“Tourists Always Fall for It” — Locals Are Sharing the 40+ Common Mistakes That Travelers Make Around the World

This article appeared in Drivepedia and has been published here with permission.

“Tourists Always Fall for It”

Anytime someone goes abroad, they run the risk of making a tourist faux pas. Locals of popular vacation spots tend to be used to tourists’ mistakes but it’s still the travelers’ responsibility to be respectful of the culture they’re visiting. Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of all the tidbits these locals want tourists to know about their countries before planning their next trip.

Size Does Matter

Tourists tend to be pretty idealistic about how much they can see of a country while on a short vacation. While there are destinations that can be covered in just a few days (we’re looking at you, Luxembourg), Australia is most definitely not one of them.

Size Does Matter

Americans tend to be more understanding of this, as they’re accustomed to driving a whole day and barely leaving the state but Europeans are often thrown off by the sheer size of other countries.

The Biggest Tourist Scam

Overpriced taxis are pretty much the oldest tourist scam in the book. Taxi drivers can charge pretty much whatever they want based on the assumption that the tourists won’t know any better.

The Biggest Tourist Scam

Even if the passenger insists on using the meter to determine the price, the driver can just take a long way around the city — when the tourist’s destination is right around the corner. Anyway, there’s no better way to learn a culture than taking public transportation!

Well, That’s Ambitious

Road tripping is a huge part of touring the US but it’s important to be realistic in one’s expectations of how much ground a person can cover in one trip.

Well, That’s Ambitious

The US is massive and different areas have vastly different cultures and points of interest. Therefore, it’s best to either take a very long trip to see the whole US or just focus on one cluster of states and really see everything that they have to offer.

Hotels Are for Fools

Sure, one can pay a ton of money to stay in a fancy hotel that will be just like any accommodation they can find in their home country — or they can stay in a riad and truly experience Morocco.

Hotels Are for Fools

Given Moroccans’ stress on superb hospitality and the pricing of riads, tourists get a lot more bang for their buck with this option. Plus, it’s a great way to fully immerse yourself in the Moroccan culture.

Not All Fries Need Ketchup

A dead giveaway that a person’s a tourist, and has an extremely strange taste, is if they eat poutine with ketchup while in Canada.

Not All Fries Need Ketchup

Canadians take their poutine very seriously and, while they’re known for being incredibly nice, we wouldn’t want to see what would happen if a person were to insult poutine in front of a local. Our advice? Leave the ketchup for regular fries back home, where it belongs.

When in Rome…

This is a common tourist mistake in pretty much every popular vacation spot — people just stick to the famous cities and attractions, which results in them missing out on some serious gems. In order to really learn about a culture, one has to venture outside the main cities that are probably filled with other tourists anyway.

When in Rome…

A good rule of thumb is to try to stay away from areas where everyone speaks English if one really wants to immerse themselves in the country they’re visiting.

It’s Not K-Pop Land

Tourists go to Korea expecting it to be like the K-Pop version of Disneyland, where everyone’s dressed up in character and looks ready to burst into song at any moment.

It’s Not K-Pop Land

We hate to disappoint but life is not a music video and the average person doesn’t really dress like that for a day in the office. We recommend that tourists leave their extravagant costumes at home and just pack some stylish clothes for their trip to Korea.

Not So Much…

Not only is Hong Kong significantly more expensive than other Asian countries but it was actually named the world’s most expensive city for ex-pats. Of course, it all depends on which country a tourist is coming from and what they compare it to — but it’s certainly far more expensive than Thailand.

Not So Much…

An average trip to Hong Kong is around $1,500 per person for one week. While that’s certainly not the most expensive, it’s definitely not Thailand, where a tourist could spend a week with just a few hundred dollars.

Tired Old Stereotypes

This is pretty much the equivalent of thinking that Texas is full of people wearing cowboy hats and boots, riding their horses to work each day. While Scotland has its fair share of redheads, they’re still the minority as far as hair colors go.

Tired Old Stereotypes

Kilts are only worn for tourist attractions or, sometimes, at weddings. Not every Scottish person knows how to play the bagpipes, either — just like not every American knows how to play football.

Can’t Handle the Heat

Different cultures have different definitions of what’s spicy, so it’s always best to err on the side of caution. If one is in a popular tourist destination, then the locals are probably used to having to water down their food a bit.

