10 Differences Between America and Australia

For a bit of fun here is a list of the top 10 subtle differences I've noticed as an Australian living in the United States. 

1. Free Refills

Remember when Hungry Jack's used to let you drown your sorrows with unlimited softdrink? Those were the days of sugar highs and diabetes... Well fear not, pretty much every fast food joint in the US will have a soda fountain centre stage.

HJ's is just the Australian version of Burger King right?

2. ​Sizes - Bigger is Better

Larger grocery stores, taller coffee cups, bigger cars and single meal portions suitable to feed a family of five. You definitely get more bang for your buck in the States. 

3. Starbucks

You could be stranded in the desert and I guarantee you there would be a Starbucks within a 5 mile radius but I wouldn't judge if you wanted to avoid their coffee and head straight for the free Wi-Fi. 
Australians don't quite have the same taste for Starbucks, majority of their stores have closed since launching their first store in Sydney in 2000. They had no chance with our already flourishing coffee culture. 

4. Sugar

Everything you eat will most likely have sugar. I can no longer eat bread in the US, as that too is unfortunately sweet. 

5. Laundry

Forget drying your clothes outside. In order to save space and time many Americans, especially city dwellers, use that clothes shrinking machine called a dryer.
​Saving the environment was sooo 2019.

6. Animals

Racoons are mistaken for black house cats, squirrels are cute until they chase you for your cheese sandwich, skunks are just giant rats, and the opossum is literally the spawn of Satan. 
I definitely don't miss being swarmed by millions of flies on a hot summers day though. 

7. Politics

Do not begin a conversation with an American about politics. You would have aged 20 years by the time they've taken their first breath. 

8. Accents

You're bound to hear more than one accent whilst in the US. My favourites are the Texan drawl, the laid back SoCal surfer dude, and the high pitch Minnesotan accent. To me, all Australians sound the same so I'm surprised when my American friends are able to pick up on the difference in accents between a Melburnian and Sydneysider.  

9. Toilets

Why are public cubicles cramped to the point where you can't even exit without getting your foot lodged behind the toilet? Toilet seats are also extremely low and the water level is unusually high. Must I endure the 14hr plane flight back home just to relieve myself?

10. Money

Australia's currency pops with colour making it easier to differentiate between each denomination.  Whilst in the US I'm pretty sure I've tipped a waiter $50 thinking it was a $5 note. Also America, get rid of the penny.