British Couple Reacts to USA vs EUROPE - Cultural Differences

[@bethd1480]

The bills are put on the table so we can leave when we want. They will still ask if you want anything else and you can order as much other food as you like, they will continually update the bill as you go along. But when you're ready to leave, you get up and go. Friendly service isn't just for where you get a tip, it happens in almost any store, movie theater etc. They are looking for return business and no one will go back to a place that is rude. I've worked as a waitress and if anyone chased a customer out the door asking why they didn't leave a big enough tip or left no tip would be fired. I think this may be a coastal big city thing. You can get a cup of coffee, in a cup in almost any restaurant. You know where you don't find it, at a fast food place or Starbucks, so don't go there to get a cup of coffee.

[@neutrino78x]

sorry you got all these spam replies to your comment Beth 😲

[@zig_zag____1265]

WTF is with all the bots.

[@neutrino78x]

@Urusovite I know, it's been an issue for a while lately on youtube. Some of them even pass themselves off as the youtube channel owner, claiming that if you contact them on telegram you get a prize.

[@pfcampos7041]

As an American who has worked as a waitress I will say yes we give good service because if we give bad service we are not likely to get a tip. But I will also say that service with a smile is just part of the American culture. At a restaurant, a store, on the bus, at a doctors office, just walking down the street, etc Americans in general will greet others with a smile and some acknowledgement. It is just common courtesy. Friendliness is a part of our culture in general it's not just some ploy to make money. As to comments about waste: We would rather throw out packaging than throw out food. I paid for that food if i can't finish my whole meal I am not gonna throw my money in the garbage. Most food packaging in recyclable. And no one says you have to take the extra napkins, catsup packets, etc. You can always tell them to leave that out or just give them back. As for coasters (i have only seen cardbosrd kinds) they don't last that longand people like to take them as "souveniers" so they still need replacing and they are more espensive and they are still a paper product so it doesn't help "save trees".Also the majority of the time I have gone out to eat, I need to ask for the bill. Sometimes they will give us the bill if we are done eating and are still sitting and talking but they will say you don't have to pay/leave until you are ready. It's a fine line, we don''t like being made to wait for the bill when we are ready to leave but we don't like being rushed either. You kinda have to size up your customer and figure out whether they are likely to be in a hurry and want the bill right away or they would be offended if you rush them.

[@johncoppola7447]

Yes. We are friendly. But we also kill thousands with guns. Our murder rate belies our amicable ways

[@twanajoyhildebrecht9718]

🥰😍

[@wolver73]

Nobody is going to refuse to get you more food because “the bill is on the table.”

[@TheFeesh30]

Literally not a single one

[@dstamour625]

Right they will just print you out another check. It’s not even a pain for them. Like for example my parents sometimes go out to dinner with my aunt and uncle. If they know I’m working and will be over after work to say hi (or get my laundry bc I do t have a washer and dryer) they will always ask me if I want something. I sometimes don’t get back to them right away. They will be sitting there enjoying there Dessert and coffee when I get back to them and the checks already there. They wait staff will always be more then happy to add an order to go in for sure. The reason why mainly. Bc it means they will get a bigger tip.

[@ed9492]

Usually waiters in the US ask if you want something else like desert before they bring the bill, and I'm sure they'd be more than willing to print out a new one if you decided you did want to buy more stuff after all.

[@dustinwagner1776]

I feel like the reason the beer is so expensive at sporting events and amusement parks is because it's to keep people from getting sloshed.

[@JustMe-dc6ks]

Mostly to maximize profit from a captive audience. The beer sellers have determined that that’s the price where they’ll make the most money from beer sales. It’s higher than outside the park because your other options are to wait or leave.

[@SherriLyle80s]

Just because the bills on the table doesn't mean you cant get dessert. Just think of it as a "this is your tab so far" informational bill. They add on to the bill all the time. It's normal.

[@marieneu264]

That guy needs a hug.

[@Alex-kd5xc]

I’ve never had issues with getting billed in the middle of my meal. Everywhere I go, I’ve had to ask for it. And even then, I’ve never had any issues ordering additional food after my bill came in.

[@krayzy932]

I've had it happen every once in a while. Usually, it's when the place is really busy and the waiter/waitress doesn't want to forget to give it to you. If you want to add more, they'll gladly get it for you and give you a new, updated bill.

[@Misto_deVito6009]

And when they do bring it, you can ask for dessert. They aren't gonna say "No! Leave!"

[@TheBlackbirdFly]

The thing about the bill being dropped on the table without warning: I have never been to a restaurant where the servers have not asked if we wanted dessert or anything to go. Never.

