15 Things American Expats Miss When They Move Away

No matter how excited you are to live abroad, there are things you’ll miss when you leave the US. Here are 15 oddities that those who have ever called The States home will miss when they move.

Fried Food

We might make fun of the number of things in the US that are fried, (fried Twinkies and sticks of butter at the state fair, anyone?), but just try getting a decent fried chicken sandwich outside of the US.

Intrusive Courtesy

Egregious Displays of Patriotism

As much as you might take issue with it now, you’ll miss the flags, the bumper stickers, and the proclamations that your country is the greatest country on earth.

Driving Everywhere

It might sound romantic to wander on cobblestone roads, but US expats often miss the convenience of hopping in a car and driving just about anywhere quickly and easily.

Drive-Throughs

Similarly, the drive-through concept doesn’t really exist outside of America. You’re likely to miss the ease of just rolling through without getting out of the car, whether you’re after a burger or a prescription.

Regular American Television

Shows, such as Scandal, aren’t on TV regularly—or at all, in some countries. Thursday nights just aren’t the same without friends gathered together—or sitting alone with popcorn and wine.

Girl Scout Cookies

You’ll never take Tagalongs or Thin Mints for granted again.

Thanksgiving

Sure, we can all probably do without the turkey, but you’ll yearn for stuffing and pumpkin pie come the third Thursday in November.

Black Friday

As Thanksgiving is a US holiday, few other countries feel compelled to slash prices to bargain-basement levels just because it’s the third Friday in November.

Units of Measurement You Understand

Forget inches and pounds, your life is now in kilometers and grams.

Air Conditioning

One of the things Americans miss most when traveling in hot climates abroad is air conditioning; many people abroad expect it to be hot in the summer, whether indoors or outdoors.

Coffee To-Go

Non-Americans tend to linger over their meals and enjoy the food and company as long as possible. You might find a to-go coffee, but don’t be surprised if it comes with some disdain.

Dressing Down

Although actual pajamas in public might technically be socially acceptable in America, that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. Nevertheless, you’ll miss having the option.

Mega Stores

Target, Wal-Mart, and other big-box stores don’t fit in the culture abroad as they do in The States. You’ll miss the convenience of one-stop shopping.

Avocados

Although the trend does seem to be gaining traction outside of the US, tragically, some countries don’t share America’s obsession with avocados. On the plus side, they will be very impressed if you can make your own guacamole.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

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