of 15-20% of the total bill typically expected. This can be a shock for those used to a culture where tipping is not common.

Local Customs and Practices

When it comes to shopping and consumption, the USA offers a range of unique practices. For instance, purchasing items like a car can be done on installment, and some grocery stores do not accept cash, but rather only plastic money. Furthermore, the concept of barbecuing (known as 'braai' in other parts of the world) is a significant cultural difference, and the custom of refilling sodas without additional cost is a delightful surprise.

Traveling to the USA for the first time is undoubtedly an enriching experience, filled with both familiar and unexpected surprises. By understanding and embracing these differences, one can fully enjoy the unique and diverse culture of the USA.