[@TheFeesh30]

Not a single sit down restaurant is throwing ketchup packets at you…

[@rvt_h3d]

Yeah only fast food does that. You can see Sonic on one of the packets he shows.

[@TomDLuv777]

Wherever I’ve gone, I’ve never gotten the bill until our server asked if we would like anything else.

[@risalangdon9883]

I was a waitress in a bar environment here in the US. The standard rule was unless the customer specifically stated to keep the drinks coming, then you waited until another round was requested.

[@PhilHug1]

This guy is being extremely dramatic. I actually have a strategy where I ask for the bill if or when the waiter comes by my table when I'm almost done with my food. Sometimes I have to wave the waiters over. Many waiters disappear after you get your food.

[@melissaharper3708]

The wait staff will amend the bill if you want to add something. Also, most waiters will ask if you want the check.

[@larrygibson8386]

The US is 50 different and individual states with their own governments, counties and cities that can set the sales tax rates. The feds cannot set the sales tax for the states.

[@arnodobler1096]

The same applies to Europe (Different Taxes, Laws ...). VAT taxes are paid where they arise and paid from there to the tax office. If there is no VAT in my state, I can't say I don't pay VAT in another state, right? It's just a marketing thing.

[@angelfriend3710]

If you go to a sit down restaurant, say for breakfast, you can expect your coffee to be brought out in a ceramic cup...with constant free refills...also called "getting a warmer". Now, if I want a coffee on the go, it better come in a take away cup with a good fitting lid with a sip hole in it. I remember being in Europe at a cafe' (in the '90's), and was shocked and totally bummed when they said I couldn't get coffee in a to go cup "like in America" upon which I stated "pleeeaasse...are you sure?!?!"...none doing...left coffee-less, and totally bummed!!

[@rvt_h3d]

I'm glad we have such an abundance of options. Sucks to be that guy.

[@anthonyj.adventures9736]

Most parks makes alcoholic drinks more expensive because the park wants to prevent drunken accidents or kids getting hurt from drunk adults. So unless your a desperate alcoholic that $15 beer will probably be your only beer.

[@GilaMonster971]

It’s probably also more expensive for them to have a liquor license.

[@sketchbook10]

the tip isn't the only motivation for waiters and waitresses to be nice. yes it might make you think twice before showing up with a frown or being rude but some people are genuinely friendly and at the very least aren't jerks. the standard of friendly service extends to just about every customer-facing workplace. a lot of people are just nice, I say this because I've seen too many people casually affirm this idea that Americans are fake. friendliness is good business but in life or in business a friendly face can make a world of difference. tbc I know the comment wasn't malicious.

[@murieljames4022]

Coffee in a plastic cup is usually because it’s carry out, your not getting a ceramic cup in a carry out shop but will get that in a sit down restaurant. Bathrooms differ from place to place in America, some restaurants bar’s may have many or one “free to use”.

[@dmj4966]

Different is just different. Not bad, just different

[@trentbunnell8076]

One reason for the high cost is it helps keeps people from getting drunk. And the tax thing, it's because taxes are different from place to place.

[@Runemonk]

Sorry but people always find the way how to do something banned or limited. Remember alcohol prohibition? In US it took years. In the Czech Republic? One year :D

[@shigemorif1066]

It’s interesting on the coffee because it’s true in most chain coffee places, they don’t use ceramic cups. But if you go to a more local place where the emphasis is on sitting down and enjoying your coffee, then you may see ceramics. Although there are fewer and fewer of those places it seems.

[@cacahuate505]

There seems to be more and more of the sit down "third wave coffee" shops where I am. But at the same time, there's also more Starbucks and other chains.

[@NickBLeaveIt]

11:35 I'd say it's more common to have to ask for a check, and plenty of times they will ask if you want dessert. Even when they do plop a check in front of me (I'm usually eating alone), it's almost never crowded enough where they don't also tell me to take my time.

[@neutrino78x]

I agree, he's interpreting it incorrectly. Giving you the check doesn't mean you're supposed to leave at that moment. It's making it easier, so you don't have to flag them down later and ask for a check. 🙂 Plus, he takes his coffee like a woman, in a tiny cup with sugar and other girly crap. A real man takes a 12 oz cup (340 mL) with no cream or sugar or piss or whatever. I take my coffee like I take my women: short, dark, strong and hot. 🙂

[@risalangdon9883]

IDK guys. I seriously gotta wonder what part(s) of the US he's visited 🤔. Tips aside, it's the waitstaff responsibility to ensure that customers have a good experience at the establishment. You want customers to return and possibly leave a good review. There is a few reasons that the check gets left on the table early. I for one get frustrated when we've finished our meal, and ready to leave. However, our waitstaff is now in the middle of taking orders for a party of 20 people. So you'd have to wait. Also, sometimes it may be time for your waitstaff to change shifts. So the one leaving has to ensure you get your check. Also, people just seem to be in a hurry. Perhaps they have tickets to an event. Or gotta get kiddos somewhere. You can always order something else, they will just update your bill. Also, on the waitstaff side of things. It can help to rotate the tables in your assigned area. Which can increase the opportunity to earn more Tips. Also, some restaurants have quite the line of customers wanting to get a table.

