10 everyday things you’ll find only in America

From free coffee refills to yellow school buses, here are 10 things that you can find only in America.

While school buses can be found in many countries around the world, the iconic yellow school bus is as American as mum, baseball and Apple pie.  In fact, the only place you’ll see a school bus painted in bright yellow is in the United States. “School Bus Glossy Yellow” is a color that was specifically formulated in 1939 for use on school buses. Originally called “National School Bus Chrome,” the shade was designed to quickly attract attention and improve safety on the roads.

In America, you don’t have to worry about bagging your own groceries because it’s all part of the service. But if you’re abroad, don’t hold your breath waiting for the cashier to lend a hand – in most places, you’re on your own.

In-sink kitchen garbage disposals are a common fixture in many American homes, providing a convenient way to dispose of food waste with the push of a button. However, don’t expect to find one abroad as they are not common outside of the states and are banned in most European countries due to their negative environmental impact.

In America,  convenience is king.  So while in some corners of the world, you can try a cheese that has been cured for years, only in the States you can spray your cheese from a can on a cracker. Easy peasy, cheese squeezy.

If you ever find yourself yearning for a late-night Slurpee outside of America, you may be out of luck. Unlike in the U.S., 24-hour convenience stores are not common in many parts of the world.

If you travel outside of the United States, don’t expect an extra free cup of joe for free. In many other countries,if  you want a refill you are to pay for it, and in some places, they’re not even offered at all.

In America, leaving a tip for a job well done is practically mandatory. From hairdressers to waiters to concierges, it’s customary to show your appreciation with a whopping 20% gratuity. But if you’re traveling abroad, be aware that tipping etiquette can vary greatly. In some countries like French Polynesia, Belgium, and Switzerland, rounding up the bill is the norm, while in places like Japan and Hong Kong, leaving a tip can actually be seen as impolite.

Girl Scout cookies are a uniquely American treat that can’t be found in many other parts of the world. These delicious cookies are a staple of the Girl Scouts organization, which aims to empower young girls and instill values like leadership and community service. While some countries have similar organizations, they often don’t sell cookies or have their own unique traditions.

One peculiar feature of public bathrooms in the United States is the often large gaps between stall doors and partitions. While some may find this design odd or uncomfortable, it’s actually a deliberate choice made for safety reasons. The gaps make it easier for someone to spot if someone else is in distress or needs assistance.

While other countries may have similar pre-game traditions, the idea of a tailgate party is uniquely American. From college football to the Super Bowl, tailgating is a time-honored tradition that brings fans together to celebrate their love of the game and their country. So, grab your grill, a cold beer, and your team’s colors, and join in on the fun!