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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.
RELATED:
#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.
Chucky Cheezburger 2 years ago
Yeps to this. It can be only 90 and the humidity had me sweating like a prostitute in church. Shirt and jeans were soaked and my hat was dripping sweat off the bill.
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Kona Pake 2 years ago
It’s like a walk-in oven after you get out of the air conditioned bus or car.
Jude Last 2 years ago
On windy days I say it's like being in a convection oven.
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Terry Tobias 2 years ago
And don't believe the axiom that it's not that bad because it's a "dry heat". When it's over 100°F every day, get in the air conditioning and drink lots of liquids! I lived in Vegas for a short while and summer is brutal!
Shawn Seymour 2 years ago
Phoenix was named after a bird born in fire. Think about it. Take all the time you need.
Missi Boness 2 years ago
Don't underestimate the cold of the north either. I live in northern Wisconsin and we have tourists that come up here to snowshoe, snow mobile, and cross country ski and not realize that not only do we get temperatures below -20° but a lot of northern Wisconsin has hot or miss cell service.
Kate 2 years ago
Don't visit Death Valley in the summer. Had a German family get lost on back roads a few years back; they were found mummified in their car about a week later.
Daniel Fincher 2 years ago
The southern US in general...the Southeast is regularly 100+ between June-Sept, and the high humidity makes it feel like being wrapped in a blanket (even if you're butterball naked)
Kurtis Wethington 2 years ago
Also in America we use FARENHEIT NOT CELSIUS. Don't let the "exaggeration" (ex. 30C/86F) throw you off like Americans abroad probably learn the hard way.
Reddog McGraw 2 years ago
Research words like "Humidity Factor" and "Wind Chill Factor" ... Heat Exhaustion and Hypothermia are a thing
Craig Reynolds 2 years ago
Ahh, Arizona, where over the course of about a 2-hour south to north drive (Phoenix to Flagstaff) you can go from 120F to 35F with snow on the ground...
Jyndaru 2 years ago
I left Tucson on a whim one hot spring afternoon and arrived in Flagstaff to a snowy night. It was glorious! Such a beautiful drive and great way to beat the heat for a couple days.
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felicia wills 2 years ago
Watched a guy run his dog so much around 1p middle of Texas summer. Poor dog collapsed and couldn't get back up. Had to get a ride back to their house. People are just idiots. That's why stupid rules exist, stupid people.
Jyndaru 2 years ago
That is sad. I wish people like him didn't have pets. Also wanted to add: if it's very hot out and you want to take your dog for a walk, please bend down and press the back of your hand to the pavement for 10 seconds. If it's too hot for you to hold your hand there, it's too hot for your dog's paws.
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Tracy Wallick 2 years ago
I grew up in SoCal. Wear sunscreen and sunglasses and a hat, drink and take with you lots of water, and if you're too hot, GO INSIDE.
Colleen Keller 2 years ago
Or the heat and humidity of the Southeastern states. It might be "only" 90°, but with high humidity, you will feel it.
Kyle Simone Buggs 2 years ago
Okay yeah so this Arizona heat is no joke in the summer. The sun is up before 5am out here sometimes. 110°+ temps for weeks on end. Still over 100° when the sun goes down at night. Summer lasts like 6 months out here. And yet everyone keeps moving out here. Smh
Id row 2 years ago
Not just in the southwest, just the south in general gets hot af. At least with the southwest, it's a dry heat.
Kyle Simone Buggs 2 years ago (edited)
I'm from Tennessee so I know about southern heat and humidity. I've been in Arizona for 18 years and lemme tell you... Dry heat or not, 115° is frikkin hot. Especially when we hit those temps multiple days in a row. At least in the south it cools down at night. Not out here. It will barely dip below 100° even after the sun goes down. Too much concrete in the valley of the sun (Phoenix). Ain't nothing but a giant brick oven out here
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Mrs. Jan Glass 2 years ago
In the Southwest/deserts, the heat will drop as soon as the sun sets, too. It is not unusual to see fluctuations of almost 50* fahrenheit from day to night in a desert climate, so don't assume you don't need to bring warmer clothes to change into later.
ThumbsUpGuy 2 years ago
if you are going anywhere in the US south during the summer where there will be high heat exposure, study up online first on how to recognize heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Study up on how to avoid these conditions and what to do if you get them. This is serious. Untreated heat exhaustion can easily lead up to heat stroke. Heat stroke can turn into a real stroke. There have been people who have gone down with heat stroke and have to spend the rest of their life as paraplegics. So Beware!