[@bobdobb9017]

Beeselys, this video is just another reason you should get “lost” on a road trip in the US and not stick too long in typical tourist areas. New York or tourist areas are night and day prices from local places. Also if there is something simply not done the way you expect, typically the server will return it and make it the way you want, and that goes for cheaper places. I’d bring a flask in with me to Universal!

[@rvt_h3d]

I have never in my life been to a McDonalds and they asked me how I want my meat cooked.

[@TheEWFX29]

Yeah I dont think the know how to cook it any other way lol.

[@josephharrison5639]

The reason Amazon sends a massive box for small items is it standardizes the packing of planes and trucks, if there’s only a certain amount of box sizes then an employee can quickly do the necessary Tetris to pack the truck full but with more sizes it’ll take longer

[@kekoaisaacs8762]

A funny thing about the straws that Tom Macdonald has said about packaging is "no more plastic straws wrapped in paper, but paper straws wrapped in plastic" the irony

[@kooyawn00]

The only time I've ever gotten a bill before asking was during lunch rush, when most people want to eat, pay, and go so they aren't late getting back to work. I've seen several restaurants boast that they'll seat you, serve you, and bring your bill in 15 min. as a courtesy for busy people on their lunch break. But that might just be a thing in like business districts or something.

[@mammie19621962]

IN THE US... If you go to a nice dine in restaurant and order coffee, it'll come in a glass cup. ONLY if you ask for to go will it be in a disposable container. Fast food will always be in a disposable container.

[@wordkyle]

Such videos often mention the "tax is not included in the price" complaint. One factor might be Americans' historical antipathy toward government. The business owner says "THIS (the price) is what I get; the government gets the tax." It creates a separation of the price in the customer's mind.

[@auldrick]

The reason sports arenas, amusement parks, and so on charge so much for a beer is often to discourage people from drinking too many and injuring themselves (or others), turning combative, becoming loud and argumentative, etc. Especially at the smaller kinds of amusement parks that cater more to small children, a bored parent might very well spend their time wishing they were at the pub instead.

[@mcsmoothie7052]

In my experience with waiters and waitresses, being friendly to earn a bigger tip, and just being friendly to be friendly are not mutually exclusive . I mean sure, the tip is on their mind, but I don’t think it’s as cynical as you think.

[@NickBLeaveIt]

One thing about the Beer at Universal: You'll notice that it said "Duff", so the point is that they're also selling the NOVELTY of it being "The beer from the Simpsons", so that's why they can get away with charging more, and the demand ain't gonna shrink enough to charge less unless the word of mouth is THAT awful.

[@oessh9611]

We like options which America gives.

[@kenboughton9252]

He sure has problems with food choices.

[@emanymton713]

We do use coasters in the US. Some bars ,especially of the dive variety, will use napkins because the overhead cost of the napkin is cheaper than coasters.

[@bmarie8939]

We absolutely have coasters everywhere in the U.S. I think this guy hasn't been to the U.S. since he was 6. He got quit a few things wrong about his differences.

[@krayzy932]

A lot of places use napkins because it's cheaper in the long run. Coasters get stolen and get worn down over time. Napkins are insanely cheap when bought in bulk.

[@Pcbdude82]

Lol no he didn't. Everything he said is on point.

[@bmarie8939]

@@Pcbdude82 Again, yes he did. Dont care about your false opinion! "LOL"

[@GdzieJestNemo]

americans on other channels tend to overwhelmingly confirm the napkin thing

[@petrmilota6398]

he travels a lot.. he even had a TED talk in U.S. about his Honest Guide channel.. so I would take a wild guess that maybe he visited more states in U.S. than avarege american... but yeah I get your point.. some stuff he was saying about CZ even I would not agree.. service is fine overall, people will smile at you and if service is grumpy you just simply don't leave a tip

[@DrewD9]

The bill is on the table in case you would like to leave quickly. You are more than welcome to add onto it. This also doesn’t happen everywhere but mostly at bars and diner type places

[@waffles824]

I am almost 100% sure that gov regulation on bathroom construction and paying sales tax do not fall under the definition of culture, but indeed, under gov regulation. and no coffee culture is not changing, it is not a culture choice to decide between sitting at a restaurant vs grabbing a cup on the way to work. People here do both, dictated by time not by culture.

