Forget about trying to blend in. Instead, know how you show up.
Even before we open our mouths, workers in the global hospitality industry get a particular delight in correctly identifying Americans. Sure, the United States has an incredibly diverse population–any country of over 300 million people spread across 3.7 million square miles will have differences in cultural norms. And people everywhere have individual traits that defy generalizations. Despite this, Americans show out internationally in remarkably similar ways, a shared culture that often lurks outside our awareness.
To everyone else, these traits can range from obnoxious to amusing to endearing. Some are small things–we love air conditioning, ice in our drinks, ample water at restaurants, and say “zee” instead of “zed.” Yet other characteristics directly impact people, for better or worse. While the “Ugly American” stereotypes die hard, the best way to shed the shame is to know how you’re coming across first. Hospitality workers worldwide weighed in, with some willing to be quoted. Here’s what the rest of the world notices.
Americans Are Loud
One thing everyone agrees on: Americans come across at full volume. Hospitality workers were eager to share their stories, sometimes with a bit of noise themselves.
“We generally hear Americans coming before we see them,” says Tash Pericic, a service veteran from New Zealand with over two decades of experience in restaurants and on yachts worldwide. “For the most part, when working, I find this entertaining. Sometimes I wonder, though–do they realize they aren’t alone in the restaurant and don’t need to yell?”
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Everyone can be loud. For Americans, the issue is that we don’t adjust to suit environments, whether in restaurants, spas, or nature’s quiet sanctuaries. “It seems most Americans do not have a dimmer switch,” says Pericic.
Americans Love to Laugh
Whether they’re laughing at or with us, hospitality workers at least crack a smile when they think about how Americans are easy to amuse. “It’s very freeing,” says Adriana Zambrano, an Ecuadorian hotel concierge. “We know we can share a smile and still be seen as professional.”
There’s one setting where our workers crave our volume and humor. “American guests are usually the loudest and laugh easily,” says Canadian cruise manager Kabir Bageria. “American audiences are the best for performers!”
Americans Tip a Lot (And Maybe Too Much)
Americans tip. It’s an ingrained part of our culture in the United States. American tipping practices also blow international minds. And on this one, international hospitality workers differ. For some, a tip of any kind is unnecessary.
“While a small gratuity, 10%, to show appreciation is always a nice gesture, going overboard can make us uncomfortable. Nobody will be upset or angry if you don’t tip,” says London-based tour operator Mark Brown.
Others anticipate the American norm, particularly in restaurants. “We all love American guests because they are the best tippers,” says Pericic. “While some can be demanding, for the most part, you know your efforts are never in vain and will be rewarded with a nice tip and genuine compliments.”
Americans Chat More Intimately With Strangers
Hospitality workers shared several international skits about nosy Americans to support their insistent claim: we like to chat and ask personal questions. “I learn more about American guests than any other culture,” Zambrano says. “Especially if they are a bit older, I learn everything about their families and home. They want to know all about mine. They’re just so excited to be in the conversation.”
Pericic agrees. “Americans ask a lot of questions that most people would never think to ask. I love giving great service and storytelling, so I don’t necessarily mind this. It is only an issue when they don’t take in the environment and realize how busy you are.”
Americans Marvel at Things and Are Eager to Learn
We are stoked for epic experiences and prepared to gush over the best-ever sunsets, cocktails, beaches, and hotel rooms. “Americans and their superlatives. We joke about it, but I also wish I could see things with that enthusiasm,” says Zambrano.
Our expressive appreciation is almost always seen as genuine enjoyment. “Americans really are curious about you as a server, the country, the food, the history. They want to know it all, and I love them for this,” says Pericic.
Americans Have a Short Sense of History
The U.S. is a comparatively young country. While we already have a reputation for being easily awed, hospitality workers especially can count on (and occasionally chuckle at) our appreciation of anything over 300 years old.
Pericic loves this. “[Americans] really are wowed by the history in Croatia because it is so unknown to them. So, when you are taking them through towns, most of which were first inhabited by the Greeks or Romans, they just lose their minds.”
