Q&A forum Quora asked foreigners what rumors they'd heard about America that they didn't believe were true until they actually came and found out for themselves. The answers make for some fascinating, very funny (and occasionally sad) reading about how America is perceived overseas and what quirks we take for granted. Some choice examples:

Under-dressing in cold weather. Shoes (flip-flops?) + tshirt + cardigan + scarf = winter city outfit often seen in subway and public places when it is REALLY cold outside.

Fruit and vegetable prices, compared to fast food prices. A box of strawberries: $7 Big Mac : $1. HOW DOES THAT EVEN WORK?

There actually is an accepted piece of clothing called a 'wife-beater'.

Michael Salman, a pastor in Phoenix, Ariz, is serving a 60-day sentence for holding a Bible study in his home. City officials said that they have contacted him multiple times since 2007, informing him that his home does not meet the city's zoning guidelines for public gatherings such as Bible studies, which the city considers to be a church gathering and subject to city laws about church buildings. A letter from the city said that "Bible studies are not allowed to be conducted in your residence or the barn on your property as these structures do not comply with the construction code for this use." A video of Salman arriving at jail has him saying, "I don't know what to say other than, at the very end, after all is said and done, God will ultimately have glory in this. Despite the fact that we think it's wrong, God will ultimately have the last say" ... Discuss