Can’t Handle the Heat

A good trick is to let the waiter know where you’re visiting from so the cook can assess the level of spice that you’re able to handle. Or one could be adventurous, like this guy was, and spend half their trip in the bathroom.

We’ve Arrived at the Destination

Oxford University’s official website says the following: “Oxford is not a campus university, the University and College buildings can be found throughout the city center.”

We’ve Arrived at the Destination

If tourists are hoping for a photo opp in front of a specific building that’ll tell their social media followers where they are, Oxford University may not be the destination for them. That being said, it’s still definitely worth a visit, even if it’s not the UK’s most Instagram-worthy location.

One Big Tourist Attraction

Assuming that Amsterdam represents the Netherlands is the same as thinking that New York City is a representation of the entire US. While a lovely city, Amsterdam is really its own entity that isn’t a perfect example of the Netherlands as a whole.

One Big Tourist Attraction

Believe it or not, there are even parts of the Netherlands in which sobriety is highly valued. Now, that’s not what most tourists expect when booking a trip to Amsterdam!

It’s Not the Same Thing

Spanish and Portuguese are similar but by no means are they the same language! People like to compare them to American English and British English, where just a few words and the accent are different but that’s simply not the case.

It’s Not the Same Thing

Portuguese and Spanish are completely different languages that have certain words in common. Basically, if a person doesn’t know the correct language of the country they’re in, it’s best to play the ignorant tourist and stick to English.

Going for the Wet Look

Unless a person is going for the wet/hair slicked-back look, they may want to keep in mind that Singapore is extremely humid. Despite the random rain that one might experience there, it’s still very hot.

Going for the Wet Look

The public transportation in Singapore is incredibly safe and reliable, so that may be a tourist’s best bet. Keep in mind, though, that eating or drinking on a bus or train is illegal in order to preserve the country’s cleanliness.

Become a Night Owl

While some countries have a very “go, go, go” mentality in the mornings, Australians are a bit more laid-back and like to start their days slowly. The real treat in Melbourne, specifically, is its nightlife as it’s known to be the country’s party capital.

Become a Night Owl

For those looking to really experience Australia, it’s probably best to sleep in just a bit and save up energy for after the sunsets. Mornings are for tourists but the night is Australia’s real time to shine.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

When people think about Florida, they tend to think about beaches, flamingos, retirement, and Florida Man news stories. One thing that tourists always seem to forget about, though, is the consistent rain. Pack the beach clothes, pool noodles, and golf shirts — but don’t forget about proper rain gear too.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

Even when it’s not raining, it’s super humid, so get ready to be soaked either way. On that note, get ready for some terrible hair. Remember that episode of Friends when Monica’s hair was super frizzy? Yeah, like that.

Gotta Pay Those Bills

While some European countries do tip, others do not, but tipping is absolutely essential in the US. Wait staff’s base salary is shockingly low so tips are really where they make their money.

Gotta Pay Those Bills

Even if someone received poor service, they should still leave some form of a tip as that’s a person’s livelihood at stake. Tourists should bear in mind that not tipping in the US makes a serious statement as to what they think about their server… and it’s not a flattering one.

Ask and You Shall Receive

In the US, when asked how you are, the only socially acceptable answers are “fine” or “good,” which begs the question — why are we meant to ask in the first place?

Ask and You Shall Receive

There are many countries that don’t do those sorts of pleasantries when starting a conversation, so if one asks a person how they’re doing, they will answer… honestly. Unless a person is ready to hear all about a stranger’s personal problems, it’s probably best not to ask at all.

Not All Taxis Are Real

Jamaica is a beautiful country with wonderful people, making it a great travel destination! That being said, it’s important to be safe anytime one travels and Jamaica is no different. While taking taxis is a popular way for tourists to get around, there are fake taxis that can be dangerous if confused with real ones.

Not All Taxis Are Real

Real taxis in Jamaica have red and white license plates with the letters PP on them. It’s also recommended for tourists to book cabs through their hotel concierge.

That’s Not Red Paint…

Everyone rides bikes in the Netherlands and we do mean everyone… cycling is even how the Prime Minister there gets to work! With a population of 17 million people, the Netherlands boasts a whopping 22 million bikes.