Many respondents working in Europe mentioned Americans’ lack of knowledge of their history and geography. But hospitality specialists in other areas disagreed. “Americans are stereotyped as only knowledgeable about the U.S., but most of the Americans who travel here know so much about our culture,” says Lijo Isac, CEO of an Indian tourism company.
Americans Have Especially Big Feelings About Food
It’s not just that people from the U.S. are used to bigger portions and more salt and sugar. We can’t get over delicious ingredients. “Americans love a good meal,” says Zambrano. “They talk a lot about fresh ingredients that they don’t have. It makes me appreciate my food.”
Pericic agrees. “I hear it at least every week. ‘This is the best (insert tomato, peach, fish) I have had in my entire life.’ While some Europeans may be used to it, or other cultures may not even mention it, Americans are also loud with their praise which I adore.”
Americans Can Be Oblivious to Language Privilege
We’re spoiled. Over 75% of Americans only fluently speak English, able to take for granted that English will be accommodated almost anywhere. The wide reach of American pop culture also means that we don’t even have to think about adjusting our phrasing to be understood—most of the time. Hospitality workers accept this about American travelers but wish we would watch our assumptions that they will understand slang.
“I don’t know how you even understand each other sometimes,” says Zambrano. “All of the different sayings and slang, each different for a different region. Americans tend to forget English is not my first language, even if I speak it well. So they just talk casually, and it can be confusing. Others are more proper.”
Americans Can Be Unpredictable With Personal Boundaries
We’re hot, and then we’re cold. On the one hand, we want to have those personal conversations and ask many questions. Pericic relates how guests from the U.S. don’t always read the situation when traveling on ships, recounting American guests seeking her out for a chat while she is scrubbing carpet or having quiet moments folding laundry. “I really wish they’d give us a little space. I’ve never experienced this with any other culture. Most see when you are busy doing something else and will leave you unless it is urgent.”
When it comes to our own space, we require different boundaries. “Americans often have a strong sense of individualism and personal space, which can come across as cold and distant to more community-oriented cultures,” says Miha Menegalija, a Slovenian luxury concierge and charter manager.
Americans Say What They’re Thinking
To hospitality workers around the world, Americans are known for not holding back when it comes to our thoughts and wants. “Americans tend to be more open and direct in their communication style compared to some other countries, which can come across as rude or confrontational to some people,” says Menegalija.
It can be helpful. “I also love how direct they are. If they don’t like something, they will tell you–which is a good thing,” says Pericic. “We want to make sure they have an amazing experience, so I’d rather know if something isn’t right.”
Direct doesn’t mean rude; hospitality workers were adamant that snapping fingers or terse asks are a big no-no. “I understand that Americans communicate more freely. I just want them to understand what crosses the line of respect in other places,” says Zambrano.
Americans Don’t Think Twice About Asking for Service
How we approach hospitality workers and the service industry is our biggest tell. Respondents report that Americans come from a more service-oriented culture. It was difficult for most to define. “The service culture is entirely different. A British person would almost be embarrassed to approach the counter. Whereas Americans are conscious of the fact that you are there to serve them,” says a British theater concierge who prefers to remain anonymous. “So they carry themselves a lot more confidently. It’s a certain way they hold themselves. It’s hard to define, but I’ve never been wrong!”
Zambrano echoes this. “They’re definitely more confident. They’re conscious we’re there to serve them. It can feel rude, but at least I know what they want. And they notice if you’re good at what you do.”
Americans Are Often More Liked Than They Think
Many U.S. travelers know our country’s reputation for arrogance and ignorance and try to break the mold. While generalizations live on, some things have changed. “We love our American visitors,” Brown says. “They are always very friendly, thrilled by European history, and keen to learn about various cultural differences.”
Isac shares how in Kerala, India, Hollywood drove stereotypes of American travelers. “However, when we started interacting with them, we could understand that most of them were kind, polite people who wanted to enjoy the local experiences.”
Pericic says she is still in touch with the majority of Americans that she has ever served on yachts. “While they can be big personalities, I think once you win them over, you have won a friend for life. Some of the most beautiful conversations or best moments I’ve ever had in this industry have been with my American guests.”
An observation about loudness: IME, Brits tend to be loud. And despite the stereotype about brash New Yorkers, people from the South are way more loud in general.