I don't think its Americans that would rather get loans on things. For cellphones it's the only option available with the big 2 carriers (the others used to do it too).

Last time I was in the store the reps had to explain about the installment plans over and over. Most people were outraged and didn't believe the employee telling them their phones had been subsidized. They couldn't fathom the actual cost was $649+. We also don't have much prepaid plans unlike what people have told me they have in other countless.

Given the very high levels of household debt in most of developed Europe, I have to disagree with your premise.

See: Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Ireland, Portugal, Finland, UK, Switzerland, Norway, Spain -- all of which have either high or very high household debt to income ratios due to "loans."