These 19 Habits and Behaviors Make Americans Stand Out Abroad

Let’s face it—Americans get a bad rap abroad. There are a lot of stereotypes surrounding how we dress, act, eat, and talk. Some stereotypes are a bit subjective, in my opinion, but some are spot on. 

I’ve been the loud, smiley American abroad myself. But I’ve also witnessed other Americans whose behavior makes me want to slap my own forehead. It’s all about balance at the end of the day. 

Whether you want to blend in at all costs or are just curious about your own unconscious traits, here are the habits and behaviors that make you stand out as an American abroad, based on my personal experience and research. 

Many of these, you may not have even known you were doing…

Clothing & Appearance

Clothing and appearance are a surefire way for a lot of people to spot Americans abroad. However, “American dress” is becoming a little harder to nail down these days thanks to a wide range of style influences online. 

Nonetheless, there are still certain trends that are pretty “American.”

Athleisure

Americans love athleisure. So much so that we literally popularized the concept and word itself [Source]. 

My non-American friends always point out to me that Americans love to wear athletic clothing, regardless of whether they’re exercising or not. 

For many people, especially Europeans, “athleisure” just doesn’t have a place outside of the gym. But in America, these clothing items are part of our everyday wardrobes, no matter where we are. 

Leggings and workout sets are a perfect example of this. I’d wear workout clothes to run errands around Chicago, no big deal. But I know it would be a little odd to walk around say, Milan, Italy, wearing the same thing. 

University Merch

American college culture is unlike anywhere else in the world. Things like dorm life, alumni support, and school spirit are really American things. It’s no surprise that college culture trickles into Americans’ sense of style, too. 

This just isn’t the case in other countries around the globe. School is just school. But if American influence is anything, it’s pervasive. 

I’ve started to notice chain stores like H&M carry “university-inspired” clothing like Harvard or even University of Michigan sweatshirts abroad. Something about university clothing is seen as just so quintessentially American in other places. 

I’d urge you to leave your college hoodie at home on your next vacation abroad—specifically, if you don’t want to stand out. This, mixed with the other habits mentioned in this article, will probably give you away in an instant. 

Going Outside with Wet Hair

This one mainly pertains to Italy, but maybe it’s a thing in other countries (let me know in the comments!): having wet hair outside. 

This is one of those things that you wouldn’t think of as stereotypically “American,” but it’s seen that way in Italy. Italians have a belief that going outside with wet hair is bad for your health, so you’ll never see an Italian do it. 

Be sure to give your hair a good blow-dry before heading out for the day!

Behavior, Mannerisms, & Body Language

Behavioral stereotypes are the ones that I’ve found to be true more often than not when it comes to spotting other Americans abroad. Here are the big ones that stand out to me: 

Smiling

Americans are much more smiley than people from other countries. You probably don’t realize it, but we smile at everything—at strangers, to ourselves, to animals, you name it. 

I’ve noticed this across my travels and The Atlantic points out the same trend. We, as Americans, are particularly enthusiastic and quick to fall into big, toothy grins, regardless of the environment or how well we know people. 

Loudness

I always say that you can hear Americans before you see them. And I’m usually not wrong. 

We’re just loud people by nature and we tend to project when we speak. A friend from Slovakia even told me once that every time he makes the language switch from Slovakian to English, he notices his voice gets louder. 

So, if you want to blend in a little while traveling abroad, try lowering your voice just a little bit. You might even surprise yourself with how loudly you’re naturally inclined to speak.  

Friendliness & Enthusiasm

Similar to smiling, Americans tend to be overly enthusiastic and friendly compared to how people from other countries and cultures act. 

A fellow traveler I met in Lisbon said it best: “Americans love to use the word ‘awesome.’”

Another example of American friendliness and enthusiasm is the way we thank people. Telling a server “thank you SO much” or telling a stranger who helps you that you “seriously appreciate it” are a couple of examples.  

Of course, as Americans, this type of behavior and commentary is normal and seen as the polite thing to say or do. However, in other parts of the world, this type of friendliness and enthusiasm can be seen as “too much” or even mistrustful. “Warmness” in social settings varies across cultures. 

Personal Space in Social Settings

Americans appreciate their personal space. I’d argue that there are elements of Americans’ sense of individualism in this, but I also think it’s because as a people, we’re used to having a lot of space geographically. 

Regardless, Americans tend to stand farther apart from each other in social settings. According to the Washington Post, Americans tend to stand about three feet away from strangers and about 1.5 feet away from close friends and family members.

The “American Lean”

As Americans, we tend to place our body weight on one foot while standing, with the other leg angled out. This mannerism is even something that the CIA supposedly makes those who are undercover, unlearn [Source]. 

When I first discovered this, I was shocked. This is an unconscious behavior I didn’t even realize I did. 

Another thing that Americans tend to do is lean on something while they stand; for example, a wall or table. This is something I’ve noticed about Americans around the world. 

How We Count on Our Fingers

When Americans count on their fingers, they tend to start with the index finger, followed by the middle finger, ring finger, pinky, and finally, the thumb. Many people around the world count their fingers starting with the thumb, then index finger, middle finger, and so on. 

