34 Things That Baffle Americans Abroad: Cultural Shocks for Americans on Reddit 2026

What's considered perfectly normal in one corner of the globe can seem downright bizarre in another. A massive thread on Reddit has recently gone viral, featuring Americans venting about international customs that leave them scratching their heads in disbelief.

From Bagged Milk to German Kitchens: Cultural Shocks for Americans on Reddit

The discussion highlighted over 34 distinct cultural quirks. While some are minor inconveniences, others represent fundamental differences in how people view property, health, and social interactions. Here are the top takeaways that fueled the debate:

• Germany's Removable Kitchens: Many were shocked to learn that tenants often take their entire kitchen—cabinets and all—when moving out of a flat.
• China's Hot Water Habit: The universal preference for drinking hot water, even in scorching heat, remains a mystery to ice-loving Americans.
• European Vacation Culture: The ability of European clients to take multi-week trips frequently sparked a mix of confusion and pure envy among the American workforce.
• Public Toilets for a Price: The concept of paying to use a restroom in Europe is a constant source of frustration for those used to free access in the U.S.

The thread also touched on the diversity within the U.S. itself, reminding critics that with over 300 million people, there is no single 'American' experience. However, common themes like the lack of window screens in Europe or dinner being served as late as 9 PM in other nations continue to be major points of cultural friction.