ThumbsUpGuy 2 years ago (edited)
This goes for Texas also. Do not leave a baby unattended in the front seat of a car, even if it has a running engine with the AC going. This is felony child abuse. Someone will call the cops, break out the opposite window with a cinder block, and take care of the baby. Child Protective Services will carry the baby away. The cops will arrest you. You will be charged with a serious felony. This will involve jail time, courtroom appearances, and a lawyer. You really don't want to spend your vacation this way.
Carol Emory 2 years ago
Or SE for that matter. We not only have scorching 92 degree heat, we have high humidity that goes with it. And do not stay in the SE USA unless you are at a place that has central A/C or private A/C in your room.
albernistuff 4sale 2 years ago
I live in Canada. On the Pacific Coast a bit inland. I have seen this temperature for days here.
Jef Bateman 2 years ago
Phoenix firefighters rescued six hikers in one week earlier this month, and it's not even summer yet.
Ann M Clinkscales 2 years ago
Always have water available. If you think you need 24 ounces of water, you need three times that at least in the American Southwest!! And that's for just 4-6 hours...maybe.
Shannon Dasher 2 years ago
Lived in Yuma, Arizona back in 70's on a Marine Corp Base. The streets were so hot you could cook an egg on them.
Jaybird3939 2 years ago
Way Northern CA is NOT even in the same zone as Central & Southern CA. It's cooler here (50-65 degrees on average), our beaches are not for hanging out and tanning, although surfing is pretty popular here. Dressing in layers is the fashion word. We do get a lot of tourists, but not to many come for the beach and the sand.
Janet Graham 2 years ago
Always take the advice of the Park Ranger. You will need 3x more water than you think because it will take 3x longer than you think. Short early morning or evening walks are best for photos and wildlife viewing. Most guided tours are worth it.
Ms. Human Being 2 years ago
I live in Northern California, and one day it’s burning, the next, freezing
Veronica Connelly 2 years ago
Florida isn't south west but it is hot. But so are many other states that aren't south west
Load More Replies... #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... Rosanna Jackson 2 years ago
This isn't as necessary anymore. We are not interested in a gun crazy nation that overturns human rights and let's KKK become cops. It's not hyperbole, many of my colleagues and one friend have canceled their trips to U.S. destinations. It's just become too intolerable, we're good.
aj B 2 years ago
Hell a fair number of us want to leave as it is, but due to income issues can't.
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Bi-Polar Express 2 years ago
Just take your trash with you. And no one cares if you were there so don't write your name places. Take only pictures and leave only memories.
Sinkvenice 2 years ago
I just wanted to tell you your username is great :-)
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Nicole Kosanke 2 years ago
Wear plenty of sunscreen if you come here in the summer. When I was in college, I worked at a theme park that got a lot of international visitors, and I saw so many lobster-red Europeans who weren't used to that much sun.
ThumbsUpGuy 2 years ago (edited)
the author left out the dangers of ROAD-RAGE. Do not curse, flip off, yell at, or challenge someone for their rude, inconsiderate, or even dangerous driving habits. A certain percentage of the time, this justifies vigilante action with firearms so to teach you proper manners. Where I live in Houston, there are at least two road-rage killings every month. Do not even drive fast and aggressively. This justifies a bout of road-rage with some people. So beware. Drive gently & practice the ethic of forgiveness. Just smile and politely wave if some idiot is after you. That will be enough satisfaction for all but the insane.
Annie Bieber 2 years ago
Don't assume because we're Americans we don't speak foreign languages. I was working in a SoCal restaurant in the 70's, couple from France came in & started talking garbage about how stupid Americans were. Having taken French for four years I bit my tongue until their order came up, "accidentally" knocked the guys beverage into his lap apologizing in perfect French that not only are we stupid we're extremely uncoordinated...No tip for me...C'est la vie...😈
Jennifer Mann 2 years ago
I would add try not to be put off by the friendliness. We are happy to meet you and many will do anything to help you and make your trip pleasant. Traveling outside of North America is expensive and we are generally curious about you and your culture and welcoming.
Briana Landers 2 years ago
I feel like this should be on the list; DON'T WEAR EXPOSED BANDANAS. Certain colors, like black, white, red, and blue will literally get you jumped no questions asked. I like in a small innocent non-affiliated suburban town, but when family comes to visit, and that family is in hells angels or a Crip, THEY WILL straight up HATE CRIME YOU. My mom knows a guy who ok got beat up for having a red bandana in his back pocket.
Joni-lee Smith 2 years ago (edited)
A lot of these are also appropriate for Canada except in Canada don't refer to them as American they prefer to be calling Canadian
Kaitlynnnnnn 2 years ago
Why would you visit a school if you aren't visiting one of your children?
