Join the Fun!

KillHipstersWithFire , Vinícius Caricatte Report

To learn more about visiting the United States, Bored Panda got in touch with A Lady in London, an adventurous traveler who has already been to 112 countries.

"As a Californian, when I think of the US, I think of the natural beauty the country offers," she told us. "From stunning coastline to national parks like Yosemite, there are a lot of amazing places to discover."

And that's the beauty of this land; everyone can find a corner within it that will resonate with them. "The US is huge, and there are a lot of amazing destinations to discover. Good places to start include New York City, Yellowstone National Park, and Hawaii. They'll give you an overview of how varied the country is in terms of things to do, see, and experience."

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans If you find a Mexican or Asian place/truck where they don't speak english. The foods gonna be good as f**k.

Final score:

226points

POST

Farid Red 2 years ago

In Malaysia, all the restaurant that sell foreign food (Japan, China, Arab, Korea) is cook by either Bangladeshi / Pakistani.

19points

Luckypenny4683 , Tima Miroshnichenko Report

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans 1. Come to America just before Thanksgiving.

2. Casually mention to American acquaintance that you’re alone on Thanksgiving.

3. Accept immediate invite to whatever Thanksgiving gathering is being held.

Everyone has their own quirky Thanksgiving traditions and we love sharing them

Final score:

218points

POST

Caro Caro 2 years ago (edited)

I've never been to the USA but have met a lot of americans and they were all very hospitable, open and friendly.

98points

BlackPiroc , Ambitious Creative Co. - Rick Barrett Report

According to the most recent figures from the World Tourism Organization, France is the number one destination for international tourists with 117 million in 2020, but the United States is in fourth place with 45 million.

However, the country has to step up if it wants to see the number increase. Some researchers estimate that as many as 412,000 travel and tourism jobs in the United States will remain unfilled this year.

1-in-18 industry jobs may have remained vacant during the first half of 2022, highlighting a talent crunch that has plagued the sector since early 2021. An estimated 321,000 positions went unfilled in the January-June period.

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans As a foreigner I have to add to this thread.
If they like you, you’ll know. Americans are some of the most generous people I’ve ever met.
I’ve only been to florida and every single time people have given me more food than I paid for, their own employee discounts, invited me to their homes for dinner (also, dinner is earlier than you’re used to if your from Latin America, you won’t be eating at 8-10pm, you’ll be eating anywhere from 4pm to 7pm, no later than that), if people like you you’ll be treated as family as soon as they figure you’re not a serial killer.
I love America and you’ve been nothing but great to me. I’m grateful to have met some of the best people I know in America and to have friends there.
Also, I’ve only been to Florida and have yet to meet one of these dangerous creatures called “Florida man”, I know you’re not supposed to feed them or anything but I don’t know if they are “that” harmful or dangerous

Final score:

192points

POST

ToyWyvern 2 years ago

Florida has a very broad public records law. Part of the reason so many crazy police reports come from Florida is just because they're easier to find.

69points

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans The local burger shops are better than the regional burger chains which are better than the national burger chains.

Cheezslap , Robin Stickel Report

Final score:

188points

POST

ADJ 2 years ago

That is true in most of the world. Worst burgers i ever ate were at McDonalds. Best burgers were in local restaurants and food trucks.

63points

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans Don't get out of your car if you're pulled over by the police unless directed to do so.

bboe , Kenny Eliason Report

Final score:

161points

POST

Stephanie Did It 2 years ago

And keep both hands on your steering wheel after you open your window. This is for your safety.

104points

However, when it comes to the locals, A Lady in London said they can be really accepting of tourists. "It depends where you go. Different parts of the country are known for different things. For example, Southerners are known for their hospitality and Midwesterners for their friendliness. I like to think Americans are pretty welcoming on the whole," she explained.

But if you want to meet them, A Lady in London suggests you start locally and see how it goes from there. "My biggest tip is to remember how big the country is. I recommend seeing one state or region at a time so you can experience it fully and meaningfully," she said. "Then make sure to come back again and see a different part of the country. You'll start to get a feel for how diverse the US is."

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans Always get health insurance unless you wish to be bankrupt. The US healthcare system is insanely expensive.

Aggravating_Lemon_32 , CDC Report

Final score:

159points

POST

Mama Panda 2 years ago

I am diabetic type 2 and my meds are over $600/month without insurance. With insurance, it costs me $16/month. It's so expensive to try to stay alive.

56points

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans While walking down the street, people will randomly make eye contact and then smile. No, you don't know them, this is just their way of being polite. They expect you to smile back and then break eye contact.

Legen--dary Report

Final score:

153points

POST

Mama Panda 2 years ago

I will always make eye contact and smile. I might even compliment you on something you are wearing if it looks like you are having a bad day. Many times I will even strike up a random conversation with someone while waiting in line or waiting to cross the street. I love meeting new people. But if I get a vibe that you are not willing to talk or whatever, I will just smile and be on my way.

48points

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans In 98% of areas you go to, you’ll need a car. The 2% where you won’t are NYC, Boston, Chicago, and DC.

ConnieLingus24 , Austin Neill Report

Final score:

150points

POST

Rob Williams 2 years ago

Off to Boston and DC this week, can't wait!!!!