[@Blynat]

Also many people in the US have softened well water and a reverse osmosis filter at home build into the system. So if the place you are eating at is just using unfiltered tap water, you can taste it.

[@PipeDaddy907]

Get rid of plastic straws wrapped in paper for paper straws wrapped in plastic

[@carcharodoncarcharias9462]

Bills can be amended easily if you want to order more food. It’s just convenience to have it there ready to go whenever you want to leave. Thus you do not have to wait or find a waiter.

[@Runemonk]

Which leads to using of more ink and paper and also another time to create new bill, sorry but it's contraproductive from the perspective of European :)

[@kikibigbangfan3540]

Please stop saying the only or main reason you get friendly/good service in America, is because of tips. Not true, most people here are genuinely nice and want you to enjoy your time spent in the best way possible.

[@MisterRoads]

Starbucks is fast food so idk why they would give you ceramic

[@HyperWolf]

I think he only went to fast food places when he says restaurants. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a restaurant in the US and got given ketchup packages, it was all bottled. The cups were ceramic for the coffee when you go to an actual sit down coffee shop that isn’t a fast food style coffee place like Starbucks.

[@Runemonk]

As a Czech I think it's a little bit exaggeration. Fast food and restaurants are very different in Czechia also.

[@HyperWolf]

@@Runemonk I agree. Although I guess being here in the US there is a fast food place every couple of kilometers so it was probably a convenience thing. Still, it’s not good to generalize if he hasn’t been to a real restaurant here. How are fast food places in Czechia? Which would be the most popular place there? In California specifically, (since different states are very different) it’s In-N-Out Burgers. :)

[@TheFeesh30]

I never understand why people say if you don’t tip you get confronted. That’s simply not true, they did that becuase he was a tourist. No one is forced to tip

[@TheFeesh30]

And the US uses paper straws

[@GilaMonster971]

Yeah, I don’t understand why so many people feel some sort of pressure to leave a tip. I typically never tip unless the prices of the food and the service is good. No one has ever said anything to me about it, and if they did I would tell them to leave me alone.

[@FEARNoMore]

Agree. You don't get arrested or fined if you don't tip. lol Maybe shamed on social media but it's not required unless it's stated that it's included already in the bill. haha

[@dibutler9151]

You can go to any sit down restaurant and cafe and get a ceramic cup and regular coffee, lolol.

[@Mark_Alaska]

In America we like to not trust out government. If we included taxes in the total, we'd have no idea how much uncle Sam is taking. By leaving it separate, we can get pissed off every time we buy something. As far as the price of beer at an amusement park or stadium, it's not a profit thing, they just don't want you drinking too much. I guarantee you'll probably not be slamming down $15 beers.

[@pacmanc8103]

Except that the sales taxes that you pay aren’t for “Uncle Sam”!😂. Sales taxes are state and local. So get pissed off at your state legislature or local city council.

[@FEARNoMore]

I agree. We like to know when we're being overcharged or taxed. I can't imagine the local, state or federal government ever taxing me without telling me. lol

[@Kyk_cz]

Don't imagine they want you to not drink too many beers. Gastro is not a charity but an ordinary business. Like anywhere else in the world. They just want to skin you for profit.

[@Pidalin]

Visiting restaurants in other countries is always stressfull for a Czech person, it's so different even in close countries like Poland. Europe is very americanised now, countries like Poland, Baltics, Croatia and other are almost fully americanised, they put bill in front of you after you had one beer and you pay to some weird book which is just bizare for us. In Portugal, their speciallity is to take your money and just walk away, so you don't know if they return with change or not, it's so confusing, why they just can't normally pay to waiter like we do? At least in Austria it was pretty normal for us, but Croatia or Portugal....totaly different and their coffee sizes are shifted like our lungo is their americano, our espresso is their lungo etc.... 😀 And beer....totaly different in other European countries except surrounding countries, they almost everywhere have beer in 0.2 or 0.3L bottles which we don't even consider a beer. 😀 "The bill thing" happened to me in Croatia 2020 for the first time in my life, we had 2 beers and they put bill in front of us for no reason, we have been really confused, we thought that table is reserved for someone else or something, we ralized that it's totaly normal later, you just have bill separately for everything. Another cultural difference between Czech Republic and other countries in Europe is that in many european countries they are so slow! You sit there 10 minutes before waiter ask you what you want and then he doesn't care about you anymore, you have to go to him or give some signal to him. It's totaly different in Czech Republic, when you have empty glass or finish meal, they always take your plate or glass and ask if you want anything else, you finish meal or beer and they are at your table almost immediately. So when Czech visits other countries, it looks so rude in restaurants becuase they just pretend they don't see you, but it's normal there, it's just a cultural difference, but you will at least save money.

