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30 Folks Online Share Things That No Tourist In America Should Under Any Circumstances Do
Not too long ago, we have covered the issue of tourists not really understanding the limits and restrictions of the place they are visiting, i.e. Hawai’i, and then causing a lot of trouble along the way, leading to all of the reasons why Hawai’ians don’t really want visitors any more.
So, why not get ahead of things and nail down some of the actions, behaviors and… things to not do while visiting the U.S., as shared by folks on AskReddit, particularly in this modest thread.
Bored Panda has crafted a curated list with some of the best responses to the now viral question, if visiting America, what is something that [people] should NEVER do?, which you can check out below. And don’t forget to give us those upvotes if you genuinely agree or like the submissions, because we love you, and comment some of your don’ts in the U.S. in the comment section below.
More Info: Reddit
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#1
Don’t talk about how you think a holiday or American custom is stupid if you are invited to someone’s home. We had a guest from Germany once, who was invited to my parents house for Thanksgiving . The whole day she talked about how it wasn’t a real holiday and it was just an excuse for fat Americans to eat more. It was extremely insulting and made the day unpleasant for everyone. If you are invited to someone’s home, at least try to to be polite.
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#2
If you find yourself in Florida, absolutely do not swim in the lakes, ditches, or channels. Any standing body of water can (and does) have alligators in it. Also possibly water moccasins. And maybe even diseases.
#3
Do NOT go into the wilderness unprepared. If a trail says 2 miles and 2000' of elevation gain, that's not a nature walk.
Do NOT approach wild Animals. Yea, the moose looks big and stupid, but he'll kill you. So will the bears, mountain lions, alligators, snakes.
DD 2 years ago
Have a cousin lives in anchorage Alaska. He sent me a pic of a moose laying in the yard across the street. I said oh, it's like on northern exposure (a television show on at the time.). He said no. His was a city moose. The moose on NE was a country moose. I asked what's the difference. He said city moose are somewhat used to people around and tend to be not aggressive. The country moose will just flat out kill you.
#4
Don't underestimate the size of the U.S. We get a lot of international visitors who think they can hit Disneyworld and the Grand Canyon in one or two days. America is huge. We've got 50 states for a reason.
Also, don't expect things to be extremely walkable, or assume a decent public transportation system will be available to you. Urban areas usually have good public transport but truthfully, America is built around having a car. We have drive thru everything - banks, pharmacies, fast food, and in some states, liquor stores.
Don't get weirded out if Americans wave and randomly want to chat you up. We're a pretty talkative bunch, but do watch out for hot-button topics (for example, politics...we're a hot mess right now).
Benita Valdez 2 years ago
Also don't assume that because of where you are people aren't friendly. Us New Yorkers are assumed to be assholes but really we're not all bad.
#5
Underestimate distances. When I was a tour guide, far too many customers asked how many HOURS the train to New York was [in seattle] and I had to put their jaw back in when I said 5 days.
#6
Whether you agree with it or not (and the Redditland consensus is not), but please do not leave a restaurant without tipping (unless you've had really bad service). Again, the debate on this can be had another day, but right now, IRL, these servers depend upon these tips.
Nikki Sevven 2 years ago
Punishing your server will not cause his employer to suddenly begin paying a living wage.
#7
Wear clothing that has any imagery associated with Hells Angels. I was once at the convention centre in San Francisco during the setup of an event, and happened to be wearing a t shirt that had a variation of the “death head” logo on it (I had no idea - it was a cheap t shirt bought in the U.K. that I liked the look of). There was a guy riding round on a fork lift that kept staring at me and talking to his buddies. Eventually he came over and asked if I was associated at all with the Hells Angels. When I said no, he basically told me that if I was spotted outside wearing that t shirt by a member of the gang, I’d be in a whole heap of trouble. He was so insistent that he virtually escorted me back to my hotel to change it. At the time I couldn’t believe it, I was like “mate it’s just a t shirt I bought for 10 quid from TK Maxx” but in hindsight he probably did me a favour.
#8
If pulled over by the cops, do not exit the vehicle unless they ask you to. The cops might sit in their vehicle for a while, & then they will approach the window & expect you to talk to them while sitting in the car.
#9
If locals tell you not to go to a certain part of town, listen to them. Similarly, don't go touring drug or gang territory.
Daniel Yamada 2 years ago (edited)
I'm going to restore that car so I can take my children on a great adventure in it. Then I will marry the daughter of the owner of the local candy factory.
#10
Don’t talk about GRAPE
Guns
Religion
Abortion
Politics
Economics
#11
Legoboy514 said:
Raccoons are cute… but from a distance.
seapancaketouchr replied:
I had two f*ckers break into my condo and steal my dogs food. And as they went over the wall of my patio it was like watching a fat middle aged man do an obstacle course.
#12
Don't go to the hospital unless absolutely necessary. The memes don't lie, they'll charge you $2,100 for a s***ty Walgreens splint and an x-ray.