30points

Pirates of Zen Pants 2 years ago (edited)

As a lifelong Bostonian, we welcome you! Be sure to get some Italian food on Hanover Street. Also, keep an eye on this page for summer festivals, free concerts, etc.: https://www.thebostoncalendar.com

8points

Rod 2 years ago

You like beer? Go to Harpoon!!!!

2points

Caro Caro 2 years ago

I hope you have a great time!

2points

Margaret Weaver 2 years ago

You know there are easier ways to die, right? Bullets are not exactly good at killing humans. Plus they hurt. A LOT.

0points

Vonnie Whalen 2 years ago

Check out as many museums as you can... awesome :)

0points

europaleta 2 years ago

Enjoy, Rob!

0points

G M 2 years ago

San Francisco has great public transportation as well.

11points

Hypoxia Smurf 2 years ago

San Francisco sports a very walkable downtown and neighborhoods. Take a bus or streetcar to cross town when you're tired. Otherwise, hoof it!

3points

Honu 2 years ago (edited)

It's not NYC level good but I also think driving in SF when you're not used to it would be incredibly trying. Well worth spending the money for a taxi/ride share for those times you don't have a transit option.

1point

aucune.idée 2 years ago

Also bicycle lanes and no charge for taking a bicycle on the metro. Really no reason to need a car within the city.

0points

St34mpunk_Pirate 2 years ago

And Maybe Philadelphia or parts of California

4points

UpQuarkDownQuark 2 years ago

And San Francisco, Portland and Seattle, too!

1point

Zack Podany 2 years ago

Minneapolis is very bike friendly and has public bike kiosks where you can rent one.

1point

YetAnotherSarah 2 years ago

But not necessarily your own car. Uber/Lyft etc are available in plenty of places, including small towns.

1point

Mbfsc63 2 years ago

Not so. I didn't need a car in Savannah, GA, Oahu, HI, Charleston SC, San Francisco CA and ponds of other places....

1point

Tinykame 2 years ago

I live in Charleston. I absolutely need a car.

0points

NOLAHusker 2 years ago

You don't need one in New Orleans.

1point

Anthony Nizza 2 years ago

Here in Maine there is public bus service in only 2 cities in the entire state. You have to have a car here.

1point

Kristal 2 years ago

There are more ways to get around, it's just a bit harder to coordinate and takes a bit more time, but between Amtrak (national passenger trains) and Greyhound (national busses) a person can get around to less populated areas, sometimes for pretty cheap.

1point

Ladytron 2 years ago

What if you don't have a drivers license? I don't because I don't think it's suitable since I'm terrified of driving (and also had issues with alcohol in the past - that seems like a bad combo with a drivers license even though I'm sober now). I guess that's not too uncommon so... what do you do then?

1point

G. Ross 2 years ago

You'll want to stick to big cities and places with public transport and/or an Uber type service. Any sufficiently large city will have then, though I can't arrest to their quality.

2points

Lazy Panda (she/her/hers) 2 years ago

Research your options in places you're thinking about visiting. Many cities you can function just fine for hitting tourist spots using public transportation and Uber/Lyft or by foot. Others have limited public transportation but still Uber/Lyft. Some places are entirely unwalkable, without public transportation and have very limited Uber/Lyft. Just make sure you know what you're getting into before commiting to a car-less trip!

1point

Kristal 2 years ago

There are bus services within cities and larger towns. There are also longer distance busses that stop at smaller cities on the way to a big city, same with trains. The trains (Amtrak) aren't as connected as most of the world but you CAN still get to cool places outside of major metropolitan cities.

1point

Kate Jones 2 years ago (edited)

You don't want to rely on public transport here. I know OP said Boston, Chicago and DC but I honestly feel like nY is the only place where it's truly livable. Everywhere else, if it's raining or minus 10 degrees you have to walk 10 blocks to get to the transport, then it stops 2 blocks away from your job. Or there's a 15-20 minute wait in between 2 stops. Buses and subways in the US are not always as reliable or safe as in other countries and there aren't as many options, so if you want to go somewhere specific you can't get there directly. You have to take public transport part of the way then a cab/uber the rest so it ends up negating the cost, nevermind how long you have to wait. You have to move your schedule around the public transport schedule, so you end up having to leave an hour early or wait around for an hour in order to get somewhere on time. Sometimes the cost/inconvenience ends up being not worth it overall.

0points

Panda in the Fake South 2 years ago

Uber or friends

0points

Kira 7 2 years ago

I don't really need one here in Los Angeles

0points

Tim 2 years ago

If you plan on staying within a major city, you can usually get around with public transportation. Philly is especially good since you can ride the train directly from downtown to the airport (each terminal is a stop). And even if public trans isn't that great, taxis / Ubers are super easy to get. If you plan to travel outside the city cores though, you need a car.

0points

Mike Loux 2 years ago (edited)

I lived in Boston for my first year of college (long story, there). Paid $30 or so for a month for a T pass. Unlimited subway and bus rides anywhere they went (which was to most of the burbs). Eventually upgraded to a commuter rail pass for an extra $20 - 10 minute walk from my doorstep to Cleary Square in Hyde Park, and then another 2 minutes by train to Ruggles station (by bus it would have been 20m to Forest Hills and another 10 by subway to Ruggles). By car, it would have been 30m and then another 10 trying to find a parking spot (and paying for that, too). No brainer.

0points

Garritt VS 2 years ago

Notice that the WEST COAST metros are missing from this list. ;-)

0points

Jennifer Johnson 2 years ago

Don't need a car in Dayton, Ohio!