That’s Not Red Paint…

Therefore, we strongly suggest taking a good look around before walking outside. Sure, it’s important to look right and left for cars but what tourists really need to watch out for are the bikes so they don’t end up adding to the red bike lanes.

Got it, Mate!

People from the US can compare Australia’s “mate” to the South’s “bless your heart” — meaning it can be very good, or very bad, depending on a lot of factors. In general, it’s best for tourists to avoid local slang unless they’re incredibly sure of how to use it properly.

Got it, Mate!

The last thing anyone needs is to get into a fight in a foreign country because they thought they were calling someone a friend but insulted them instead.

Don’t Be a Show-off

While being a show-off is poor form in general, there are specific countries where one has to be extra careful not to flex their perceived wealth. Many locals choose to buy phone cases with rings on the back, so they can loop their finger to their phones, in order to avoid someone just grabbing it and running off.

Don’t Be a Show-off

Another safety tip is to wear jewelry turned out so that any precious gems aren’t visible. It’s also best not to handle cash in public in countries with higher crime rates.

“Don’t Go to Oslo”

While it’s possible to see the northern lights in Oslo, it’s not at all a reliable place to ensure seeing the lights. The northern lights are best seen from Bodo, Tromso, or Alta — which are all 16 to 19 hours away from Oslo.

“Don’t Go to Oslo”

It’s also important to note that whether or not one can see the northern lights will depend on the weather, so it’s best not to hinge the entire trip on that one experience.

Stand Out From the Crowd

If the sole purpose of one’s trip is to have the experience of visiting a particular destination, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. However, if a person really wants to see an entire city, it’s usually not worth it to wait in line all day for a specific restaurant.

Stand Out From the Crowd

Usually, those places are overhyped anyway and there are other locations that are just as special. Perhaps check out the places that the locals go to? They’re certainly not waiting in line all day, every day for their meal!

As Fake as Reality TV

Many locations have people selling fake tickets to shows they have no connection to, but Times Square in Manhattan has some of the worst of them.

As Fake as Reality TV

Tourists should bear in mind that literally anyone can just stand there, sell stubs of paper, and claim that they’re legitimate tickets. Our advice is to always buy from the source, it may be a bit pricier, but at least it’ll get you into the show.

The Locals Know Best

It’s always best to listen to the locals, as a general rule of thumb. They clearly know what they’re talking about, after all. People are often surprised by how strong the sun is in New Zealand, especially if they’re coming from countries that are more commonly thought of as being warm.

The Locals Know Best

However, the ozone layer in New Zealand is particularly thin and the UV levels are high, making people in the country more susceptible to sunburns.

No PDA Here

Indians take a lot of pride in their integrity and part of that is refraining from “obscene acts” — a.k.a. public displays of affection (PDA). While people can hold hands with their friends of the same gender, it’s considered offensive to hug or kiss one’s romantic partner in public.

No PDA Here

In fact, PDA could earn a couple up to three months in prison, a fine, or both. Well, that’s one way to learn about a culture… through the prison system.

Who Does That Anyway?

We’re not really sure why anyone would go walking around touching people’s heads in any country but, apparently, it’s an even bigger no-no in Thailand.

Who Does That Anyway?

It’s worth noting that a person shouldn’t prop their feet up while in public in Thailand, even at the beach, as it’s considered disrespectful. While sitting in a temple, one should sit with their feet to the side or tucked under their body so that their feet won’t face a Buddha statue.

Which Bridge Is Which?

Imagine that awkward moment when someone celebrates finally reaching London Bridge on their travels only to find out that it’s actually Tower Bridge. Apparently, that happens a lot as those are two of the most commonly confused tourist landmarks in the world.

Which Bridge Is Which?

While both bridges are certainly worth a visit, it’s probably best to know which one is which before posting a captioned photo on social media, revealing one’s lack of bridge-naming game.

It Was Really Good Pasta

This is actually a pretty adorable mistake and we’re really glad that those guys didn’t correct their mistake. If it makes the waiter feel good about the food he served, then why not?

It Was Really Good Pasta

We have to admit that we’ve had food good enough that it made us want to kiss the cook, regardless of gender, so we can absolutely relate! Good food is good food and deserves all the love for it.

Don’t Gift Bad Luck

This is extremely useful information for those who may want to get a ‘thank you’ gift for their host or hostess. Interestingly, many European countries have the opposite tradition, with an odd number of flowers being reserved for funerals. The idea is that one flower is “missing” its pair.