[@lucielalova121]

exactly...

[@SilvanaDil]

Service at the DMV and Post Office would be a lot faster and friendlier if the employees relied on tips.

[@easein]

Jesus, I would pay a days wage to get a government official to move their ass or give an intelligent answer at the DMV or Planning Department.

[@dennisstafford1749]

Where is this guy using the restroom? Most restrooms are adequate and the number of public restrooms in the USA compared to 'free' public toilets in Europe is far greater in the US. In the US there are roadway public facilities, shop facilities for toilet, restaurant public facilities, Park facilities, transportation facilities, etc. and almost all do not charge.

[@ESUSAMEX]

Tipping in the US at restaurants is 15% to 20%, not 10% to 15%. Tipping beers is normally $1 per beer. If the bill comes to your table and you want more food or drink, you can order more. One important note on tipping is that the tip of 18% will automatically be added to the bill/check if there is a group of 5 people or more.

[@civilwarguy4740]

I disagree with what he said about customizing things at restaurants. Usually there will be different burgers on the menu that will have specific ingredients listed. If you just order the burger they will ask you how much you want it cooked but they will just assume you aren’t making any modifications to the normal burger’s toppings, unless you say something

[@miamidolphinsfan]

$15 for a beer....I'll never be that thirsty

[@mcsmoothie7052]

I’d never go to a tourist trap like that. And I don’t eat or drink at concerts or games either. That’s just ridiculous.

[@FEARNoMore]

Unless it's at an amusement park or airport. haha

[@pollyduron674]

When I was in London and Scotland, I founf they were very friendly and LOVED the American tips. Lol

[@mededmoon6265]

I go out to eat quite often here in the U.S. and I can say it's rare that a server hands me the bill half way through the meal. I usually have to ask. So that was not entirely true.

[@victorrackley7966]

I live in the United states and every place I go to eat they have never brought the bill while I was still eating i normally have to ask for it

[@mcsmoothie7052]

It happens a lot at diners, but even there the waitress will ask you if you need anything else before just plopping the bill down on the table.

[@sassycatz4470]

@@mcsmoothie7052 And many times, at a diner, there is a separate person running a register and so you're not paying your waitress directly. Hey, I grew up in diner culture in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, so that's my experience.

[@jLutraveling]

We sometimes order water with lemon slices.

[@joenorris7048]

The stalls in the bathroom are more hygienic, the thought being air can circulate better, makes it easier to clean the floor (sweep/mop), employees can easily see if the bathroom needs cleaning in a glance, etc....

[@jsjazz12]

He's wrong about the bill. They wait until your finished and ask if you want dessert. Also, it's been explained why we can't have the tax in the price in the US. I like the way our servers are nice, it's not all for tips.

[@dennisstafford1749]

Effort does come from earning a tip however it is polite to be friendly and NOT polite to be unfriendly. Some Americans will simply get up and walk out should a waiter or waitress be rude. The bill is given early as there are many tables per staff so at busy times specifically staff will bring the bill. It is usually in a folder so prices are not displayed for onlookers to see. Staring at someone should be greeted with a smile and vice versa otherwise you will appear weird and possibly dangerous. Restaurants, Diners and bars do use coasters. Asking for condiments is normal and it is usual to give several and not be stingy.

[@TomGorham]

There's been only a few times I did not tip at a restaurant. Nobody ran after ne to ask why. That doesn't happen, ever.

[@Tabfort]

Yes, I would think that would be extremely unusual! Also you may have just burned a bridge with a customer. Who’s going to want to go back to a restaurant (assuming the reason for not tipping wasn’t food or service) where someone chased them into the parking lot about a tip?

[@markbrown2640]

If by "he's having a laugh there" Millie meant that he was exaggerating, yes a Starbucks Venti does not hold a gallon. It is twenty ounces, so six of them do not hold a gallon (128 ounces.) It does hold more than half a liter (16.9 oz.) It's extremely rare that I drink coffee at all, but I do get "triggered" by standard weights and measurements.

[@SherriLyle80s]

I feel so attacked 😂 The "cup of coffee" thi g might be nice if I didn't have shit to do like work or kids or errands. Must be nice for him to sit there and not do crap.

[@tamarisrael5783]

This guy is so misinformed . I'm 64 and never been to a restaurant where the waiter did not ask me if I wanted dessert or coffee, then ask if I was ready for the bill . I don't know maybe it's because I live in Florida but we have coffee shops where you can get coffee anyway you want it and tea as well .