0points

LucyGoosey 2 years ago

And those 4 cities are the absolute worst to drive in, especially NYC and Boston.

0points

Griffin McKinley 2 years ago

For those Europeans that don't quite understand why, New York and others mainly use apartments, and next to that is not a parking garage, it's another apartment, it's essentially super hard to own a car in those types of places, so public transit and taxis are the way to go

0points

Dr. Ankita Pandya 2 years ago

Why not have a robust public transportation system? Why are bus rides in the US so stigmatized? People can save a mean buck by not having to maintain a car and it will cut down greenhouse gas emissions to half!

0points

Stannous Flouride 2 years ago

San Francisco too.

0points

LapCat 2 years ago (edited)

I lived in Boston for a year and it was the only time in my life I didn’t need or miss having a car (I’m originally from California)

0points

Stimpy 2 years ago

I once had to visit the US relatively spontaneously (replacement for a colleague). And needing to get from Houston airport to Galveston I thought "Hey it is just 70km, there is bound to be some bus or train connection". Boy was I wrong ...

0points

George Foxworth 2 years ago

San Francisco

0points

Tom Susala 2 years ago

Of course, in Chicago you'll need an assortment of handguns and much ammo (Sarcasm)

0points

aubergine10003 Premium 2 years ago

You also don't need a car in San Francisco or Atlanta (or at least in Atlanta, you'll save many tears by not having one because the traffic is horrendous)

0points

Synsepalum 2 years ago

I'm American, 46-years old, and have never driven. This is not true. You simply have to arrange your life in a centralized fashion. I walk six miles to and from work, live in a vibrant area that has a variety of options. I also live in Montana, not NYC, Boston, Chicago, or DC.

0points

Hyde and Seek 2 years ago

My state you need a car because of the road set up

0points

Jon Schmidt 2 years ago

NYC, Chicago and DC are nothing but c**p holes. I loved Boston though.

-2points

Reddit user Praglik told Bored Panda they came up with the idea for the post when they were planning a trip to California with their wife. "She's never been to the US," Praglik said. "A little bit later before going to bed I thought about asking this question, and to my surprise, it blew up during the night here in Europe."

"The replies were helpful, they crystallized what I read over the years about the US. Most of them were very similar, falling into 3 categories: danger (don't mess with wildlife), hidden costs (tips, taxes, long-distance travels), and finally people (homemade food is great, they love to share, love to meet foreigners)."

The Redditor said they've been to the US once before. "It was a very short business trip to Colorado. The country seemed very interesting, vast, and full of colorful people. I always dreamt of visiting both coasts, California and New England in particular."

Hopefully, the post will help other travelers too!

#10

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans Tax is added to the shelf prices at the checkout.

AlColbert , Julia Avamotive Report

Final score:

148points

POST

Ladytron 2 years ago

What if you are on a very strict budget? Seems VERY time consuming to add tax to everything when you try to calculate how much it will be to make sure you have enough to pay for everything? Or is it the same tax for every item? When I was a student I had a calculator with me to make sure I was within my budget. This seems to be taking forever if you have to include calculating tax?

68points

#11

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans 24 hour Diners. According to stuff I read in Reddit, our diners are legendary.

ETA: I’m American and I eat at them a lot. I was just surprised how much visitors from other countries love our diners so much.

Revolutionary-Tree18 , Josh Hild Report

Final score:

135points

POST

Kayleigh 2 years ago

They're not as common in other countries

38points

#12

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans The McDonalds is not the same as in your country and will most likely make you sick.

RoseTheChief , Erik Mclean Report

Final score:

133points

POST

Jon Clingenpeel 2 years ago

People from other countries please DO NOT visit fast food places in the US. The reason our country is so overweight/obese is because of places like that. Even the soda is different here and in a bad way.

73points

#13

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans When we say, "How's it going?" we don't need a literal answer. It's just a greeting. I went to college with a guy from Germany and this confused him quite a bit when he first got here. He thought people wanted to know about his whole day.

TDeath21 , Jess Loiterton Report

Final score:

131points

POST

Frank Ropen 2 years ago

That's interesting because the german phrase "Wie geht's?" means the same and nobody expects any other answer than "good".

88points

personofinterest18 , Taras Makarenko Report

#14

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans Each state has its own driving laws.

Final score:

120points

POST

Lady Goldberry 2 years ago

Wha....???

47points

#15

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans Almost everyone in America thinks your accent is charming, and thinks you're super-fancy just for coming from Cork/Manchester/Kyoto/Lagos/Guangzho/Rio/Mexico City.

90% of native-English-speaking Americans absolutely adore hearing people speak English with an accent and with foreign syntax. English is a wildly flexible language, and we love to hear people flex it by translating their native language into English in ways that sound a little weird in English. We will 100% steal it from you because it's vivid! Shakespeare has infected all of us, we love vivid and surprising language! We absolutely devour non-native speakers because they use English like Shakespeare and Chaucer, in vivid ways that re-illuminate the language. Do NOT be embarrassed; we all want to steal your metaphors and odd phrases and malapropisms, because you are DOING SHAKESPEARE RIGHT THERE IN FRONT OF US. Like, literally offer the awkwardest phrase you've got in English, and a bunch of English speakers will instantly adopt it because it's wildly vivid. They may even steal your Italian or Chinese or Portuguese word, because it says something we can't currently say in American English.