Don’t Gift Bad Luck

In Romania, the thought process is — an even number represents the fact that the person has closed the circle of their life and fulfilled what they needed to.

“Can’t Touch This”

Different cultures have widely varying needs in terms of personal space and it appears that Swedes need a lot of space to themselves. In fact, tourists shouldn’t get offended if a Swede takes a few steps back from them.

“Can’t Touch This”

Of course, this doesn’t go for any and all conversations, it depends on how well the people know each other and what the context is. Excessive hand gestures aren’t too common in Sweden, either. However, eye contact is an important invitation to start a conversation.

It’s Not Like the Movies

Despite what Hollywood may tell us, there are actually a lot of rules in the Netherlands. Yes, the country is a lot freer than other parts of the world but there’s still law and order.

It’s Not Like the Movies

We imagine that a lot of tourists believe what they see about the Netherlands in the media and make the mistake of enjoying the country’s freedoms in the wrong places. It’s important to note that Amsterdam’s main attraction isn’t legal but rather decriminalized — there’s a difference.

Come Hungry or Don’t Come

Food is an extremely big deal in Middle Eastern cultures and if a tourist leaves the Middle East the same weight as when they came in, something has gone horribly wrong.

Come Hungry or Don’t Come

Pretty much everything in the Middle East is signified by food — either celebrating through eating a meal or refraining from eating during solemn times. A general rule of thumb when visiting the Middle East is either come hungry or don’t come at all!

Always Say ”Hello”

In many cultures, it’s perfectly acceptable to greet a roomful of people all at once, from afar. However, there are other cultures in which each person expects an individual greeting and one should go around the room in order to say “hello” to everyone.

Always Say ”Hello”

Furthermore, greetings are exchanged before any form of transaction or conversation in Senegal. This includes if there’s only one person in the room the individual needs to speak to, they still need to greet everyone.

”Life Is a Highway”

A very common misconception about Germany is that there’s absolutely no speed limit on the autobahn. Tourists are often disappointed when they arrive, excited to live their childhood dreams of being racecar drivers, only to find out that there are restrictions.

”Life Is a Highway”

Some parts of the autobahn indeed don’t have a speed limit, but freeways in Germany aren’t a free-for-all. A driver who sees a round sign with three black lines on a white background is free to do as they please, but do drive safely.

”One Country, Two Systems”

There are a lot of differences between Hong Kong and Mainland China, as tourists quickly learn. Hong Kong’s citizens speak Traditional Chinese, Cantonese, and English. On Mainland China, one can hear Mandarin and Simplified Chinese.

”One Country, Two Systems”

Hong Kongers tend to be more culturally influenced by Western countries and are arguably more in tune with international trends. Meshing Hong Kong and Mainland China in our minds is an even bigger faux pas than pretending that New York and California are exactly the same.

The Flags Serve a Purpose

It’s always frustrating when people are a little too confident, to the point where they’re blatantly ignoring rules that are put into place for a reason. That being said, it’s particularly embarrassing when it’s a tourist, causing the locals to go out and rescue them because they’re representing an entire country.

The Flags Serve a Purpose

Let’s all put our egos aside and simply follow the guidelines in place, at least out of respect, if for nothing else.

Who Hikes in Flip-Flops?

Clearly, some tourists are dramatically underestimating the intensity of these hikes. Either that or they’ve literally never been hiking before. Although, there’s really no excuse if there are literally signs warning tourists of this very issue.

Who Hikes in Flip-Flops?

The worst part is when people have to go and rescue them, essentially making them pay for someone else’s lack of listening to the volunteers trying to help them. We doubt that’s the impression any tourist wants to leave on a country!

We’re Not in Kansas Anymore

Although Canada and the US may seem to be the same, to someone who’s never been to either one (or watched the news), they’re actually completely separate countries. So, why would anyone expect US currency to be accepted in Canada?

We’re Not in Kansas Anymore

On another note, we have to admit that it’s pretty clever for gift shops to sell a basic supermarket staple at five times the price. How have we, as tourists, never thought to just go to the grocery store?!

It’s Just a Suggestion

In many cultures, plopping some food down onto a table without saying a word would imply that it’s complimentary. That being said, there are also cultures in which unordered food at the table is simply a suggestion. A suggestion that the diners will be charged for.

