Americans have a way of standing out, no matter where they go (and not always in the best ways, admittedly, though we Brits aren’t ones to talk).
Whether it’s their fashion choices, their volume level, or the way they interact with strangers, there are little clues that give our friends from across the pond away. While most of these habits are harmless, they can be instantly recognisable to locals and fellow travellers alike. Just as we can easily identify our fellow Brits when we go overseas, we can pick out a Yankee pretty easily as well, especially for these reasons.
1. They’re louder than everyone else.
Americans tend to speak at a volume that’s noticeably higher than the locals. It’s not intentional; it’s just the norm in the US, where bigger spaces and livelier social settings mean people are used to projecting their voices. In quieter countries, an American conversation can stand out from across the room. Even when they’re trying to keep it down, their natural enthusiasm tends to carry. Whether they’re chatting at a café, joking with friends, or just ordering food, their volume level often makes them easy to identify before you even see them.
2. They’re always wearing trainers.
While many countries reserve trainers for workouts or casual wear, Americans wear them for everything. Whether they’re sightseeing, shopping, or even at a semi-dressy event, their go-to footwear tends to be a comfortable pair of sneakers. Practicality wins over style every time. Even in cities where locals wear sleek leather shoes or stylish boots, you’ll spot Americans strolling around in their well-worn trainers. Bonus points if they’re white, chunky, or from a popular athletic brand.
3. They expect free refills.
In the US, free refills on soft drinks, coffee, and iced tea are pretty standard. But in most other countries, once your drink is gone, you’re paying for another. Americans often forget this and are genuinely confused when their empty glass isn’t automatically topped up. It’s not uncommon to hear an American ask for a refill, only to be met with a confused look from the server. They might also assume tap water is free at restaurants, which isn’t always the case in other countries.
4. They smile at strangers.
Americans are generally friendly and smile a lot, even at people they don’t know. In some cultures, smiling at strangers is seen as unusual or even suspicious, but for them, it’s just common courtesy. Whether it’s the cashier, a passerby, or the person sitting next to them on public transport, they’ll likely offer a warm smile. While this can be seen as polite and approachable, in some places, it makes them stand out instantly. In certain countries, people reserve smiles for friends and family, so an overly cheerful stranger can be a dead giveaway.
5. They assume everyone speaks English.
Because English is widely spoken around the world, many Americans expect it to be understood wherever they go. If someone doesn’t understand them, they often just repeat the same phrase but slower and louder, as if that will somehow help. While plenty of people do speak English, assuming it’s universal can lead to some awkward encounters. Locals appreciate when visitors make an effort, even if it’s just learning a few basic phrases in their language.
6. They wear baseball caps everywhere.
Baseball caps are a classic American fashion staple, and many people from the US don’t leave home without one. Whether they’re on a beach, in a museum, or sitting down at a restaurant, the cap stays firmly on their head. In many countries, hats are removed indoors as a sign of respect, but Americans don’t always follow that rule. A backwards or forward-facing cap, especially with a sports team logo, is often a clear indicator of someone from the US.
7. They tip excessively — or not at all.
Tipping culture varies wildly across the world, but Americans are used to leaving 15-20% at restaurants because that’s the standard in the US. In countries where tipping isn’t common, they’ll often still leave money on the table, sometimes confusing the staff. On the flip side, some of them don’t realise that tipping is expected in certain countries where service workers rely on gratuities. Either way, their approach to tipping tends to make them stand out, whether they’re tipping too much or not enough.
8. They talk to strangers like they’re old friends.
Small talk is a major part of American culture, and many Americans carry this habit with them wherever they go. Whether it’s chatting with a taxi driver, making conversation in a queue, or complimenting a stranger’s outfit, they’re comfortable striking up a casual conversation with just about anyone. In some countries, this level of friendliness is unusual, especially in places where people keep to themselves in public. While it’s usually meant in a good-natured way, it can catch locals off guard when they start chatting out of nowhere.
9. They’re constantly carrying a huge water bottle.
Staying hydrated is serious business for Americans, and many of them travel with a reusable water bottle at all times. Whether it’s a giant Stanley cup or a trendy Hydro Flask, you’ll often see them sipping from it throughout the day. While reusable bottles are common in many places, they tend to take it to another level. They’ll even bring them into restaurants or carry them around places where locals simply buy a small bottle when they need a drink.
10. They love ice in their drinks.
Americans are used to getting large cups of ice in their beverages, so when they receive a lukewarm soda or a drink with just one or two cubes, they’re often surprised. In some countries, ice is seen as unnecessary, but for Americans, a drink without ice feels incomplete. It’s not uncommon for them to ask for “extra ice” or look confused when they get a room-temperature beverage. In some places, ice water is only served when specifically requested, which can lead to yet another moment of American confusion.
11. They measure everything in feet and inches.
Source: Unsplash The metric system is the global standard, but Americans are one of the few who still use feet, inches, pounds, and Fahrenheit. This becomes obvious when they talk about the weather, distances, or weight in ways that don’t make sense to the locals. Asking how tall a landmark is in feet or struggling to convert kilometres into miles is a classic giveaway. Even when they try to adapt, they’ll likely still think in their own measurements first before attempting a rough conversion.
12. They dress casually even in formal settings.
Comfort is king in American fashion, and they often dress more casually than people in other countries. While locals might wear tailored outfits or smart shoes, people from the US tend to favour hoodies, leggings, and athletic wear, even when they’re not working out. In some places, this casual approach to fashion stands out, especially in cities where people dress more formally for everyday activities. Seeing someone in gym clothes at a nice café or museum is usually a dead giveaway.
13. They wear brand logos everywhere.
Americans love their branded clothing, whether it’s a Nike sweatshirt, a North Face jacket, or a cap with a sports team logo. While other cultures lean toward more minimalist or unbranded fashion, Americans often have logos front and centre. Even their luggage and backpacks tend to feature noticeable brand names. If someone’s decked out in a full Adidas tracksuit or a Patagonia jacket, there’s a good chance they’re from the US.
14. They expect customer service to be a priority.
In the US, customer service is a big deal, and Americans are used to fast responses, friendly staff, and problem-solving on demand. In other countries, service is often more relaxed, and getting immediate attention isn’t always guaranteed. When an American expects quick service or gets frustrated over slow responses, it can make them stand out. They’re used to employees checking in frequently, offering free returns, or going the extra mile — something that isn’t always the norm elsewhere.