We are also incredibly impressed that you can speak English in addition to other languages! We feel humble and slightly dumb that we can't, and we want to make your English-speaking as painless as possible. Non-native speakers are often embarrassed at their English proficiency, but *literally everyone in America* thinks you are amazing and is hanging on your every word! Most of us don't want to be weird and awkward and signal that you're not a native speaker (especially after the Trump years), so we won't mention it unless you do. But we are all sitting here ADORING your accent and freaking out that you're so good at English.

Visit Chicago. It is by far the most American city, and it is clean, friendly, and everyone will want to hear your story and may possibly invite you to Thanksgiving dinner upon first meeting.

If you are a college student, ask your dorm-mates about Thanksgiving. Someone will invite you home with them, and be super-happy to have the opportunity to do so! We're a hospitable people, Thanksgiving is uniquely American, and we know non-American kids in the dorms may not have somewhere to go! If you mention your dietary restrictions, they will make you vegan or halal or gluten-free Thanksgiving food (it might not be good, but they will try). They will want you to call your mother, and they may want to say hi to your mother, so she knows you're being taken care of on Thanksgiving. Your mother might not know what Thanksgiving is! But your American roommate's mother wants YOUR mother to know that you have a place here, so the two of them will have a very awkward conversation and both leave feeling satisfied that you are loved and cared for.

AliMcGraw , Kelsey Chance Report

Final score:

117points

POST

Kharyss 2 years ago

UK native here. I spent a year in Chicago working for a charity. They put me on the phones for their annual funds drive thinking I’d get more donations with an English accent. Backfired big time as everyone wanted to stay and chat longer and I spent most of my time explaining England rather than getting pledges.

104points

#16

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans Do not under any circumstances try to bribe a cop depending on where you come from that might seem odd but trust me you will get in trouble if you try.

DanHN2002 , Kindel Media Report

Final score:

116points

POST

DennyS (denzoren) 2 years ago

Why would you even attempt this...anywhere.

76points

#17

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans Personal space. Do not get right up behind someone standing in line, if you're lucky you'll just make them uncomfortable, unlucky and you may find yourself in a fight.

ironblondies , Pixabay Report

Final score:

115points

POST

Mama Panda 2 years ago

Yep, if you stand too close to me , I will fart on you and think nothing of it.

59points

#18

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans Food and drink portions are HUGE. Order a Coke at a sit-down restaurant and you'll likely get about 32+oz. And when it's mostly gone, they'll just bring you another one.

Mexican restaurants tend to give you 40+oz glasses of your drink.

And speaking of Mexican restaurants... They'll bring chips and salsa until you can't even stand up anymore. Then they'll bring your entree.

tn_notahick , pxhere Report

Final score:

112points

POST

General Anaesthesia 2 years ago

To those unfamiliar with Imperial units, 32 ounces is 2.1 soccer balls, according to my crosoft conversion calculator. About 0.946 liter or kilogram. Americans will never go metric because their cowboys would never exchange their 10 gallon hats for 37.85412 liter hats.

83points

#19

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans It isn't like the movies and TV shows, which tend to show southern California or New York City. The country is incredibly diverse in environment, political beliefs, accents, economics, etc. If you drive from one side of the country to the other, you will encounter so many differences you won't believe it's the same country. Sometimes you don't even have to drive to see these differences.

If you expect Times Square but fly into North Dakota, you'll be in for a rude awakening. If you visit the beach of Baywatch, you'll be shocked that instead of Pamela Anderson running in slow motion you'll see 100 overweight, middle-aged couples eating fried chicken. If you go 2 blocks off of the Las Vegas Strip, it turns into a regular city... and if you go two blocks in the wrong direction, you may fear for your life. If you think you'll see movie stars in Hollywood, you'll be surprised that it's mostly a disgusting area... and you can go from a ghetto-like environment to the fanciest of fancy Beverly Hills by crossing the street.

JiuJitsuBoy2001 , James Ting Report

Final score:

112points

POST

Mama Panda 2 years ago

I know a lot of people who are from all over the world thanks to playing mmorpgs online. This is one of the first things I tell them when they ask me about the US. We and our lives are nothing like what you see on TV or in the movies. We all live in very diverse areas. There are all types of people who come from various backgrounds. Various types of religions, politics, races, genders, ages, economic structures, creeds, beliefs, and sizes.

33points

#20

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans You can't drive across the country in 12 hours.

Dodo_Whisperer1 , Quintin Gellar Report

Final score:

108points

POST

Glen Cuchine 2 years ago

You can't drive across Montana in 12 hours (if you obey the speed limit, which we don't)

71points

#21

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans Drinks come with ice by default.

RoofedSpade , cottonbro Report

Final score:

105points

POST

KitKat 2 years ago

If I want my dram watered down. I'll tell you 🥃

19points

#22

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans Personal space. Americans do not want to be touched. We want to know every single thing about you because we find foreigners fascinating (most of us love foreigners and are simply curious), except for how your breath feels on our face. We have bubbles that must be respected. That is probably why Americans are "loud," we just simply stay farther away from each other.

MorbidMunchkin , Toa Heftiba Report

Final score:

100points

POST

Ripley 2 years ago

Australians also have a very large personal space. We have a lot less issue with the volume control, though . . . 😄

44points

#23

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans The CD is not free, never accept something from someone on a street.