It’s Just a Suggestion

Therefore, it’s always best to clarify with the wait staff before eating the food in question. Unless one is willing to pay the price, of course, in which case — dig in!

Don’t Be ‘That’ Tourist

Many touristy locations tend to rip off travelers who come to their countries, it’s simply a hazard of being a foreigner. The assumption is that tourists don’t know the general prices of things, so they end up paying way more than they need to.

Don’t Be ‘That’ Tourist

This is easily resolved with some basic research before traveling, to familiarize oneself with the prices in the country of question. It’s like that old Geico commercial — “15 minutes could save you 15% or more…”

V Is For…

While many hand gestures may feel universal, they often are not. Usually, the repercussions will be simply that no one understands what a person is trying to say, which isn’t too bad. Occasionally, though, a tourist can accidentally be truly offensive.

V Is For…

Interestingly, even in countries with the same language (such as the US and UK), the same hand gesture can have wildly different meanings. That, folks, is why we must always do our research before traveling.

It’s Bigger Than It Looks

Never underestimate the sheer size of good ol’ Canada. The general recommendation is to spend a couple of months traveling Canada in order to really see everything the country has to offer.

It’s Bigger Than It Looks

Of course, there will always be those ambitious tourists who try to cram everything into a quick trip. Much like any time we try to cram large things in, rather than giving them the TLC they deserve, tourists will be left disappointed.

Don’t Mess With Them

Repeat after us — Never, EVER, mess with the Queen’s men. There are videos all across social media in which disrespectful tourists learned the hard way that the Royal Guard isn’t playing around.

Don’t Mess With Them

Either way, why bother those people who are just trying to do their jobs? Imagine if some tourist tried to come to your place of work and mock you? Let’s all try to do better and represent our countries with dignity by not starting fights we’ll surely lose.

40+ Stereotypical Things Americans Do in Movies and TV Shows That Make No Sense to Non-Americans

American Stereotypes in Movies and TV

Movies and TV often rely on some popular tropes to carry the story along or to fill space in a scene. That might leave some viewers who aren’t from America wondering exactly how accurate some of these stereotypes are. Luckily, platforms like Twitter helped them find their answers fairly quickly. These are some of the stereotypes that left a lot of viewers wondering.

Not Quite

Let’s kick it off with a particularly confusing trope in TV and movies. Why would the characters bother to wrap a gift only to tell them what’s inside?

Not Quite

Similarly, someone brought up that not only is this fairly uncommon but so is the trope of wrapping the lid and box separately for easy opening. While some people might do this, it seems like more of a movie trend. Why bother wrapping it if it isn’t a surprise?

More Than a Little Odd

There are some things that you might not think about that you see every day. For Americans, that includes commercials for prescription medications.

More Than a Little Odd

In most places, this isn’t necessarily the norm. However, this movie trope proves true in America where you are pretty likely to catch a pharmaceutical ad on TV. This includes not only medications you can buy over the counter but prescribed ones as well, which is often what confuses most people who aren’t used to seeing them.

Please Clarify

It’s easy to use some comparisons in some places and not others. In America, most people have an idea of how big a football field is.

Please Clarify

On the other hand, anyone viewing a movie or TV show where American football isn’t that big of a deal and that comparison doesn’t mean as much. There has to be something else to use to compare the sizes of things, right? If it helps, the total length of a football field is about 120 yards.

Where in Europe?!

There are certain things you can say and people can fill in the blanks from context. Other times, they’re just omitting important information.

Where in Europe?!

This person wasn’t ready to let it go when they heard fictional Americans broadly claim that they were traveling to Europe. After all, that’s a whole continent! Where in Europe are they planning on going? Saying you’re just going to Europe raises more questions than it answers.

Committed to Memory

There is some information that you need that you might have committed to heart. That way, you don’t need to find and reference an important document each time you need it.

Committed to Memory

This Twitter user noticed that in movies and TV, Americans had their social security number memorized really well. It’s not that far off either. It’s not an uncommon tool to verify your identity and you need it for a lot of different things, so memorizing it can come in handy.

Practice Makes Perfect

There are some skills that a lot of people know that are definitely tricky at first. The first few times that you tie a tie, it might not go perfectly.

