Top 10+ everyday things you’ll find only in America
The land of the free... coffee refills
If you're a born-and-bred American, you might take certain everyday occurrences and customs for granted, unaware that they're actually quite unique to your country.
From the ubiquitous free coffee refills to the distinct rhythms of school commutes and beyond, here are ten things that you'll primarily find only in America.
Updated August 2025
2. Cashiers bagging your groceries
In some places in America, you don't have to worry about bagging your own groceries because it's all part of the service. Though let's be honest, it's hard to find this service very often these days. 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.
4. Spray cheese
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.
5. 24-hour convenience stores
If you ever find yourself yearning for a late-night Slurpee outside of America, you may be out of luck. Unlike in America, 24-hour convenience stores are not common in many parts of the world.
6. Free coffee refills
If you travel outside of the United States, don't expect an extra free cup of joe for free. Or drip coffee, either. In many other countries, if you want a refill you're going to pay for it.
8. Girl Scout cookies
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.