Portland-to-Vt , mali maeder Report

Final score:

96points

POST

Mama Panda 2 years ago

I have never had this happen to me but I will say that non-food street vendors are pretty aggressive when trying to get you to buy their goods.

15points

#24

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans Food portions are huge, but anything you can't finish can be packed up for later. You just need to ask.

FlygonsGonnaFly , pxhere Report

Final score:

86points

POST

Rowan/Vin 2 years ago

You get that here? You can just ask usually 🤷🏻‍♀️

12points

#25

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans Most Americans are quite friendly and helpful. That most of them are truly interested in hearing all about you and your country.

Ronotimy , Priscilla Du Preez Report

Final score:

85points

POST

Lady Goldberry 2 years ago

I never met an American I didn't like.

49points

#26

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans In the US, we leave tips for food servers at restaurants and resorts.

It's not automatically included.

JoeBobilicious , Circe Denyer Report

Final score:

84points

POST

Pirates of Zen Pants 2 years ago

Here's something people may not know about this. It's almost universal for restaurants to pay waitstaff LESS THAN THE MINIMUM WAGE that other workers get. For example, in Florida, normal minimum wage is $10.00/hr, but for waitstaff, it's only $3.02/hr. Waitstaff survive on tips. If I'm not willing to tip 20% at a restaurant, I don't eat there.

70points

Party_Concentrate621 , Priscilla Du PreezPriscilla Du Preez Report

#27

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans Don't be afraid to feel comfortable here. As far as anyone is concerned this is just as much Any foreigners home as ours, we have the occasional a*****e that makes snarky remarks. Don't take it personally if u run into one because chances are he's a d**k head no matter what color you are or culture you have. Just have fun and enjoy your stay and don't let the media brainwash you into thinking that Americans are all just racist pricks. Most of us are pretty nice. Personally I'm from west Virginia, the south what is commonly known as the most racist portion of America. We get Muslims, Mexicans, Asians, all of the above, not a single hate crime report here for decades. I'm even dating an Austrian girl who says America is lovely. Our government just sucks man.

Final score:

84points

POST

Kristal 2 years ago

I'm going to respectfully disagree with the last portion of OPs statement. I get where they are coming from and it's great to believe but it's not just government because who votes to put individuals in government? The people do. The people can be full of hate and elect others that are too.

56points

deliriousgoomba , Enric Cruz López Report

#28

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans People will just start talking to you if the line is long enough.

Water refills are always free.

The majority of cities and towns are not walkable.

You don't need a membership to buy alcohol from Costco.

Have at, don't die, smile at people.

Almost forgot: do not be in a Waffle House/Denny's/iHop/Perkins after 10 pm. Especially not Waffle House.

Final score:

77points

POST

Fabian Bernard 2 years ago

Why so about Denny's etc?

15points

#29

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans "Southern Hospitality" is not a carte blanche invitation to act like you own the place. We'll give directions, stop on the side or the road and change your tire, and start conversations for no reason but once you start making absurd demands of strangers you'll hear "bless your heart" before you get punched.

SCirish843 , Jordan Rowland Report

Final score:

74points

POST

Ian Harac 2 years ago

And having lived in KY for almost 20 years now, after NYC and SF… just get used to the cashiers having long chats with the person ahead of you about Mable and what her husband did at the chruch picnic and little Joe-Bob is almost ready to graduate, can you believe it, how time flies, and how’s your Mom’s knee, is it still acting up, you should rub molasses on it when there’s a full moon, that’s what we always do, and….

48points

Responsible_Fan8665 Report

#30

When you come to the us prepare for endless amounts of ice in your drink. You might not even get any drink but you will have more ice than you could ever imagine

Final score:

57points

POST

Kristal 2 years ago

But you can request less ice or no ice

47points

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium

Unlimited content

Ad-free browsing

Dark mode

See Also on Bored Panda

Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

#31

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans Don't just get BBQ once in one place. Go to all the places and get all the BBQ everywhere.

Brancher , Nathalia Segato Report

Final score:

20points

POST

SCP 4666 2 years ago (edited)

All the bbq...everywhere...all at once😋

4points

#32

If you're travelling in the west, especially in a desert (Arizona, for example), absolutely stock your car entirely f**k-a*s full of water. If you think you have enough, fill up more. If your gas tank isn't full, fill it up. If the sign says there aren't any petrol stations for hundreds of miles, they aren't f*****g with you.

Americans have died f*****g that up, and we choose to live here. You *will* die if you don't take me seriously. Also, all that water is great, but electrolytes are also important.

PoetBakerSlut Report

Final score:

20points

POST

digitalin 2 years ago

Yeah the American West is huge and there's a lot of empty space. My Google directions in Utah once we're "Go 256 miles, then turn left." Not even kidding.

9points

#33

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans Public restrooms are free…usually. Though, it is common courtesy that if you use the restroom in a store or fast food place, you buy something — even if it's something small.

wtn06 , Inti Tupac Liberman Ares Report

Final score:

20points

POST

Jerry Ryan 2 years ago

I've been to places if you don't buy something they'll tell you the restroom is out order

7points

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

See Also on Bored Panda

“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

#34

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans If you visit a National Park, don't mess with the wildlife. Buffalo (even cows) can kill you. Most rabbits carry enough parasites and viruses to make you very ill. Also, carry enough water with you — the parks don't always have drinking water readily available at every rest stop. If water or mud is bubbling and you don't feel heat standing next to it, DO NOT touch it. It can still burn!

blarf_banding , Craig Stevenson Report

Final score:

19points

POST

Lady Goldberry 2 years ago

OK, ignorant moment: are waterbuffaloes to be found in the US, or is this a bad choice of pic? I always thought buffalo in America were more of the humpy bison types...