Practice Makes Perfect

However, after a few times, you probably start to get the hang of it. So, it makes sense why this person was confused to see that it was so common in American movies and TV for people to have so much trouble with it.

Dance Off

There are some things that happen in movies and TV that would just be really awkward if you tried to make them happen in real life.

Dance Off

In America, the movies might lead you to believe that a dance battle is a more common event than you might think. In reality, we can’t imagine what would happen in real life if you stopped an argument only to challenge the other person to a dance-off. Maybe you can get away with it at an event like a school dance but even that’s a bit of a stretch.

Meeting Back Up

One trope that some Twitter users noticed in American TV and movies is the use of high school reunions in the plot. There are even some movies about the topic!

Meeting Back Up

Naturally, this led some people to wonder how popular high school reunions really are in America. In reality, they do happen. However, they may not be an event that the entire class shows up for and it’s probably fairly boring compared to the drama they usually usher in on-screen.

Once in a While

There are some things that Americans on TV that more than just surprise but really confuse viewers from other places of the world.

Once in a While

This particular Twitter user was confused by just how many Americans on TV and in movies turned to the microwave when they needed to boil water. It isn’t necessarily something that everyone does but it’ll work if your electric kettle is out of commission or you don’t feel like using the stove.

Bad News

There are some things on TV and in movies that you might hope aren’t as common as they seem. The number of frog dissections that this person noticed was starting to upset them.

Bad News

We hate to break the news but this science project actually isn’t that uncommon. In fact, you might dissect more than just a frog while you’re still taking science classes in school. It’s easy to see why this particular assignment might raise questions for people watching.

A Part for Everyone

It’s not uncommon for people to participate in a school play at some point. You might even do one when you’re really young!

A Part for Everyone

The only problem is that it’s hard to find a part for so many kids. This person noticed an interesting solution on TV that everyone was quick to confirm when they asked with this Tweet. Once the spoken characters are taken, why not have kids act as props in the show? Even the trees are important roles!

Are They Real?

While they were watching TV one day, this person noticed something odd. However, it was consistent enough that they took to Twitter to clarify.

Are They Real?

Everyone was quick to let them know that this isn’t just a trope on TV – most schools do have a cheerleading team. Not to mention, there are even segments of the sport that play at school games while they may alternatively or additionally focus on competition cheering as well.

Addressing Adults

This person was confused to notice how stiff and formal the characters in American movies were. After all, they were addressing everyone by title and last name.

Addressing Adults

The comments were quick to confirm that this is actually pretty common in America. It just happens to be one of those things that many people consider polite in that particular social setting but it can vary depending on the person. We can definitely see how it might surprise someone who is used first names.

Good Question

When you see a scene in a movie set in a bedroom, you might notice something confusing. Why would they choose to forego blinds or curtains?

Good Question

In real life, you probably want a little more to block out the light while you’re trying to sleep. Especially in the city, it would make it harder to sleep. Plus, you probably want some privacy from time to time! This is usually left to a need for more lighting in a scene or an oversight.

Add Some Sides

Who doesn’t love a side of bread with their meal? This person noticed that Americans really do, at least in TV shows.

Add Some Sides

It’s true, they’re pretty common. If you’re cooking up some pasta or even a holiday dinner like Thanksgiving, you might want to have some rolls with them. Are they necessarily at every dinner table every single night? That interpretation might be a bit of a stretch but they’re definitely a frequent side.

A Classic Dinner

While we’re on the topic of American dinners, this Twitter user had a question to add as well. This time, we’re looking at the main course.

A Classic Dinner

There are countless dinners in movies and TV that involve a family piling slices of meatloaf onto their plate. While this dinner definitely exists and plenty of American families have served it up over the years, the movies might exaggerate a bit on the average meatloaf consumption.

An Interesting Concept

There are certain appliances that you use every day that you might not think of other people not recognizing right away.

An Interesting Concept

For example, outside of America, garbage disposals aren’t as common everywhere else. Conceptually, a garbage disposal is a bit frightening, so we can see the confusion. All in all, it’s there to help you clear your drain of any food waste that might have stuck to your dishes. It basically is like a blender for your sink – it’s just for trash.

How Exciting

Even if you aren’t interested in a sport, you might be able to see how someone could enjoy it. For instance, plenty of people who don’t watch the Super Bowl can see that it’s a big deal to many.