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Annie Bieber 2 years ago
Do NOT A*S-U-ME because we're American we don't speak foreign languages. Was a SoCal waitress in the 70's, French couple came in talking garbage about how stupid Americans were etc...I bit my tongue having taken four years of French, waited til their order came "accidentally" knocked the guys soda in his lap while apologizing in perfect French that not only are we stupid...we're REALLY Uncoordinated. 😈 C'est la vie...
skippy lenny 2 years ago
Oh and last but not least, if you decide to move to this great place - don't try and make it like what ever country you came from. We have had our limit already.
Mr. Pavone 2 years ago
1. DO NOT GO ON SCHOOL PROPERTY. EVER. FOR ANY REASON. Yes, yellow school buses are a real thing. DO NOT GO ON SCHOOL PROPERTY TO TAKE PICTURES OF THEM. A Dutch couple on vacation in rural New York State saw the busses parked at my kid's school and waltzed up to take pictures. They got to spend the rest of the day in the Sheriff's office answering lots of questions about their intent. 2. The laws in one state are not binding in another and my be totally different! Just cuz it's legal (or illegal) in NYS does not mean you can or can't do it in Pennsylvania, or Vermont, or Ohio, or Connecticut or Massachusetts or any other state for that matter. 3. Most americans do not own guns. They are mostly owned by a smaller population that owns MANY guns. 4. We do not use the Metric System. Deal with it. A mile is 1600 meters. The speedometers are graduated in both miles per hour and kilometers per hour. Need to estimate a distance? Look at the speedometer or use your calculator on your phone.
Nikki Sevven 2 years ago
No. By all means, you should visit. There's loads to see and do here. It's a more accurate summation to say, "Don't assume that the rules, laws, and customs of your country are universal." Which is good advice for a tourist in literally every country.
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ursula zaid 2 years ago (edited)
Yeah I'd love to visit florida ,texas and georgia..the home cooking looks amazing there..that being said nothing else appeals.
Darryl Boyd 2 years ago
This bias a*s article shows you how white racist pieces of s**t think. Some of this is ok but most of the view of a piece of s**t who doesn't understand anything but his own bias
ThumbsUpGuy 2 years ago (edited)
this is an entertainment blog. If you are not happy here, please find some other place to amuse yourself. There are three billion websites online. Surely one of them will be what you are looking for. And please stop playing the race card about everything.
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Ray Martin 2 years ago
Yeah, my determination to never visit the country has not been swayed by this article.
Shawn Seymour 2 years ago
Don't mess with Texas. We have a speed row for the death penalty. We also have lots of prisons. Enjoy your stay
Winter Eleven 2 years ago
I once had an idea of visiting my dad's uncle in Chicago... But the more i know about America the less i want to end up there...
Frank S 2 years ago
I’ll put it plainly: don’t. Don’t visit the US. It’s pretty shitty here. We have no culture to immerse yourself in, and any semblance of it is trite, or stolen and poorly imitated. The natural beauty you can find elsewhere in much more civilized countries, and for much less hassle. Plus, while most any worthwhile travel is costly, it is extremely overpriced here, as is most anything else.
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.
Load More Replies... Rosanna Jackson 2 years ago
This isn't as necessary anymore. We are not interested in a gun crazy nation that overturns human rights and let's KKK become cops. It's not hyperbole, many of my colleagues and one friend have canceled their trips to U.S. destinations. It's just become too intolerable, we're good.
aj B 2 years ago
Hell a fair number of us want to leave as it is, but due to income issues can't.
Load More Replies... Bi-Polar Express 2 years ago
Just take your trash with you. And no one cares if you were there so don't write your name places. Take only pictures and leave only memories.
Sinkvenice 2 years ago
I just wanted to tell you your username is great :-)
Load More Replies... Nicole Kosanke 2 years ago
Wear plenty of sunscreen if you come here in the summer. When I was in college, I worked at a theme park that got a lot of international visitors, and I saw so many lobster-red Europeans who weren't used to that much sun.
ThumbsUpGuy 2 years ago (edited)
the author left out the dangers of ROAD-RAGE. Do not curse, flip off, yell at, or challenge someone for their rude, inconsiderate, or even dangerous driving habits. A certain percentage of the time, this justifies vigilante action with firearms so to teach you proper manners. Where I live in Houston, there are at least two road-rage killings every month. Do not even drive fast and aggressively. This justifies a bout of road-rage with some people. So beware. Drive gently & practice the ethic of forgiveness. Just smile and politely wave if some idiot is after you. That will be enough satisfaction for all but the insane.
