Ah the United States, where the nacho cheese flows like water.
NO.
When visiting our beautiful country there are some things you have to keep in mind. Below is a list, just for you. It highlights the do’s and dont’s when traversing U.S. cities, sidewalks, etc. You name it.
As long as you respect it you should have no problems with the…locals.
The Do’s..
- Use a handshake as a typical greeting
- American drinking age is 21, enjoy when of age!
- Respond when someone says “How are you?”, but take it as if they are saying “You good?”
- Avoid politics.
- Consult police. Despite what a lot of people will say, they are your friends and are there to help. Just be respectful of them.
- Smile!
- Tip at least 15% at restaurants, unless actually dissatisfied with the service.
- Try to leave your stereotypes at home. It will save you trouble. Best to be unassuming.
- Converse. Americans are generally very open people, and probably will find your background interesting! Try making a friend or two.
DON’T..
- Assume beaches are nude. Unless the beach is marked “nude”, it isn’t nude. You will scare children.
- Stare.
- American social distance is about 0.5 meters from their body. Do not get any closer to them when speaking.
- Walk on the left. We drive on the right, so when on a sidewalk we typically walk on the right as well.
- Cut a line of people. Big one.
- Do not say “fag”. It does not mean cigarette.
- Smoke indoors.
- Pass football off as soccer..you will not hear the end of it.
- Touch others. Big one. We don’t like to be touched at all by strangers.
There you have it! Please do not peg this list as condescending. The goal isn’t to discredit your values, I am simply just listing off what to expect upon visiting the US. Feel free to add anything!
FYI:
-B.Y.O.B means “bring your own beverage” usually alcoholic.
-A “dutch oven” is sometimes an oven, it’s also when you far..never mind, I’ll let you figure that one out. :)
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