[@GeneBateman1970]

about the water.. what i heard is that the courts ruled that all restaurants have to provide drinking water. that they can not charge someone for water since you must have it to live. kinda the same for bathrooms since i have never been to a place and been told i can not use theirs.

[@yotaninja2419]

I think its just misunderstood here in the states w checks. Personally i like having my check asap. U can then leave when u want. Just because they give u a bill doesn’t mean u have to leave. If busy u may feel more obligated to leave sooner, but in general I actually really like having my bill asap. U can always add more items if u want as well

[@Plasmacore_V]

People always seem confused on tax in the US. Every state, county and city adds tax. It can be different just a mile down the road.

[@joshuabutler3598]

You know what's interesting, if all those places switched to adding the tax in in the price tag, you could compare the tax difference easily from place to place. Just a thought, could be wrong idk

[@Courtnec]

@@joshuabutler3598 Not really. The problem is that the tax can (and will) change. It would be pretty expensive to keep changing the prices on the menu.

[@FEARNoMore]

I like to know when I'm being taxed. I don't like the VAT thing they have in UK where it becomes automatic & the government charges what they want.

[@dbsagacious]

Is this guy trolling just for the views? Nearly all of what he said is borderline lies, and at best hes being petty. We have coasters, we have cups of coffee in restaurants, service people will generally be nice even in businesses where they wont be tipped. He just seems like alot of this hes using hyper specific instances or is just wrong. Anyway, you guys are great as usual

[@franksmith4730]

Part of it with amusement parks/stadiums/whatever and the price of alcohol is also the fact those aren't really places you want drunk people. The cost of beer prices most of the patrons out of being over intoxicated. So the majority of people only get a beer or two if they get beer at all.

[@travr6]

Beers are expensive at those places because they DON'T want you to get drunk

[@raymonddavis1370]

NO ONE in this or any dimension,at this time in space or ever-has been asked in a Mcdonald's, "How Do You want your burger?" EVER .If you have a point to make then make it BUT if you have to make stuff up you might as well wear a sign on your chest saying "I lie frequently." It is also hella weird that this guy is railing about places offering choices and options.Does he REALLY want to live in a policve state that dictates to you what kind of coffee you can get or how you can have your food prepared?? It is starting to sound to me that everyone might be a lot happier if he just stayed home and ,drank a little doll's cup full of coffee .

[@lavenderoh]

the "little dolls cup of coffee" gave me such a chuckle lol

[@rvt_h3d]

I know right? So much misinformation here.

[@miamidolphinsfan]

Obviously this guy doesn't understand the way taxes work in the US

[@JustMe-dc6ks]

Sales tax can vary state to state, county to county, and municipality to municipality.

[@TNBuckeye1617]

6:00, why don’t we include the taxes in the price on the menu, etc.? Truth in advertising laws. It’s easier to put a “sales tax not included” disclaimer than it is to make sure that each location’s prices are adjusted for different sales taxes on different items.

[@gamingtheory6035]

I don't think most Americans would react that negatively to being offered more beer. We are used to being offered free refills on beverages like coffee, iced tea, water, and soda. As long as there was a prior understanding that the beer wasn't free, I see no reason why the reviewer would have reacted so negatively. I think they were trying to act 'European', since Europeans seem flummoxed by the concept of free refills. I don't understand why he's complaining about being offered more choices in regards to beer or food customization. More options are a good thing. Choosing how you want your burger or steak cooked is really not that complicated; you can order rare, medium rare, medium well, or well done. Bad customer service is unacceptable. When you go to a bar or a restaurant, you're paying for a service. Just because Europeans put up with bad customer service, that doesn't mean that Americans who work in the service industry are being "fake" for being polite to their customers. They don't rely on the tips for their salary; we have minimum wage laws and employers are required to make up the difference. You don't always get the bill at a table. It depends. Sometimes if it's busy and it looks like you're almost finished with your food, you might get the bill. Oftentimes, you have to ask for it. 15:02 I don't know what this guy is talking about. We have coasters, sauce cups, and we have bottled ketchup. He sounds like an environmentalist nut. So in order for coffee to be considered coffee, it has to be served in a tiny, ceramic cup? The only complaint he was right about was the gap in the stall doors. That is a mystery even to us Americans. I don't get why Europeans keep comparing the USA; which is one country, to an entire continent. I rarely if ever see such comparisons between Europe and Australia (which is both a country and a continent) or Canada (which spans almost the same length as the US across the North American continent).

[@rvt_h3d]

Its always non stop complaining from Europeans when I hear them talking about the US. Living rent free in their heads.