How Exciting

Other programming might seem a bit duller. We can see why this person might have been confused about Americans watching hours of golf on TV. Well, the truth is, some Americans do watch golf but it’s usually considered quite a staple of television for dads.

Happy Halloween!

Holidays are often made into plot points in TV and movies. So, it’s understandable that you might wonder if you’re actually seeing a realistic portrayal of the holiday.

Happy Halloween!

It’s not uncommon for American shows to include an episode of the characters celebrating Halloween. Actually, it’s not that far off. Halloween is largely targeted towards kids and their night of trick-or-treating but plenty of adults attend parties and events or at least don a costume for the night.

How’s it Going?

There are plenty of different ways to ask people how they’re doing all around the world. This Twitter user noticed that American media often turned to the phrase “How are you holding up?”

How’s it Going?

The truth is that it isn’t that uncommon of a phrase, although it’s obviously not a universal rule. You could use it casually but it also works for checking on a friend who you know is having a frustrating day. It’s just another way to see how others are doing.

A Terrifying Concept

There are some snacks that simply don’t sound all that appetizing. Still, they find their way into some people’s hearts as a favorite.

A Terrifying Concept

If you mention Funyuns in America, you’re likely to get more mixed results than this person might expect. Sure, there are plenty of people who like them. However, Funyuns are basically just an onion-flavored chip, not actually much like the onion rings you might order while you’re out.

Fourth of July

There are some holidays that are really drawn out for dramatic effect in movies or on TV. Yet, there is some truth to some of these scenes.

Fourth of July

To answer this Twitter user’s question, the Fourth of July isn’t very exaggerated in most of these movies. The idea of a family getting together, maybe with friends, and throwing parties with fireworks is pretty spot on for a lot of families. In this case, this take is actually fairly accurate.

It’s a Big Birthday

Some birthdays seem like bigger milestones than others. As such, those bigger birthdays might warrant bigger birthday celebrations.

It’s a Big Birthday

As a teenager, your 16th birthday is a big deal. If nothing else, in America, you start to get a little more independent, since you’re old enough for a license. However, not every 16th birthday comes with a level of pomp and circumstance worthy of the 16th birthday parties you see on shows like My Super Sweet 16.

Take Your Things!

If you get fired in a movie, the scene is fairly dramatic. In real life, it’s definitely a big deal as well even if it isn’t matched up to a tailored movie score.

Take Your Things!

One detail that American movies and TV shows love to repeat is someone leaving with a box when they’re fired. It’s actually not that uncommon of practice. You usually get the chance to pack up any personal items you have in an office like photos or personal supplies before leaving.

Getting the Grade

Earlier, we mentioned that American students on TV often dissect frogs. You might notice that they also tend to make a lot of fake volcanoes.

Getting the Grade

It’s actually not that uncommon of a science project – it’s a classic! Still, that doesn’t necessarily mean that everyone across the board has to do it at some point. Many who do make one usually do it earlier on in their education in elementary and middle school. Plus, the simple reaction is pretty cool!

School Merch

There are some things that seem strange to people who aren’t used to them. In this case, this Twitter user wanted to know if schools really sold their own merchandise.

School Merch

They actually do! It’s not uncommon to have a t-shirt, hoodie, pair of sweatpants, or even school supplies representing your school. It’s a concept that’s more often referred to regarding colleges but most schools offer something, such as class rings in high school.

About Cliques

If you watch a movie set in an American high school like Mean Girls, you probably notice that the friend groups are clear and competitive.

About Cliques

The reality is that it can depend on the school you’re talking about. Of course, students tend to create their own friend groups based on similar traits. On the other hand, those lines aren’t necessarily as aggressive as the movies and shows might lead you to believe.

That’s One Solution

In movies and TV, if a student doesn’t want to sit alone, they don’t take a route like looking busy during lunch. Rather, they often turn to the bathroom.

That’s One Solution

This isn’t really something that happens very often. Even if you don’t want to eat in the cafeteria, you may not have a choice or you might have options that are a bit more hygienic than lunch in a public bathroom. Not to mention, it seems like it would maybe draw even more attention.

Just Coping

There are a lot of ways to deal with a bad day. In a lot of movies and TV, Americans seem like they turn to tubs of ice cream when things go wrong.