13points

#35

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans If you end up in the south east be ready to be smiled at, talked to and have door open for you. That’s how they pick up anyone not from the south.

Responsible_Fan8665 , Tony Mucci Report

Final score:

18points

POST

Michelle C 2 years ago

This is literally how I was raised even though I am probably a Yankee by most Southern standards, having lived in the very upper reaches of the south/on the border (Maryland) for my whole life.

1point

#36

Not sure if you also have this fear but I have a few European friends and they are afraid to visit because they are worried about getting shot and racism.

You’ll be fine, trust a stranger on Reddit. Most people are normal and will be nice to you if you’re nice to them

adubsi Report

Final score:

18points

POST

ADJ 2 years ago

We are not afraid of most people, the normal "most". We are afraid of the crazy few who shoot people at random.

12points

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

See Also on Bored Panda

French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

#37

This thread is actually making me love the US more. One thing I haven't seen anyone mention, I had a girlfriend from Turkey for a while and her mother came to visit. She was so excited to see beer on the soda machine and couldn't wait to have some. It's root beer, it's non alcoholic. Sorry to disappoint. Still delicious though.

LobotomistPrime Report

Final score:

17points

POST

Some Cool Guy 2 years ago

You can get sarsaparilla many places

5points

FlygonsGonnaFly , RODNAE Productions Report

#38

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans ATMs can charge you extra for withdrawing cash. Figure out what ATMs you should withdraw from with your card.

Final score:

17points

POST

Šimon Špaček 2 years ago

Same in Europe. Keep your distance especially from Euronet ATM, they will rip you off as much as they can. Check this video for more details. It is from channel Honest guide, his main topic is Prague (and Czech republic in general), but he also shares useful tips for traveling in Europe. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdYhm__yMQY

9points

#39

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans If the price says for example $5, you need to be aware that is $5 plus taxes.

Mariuxpunk007 , Kenny Eliason Report

Final score:

16points

POST

Terry Tobias 2 years ago

Unless it's food in a grocery store. That's non-taxable. The same for medication.

3points

SculpinIPAlcoholic Report

#40

Don’t go to a dangerous urban area because you saw it on some movie or TV show that was filmed there.

Final score:

16points

POST

Jerry Ryan 2 years ago

You could die

5points

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

See Also on Bored Panda

Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

#41

We are friendly and will get in your face.

We know it's not "real" <insert country here> food.

diablollama Report

Final score:

14points

POST

Pirates of Zen Pants 2 years ago

I went to Thailand and found that the food there was almost identical to what we get at restaurants at home. In big U.S. cities, you can easily get Thai products like coconut milk, galangal, tamarind paste and lemongrass. Delicious!

3points

#42

We have almost any biome here. Forest, snowyness, desert, beach, swamp, rainforest, plains, etc etc. it can be quite confusing.

Trick_Composer_2461 Report

Final score:

14points

POST

Lady Goldberry 2 years ago

That's just bragging now ;)

16points

#43

The vast majority of people are way nicer than the news outlets and the internet make them to be. Chances are someone will randomly start talking to you.

Tap Water is safe to drink but tastes terrible.

Also, everything is huge. From food portions to distances between places.

flacocaradeperro Report

Final score:

14points

POST

Minath 2 years ago

I've heard that tap water in Flint is not safe go drink, is that still the case?

9points

#44

DO NOT TRUST YOUR GPS IN THE DESERT. Many GPS programs list roads as existing which are actually 4-wheel drive roads, or may not exist at all. ISTR they found the remains of a German family after being missing for over 13 years in Death Valley.

banjowashisnamo Report

Final score:

14points

POST

Jill Bussey 2 years ago

ISTR - I seem to remember.

17points

Woman Refuses To Chip In For Babysitting Because She Doesn’t Even Have Kids, Asks If She’s A Jerk

See Also on Bored Panda

“This Breaks My Heart”: People Stunned—And Angry—After Woman Buys Lost Luggage From Airport

#45

Buffalo are not to be triffled with. Stay away from them.

NormalHumanCreature Report

Final score:

14points

POST

Yettichild 2 years ago

Respect ALL wildlife. Even deer have killed people under certain circumstances. Moose are mean and will trample you if pissed off. DO NOT MESS WITH BEARS! We also have cougars and wolves. They are all dangerous. Don't put yourself at risk for a photo. Get a zoom lense for your camera.

19points

#46

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans Depending on where you're going in the US, be aware of ticks and mosquitoes. They can have Lyme disease and other diseases that can easily get you really sick. And with healthcare costs in the US, you don’t want that.

toosickto , wikimedia Report

Final score:

13points

POST

Rowan/Vin 2 years ago

Doesn't everyone watch out for those? Could be Scottish me but as far as I'm aware most people watch out for midgies and ticks here

8points

#47

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans You can die climbing Angels Landing at Zion National Park. If you fall, you die, ain’t no one gonna be able to save you.

Deshackled , Brian Report

Final score:

12points

POST

Alexandru Bucur 2 years ago

Isn't that a given pretty much where there are cliffs and other rock formations even in other countries?