Benita Valdez 2 years ago
Aw that's how much my broken finger cost in 1999. Nice little clean break, go to hospital, get an xray, get a little $4 splint and a bill for $2100. I was a teen and learned that sometimes, if you think it's broken just wrap it up and don't do anything to worsen it. Hospitals are only for major health issues
#13
Visiting south west USA? Cali. Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, ect. DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE HEAT, all to often people try a hike in 113° and end up needing rescue. And that's no good for anyone.
Nikki Sevven 2 years ago
You're in even more danger in the Deep South. The temperature might not be as hot, but the nearly 100% humidity will prevent your body from cooling itself. Because the humidity is so high, your sweat doesn't evaporate and cool you down. It's easy to get heat stroke.
#14
Do not attempt bribe a police officer. It's common in some countries, but it will land you in a world of s**t here.
Benita Valdez 2 years ago
You can in many South American countries and Mexico. My dad has bribed himself out of many speeding tickets 😁
#15
Don’t assume that the price shown on an item for sale is your price for said item.
There are almost always taxes that are added to the price when you go to pay.
#16
If you’re in a New York City subway, try not to make too much eye contact or look too long at people around you. Old guy lighting up a crack pipe near the door between cars? Just ignore the smell. Woman near you screaming at the top of her lungs at her silent child? Keep listening to your music. Someone digging through their bag, muttering to themselves, and throwing rose petals on the floor like they’re preparing for a seance? Just keep staring blankly at your phone. Trust me.
Michael Deyette 2 years ago
This is the kind of post that reminds me why I want to leave society.
#17
Give retail employees a hard time about paying sales tax. We know you don't live here—the register and the government don't care.
#18
Don't think the laws are the same everywhere. You can walk with an open alcohol container in Vegas but not many other places. Alcohol laws, pot laws, firearms laws, smoking - lots of very different laws depending on the state and city where you are.
Terry Tobias 2 years ago
Always check first! And don't just ask a local... they might think they know but could be wrong. Google it and search that state's (and sometimes local) laws.
#19
Don’t forget to put eggs and milk in the fridge. We do stuff to them that makes them require refrigeration.
Edited; it’s not homogenization. Just know that the way we process them makes them, much like Americans, spoiled without Air conditioning.
#20
541mya said:
Don't take pictures with the people dressed up in costumes in LA/ NYC.
nsci2ece replied:
They'll immediately expect payment for it.
This only applies to photos where you pose directly with them. Taking photos of them from a distance is fine.
Skylar Jaxx 2 years ago
Also Vegas! I made a ton of money and I was on vacation. People just took pictures with me in my costume (nun outside but fishnets and leather & fishnet gloves, spiky heels) and was just passing me money I didn't know what was going on. Then realized that that was people's actual jobs!
#21
If you are coming to the Midwest or northeast during winter be prepared and don’t think sunshine means warm weather. It can be deceptively cold. :)
#22
Objective-Dingo6603 said:
Do not take anything from national parks.
floorwantshugs replied:
Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints*.
*on the designated trails. Do not under any circumstances step on the cryptobiotic soil.
Themasterofcomedy209 replied:
Unless you want to become another missing 411 case where people speculate if you were abducted by Bigfoot.
Carol Emory 2 years ago
And whatever you take in, please take with you when you leave. The fees charged by some of the parks are to pay employees to repair the trails damaged by high traffic and to pay for rescues when people get lost. They are not paid to follow every trail to pick up your trash and clean up after you. If you bring it in, take it out. No one should ever know you were there except by viewing a lovely photograph of your trip.
#23
Do not take pictures of the Amish. It's really rude to them.
Trevor Nicholson 2 years ago
Ok but like literally, just don't take pictures of people without permission. Not just people with specific religious views, but literally any strangers. Just because yes it is fully legal to take photos of people in public, it doesn't mean it isn't creepy, weird, and/or rude.
#24
macaronsforeveryone said:
Don’t cut in line. We hate that.
EnchantedPancake replied:
About a year ago I had a dumb [woman] drive in front of me at the Starbucks drive thru. I was so happy she did too. As soon as it was her turn to order, I layed into my horn for as long as it took for her to become frustrated and leave because her order could not be heard LMAO. No one deserves to get walked on like that.
#25
When visiting tourist places, if there are signs instructing you to “stay on the path” or “please do **not** touch” or “**no** flash photography” or a guide at the place asks you to please refrain from doing something….
DO AS THEY (or the sign) ASK! It’s no different than when the tourism is in reverse.
#26
If you're driving through a neighbourhood where people have their shirts off, do not stop for anyone. You have reached the bad part of town and want to leave it as soon as possible.
Maybe not true for all places but in the land of limitless guns and crazy people it's not a bad rule of thumb.
WoodenLion 2 years ago
probably right - move like you know where you are going and keep your chin up. literally.