[@MisterRoads]

Ive been to 30 states and ive never had anyone just drop a check on the table

[@jmeryllman]

So... he went got Duff beer and complains about the price LOLs. It is an attraction price, Simpson beer.

[@gacaptain]

This guy doesn't understand drinking coffee in bulk is an ages long tradition in America. Long before Starbucks had ever been thought of lots of blue collar and even white collar workers in America would go to a pot and fill up a big giant thermos with coffee that they would then tote off with them and drink out of all morning. For many of us it never has been about sipping small amounts of coffee in a relaxing way. It has always been about chugging large quantities of it on the go for alot of us since before you were born. It's very much a working mans/womans fuel here. That has long been part of the culture. Lol

[@ginny5764]

If you want a cheap beer in the US, seek out establishments that have a Happy Hour. It’s usually in the late afternoon/early evening and lasts more than an hour (4-6) to attract the 9-5 workers. I went to a bar this week that had $1 beers and well drinks; the cheapest bourbon I’ve ever had out!

[@CoastalNomad]

That can vary from state to state...... Here in North Carolina, any drink special has to be offered from open to close...... No "Happy Hour".... but we will have daily Specials "$1 Can Budwieser", "Half Price Margaratia Wednesday" etc......

[@ginny5764]

@@CoastalNomad Here in Ohio, we have daily specials too; it depends on the establishment.

[@Pcbdude82]

I love Honest Guide channel. I stumbled onto it while doing research on Prague. I plan on leaving the US and moving there. I think I'd prefer the cultural differences there vs here. Also James. He did a video on why their beer has so much head. It's insrestering

[@MrYabber]

The check just being put on the table out of the blue absolutely 100% never happens here. You always need to ask for your check, they’ll never just smash it on the table….

[@johnbattle7518]

That first example is odd because US wait staff generally are the ones far more attentive to customers than Europeans.

[@markmartineau1690]

I find many slight problems with his observations but as he has said it’s just different from their viewpoint. But in my 40 yrs of taking my wife and kids out have never felt rushed out after dinner usually asked if we would like dessert or anything else and if we answer no then left with the bill with “I’ll leave this here for when your ready.”

[@travr6]

They don't include tax because we have 50 states and ever state has their tax. Not only that but local cities and counties also have a tax.

[@Kyk_cz]

And what do you mean by that? The customer always pays the final price regardless of the amount of VAT. Quoting a tax-free price to the end consumer is the same scam as selling 2x6 lumber.

[@bethany8734]

The coffee stuff is not true. We don’t call that a cup of coffee. We would just call it coffee and it’s served differently. Most coffee places you can order espresso. Most Americans like their coffees sweeter and we like the flavor so it lasts longer. We add water, milk, and flavorings etc. for it to last longer without having 12 cups of coffee. We definitelyyyy do drink cups of coffee but that’s usually at a restaurant or home. If we’re on the go, we like to sip it for a while. We also are a fast paced culture, so we do a lot of on the go. On the service, it’s not just for tips. Some people maybe that’s true but I worked customer service for years and didn’t make tips. I always had a smile and conversation for customers because I loved people and getting to have nice conversations and make someone’s day better and help them. It’s just a cultural thing. We like to be friendly.

[@runrafarunthebestintheworld]

I still believe cold coffee though either has too much flavor or just average while hot coffee is tough and burns my tongue. Pfft

[@IAMHIM15]

Yeah he showed an ice coffee.

[@MacTX]

US stores can price tag their items with the tax already included, they already know how much tax they're supposed to collect. They choose not to do it as that's easier for them and there's really no incentive, increasing the sticker price with the tax already included may influence customer spending.

[@sylviaconlee7407]

LOL, Universal doesn't have to worry about a bunch of drunk people walking around with those beer prices, do they?

[@darrelbuccilli7795]

Just cause they bring the check or bill doesn't mean they want to get rid of you, if you want more food or drink just ask the server and they will add that on to the bill and bring you what ever you want extra whether that is a dessert or whatever.

[@jamesmarciel5237]

Many places actually use coasters here in the U.S. Also, more often than not, places that serve coffee in paper or styrofoam cups are places that primarily serve the coffee to go. The larger sizes are for people that usually drink more than a single cup. Which if the coffee is to go, you cannot have a second cup unless you get it before you leave. You generally don’t see a person drinking a 20 oz. coffee where they can get refills.

[@denisebittinger6088]

That would not be near enough coffee😂

[@pfcampos7041]

European coffee (as well as S. American coffee) is significantly stronger than N. American coffee. which is why we serve it in smaller amounts. As a Brasilian growing up in the states I could never drink American coffee black it has no flavor. I have to add lots of milk and sugar just to make it palpable hence the large cups. But when I drink European or Brasilian coffee I just add some sugar and I am good to go.