17points

#48

we don't actually care how you're doing, even when we ask, just say "good" or "doing well, how about you"

EndorphinSpeedBot Report

Final score:

11points

POST

Mama Panda 2 years ago

As I said somewhere up there earlier, if you feel like sharing or need to vent, I will actively listen to you. I do care.

8points

#49

If you want a regular size coffee at Starbucks, order it "short".

monkeyunited Report

Final score:

11points

POST

St34mpunk_Pirate 2 years ago

I’ve lived in America all my life and still needed to hear this

6points

"I Didn't Start The Dryer": Karen Gets Taught A Lesson After Throwing Out Neighbor's Wet Clothes

See Also on Bored Panda

Guy Divorced 3 Years Ago Drops Off 3 Y.O. With His Ex-Wife Completely Out Of The Blue

#50

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans People have different personalities depending on what part of the country you’re in. In Louisiana, you have great conversations with folks at the bar. In South Carolina, I might invite you over to their house. In New York City, they’re going to ignore you. In California, they’re only interested if it benefits them.

Drew_P_Nuts , Joshua Earle Report

Final score:

8points

POST

George Bernard 2 years ago

Drastic oversimplification. There are wonderful people in California who really want to get to know you. There are horrible people in South Carolina who would never invite you to their house. I have family all over t he country and these generalities are stupid.

28points

#51

I think it’s really funny that the CA DMV official drivers manual says, “do NOT make eye contact with another driver, this will make them MORE angry.”

oof-floof Report

Final score:

7points

POST

Kate Johnson 2 years ago

I don't see how that's funny. It's a shame that people will think this is funny when it can 100% result in your death.

0points

#52

big country. no high speed rail. if you want to go between states, you fly, and the tickets cost hundreds of dollars extra if you don't book months in advance.

do not bring weaponry or combat gear through TSA, they will turn you away.

plscallmeRain Report

Final score:

5points

POST

Kristal 2 years ago

We do not have high speed rail but we do have rail, it's called Amtrak and can be quite affordable but does take a while longer to travel. There is also Greyhound, a national bus company that goes long distances, which also is affordable but also takes longer than a plane

9points

“All Three Shot Out Pink”: Triplets' Baby Shower Turns Sour, Pregnant Wife Wants A Divorce

See Also on Bored Panda

College Student Does Exactly As Told After Roommates Demand They Keep Their Stuff In Their Room

#53

If you’re in the southeastern US, and you find yourself driving down Martin Luther King Boulevard late at night, you should leave.

Positive-Source8205 Report

Final score:

5points

POST

Lady Goldberry 2 years ago

I want to know more!

10points

#54

30 Things You Should Know Before Visiting The United States For The First Time Ever, According To Americans Whataburger and In N Out Burger are amazing.

aaronthenia , wikimedia Report

Final score:

0points

POST

G M 2 years ago

No fast food burger is amazing. Some are simply better than others.

7points

#55

You're not solving any US political issues during your visit, and you'll just make people think you're an annoying outsider poking their nose in stuff that's none of their business - even if they agree with you. We prefer to talk about the positive things going on in our country.

Patriotism may seem weird to you, but it's a thing and people take it very seriously. Be respectful.

zerbey Report

Final score:

-1point

POST

Kristal 2 years ago

Uhm ... considering the U.S. controls a large amount of global economy, any person from any country could very well make U.S. politics their business. "Outsiders"? They are called visitors, tourists, foreign nationals, they support our tourism industry, they are not outsiders. Of course it would be I'll advised to get caught up in a protest as a foreign citizen or talk c**p to people but they have every right to discuss, and have interest in, U.S. politics. Patriot my big round butt, that's just grown freaking adults that don't want to hear another person's view if it contradicts their own.

17points

Rokas is a writer at Bored Panda with a BA in Communication. After working for a sculptor, he fell in love with visual storytelling and enjoys covering everything from TV shows (any Sopranos fans out there?) to photography. Throughout his years in Bored Panda, over 300 million people have read the posts he's written, which is probably more than he could count to.

Read less »

I'm a visual editor at Bored Panda. I kickstart my day with a mug of coffee bigger than my head, ready to tackle Photoshop. I navigate through the digital jungle with finesse, fueled by bamboo breaks and caffeine kicks. When the workday winds down, you might catch me devouring bamboo snacks while binging on the latest TV show, gaming or I could be out in nature, soaking up the tranquility and communing with my inner panda.

Read less »

What do you think ?

POST

Nikki Sevven 2 years ago

The US is larger than the EU. You wouldn't plan to visit Barcelona, Helsinki, Dublin, and Bucharest in the same week; you won't manage to visit Boston, Miami, San Francisco, and the Grand Canyon in the same week either.

10points

Emma S 2 years ago (edited)

I've just come back from a 5 day trip in New York and the local people are the rudest people I've ever had the misfortune of meeting. I was screamed at JFK airport because I didn't put my thumb on scanner properly. Fingerprint scanning is not something that is required to enter the UK or most countries actually. I asked man working in booth at subway which train and I had to get and he didn't even speak, just looked at me like I was the stupidest person ever, let out a loud sigh and pointed to the platform. Then when my metro card wouldn't swipe me through turnstile he screamed at me that I hadn't swiped it properly. I'm from a part of the UK that has an underground subway system. I also got screamed at when going to see Beetlejuice on Broadway by a guard because he took so long to scan my eticket that the light had gone off on my phone. There were a few more instances like that but not enough space to discuss here. Such loud, obnoxious people with egos the size of Brazil

4points

Jo Firth 2 years ago

Hmmmm, so many instances of people 'screaming' at you. Wonder what the problem really is?