Annie Bieber 2 years ago
Don't assume because we're Americans we don't speak foreign languages. I was working in a SoCal restaurant in the 70's, couple from France came in & started talking garbage about how stupid Americans were. Having taken French for four years I bit my tongue until their order came up, "accidentally" knocked the guys beverage into his lap apologizing in perfect French that not only are we stupid we're extremely uncoordinated...No tip for me...C'est la vie...😈
Jennifer Mann 2 years ago
I would add try not to be put off by the friendliness. We are happy to meet you and many will do anything to help you and make your trip pleasant. Traveling outside of North America is expensive and we are generally curious about you and your culture and welcoming.
Briana Landers 2 years ago
I feel like this should be on the list; DON'T WEAR EXPOSED BANDANAS. Certain colors, like black, white, red, and blue will literally get you jumped no questions asked. I like in a small innocent non-affiliated suburban town, but when family comes to visit, and that family is in hells angels or a Crip, THEY WILL straight up HATE CRIME YOU. My mom knows a guy who ok got beat up for having a red bandana in his back pocket.
Joni-lee Smith 2 years ago (edited)
A lot of these are also appropriate for Canada except in Canada don't refer to them as American they prefer to be calling Canadian
Kaitlynnnnnn 2 years ago
Why would you visit a school if you aren't visiting one of your children?
Load More Replies... Annie Bieber 2 years ago
Do NOT A*S-U-ME because we're American we don't speak foreign languages. Was a SoCal waitress in the 70's, French couple came in talking garbage about how stupid Americans were etc...I bit my tongue having taken four years of French, waited til their order came "accidentally" knocked the guys soda in his lap while apologizing in perfect French that not only are we stupid...we're REALLY Uncoordinated. 😈 C'est la vie...
skippy lenny 2 years ago
Oh and last but not least, if you decide to move to this great place - don't try and make it like what ever country you came from. We have had our limit already.
Mr. Pavone 2 years ago
1. DO NOT GO ON SCHOOL PROPERTY. EVER. FOR ANY REASON. Yes, yellow school buses are a real thing. DO NOT GO ON SCHOOL PROPERTY TO TAKE PICTURES OF THEM. A Dutch couple on vacation in rural New York State saw the busses parked at my kid's school and waltzed up to take pictures. They got to spend the rest of the day in the Sheriff's office answering lots of questions about their intent. 2. The laws in one state are not binding in another and my be totally different! Just cuz it's legal (or illegal) in NYS does not mean you can or can't do it in Pennsylvania, or Vermont, or Ohio, or Connecticut or Massachusetts or any other state for that matter. 3. Most americans do not own guns. They are mostly owned by a smaller population that owns MANY guns. 4. We do not use the Metric System. Deal with it. A mile is 1600 meters. The speedometers are graduated in both miles per hour and kilometers per hour. Need to estimate a distance? Look at the speedometer or use your calculator on your phone.
Nikki Sevven 2 years ago
No. By all means, you should visit. There's loads to see and do here. It's a more accurate summation to say, "Don't assume that the rules, laws, and customs of your country are universal." Which is good advice for a tourist in literally every country.
Load More Replies... ursula zaid 2 years ago (edited)
Yeah I'd love to visit florida ,texas and georgia..the home cooking looks amazing there..that being said nothing else appeals.
Darryl Boyd 2 years ago
This bias a*s article shows you how white racist pieces of s**t think. Some of this is ok but most of the view of a piece of s**t who doesn't understand anything but his own bias
ThumbsUpGuy 2 years ago (edited)
this is an entertainment blog. If you are not happy here, please find some other place to amuse yourself. There are three billion websites online. Surely one of them will be what you are looking for. And please stop playing the race card about everything.
Load More Replies... Ray Martin 2 years ago
Yeah, my determination to never visit the country has not been swayed by this article.
Shawn Seymour 2 years ago
Don't mess with Texas. We have a speed row for the death penalty. We also have lots of prisons. Enjoy your stay
Winter Eleven 2 years ago
I once had an idea of visiting my dad's uncle in Chicago... But the more i know about America the less i want to end up there...
Frank S 2 years ago
I’ll put it plainly: don’t. Don’t visit the US. It’s pretty shitty here. We have no culture to immerse yourself in, and any semblance of it is trite, or stolen and poorly imitated. The natural beauty you can find elsewhere in much more civilized countries, and for much less hassle. Plus, while most any worthwhile travel is costly, it is extremely overpriced here, as is most anything else.
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