The Truth About America: What Surprised Me the Most!

Have you ever dreamed of living in America, picturing scenes straight out of movies—bustling cities, friendly faces, and endless roads lined with diners and supermarkets? Well, fasten your seatbelt, because American life is a wild ride full of surprises that can’t be found in any travel guide. As someone who packed up and moved across the world, I was shocked, delighted, and sometimes bewildered by the quirky realities of life in the United States. If you’re preparing for your own American adventure, or just hungry for a peek behind the curtain, read on—I’m sharing the biggest surprises I experienced as an immigrant in the US. Some are jaw-dropping, some are heartwarming, and a few are just plain odd!

Everything’s Bigger in America: Size Really Does Matter

My very first surprise came as soon as I set foot on American soil: the sheer size of everything! Picture yourself wandering a supermarket where the cereal aisle alone stretches for 30 feet. There are more flavors of chips, soft drinks, and bread than I ever imagined existed. Order a drink and what they call “small” is what most other countries would consider a large—don’t be shocked if you need both hands to carry a medium soda! Cars seem like tanks, and restaurant portions could feed a family back home. It’s a land of abundance, yes, but for new arrivals, it can be overwhelming to choose from so many options. My advice? Embrace the choices, but don’t be afraid to ask staff for recommendations—you’ll save time and avoid decision fatigue.

Friendly Faces, But Not Always Fast Friends

One thing you’ll notice right away? Americans are famously friendly. Don’t be startled when strangers flash a smile or strike up casual conversation in the grocery aisle. It took me some time to realize that the “How are you?” from a cashier isn’t a deep inquiry into my feelings but a cheerful way of saying hello. I used to respond with a heartfelt recap of my day—not necessary! While the friendliness is genuine and heartening, deeper friendships often take more time and effort. Social circles might form around work, churches, or clubs instead of the neighborhood. If you’re hoping to make lasting friends, be patient and proactive—join groups or attend local events to start building your community.

Cracking the Code: Tipping, Taxes & Surprising Laws

Expect to encounter cultural puzzles, too—like tipping. If you come from a country where service workers earn a full wage, America’s tipping culture (an extra 15–25% for servers, taxi drivers, hairdressers, and more) will feel confusing at first. I remember staring at my restaurant bill, searching for guidance on what to tip—was I being stingy, or overly generous? Over time, I realized that tips form a significant part of many workers’ incomes and are socially expected. Ask locals or check guides for standard rates until you get the hang of it.

Speaking of money, don’t be surprised when your total at the cash register is higher than the sticker price. Most American states don’t include sales tax in displayed prices—those extra cents or dollars can quickly add up. Planning a big shopping spree? Factor taxes into your budget!

You might also be caught off guard by laws and customs that differ from what you’re used to. The legal drinking age is 21, jaywalking can be treated as a crime in some locations, and driving customs (like always stopping completely at stop signs) are strictly enforced. Even traffic tickets can come from driving too slowly! When in doubt, observe what locals do or look up rules for your specific city and state.

Getting Around: The Car is King

Dreaming of exploring your new home on foot or by subway? Unless you’re moving to New York City or Chicago, the reality is that public transportation in America can be limited—and cities are often spread out. I learned early on that you might need to budget for a car, as walking or biking isn’t always practical, especially in smaller towns where sidewalks and public buses are rare. While this was a big adjustment, it also opened up opportunities to explore further afield, from scenic drives to weekend road trips.

The Magic of American Diversity

One truly beautiful surprise? The incredible cultural diversity you’ll find throughout the United States. Within a single city you can sample mind-blowing Vietnamese banh mi, savor authentic Mexican tacos, and celebrate Diwali, Lunar New Year, or Ethiopian New Year all in the same month. People come together for cultural parades, festivals, and food fairs—creating a colorful, dynamic tapestry that makes everyone feel welcome. It can feel overwhelming at first, especially if you grew up in a more homogenous place, but this diversity brings so many opportunities to try new things and broaden your horizons.

Holidays, Patriotism, and That American Spirit

If you love holidays, prepare to be amazed. Americans celebrate with a vibrant enthusiasm that’s infectious—think entire neighborhoods transformed into pumpkin wonderlands for Halloween, flags lining the streets for the Fourth of July, and sporting events packed with passionate fans. The pride and excitement are impossible to miss, whether during holidays or every day. Dive in and join the celebrations—it’s one of the best ways to connect with your new community!

Work Hard, Play Hard: The American Work Ethic

Adjusting to the American workplace can also be a shock. The pace is brisk—colleagues might eat lunch at their desks, but weekends and holidays are often fiercely protected. There’s an emphasis on positivity in communications—with cheery greetings like “Hope you’re having a great day!”—that may seem odd at first. But soon, you’ll find this upbeat approach uplifting, even if it’s different from what you’re used to.

Reinvention is Always Possible

One of the least obvious but most profound surprises? America is a place where it’s normal to reinvent yourself at any age. People frequently move states for new opportunities, change careers, or return to school later in life. Ambition is celebrated, and fresh starts are respected—so dream big! This sense of possibility is infectious, offering everyone the chance to shape their own path.

Embrace the Adventure

So, what’s it really like to move to America? It’s surprising, sometimes confusing, but always full of opportunities to grow and connect. Yes, there are strange customs and the odd frustration—like massive soda cups or mysterious price tags. But for every surprise, there’s a moment of discovery or kindness that makes it worthwhile. If you’re moving soon, or just curious, my advice is simple: keep an open mind, ask questions, and let yourself be surprised. There’s nowhere quite like the United States—and that’s exactly what makes it such a wonderful place to call home.