[@denisebittinger6088]

I'm not knocking it, I would surely try it given the opportunity. I've heard that before that our coffee isn't that strong. One of my former managers traveled over seas and she called ours hot bean water😂

[@lavenderoh]

@@pfcampos7041 if you think you can only get north american coffee in america, you should never ever ever ever ever comment about anything relating to america ever again lol

[@johnday7362]

As to tipping in the USA, DO NOT tip if the service or food/your order was bad/incorrect. It is the waitress's job to serve you and to ensure that your meal is as you ordered it. The only tip you should leave for bad service or receiving an incorrect order is nothing. Do not feel bad, it is their job to insure you are satisfied with your meal. And feel free to either compliment or criticize your order or service. Ask to speak with a manager if you feel that you should. But DON'T expect to receive anything in compensation, you may receive something free, or you may not. Expecting something may result in disappointment, but you will be pleasantly surprised if you receive something unexpected.

[@GilaMonster971]

Yeah I don’t understand why people feel like they are obligated to even leave a tip. It’s always been to show appreciation. Not out of obligation.

[@ginny5764]

@@GilaMonster971 If places would just pay their servers a decent wage instead of forcing them to survive on their tips, their lives would be so much better. As a former server, it also is not always the server’s fault that everything wasn’t “satisfying” (note to John Day). Short staff (busboys, cooks, servers), new cooks, etc can mess things up despite a waiter’s best smile, personality, or service. Next time you dine out, just observe your waiter to see how hard they are working. I’ve always said everyone should have to wait tables for a month or two and survive solely on their tips. They’d be sure to tip their servers after that!

[@GilaMonster971]

@@ginny5764 I did that work for a few years when I was in high school. Sure, there are a lot of factors that can influence whether my service is good or bad. But it doesn’t excuse the fact the service was bad. I’m not going to have a bad experience and then pay extra for it. No one should feel obligated to do that. I understand that could make things tougher for the wait staff, but that isn’t my concern. My concern is good food, reasonable prices, and good service. However, I do think federal minimum wage laws regarding tipped employees needs to be higher, and state laws need to ensure that they are even higher than federal minimums. But like I said...I’m not going to pay extra to be even more dissatisfied.

[@GilaMonster971]

@@ginny5764 better yet...make tipping illegal. Then every tipped employee would be required to be paid the states hourly wage for non tipped employees. (But I’m betting that would hurt tipped employees more than they currently are)

[@GilaMonster971]

@@ginny5764 I have also eaten in places where tipping wasn’t allowed. Not exactly sure why that was.... Not sure if it was just policy or legal reasons 🤷‍♂️

[@kikibigbangfan3540]

Where has this dude visited in America? Because a lot...a lot of the stuff he's talking about, does not apply to the majority of the country. Really sounds like he doesn't know what he's talking about, seriously. I think he's picking overly populated places/ touristy places to visit. That's not representative of the rest of the states as a whole.

[@smallsparry]

When I used to be a server he was EXACTLY THE TOURIST I DIDN'T WANT! lol.... Also Millie..they were lucky to get a tip of 2 bucks per person off a 36 per person meal??... not even 10 percent. Smh

[@star222333]

Millie is right again, coffee is coffee. 😊

[@sassycatz4470]

I can't tell you how many times I've had to wave down a waiter/waitress to get a bill. I don't know where he's been eating but it's definitely not common for a bill to land on your table without you asking for it. The only place that might happen is at a diner, mostly because they are probably very busy and you may have to pay at a cashier separate from leaving money at the table or dealing directly with the waiter/waitress. No freaking way would they refuse to give you more food even if they've already given you the bill. NO WAY. Has this guy ever been to the U.S.? If so, he apparently has not had a pleasant time. Don't feel the need to come back.

[@GilaMonster971]

Typically if the bill is placed on the table it basically means the wait staff is through with you. They have moved on to other customers. However, if you need anything all you have to do is ask.

[@revtoyota]

Right off the bat he is wrong. Most bars I have been to in the US do the same thing and bring or at the very least ask if you want another if they see you are low. That much head on a beer just screams nasty room temp beer and possibly dirty lines.

[@MrGlenspace]

Giving the bill when halfway thru us nit common in the U.S. they want you to spend more and will ask if they can get you something else or desert.

[@pacmanc8103]

This isn’t observation of cultural differences - this is some guy telling Americans what they SHOULD do - (15:07) provides a perfect example in the guy’s description of ketchup packets. There is nothing that compels a customer to take a fistful of packets. This fool is truly reaching for idiotic stuff.

[@rvt_h3d]

EU loves to complain about Americans. Living rent free in their heads.