German tourist reveals the things that shocked him most about the US including 'food that taste like cardboard' and people 'openly discussing money'

A European traveller has shared the 15 culture shocks he couldn't wrap his head around while visiting the United States. 

Ole Lehmann, from Germany, visited Las Vegas and New York during his first visit to the States in six years and was taken aback by the 'cardboard' food, the 'dystopian' levels of obesity and even how often Americans ask 'How are you?'. 

He called America's tipping culture a 'broken system', was shocked by the huge casinos and noticed everything from cars to drinks were 'supersized'. 

The tourist did enjoy some thing about American culture, however, saying he liked that money and finance was not a 'taboo' conversation topic and how 'outgoing and talkative' people can be. 

The entrepreneur listed 15 'oddities' he witnessed in American that left him 'stunned' in a thread on X starting off by saying he was surprised by how open people in America are when it comes to talking about money.

Ole Lehmann, from Germany , visited Las Vegas and New York during his first visit to the State in six years and was taken aback 15 culture shocks including the food and casinos

'I noticed that people are excited to talk about their work and financial success without any negative vibes. As someone who likes these topics, it felt freeing to chat about it with other like-minded people,' he wrote. 

Thanks to Americans' willingness to talk about money, Ole said he noticed more 'flashiness' and 'status symbols when he was out and about.  

'I saw way more designer watches, luxury cars, and public displays of wealth than I'm used to seeing in Europe,' he said. 

'It's obvious how American culture places a high value on financial success and all the material stuff that comes with it.'

Ole was 'excited' to try American fast food but was let down, rating the 'disappointing' cuisine a measly two out of 10. 

'In-N-Out was such a letdown. The fries tasted like cardboard, and the whole experience was just meh,' he said. 

Ole was 'excited' to ty American fast food but was let down rating the 'disappointing' cuisine a measly two out of 10

The tourist didn't expect to be asked the questions 'How are you?' so frequently saying the phrase is 'thrown around too casually' in the States.

'As a German, I'm not used to exchanging pleasantries with strangers such as cashiers like that,' he said. 

'It feels kind of fake to ask a question that no one really wants an honest answer to, but I guess it's part of American social norms.'

Ole called tipping in America a 'broken system' and struggled to understand the logic behind it.  

'I don't get why taxes aren't included in the prices, and then you're expected to add an extra 18-20 per cent on top? Also, tips for basic service like a coffee order seems EXTREMELY excessive to me,' he said.

He noticed American people are 'much louder' than Europeans. 

'Like 10 times louder. I don't understand this, it seems so unnecessary when I'm right next to you. The constant noise was jarring and confusing for someone like me who's used to more reserved conversations,' he said. 

Ole was astounded when he stepped into an American casino for the first time calling the experience 'wild'. 

'I couldn't believe my eyes, watching people chain-smoke and lose money on slot machines,' he recalled.

'It was both fascinating and super sad. Everything is designed to hijack your dopamine, even when you know better.'

During his travels, Ole noted the 'dystopian' levels of obesity in the US saying he was shocked at how many 'severely overweight' people he saw. 

'But at the same time, I also noticed a ton of extremely fit people,' he admitted. 

'It's like America is a land of extremes when it comes to physical health and appearance.'

The German said eating healthy food in the US was an 'annoying challenge' and that everything from drinks to cars were 'supersized'.    

'At the Fontainebleau in Vegas, my 'small' Diet Coke was nearly a litre. Drinks are consistently 50 per cent larger than Europe with no option to downsize. The same goes for food portions and vehicles – everything is just bigger in the US,' he said. 

'I was shocked by how expensive and hard to find nutritious options were compared to Europe. Back home, I can easily grab a healthy meal without breaking the bank, but in the US, it felt like a treasure hunt.'

After exploring the glitzy and flashing Las Vegas as well as the city that never sleeps, New York, Ole said the lights were always on in America.   

Ole called tipping in America a 'broken system': 'Tips for basic service like a coffee order seems EXTREMELY excessive to me'

'(It) is so different from the energy-saving habits I'm used to in Europe and Asia. I guess this 24/7 brightness comes from America's wealth and love for convenience. It creates a feeling of constant abundance I haven't experienced elsewhere,' he explained. 

Ole said he was overall 'inspired' by his trip to America and had many positive things to say about the country and its culture. 

'The American dream is still going strong from what I can tell. There's this huge desire to innovate and create a better future,' he said. 

Read More

Woman who had her phone stolen on holiday warns against 'big mistake' that cost her £12,000

'I heard a lot of conversations about world-changing ideas, start-up ventures, and the pursuit of progress. I honestly loved this aspect of America.' 

While he admitted he was slightly 'overwhelmed' by it, Ole said Americans are 'super outgoing and talkative' compared to Europeans.   

'They'll strike up conversations with strangers like it's no big deal, which can be both refreshing and a bit overwhelming. This openness is a defining aspect of American culture that really stood out to me,' he said. 

Ole also loved the 'super attentive and friendly' customer service in the States.  

'I assume it's because of the whole tipping culture, as well as the fact the US is a more consumer-oriented society. Servers really go the extra mile to make sure customers are happy which I enjoyed,' he wrote. 

Finally, he said he felt 'inspired' by the 'risk-taking spirit of American culture' which he attributed to the country's history of immigrants taking a 'leap of faith' to leave their homes and start a new life. 

'People here aren't afraid to change the world, even if it means leaving their comfort zones. It's a stark contrast to the more risk-averse mindset in Europe, where people tend to play it safe,' he explained.