4points

ErraticEel 2 years ago

If you encounter one jerk in a day, then you met one jerk. If everyone is a jerk all day, then you are the jerk.

2points

Bee 2 years ago

You are talking about people doing crappy repetitive bureaucratic jobs which you are making harder for them, not "local people". New Yorkers are generally pretty cool and surprisingly nice for people who live in a huge city.

1point

Mary G----no 2 years ago

I used to go to New Jersey every year to visit family. We'd head over to NYC to play tourist and it was always different than all that. Weird. NJ was far more rude than NY. Maybe it helped that my grandfather was from there and still had a heavy Brooklyn accent even after living in the South for 30 years.

0points

Pam Akers 2 years ago

We in Florida think that way about NYC anyway. With crime rate: don't visit Afghanistan, Taiwan, Ukraine, New York, Chicago, LA, or southern border states.

-2points

Emma S 2 years ago (edited)

New Yorkers really let their city down. The city itself is a great place with lots to see and do but the attitude, entitlement and ego of the people that live there means I never want to go back. I know a few people that have been to New York that say the same thing. A lot of tourist attractions like American Museum History herd people in and shout at visitors like it's a Cat A prison not a museum. I get they want to be safe, but a lot of it is overzealous guards trying to feel powerful. The gun situation made me feel uneasy in US as well.

1point

GFSTaylor 2 years ago

I was friendly with a couple who ran a Star Wars website - exchanging chatty emails etc. I was planning come from the UK to visit another internet friend in New Mexico whom I'd stayed with before. I knew Maki lived in New York, and asked if I could come to them after New Mexico, and spend a week with them. Maki and her husband said yes. They picked me up from the airport and took me to their apartment, which was right in the middle of Manhattan. I had a lovely week with them, been shown around and taken to their favourite food places. They paid for my ticket to see Spamalot on Broadway. A friend of theirs was celebrating his 50th birthday and had invited them and a dozen others to be his guest at a little Italian restaurant. He was happy to include me, a complete stranger, in his party - he was delighted to have an English guest. All through my visit, from the subway to museums, everyone was fine.

5points

Jo Firth 2 years ago

Could not disagree more. I've had New Yorkers stop in the street and ask me if I need some help when I've been looking at a map. On a number of occasions. They've asked on the subway if I know where my stop is. They have been unfailingly nice. Never had a problem with a security guard. Having said that, the TSA agents at airports are a whole other story.

2points

Faith M 2 years ago

I’m a New Yorker. We don’t want you back

0points

I’m A Black Cat 2 years ago

Cannot agree. Been to NYC 4 or 5 times, had friends living there. Greatest place. We never met anybody unfriendly, on the contrary there was a tad too much chattyness and questions for our European taste :)

0points

MorgothBauglir 2 years ago

No, I think the service was quite nice at the American Museum of Natural History. Long lines, granted, but very helpful employees when the iPad for signing up to exhibits stopped working.

0points

Seedy Vine 2 years ago (edited)

A cousin of mine in the U.S. went to a McDonald's in the South, and because they don't ban many toxic chemicals in their food down there, she got an anaphylactic shock from eating their fries and ended up in the hospital fighting for her life. Please take care out there. Many toxic chemicals in the U.S. are not banned.

1point

S Mi 2 years ago (edited)

Some of the currency issues are likely in part due to many neighbouring countries, like Mexico and some Caribbean countries, accepting (and appreciating) USD

1point

AmmoniteCat 2 years ago

Ahh...to be living in a First World country

0points

Ray Martin 2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Emma 2 years ago

Many of us Americans wish to leave as well

0points

POST

Nikki Sevven 2 years ago

10points

Emma S 2 years ago (edited)

4points

Jo Firth 2 years ago

Hmmmm, so many instances of people 'screaming' at you. Wonder what the problem really is?

4points

ErraticEel 2 years ago

If you encounter one jerk in a day, then you met one jerk. If everyone is a jerk all day, then you are the jerk.

2points

Bee 2 years ago

1point

Mary G----no 2 years ago

0points

Pam Akers 2 years ago

We in Florida think that way about NYC anyway. With crime rate: don't visit Afghanistan, Taiwan, Ukraine, New York, Chicago, LA, or southern border states.

-2points

Emma S 2 years ago (edited)

1point

GFSTaylor 2 years ago

5points

Jo Firth 2 years ago

2points

Faith M 2 years ago

I’m a New Yorker. We don’t want you back

0points

I’m A Black Cat 2 years ago

0points

MorgothBauglir 2 years ago

No, I think the service was quite nice at the American Museum of Natural History. Long lines, granted, but very helpful employees when the iPad for signing up to exhibits stopped working.

0points

Seedy Vine 2 years ago (edited)

1point

S Mi 2 years ago (edited)

Some of the currency issues are likely in part due to many neighbouring countries, like Mexico and some Caribbean countries, accepting (and appreciating) USD

1point

AmmoniteCat 2 years ago

Ahh...to be living in a First World country

0points

Ray Martin 2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Emma 2 years ago

Many of us Americans wish to leave as well

0points