For many US airlines, type ratings are only undertaken as part of a command course. If you fly as a passenger on a regional jet for example, the FO most likely will not be type rated. Only when he's up to command time (3000 ish) hours will they get the TR. Over here, you can guarantee that the FO has the TR, no matter what experience level.
The only solid difference between the two is that the FAA will grant you a TR without having to set fly the actual aircraft. Over here you need to be base checked.