How To Spot An American Tourist
If you’re an American traveling abroad and curious how locals can tell you’re from the US without you saying a word, read on to discover the subtle cues that reveal an American tourist from a local’s perspective.
A Basic American Greeting
A tourist who was visiting Salzburg, Austria was surprised when the cashier at the supermarket started speaking in English with her. She said, “How did you know I speak English?” The cashier replied “Helllooo”.
A Basic American Greeting
It’s a stereotype that Americans are friendly and say “hello” exactly like the cashier mimicked. So next time you’re saying hello in passing, you may be revealing your American origins.
What Your Teeth Say About You
A tourist once recounted an experience in a group setting when someone asked if they were American. Before the tourist could answer, another group member chimed in, saying, “Of course he’s American, look at his teeth”. The tourist was wearing braces, a feature that many believe is quite common among Americans.
Dressing Your Age
Locals point out that American tourists in retirement wear similar-looking outfits when traveling around Europe: a baseball hat, white crew socks in running shoes, polo shirts, and cargo shorts. Ouch! Is it that obvious?
Asking Direct Personal Questions
While in the United States, it’s a common phrase to ask somebody when you first meet them, “What do you do?”, locals in other countries find this line of questioning weird, since that’s not their default for small talk.
Americans Have A Warm Presence
One noticeable trait that locals observe in American travelers is their cheerful demeanor—Americans are often seen smiling and exuding a sense of fun. In contrast, tourists from other countries may sometimes appear detached or even unhappy.
Ordering Ice With Drinks
Another tell-tale sign you're an American tourist is apparently ordering ice in your water. Maybe the locals don’t practice this habit because they know it’s just going to melt anyway.
Asking People How They Are Doing
Who ever thought a casual question about a person’s day would reveal your country of origin? If you are American, apparently asking someone how they’re doing or how their day is going in random circumstances exposes your nationality.
How To Walk Like An American
According to an Italian local, Americans will confidently walk in the wrong direction. Americans are internationally known for their self-assured and assertive personalities, so this insight makes perfect sense.
American Tourists Are Car Centric
It’s a well-known fact that Americans love driving, so it’s no surprise they drive small distances from one shop to another, even if it’s only a 50-meter walk.
Non-Verbally Connecting With Strangers In Public
Americans will grin, smile, head nod, and make direct eye contact with strangers they pass by on the bus, street, or in shopping centers. It may be common practice in middle America, but not so much in places like Germany.
Eating On The Go
An iconic American trait is eating while walking. Whether it’s eating on your way to work, or you're pressed for time between appointments, eating while walking is a classic sign you are American. For countries within Europe, power eating isn’t a thing, that’s why when Americans do it, locals know where they are from.
Paying Gratuity On Everything
One of the biggest giveaways you’re an American tourist is tipping for everything. Some countries don’t practice tipping courtesy, so it stands out when you tip for coffee, take-out, or lunch.
Where Are You From?
Locals have noted that when they ask Americans where they’re from, Americans often respond with their city or state instead of their country, which is the norm for most people from other nations. Typically, one would mention their country first and then specify their city or town if the conversation continues.
Impressed By Older Architecture
Acting astonished when you encounter a 200-year-old structure can show signs you are American as locals are used to seeing ancient monuments and structures every day.
Always On The Go
Americans are always on the go, and this includes drinking coffee in to-go cups instead of sitting down at the café and enjoying your coffee in a mug.
Eating Sweets In The Morning
A woman recalls her homestay in London and being told they were so American for eating a slice of coffee cake in the morning. It appears that eating sweets like cakes in London and Europe is reserved exclusively for an afternoon snack.
Using An Indoor Voice
A perspective from Europeans and travelers alike is that Americans talk loudly both outdoors and indoors—tones locals differentiate by talking at an appropriate decibel indoors.
Asking For Directions
When asking Americans for directions, one user pointed out that “…an American will tell you how long it takes to get there in minutes, as opposed to the physical distance”. Since Americans are time-oriented people, this checks out.
Being Overly Descriptive While Sight-Seeing
A local shared that when they’re with their American friends in Amsterdam, they often narrate everything they see, like a free audio tour, “Hey, look, it’s a smoke shop”.
Wearing Swim Shorts At The Beach
Perhaps wearing speedos is a European thing, but many American men don’t wear speedos on the beach and opt for swimming trunks instead. Wearing your board shorts around the beach may signal to locals you’re from the United States.
They Are Louder Than Everyone Else
A Latvian woman recalls she knows when the Americans are returning to the hostel because they are laughing the loudest and if it’s a group of people, they are talking the most out of everyone.
They Are Louder Than Everyone Else
You will know Americans are at the museum behind you because they will be the loudest ones there while everyone else is very quiet while reflecting on the museum’s attractions.
Bryllupsfotograf Forevigt, Pexels
Representing Their Alma Mater With Pride
One Reddit user claims Americans walk around in their college sweaters, T-shirts, or a baseball cap—like those blue caps with the white “Y” (yes Yale, we are looking at you).
Asking For The Restroom
Many Americans don’t realize that asking for the "bathroom" in a restaurant or public space can surprise locals, who might respond by asking if you need the "toilet" instead. This is because, in many places, a "bathroom" is associated with spaces for showering as well.
Removing Footwear At The Airport
In the United States, passengers are usually asked to remove their shoes during airport screening, making it an expected routine. As a result, Americans often instinctively take off their shoes in airports abroad, even when signs indicate they should keep them on—some habits are just hard to break.
Starting Random Conversations
Locals are shocked at how confident and brave some Americans are with starting random conversations with locals at bars, cafes, grocery stores, and even in the streets. Americans are natural conversationalists, so it’s no surprise locals can discern who is American by how they approach strangers in public.
They Are Dairy Enthusiasts
An American favorite in the United States is cheese, so it’s no wonder locals can spot a US citizen at the restaurant when they order (extra) cheese on everything.
They Assume Retail Hours Are Extended
If you’ve ever been to the United States, you will know in a bustling metropolis like New York, many places like cafes and stores are open 24/7. Expecting a store in a European country to be open past 7 pm is very American.
They Have Impeccable Grooming Standards
Grooming facial hair is common worldwide, but one Reddit user noted that Americans are especially meticulous about trimming their beards and mustaches—something the user finds fascinating.
Outfits That Don’t Match The Setting
A Reddit user observed that some Americans dress in outdoor adventure gear as if preparing for a jungle trek, even when they're just sightseeing in the city.
Expecting The Same Traffic Rules As Back Home
If you're in a foreign country and expect the car to stop for you, you need to remember that not every country follows the same traffic rules as the United States. In some countries, drivers will strike pedestrians without hesitation.
Asking For American Condiments
Regardless of where they are, some Americans can’t eat anything without ketchup, so when you ask for this beloved dressing, you may unwittingly reveal how American you are.
Not Suitably Dressing For The Weather
A classic giveaway? When it’s freezing outside and everyone’s bundled up, yet someone strolls by in shorts, completely unfazed by the cold. Chances are, they’re American.
Excited By The Small Things
Americans may get excited about things that locals find routine. While locals might see the same monkey, bird, or plant every day, to an American, it’s like stepping into a candy shop—everything feels wonderfully fascinating.
Keeping Your Shades On Your Head
Another classic giveaway that you’re an American tourist? Resting your sunglasses on top of your head when not wearing them. According to one Italian local, this habit is often the first clue that someone might be from the US.
