“Hey Google! What’s the weather outside?”
That is the question I have learned to ask Google every time I get dressed to go out! It helps me decide how many layers I will need and how thick.
No matter what the season, the weather has a mind of its own.
You can trust it to be unpredictable. One might be used to it after living in the US for a while. But for an Indian, who has freshly moved here, especially from the South, it is a lesson learned the hard way.
Moving to any new place or country comes with a culture (and climate) shock attached to it.
The US is no different.
The lifestyle here is different even from state to state within the country. It can wildly contrast with what we are used to in our lives at home in India.
Now whatever the reason may be that is taking you to this new place: work, study, family, or just travel, it is good to brace yourself with as much information about the new location as you can gather.
I am talking about the everyday differences you will notice. These little details can come off as a shock if you are unfamiliar with them, or you may be put on a spot.
Things no one tells you about!
They are not necessarily bad, but they are noticeably different.
I went through these experiences too. I learned about them along the way and am sharing them with you for your benefit.
So, heads up!
11 Facts About Living in the US
0. Everything is different
This may seem obvious and trivial. But I must emphasize this before I talk about anything else, so I am starting it from level zero.
When I say everything is different, I mean the houses, the walls, rooms, kitchen, bathroom, switches, lights, fans, furniture, shops, buildings, roads, rules, EVERYTHING!
So before you move here, erase what you know and learn everything from scratch.
1. Strangers greet you
Image credits: Pic memes
This is something that takes some getting used to. Random people greet you, say hello, and sometimes even compliment you on the streets and in shops! Not in a creepy way, but in a warm and kind manner.
People are friendly even with strangers they meet in public and whom they may never see again.
Sooner you get used to this, the better. You could adopt the practice too. But please stop it at that. You don’t have to get too personal just because they got friendly.
2. The Weather likes to surprise
I introduced the article with this example, but I cannot tell you enough how unprepared you can be for what the weather has to offer.
Indians, especially South Indians, are familiar with the predictability of the weather. It is a comfort zone we don’t appreciate enough.
You will appreciate it very much once you move to the US.
Always, and I mean always, check the weather when going out. The weather can be very unpredictable. The temperatures can change drastically, or it may snow or rain. So you can dress accordingly, or carry a jacket if necessary.
It may depend from state to state. I have been in the mid-west and west coast, and I stand by the statement for both places though in varying degrees of emphasis.
For example, Chicago winters last for ages! They can trick you into thinking winter is over by getting surprisingly sunny one day, saying “Gotcha!” by dropping to minus temperatures and snowing all over again the next day.
And, do not forget that the temperature lies. The possibility of feeling colder than the said temperature is very high, and this is usually the case.
California has been kinder, winter-wise. However, a hot day can change to cold and windy by evening.
Also, if you are new to cold, you always end up underestimating the warm clothes you will need. Be prepared.
3. Imperial System
Robert Frost said, “Miles to go before I sleep” because he was American.
Otherwise, he might have said Kilometers to go before I sleep.
The imperial system is the standard unit for all measurements. You are going to see miles, ounces, and pounds instead of kilometers, liters, and kilograms. This may or may not come with metric conversions on the side. The temperature is shown as Fahrenheit.
I hope you are good at mental math!
The image I picked from Reddit is a fair depiction.
I almost forgot to mention the month/day/year date format.
And you thought dollar to rupee was the only conversion you had to do in your head!
You know what, just learn to function “imperially”!
4. Massive food portions
As much as I enjoy dining out to try different cuisines, it always leaves me exhausted!
The portions here are always more than you can handle. I find it more challenging as a person with a small appetite.
I almost always never can finish what I take. Thankfully, you can take leftovers with you, and they give convenient boxes to go with them!
I have also found that I gain weight when I am living in the US.
5. Tipping culture
Don’t forget to tip.
Though we have the habit of tipping back home in India, it is usually slipping a note or two to the person who has served you.
Tipping is standard practice here. Waitstaff, drivers, delivery persons, hairdressers, or any service-related persons should be tipped a minimum of 15% of the bill for adequate service, 20% or more for good service, and 10% for poor service. If you are not paying a tip, it implies you had horrible service.
So, if you have not tipped adequately or at all, you can expect to be confronted about it by the person who served you.
Some restaurants take it upon themselves and add “gratuity” to the bill. In such cases, you need not pay extra.
You may wonder why you should be paying over and above the bill. Aren’t they getting paid?
Not a lot, as a matter of fact.
According to an article in Education First, “The US Congress in the 1960s decided to a “tipping credit” meaning employers could pay their employees less than minimum wage if they earn tips. The employees, even today in most places, walk home with slim paychecks and rely entirely on tips to get by. This is primarily true in the food industry.” Read more here on tipping culture in the US.
Do not tip officials and clerks in offices, as that will be considered a bribe!
6. Buses and trains are not convenient
I spent most of my commute to college and work life on public transport back home in India. It was convenient.
Buses and trains run at their own time, and not as frequently. You may spend most of your time commuting and hardly get anything done. Chances are you will get a ride around the city.
Also, depending on cabs can be expensive.
Driving anywhere is the best way to get around the place.
7. Pets everywhere
Another difference that took me a lot of getting used to. Pets are allowed in most places, including stores and restaurants. Of course, they must be strictly trained. They have pet schools to train them to behave in public.
You must pay pet rent if you want to rent an apartment with your furry family.
Stray animals are not a sight you will find in this country.
8. Learn the lingo
Can you speak English?
Our schooling happened in British English, and somewhere between MS Office and Netflix, we grew into American English.
It may not be enough. It is not just about the accent. Many words and expressions differ from what you have spoken all your life.
Jokes apart, English has evolved everywhere since Queen’s English.
When in America, you speak American!
9. Healthcare is expensive and difficult
In India, we are used to just heading to the clinic when sick, paying the fee upfront, and getting home. We can manage to find doctors even on weekends. The large expenses are for major treatments where health insurance is involved.
But when you are living in the US, you need health insurance. Even if you are just a visitor. Doctors are not available without appointments and on holidays.
If you are living here, you need to get yourself a primary physician who is covered by your insurance. Get references for other specialists through your primary physician. It is a tedious affair overall!
10. Price tags lie
The price you see on a price tag while shopping is not the price you pay. The sales tax gets added when you check out to pay at the counter.
The sales tax differs from state to state. California’s current sales tax rate is 7.25%, the highest in the country.
11. Sweet tooth
It is perfectly normal here to start your day with a sweet meal. Donuts, Waffles, pancakes with syrup and icing, and sweet cereal are your breakfast options. So if you have a sweet tooth, this is the place to be.
You can have a piece of cake with ice cream on it topped with sprinkles, syrups, and more as much as you can handle.
What it does to your health is not the topic of discussion here, but if you wished as a kid to have desserts for breakfast, this is your place to be.
Wrapping up
This is not an exhaustive list. I am stating things that you can easily notice.
I did not know or realize most of the things mentioned above until I faced them firsthand. I am sure there is more stuff out there I am yet to live and learn.
Living in the US can change you in many ways. You learn about different cultures and meet people who grew up differently. You are also able to appreciate your homeland more.
What are some of the strange and surprising things you noticed about living in the US? Let me know in the comments.
Also read my other articles:
Who is an NRI? Understanding Indians living abroad
Window to the World: A Not-so-dramatic Story of a Visiting Pet