Conversation

There are certain topics and conversational habits that we, as Americans, just can’t seem to shake. Here are a few I’ve noticed abroad: 

Asking About Work

Work-life balance is different for Americans compared to the rest of the world. Our careers are a really important facet of our identities. That’s why one of the first questions we ask new people is, “What do you do?”. In other countries, this just isn’t the case. 

Jobs are commonly seen around the world as a means to an end. Jobs are also seen as secondary compared to everything else about a person. Just know that if you ask someone about their job while traveling, specifically in a non-work-related environment, it’s one of the most American things you can do. 

By the same token, “talking business” in non-work environments can be seen as rude. 

Asking to Pet Dogs

As Americans, we love our dogs (as we should!). This feeling isn’t unique to just America; many people around the world feel this way. However, treating dogs like they’re people isn’t exactly universal, either. 

If you’re anything like me and want to pet every dog you see, you might want to refrain a little while you’re traveling. Asking to pet a stranger’s dog abroad might surprise the owner a little. They’ll also quickly realize you’re an American. 

Greeting Shop Owners

In the U.S., it’s fairly common to enter a shop, not greet the owner, and just mind your own business. It’s also pretty common to walk in and say hello. Either way, greeting or not greeting is acceptable. 

In Europe, shop owners will know you’re probably from the U.S. if you walk into their business and don’t greet them. It’s often perceived as impolite.

Expecting People to Speak English

I think it’s pretty common knowledge that expecting people to speak English to you abroad is a major no-no. Language barriers are real and can make things difficult, yes, but you should never expect people to know and speak English when you’re the one who’s in a different country. 

This is one of those stereotypes that makes other countries and cultures perceive American travelers as ignorant. Luckily, there’s a simple fix. 

Ask someone in the local language, “Do you speak English?” before rattling off your other questions. Doing this is an easy way to get off on the right foot.

And try and pick up a few other basic phrases of whatever language you’re surrounded by! This simple effort will go a long way. If you want to do even better, take language classes ahead of your trip like Taylor does. It can make a world of difference.

Food & Drink

American dining habits are probably some of the easiest traits to spot for non-Americans. If you’re trying to blend in a little while you’re traveling, consider changing these habits first. 

Ice in Drinks

Americans love ice in their drinks. But don’t always expect to get an icy drink when you’re traveling. 

In fact, when you get something like a canned soda or juice, you’ll probably just be given a glass to pour it into, sans ice. The same goes for water—expect to get just that: water. 

And don’t even ask about iced coffee. This is one of the biggest (and truest) American stereotypes out there. 

Eating or Drinking While Walking

Multitasking, especially when it comes to eating and drinking, is so American. Let’s be honest—we’ve all been guilty of eating in our cars or while walking. It all goes back to our culture of efficiency and convenience, in my opinion. 

I don’t recommend eating or drinking while you walk when you’re visiting other countries. First, for your wellbeing. Second, because you’ll definitely stand out as an American. 

Using Utensils

Every culture has its own etiquette for using utensils. But for many Western countries that primarily use a fork and knife, there are differences in what’s used in what hand. 

In Europe, for example, you use your right hand to cut with your knife; and then, your left hand to pick up the food with a fork. In the U.S., we do the same thing to cut food. However, we switch hands after cutting and use our right hand to hold the fork and pick up food. 

Alternatively, in much of Asia, people use a fork and spoon instead of a fork and knife. Eating primarily with a fork will give you away as a Westerner. 

Using Our Hands to Eat

The first time I ever visited Europe as a child, it struck me that people opted for a fork and knife to eat foods like French fries and pizza. These things are classic finger foods here in the U.S. 

No one’s going to shame you if you use your fingers to eat these foods, but it will make you stand out a little, especially if you’re at a nicer restaurant. 

Tipping at Restaurants

Tipping at restaurants is another behavior that’s not only commonplace in the U.S., but is expected. In fact, it’s considered really rude if you don’t. This just isn’t the case in other countries. 

Tipping just isn’t expected in many parts of the world. Or, if it is, standard tipping percentages are lower than the standard 20% in the U.S. People only really tip if service is particularly outstanding. In some countries like Japan, tipping can even be perceived as rude. 

Always look into local tipping habits before you travel. 

Carrying Water Bottles

I once heard an Italian creator on TikTok say that their mother refers to Americans’ water bottles as their “baby bottles.” I thought this was funny because there really is something about Americans and their attachment to water bottles. Other creators online have even dubbed the term “emotional support water bottle.” 

Clearly, Americans value hydration. 

As much as I encourage you to stay hydrated and healthy while traveling (a water bottle is one of our recommended travel essentials!), I suggest keeping your bottle tucked away in your daypack if you’re not actively using it. It’s better to be hands-free while you travel anyway. 

🎙️ Listen to the Podcast: Nate & Betty chat more about this article and American habits in Episode 1 of the Travel Lemming Podcast on YouTube (segment starts at 11:31). You can also check us out on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

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Did you learn anything new? Are there any American habits or behaviors that I missed? Let me know in the comments. 

At the end of the day, there really isn’t much harm in most of these stereotypes. But, of course, it’s a good idea to be sensitive to local customs and be mindful of yourself so you don’t become a target just because you stick out and look like an American tourist. 

Want to learn more about ways to be mindful when traveling abroad? Read my article about what it means to be a traveler vs. a tourist next.