In America, we follow all sorts of unspoken rules that might seem a bit odd to visitors. These daily habits are so ingrained in us that we don’t bat an eyelid when we obey them! Here are twelve of these distinctly American rules that we all follow without question. If you’re planning a trip here or just curious, knowing about them will help you get around more easily. And any Americans will probably be surprised at how many social rules we blindingly accept!
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Using the Imperial System Instead of Metric
We use the imperial system for measurements, meaning distances are in miles, heights are in feet & inches and weights are in pounds. We don’t care what most of the world uses! It’s an unwritten rule that everyone just knows these units and so any visitors may need a bit of time to get used to these numbers.
Easy Access to Free Public Restrooms
Finding a free public restroom is typically no problem here because we expect restrooms to be generally available without any charge—which is quite different from places in Europe. But in America, we have an unwritten rule of convenience for both locals & travelers alike. You shouldn’t need to pay a fee or be a customer to use the facilities in America.
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Striking Up Small Talk with Strangers
Here in America, it’s quite common to start chatting with people you don’t know and it really doesn’t matter if you’re waiting in line at the coffee shop or sharing an elevator. It’s a rule to speak about local sports teams or something in the news. These moments of friendly small talk make everyday moments more enjoyable! Of course, if you’re not used to it, it might seem unusual. But trust us—it’s completely harmless!
Customizing Your Food Orders Freely
Feel free to adjust your food orders to match your preferences because restaurants expect customers to ask for changes or substitutions. Want extra bacon on your burger? No onions on your salad? Dressing on the side? Just let your server know—they’re usually happy to accommodate. Having such flexibility is an important part of dining out here & it shows that you know what you like.
Automatically Getting Ice in Your Drinks
Speaking of restaurants, whenever you order a drink at an American restaurant, chances are it’ll come filled to the brim with ice. It doesn’t matter if it’s water or iced tea—servers usually pack the glass with ice cubes. You don’t need to ask for it! This is just the standard way drinks are served here so you’ll often have to opt out of having ice as opposed to requesting it. We’re not huge fans of hot drinks.
Using “How Are You?” as a Simple Greeting
When Americans say “How are you?” they’re usually just saying hello & it’s a greeting that doesn’t always require a detailed response. A quick “I’m good, thanks! How about you?” is usually enough. In other countries, such a question might throw people off-guard because they’re expecting to go into a lot of detail. But you should keep it short and light here.
Giving Personal Space in Lines
Us Americans really value personal space & so when you’re waiting in line, it’s normal to leave some room between you & the person in front of you. About an arm’s length is common. Standing too close makes others uncomfortable or even feel a bit threatened, which is why this unwritten rule helps everyone feel more at ease.
Being Punctual Matters
In America, showing up on time means you’re late. We expect that you’ll arrive slightly earlier than when you said you would and being late, even by just 10 or 15 minutes, is disrespectful. By following those rules, you’ll show other people that you value their time. It makes them know you’re dependable whether it’s a casual get-together or a job interview.
Keeping Your Shoes on Indoors
In many American homes, it’s acceptable to keep your shoes on when you go inside—unless there’s a stack of shoes by the door or your host asks you to take them off. That’s quite different from some cultures, particularly in Asia, where removing shoes indoors is the norm. Of course, if your shoes are muddy or wet, definitely take them off but otherwise, it’s usually fine.
Standing and Removing Hats for the National Anthem
At sporting events and other gatherings, it’s standard to stand up & take off your hat when they play the national anthem. It’s a sign of respect & unity. Everyone, whether that’s the players on the field or the fans in the stands, participates—not doing so is a huge social faux pas. This is a time to honor our great nation.
Avoiding White Clothing After Labor Day
Any American will tell you that you shouldn’t wear white clothes after Labor Day, which falls on the first Monday in September. Of course, not everyone follows this rule nowadays. But it’s still a well-known saying! It originally came from early 20th-century high society norms, marking the end of the summer season and some of us still take it quite seriously.
Tipping Bartenders a Dollar Per Drink
When you’re at a bar in America, it’s standard to tip the bartender one dollar for each drink they serve you—even if you’re just ordering a simple beer. We expect you to leave a buck on the bar. In doing so, you’ll make sure that you get good service throughout the evening. Bartenders often rely on these tips as a big part of their income!
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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