Local culture in the USA

Perhaps more than any other country in the world, local culture in the USA is a mishmash of international customs, traditions, languages, and beliefs. While expats often find themselves already strangely familiar with American fashions, entertainment, idioms, and even cityscapes thanks to Hollywood’s global reach, many are still surprised by everyday differences in tipping culture, work expectations, social norms, and healthcare costs once they actually live in the country.

America is a melting pot, shaped by a whirlwind of inspirations from across the world, but the USA still has a few distinct attributes of its own. There are a number of differences from other Western cultures that may take expats moving to the US by surprise. Culture can vary widely across the different states.

Patriotism, religion and values in the USA

While the US is made up of a huge variety of different ethnic groups, each bringing their own distinct traditions to the country, a shared sense of patriotism unites Americans. This is especially apparent on holidays such as Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Labor Day.

Americans like to throw themselves into any celebration, be it oohing and aahing over fireworks for Independence Day, dressing up for Halloween parties or participating in any sort of parade. Joining in is a great way to bond with locals. Expats should take any opportunity to get involved in these festivities and gain some insight into local culture.

Many people move to America with a view of the country being particularly Christian, but this view is somewhat deceptive. While there are some parts of the US where religion is very important (such as the South with its famous ‘Bible Belt’), most Americans hold moderate beliefs. The West Coast tends to be liberal, with cities such as San Francisco and LA being home to large artistic, bohemian communities. Big cities like New York, Chicago and Boston are also progressive.

American culture is quite materialistic, and Americans are often seen as having a ‘live to work’ attitude, rather than the ‘work to live’ approach preferred in Europe.

Time in the USA

Punctuality in the USA is highly valued and considered a sign of respect. Americans expect people to arrive on time for appointments, especially in professional settings. Being late to work meetings is seen as particularly disrespectful. Social occasions allow for slightly more flexibility, although keeping people waiting too long is still considered impolite.

Meeting and greeting in the USA

Meeting and greeting in the USA typically begins with a firm handshake, a big smile, and direct eye contact when you’re introduced to someone new. Americans appreciate a confident handshake, neither crushing nor limp. You’ll find people quickly move to using first names, even in professional settings.

Hugs are common among Americans, but they’re generally reserved for friends and people you already know. Don’t expect or initiate hugs at first meetings in professional contexts. Once you’ve established a friendship, hugs become normal for hellos and goodbyes. The ‘side hug’ or one-armed hug with a pat on the back is particularly common among male friends.

‘How are you?’ is one of the most common American greetings, and a quick ‘Good, how are you?’ or ‘Great, thanks!’ is the expected reply. Americans smile frequently, even at strangers, and they maintain a lot of eye contact.

Small talk about the weather, local events, or sports is a fundamental part of American social interaction. This can seem superficial to newcomers, but it’s just how Americans show friendliness and break the ice.

Religion and politics may be passionately debated at social occasions in other countries, but it’s best to avoid these subjects when first getting to know Americans. People hold strong and polarised beliefs on these topics, and given the diversity across the country, it’s difficult to predict an acquaintance’s views. Save these conversations for when you know someone better.

Bureaucracy in the USA

Bureaucracy in the USA can be overwhelming for newcomers. Many administrative processes vary by state instead of following federal standards.

One of your first encounters will likely be with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which handles driver’s licences and vehicle registration. The DMV is somewhat notorious for long wait times. You can get around some of this by making appointments in advance and arriving with all the required documents.

Getting a Social Security Number (SSN) is essential for working legally, opening bank accounts, establishing credit, and renting apartments. You’ll need to apply through the Social Security Administration once you have work authorisation, and the process typically takes a few weeks.

Credit history is one of the biggest bureaucratic challenges for expats. The catch-22 is this: you need credit history to get credit, but you can’t build credit history without having credit first. Some specialised lenders work with newcomers who lack a US credit history, and strategies like secured credit cards or becoming an authorised user on someone else’s account can help you start building credit.

The American healthcare system is notoriously complex, with most coverage being employer-based. The system of deductibles and co-pays takes adjustment for those from countries with universal healthcare.

Transport, Driving and Driver’s Licences in the USA
Banking, Money, Taxes and Social Security in the USA
Healthcare and Health Insurance in the USA

LGBTQ+ in the USA

LGBTQ+ in the USA is a complicated and sometimes fast-moving situation. There are some federal protections, like same-sex marriage, but the reality is that your experience will depend heavily on where you choose to live. 

States like Rhode Island, California, Delaware, Connecticut, and Nevada earn top marks on LGBTQ+ safety for comprehensive protections and low hate crime rates. These states prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, and healthcare, and actively support LGBTQ+ rights through legislation. On the other hand, states like Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee have restrictive laws and higher rates of discrimination.

The legislative climate has become more challenging recently. State legislatures introduced over 900 anti-LGBTQ+ bills in 2025 alone, many targeting transgender individuals’ access to healthcare, bathroom use, sports participation, and educational content. Hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people have steadily risen.

If you’re considering relocating as an LGBTQ+ expat, research your specific destination thoroughly. State-level laws don’t tell the whole story, as city ordinances and local community presence matter significantly.

LGBTQ+, Diversity and Inclusion in the USA

Women in the USA

Women in the USA benefit from strong federal anti-discrimination laws in employment and education, although workplace equality is a work in progress. Women earn approximately 85 percent of what men earn for similar work, and there are gaps in promotion rates; only 81 women are promoted to management for every 100 men. At the executive level, women hold 29 percent of C-suite positions, and there’s lower representation in STEM and finance.

American women report doing most or all housework in 40 percent of partnerships, a figure unchanged since 2016, although their male partners often perceive the division differently. Workplace harassment is still a concern. 37 percent of women report harassment at work, and 73 percent experience harassment in public spaces.

Major cities tend to offer more opportunities for professional women and stronger enforcement of anti-discrimination laws. Technology hubs like San Francisco, financial centres like New York, and major metropolitan areas generally provide better career prospects and more progressive workplace attitudes.

Gender Equality and Women in Leadership in the USA