#27
If you're visiting Las Vegas, do *not* engage with anyone that asks if you'll be in town tomorrow night. They're trying to rope you into a timeshare presentation and even though they'll offer free show tickets, meal vouchers, and even cash, it's not worth it! The tour and "short" presentation will be way longer (and obnoxiously higher pressure) than you'd expect and they know damn well after you've invested a few hours you're not going to leave without the promised reward that they only give you at the very end.
These people are most often found at the entrances to malls or casinos at what can be easily mistaken for information booths. Either just say "no" no matter how long you're actually still going to be there or flat-out ignore them.
Also don't accept the cards being handed out by people in brightly colored shirts on the strip unless you want a promo for strippers.
Paul Davis 2 years ago
The rewards the timeshare guys promise always turn out to be cheap garbage also
#28
[Do not] haggle. There are times it’s appropriate to haggle in the US, but none of them are going to come up on your tourist trip. In the US, haggling is basically reserved for high-ticket items and certain services. You can’t haggle for things in a store or at a restaurant. The people you’re talking to usually don’t have the power to change the price, and if they do, they still won’t want to. The exceptions would be of the thing in the store is damaged (and they might not reduce the price, they might just take the broken one from you and find you a decent one), or if the person you’re dealing with is a criminal (ex; the guys who sell stolen purses, fake sunglasses, and bootleg DVDs in the street in some cities). Goods in stores or at kiosks have a set price based on pretty specific metrics, and everyone pays the same. No one’s going to cry or try and convince you if you walk away.
Terry Tobias 2 years ago
Haggling is ok if you're at a flea market, lawn sale, or something like that. It's expected. Regular stores... no.
#29
Don’t get in someone’s personal space. Stand at *least* 3 feet and preferably 6+ feet away from everyone. It is very uncomfortable for Americans when you stand too close and it can even be threatening. Plenty of countries are the same way but specifically Americans.
#30
Leave your car with your purse sitting on the front seat. Thieves will smash the window and steal it.
What do you think ?
KimB 2 years ago
I feel like we as an American culture tend to be more tolerant to those that are only visiting here than we are to our own citizens. That being said don't be a jerk, research the laws on the individual states you will be visiting, and be sure to wear your seat belt and you'll be fine. Most of us are actually very kind and don't mind helping lost visitors find their way and will even smile at you while we do it (I do all the time I guess I look approachable to foreigners)
Gavin Johnson 2 years ago
As with every country I’ve visited it’s easy to be liked in the U.S. if you are polite, thoughtful and think ahead. I’ve been lost one way or another in pretty much every country I’ve visited (I kinda enjoy wandering and being temporarily misplaced doesn’t bother me) and I’ve always found that polite requests are met with smiles and help, on one occasion in NJ I ended up in an awesome bar with a great bunch of people. I’ve been pulled over by the Police, followed the rules and I spent more time talking about where I’m from in England than explaining why my sorry a*s was sat at a green light. BP is a bit harsh on the U.S., you have a beautiful country and friendly folk. So much to like!
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TC Wilson 2 years ago
Many of these rules seem like they’d be applicable anywhere. I understand the ones about tipping and storage of milk/eggs, but many just fall under the “Be a decent human being”. Also, I would think one shouldn’t approach the wildlife no matter where you are.
ursula zaid 2 years ago
Yeah but in some countries wildlife is pretty tame compared to say ,warmer climates like Australia.
Load More Replies... KimB 2 years ago
I feel like we as an American culture tend to be more tolerant to those that are only visiting here than we are to our own citizens. That being said don't be a jerk, research the laws on the individual states you will be visiting, and be sure to wear your seat belt and you'll be fine. Most of us are actually very kind and don't mind helping lost visitors find their way and will even smile at you while we do it (I do all the time I guess I look approachable to foreigners)
Gavin Johnson 2 years ago
As with every country I’ve visited it’s easy to be liked in the U.S. if you are polite, thoughtful and think ahead. I’ve been lost one way or another in pretty much every country I’ve visited (I kinda enjoy wandering and being temporarily misplaced doesn’t bother me) and I’ve always found that polite requests are met with smiles and help, on one occasion in NJ I ended up in an awesome bar with a great bunch of people. I’ve been pulled over by the Police, followed the rules and I spent more time talking about where I’m from in England than explaining why my sorry a*s was sat at a green light. BP is a bit harsh on the U.S., you have a beautiful country and friendly folk. So much to like!
Load More Replies... TC Wilson 2 years ago
Many of these rules seem like they’d be applicable anywhere. I understand the ones about tipping and storage of milk/eggs, but many just fall under the “Be a decent human being”. Also, I would think one shouldn’t approach the wildlife no matter where you are.
ursula zaid 2 years ago
Yeah but in some countries wildlife is pretty tame compared to say ,warmer climates like Australia.
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