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When we're traveling abroad, we often get away with things locals simply wouldn't. "I'm just a tourist. I didn't know!" we say after we get caught for something we (knowingly) did wrong. But sometimes it's not enough.
So in an attempt to figure out when this seemingly ultimate excuse is worthless in the United States, Reddit user u/firebullmonkey made a post on the platform, asking: "People from the US, what's a no-go in American culture?" And their question was answered.
From dealing with authorities to tipping servers, here are some of the most popular answers!
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#2
Do NOT get out of the car to greet the officer if you're pulled over by a cop!!! Stay in the car and let the officer come to you. If you need to reach for something like your license, tell the cop you are doing so before you do it.
#3
Unless it is a clear and DIRE emergency, you ask someone if they need an ambulance before you call for one. It’s the most expensive taxi you will ever take and it can ruin most people financially for years.
#4
Be careful not to trespass on private property, in a lot countries just walking through is fine but that can get you shot in the US.
#5
When passing a funeral procession on the road you pull over and wait for them to pass out respect.
Péter Rózsahegyi 2 years ago
We don't have funeral processions on the streets (Hungary). Maybe in little villages. They usually begin at the gate of the cemetery then they go to the grave. I drive for almos 30 years but don't remember if I ever saw a funeral procession on the streets.
#7
Don't ask black people about their hair. I saw a german kid asking a black girl if he could pet her hair. Just don't.
#8
Conversations about religion, politics, or other personal beliefs. It will most likely devolve into one person trying to convince another that their viewpoint is correct and that the listener is wrong.
#9
In the South, being called 'hun' or 'honey' is a great compliment. Conversely, if they yell your name across the house you f**ked up bad.
#10
Never cut in line. I saw that a lot in Europe. Here, you might get shizzled.
#11
A hug or a one of the cheek touch greetings are a big no no. Physical touch is VERY personal to us Americans. If you introduce yourself like that, especially to a man, you might get laid out. Shake hands or nod an acknowledgment and say hello.
lovemy suffolk 2 years ago
This is true!! Americans take personal space very seriously. Don't touch people without their permission
#12
Picking up after yourself. Cleaning your table off at a fast food restaurant is the one that comes to mind. My personal stance on it is if they brought the food to your table then they clear it, if you brought the food to your own table you clear it and yet people still leave mountains of trash when they leave. This also applies to litter and not cleaning up after dog poop and such. Just clean up your own messes or you’ll get a lot of dirty looks.
#13
Americans may be friendly in passing, but that doesn't mean we want to take you home and be best friends. We tend to be called fake a lot, we make an effort to be nice (especially while working at customer service jobs)....but many don't have time, or money, to devote to friendships.
So if you press too much you might get blanked/ghosted over time.
#14
Don’t ever dress up as a clown at 2am and try to scare people in a parking lot, sidewalk, neighborhood etc…. You will get shot or worse! And just Don’t dress up as a clown anywhere, ever! Not funny!
#15
When someone asks you how you are the answer is "good", "great" or any variation thereof. It doesn't matter if your husband just left you, your dog died and you have been diagnosed with cancer, nobody wants to actually know how you are. If you expect to die in the next couple of days you can say something like "hanging in there". If you slip up and say something like "not too great" quickly catch yourself and add "but it's getting better" so that the questioner can reply with something positive like "glad to hear that" and move on. The whole exchange is just an elaborate way of saying "Hi". In other countries people ask this to find out how someone is doing and the person answering is giving an assessment of how they are. If they don't want to know they don't ask. It's often meant as the opening to a longer conversation. Not so in America.
#16
Don't use any bad words, because some that are used casually in other countries are unforgivable insults here - fighting words that will make you an enemy for life.
lovemy suffolk 2 years ago
I've learned from reading BP that the c**t word in Australia is not a big deal. In the US, that word is way worse than saying F**k or calling someone a B***h.
#17
Talking about your salary. Talking about someone’s weight. Driving too slow in the left hand lane. Not tipping. In Chicago, putting ketchup on a hot dog.
Elliot Fowler 2 years ago
I talk about my salary because it finally became clear to me that ít is a way for corporations to underpay employees since most don't know how much their colleagues actually makes.
#18
Reusing the same plate when you go up for a second round at the buffet. You've got to get a new one.
#19
Don’t call someone’s house “Homely” in America. Out here it’s an insult.
Lance d'Boyle 2 years ago
Homely means drab and unattractive: homey means cosy and comfortable: homie is a friend, usually from where you grew up.
#20
Well when you live in the stix, you wave at people while driving on the back road (usually one or two finger wave) or they think you’re from the city/up to no good
Shadowfall The Explorer 2 years ago
Unless your both driving a Jeep then it is expected to wave.. it's a Jeep thing.
#21
Americans like personal space. Leave room between you and the person you're speaking to or lining up behind.
Yvonne Dauwalder Balsiger 2 years ago
Only true, when compared to Southern Europe, for example. When compared to Northern Europe, yeah right 😂 😂 😂 You guys like the personal space of Middle Europe...
#23
Sleeping during your lunch break. Alcohol at your desk or during lunch (besides work parties). Being touchy (as in hugging people, touching their arms, etc).
Ironically, I've done all of these, but my point is don't do them unless you know your company's culture and the people around you, else you may get a warning from management or HR.
Lauren Caswell 2 years ago
Alcohol at your desk seems like it would be a bad idea everywhere though?
#24
Putting cash or cards on the counter, instead of handing them to the staff, is often considered rude in America but polite in other places. Especially throwing them down on the counter - super rude.
#25
Many Americans aren't afraid of confrontation. A lot of them will be nice as a formality, just to get to know you and be a good neighbor but they won't shy away from talking s**t if it comes down to it.
#26
Might be a NYC thing MIND YOUR BUSINESS AND WHAT EVER YOU DO DONT STARE. Unless you want the " waddaya lookin at? mind ya f**king business!"
lovemy suffolk 2 years ago
This is true. Don't stare! Very rude. No matter what the person is wearing or looks like.
#27
Walking on the left side of a hallway or passage instead of the right side.
Twodogsandapicnictable 2 years ago
You mean like traffic? Is everywhere else one big mosh pit the second you get out of your car?
#28
In the elevator with multiple people, everyone faces the door and doesn't talk to anyone. It's an awkward silence, especially if you're a big guy around smaller women. the worst thing you could do is ask your elevator-mates how their day is
#29
Learning accurate history about our nation and others, apparently.
Thiamat Thiamat 2 years ago
I'm sure about all americans will do so prior to visit countries in Europe ...
#30
In Alaska, you’re better off to assume that every local has no sense of humor. They’re still friendly but none of us ever smile or laugh.
What do you think ?
Buren 2 years ago
Many of these are applicable everywhere because they are common sense, common etiquette. Many others are oddly specific or too absurd to believe. I think the only one I read without knotting my brows is the Keanu Reeves, spot on.
Buren 2 years ago
Many of these are applicable everywhere because they are common sense, common etiquette. Many others are oddly specific or too absurd to believe. I think the only one I read without knotting my brows is the Keanu Reeves, spot on.
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