Just Coping

While it definitely varies from person to person, there are plenty of people who want some of their favorite snacks on a hard day. On top of that, you have the option of opting for a personal-sized pint if you want to skip out on a dish while you enjoy your dessert.

Avoiding Branding

When you see orange juice on a TV show from America, you might notice that most families keep their orange juice in a pitcher rather than a carton or jug.

Avoiding Branding

Still, that doesn’t mean that Americans are always squeezing their orange juice fresh every morning. Rather, this is more likely a way to avoid having a branded carton in the shot. Naturally, there are definitely some people who love to take the time to make sure they have fresh orange juice, though.

A Classic

There are some dishes that are so common in TV and movies that you have to wonder at some point if it’s an accurate portrayal of what someone in that setting might frequently snack on.

A Classic

When it comes to a love for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, the movies don’t lie. It’s a common snack or even a quick lunch in America. You’re really likely to find plenty if you looked through a few packed lunches for school-aged children.

White Eggs

Eggs are a staple all over the world. After all, they’re a versatile choice that you can use in a lot of different dishes. Yet, the question that this Twitter user has started before you even crack your egg.

White Eggs

Specifically, this Twitter user noticed the dozens of white-shelled eggs that Americans pulled out in movies. They’re pretty common, although you can opt for brown eggs as well. There isn’t much difference between them, though.

Seems Expensive

When you’re watching a movie, you might get confused watching the characters leave from one restaurant just to go to another. That’s the question this person had for movies and TV shows from America.

Seems Expensive

The comments on this tweet were quick to clarify that it depends on the dessert options. A lot of restaurants have a limited dessert menu that you might not find something you’re interested in. Luckily, you could just stop by a bakery or ice cream shop for more options.

So Many Eggs

We’ve taken a look at a few different dishes so far that find themselves commonly on tables in America. However, do deviled eggs count among them?

So Many Eggs

For one, deviled eggs are a bit regional – you’re more likely to eat them often in the southern part of the United States. They’re a bit divisive but they’re also more common on special occasions like big gatherings or holiday meals rather than working them into most meals.

Well, Bye

There are some small things that you notice in TV and movies that you can’t necessarily stop noticing once you see them. The lack of “goodbyes” in American TV really confused this person.

Well, Bye

In this case, it’s probably more of a bit of movie magic than a real habit. It’s just one of those parts of the conversation or everyday practices, that most movies don’t necessarily need to show their characters doing. Not to mention, dramatic hang-ups can help move a scene along.

A Few Leftovers

It’s not uncommon to have some leftovers in your fridge. Sometimes, you simply don’t finish your dinner or you just make enough for later.

A Few Leftovers

It was the specific choice of leftover Chinese food that had this person scratching their head. Sure, Americans love heading to their local Chinese restaurant but do they like it this much? Large portions do lead to more leftovers but Chinese takeout containers are also often particularly recognizable in a scene.

Icing Injuries Only

You might notice that when a character is hurt in American Tv shows and movies, they don’t always reach for an ice pack.

Icing Injuries Only

Instead, you often see characters icing their injuries with a bag of frozen vegetables like peas. It actually isn’t all that uncommon to do when you need something cold. After all, you might just grab the first thing you see in a rush – even if you have ice packs in the freezer too.

Stay Safe!

There are some things that people do so frequently in movies that seem really impractical and unsafe. Who would possibly do that?

Stay Safe!

When it comes to the trope of leaving a spare key under the doormat, you probably shouldn’t copy the movies. After all, you don’t want an item like a spare key easy to find. Unfortunately, there are plenty of people who take this advice and keep the key under the mat but it really isn’t advised.

Staying Family-Friendly

When you’re watching an American movie, it’s not rare to hear adult language. On TV, it isn’t quite the same and you’ll notice a lot of swear words replaced or censored out.

Staying Family-Friendly

This really comes back to the rules surrounding broadcast TV programs. So, when you watch these, you might notice a more family-friendly approach to language. On the contrary, these rules aren’t as strict when it comes to shows you stream on a streaming service.

Just Decorating

There are some things that you see on TV and in movies that make you just wonder why someone would do that. That’s how this person felt about the bathroom graffiti in schools on TV.

Just Decorating

It’s not that far from the truth either. While there are surely plenty of schools that don’t feature a lot of writing on the walls, a lot of students are familiar with the sight of their fellow students’ doodles and comments on the walls at least from time to time.