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The United States attracts many visitors. For example, in 2019, over 79 million international tourists came to the country, making it the number-three most popular choice, behind only France and Spain.
But whether we're talking about natural parks or busy cities, there are some "unwritten rules" that everyone should know. And that includes travelers, not just locals. So it pays to do your homework.
For our first assignment, let's go through the comments under a post on the subreddit r/AskAnAmerican, where a now-deleted user asked people to share these customs.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Don’t get sick. Our healthcare will cost you a fortune.
Atero 3 years ago
I'm yet to see an insurance which would fully cover all possible health related misfortunes...
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Leekun 3 years ago
American healthcare: ''If you get sick, just die. It's cheaper!'' *shaking head in european*
Lovin' Life 3 years ago (edited)
It's expensive to die in America too if you want a proper burial. It cost us $12,000 for my dad's funeral. That's not including the cost to close out his estate which is mandatory as well as medical bills that still had to be paid.
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Sergio Bicerra Descalzi 3 years ago
My BIL lives in LA. He needed something done to his teeth, so he took a plane, came to our home country, got a hotel for 2 weeks, got it done with a good dentist, took another plane to LA and still saved more than half the money. BTW, he is insured in the US, not here, so payed full price.
Steve Fischer 3 years ago
I pay over $5000 for insurance, and I'm on Medicare. The only thing sicker than Republicans in office is our medical cabal making gross profit off the sicknessof others.
phil blanque 3 years ago
Yeah...health insurance in the US can be a nightmare. Insurance companies are among the most powerful lobbies in the country......so.....we be screwed.
Viktor 3 years ago
Lol, I'm paying an extra 4.70 euros per month for world-wide coverage. Without that, my insurance would only reimburse up to the amount they would pay for the same procedure back home.
greenbean 3 years ago (edited)
Imagine in Europe we have special travel insurances - that cost a little fortune for this destination - but cover it all. probably sometimes it will be chaper to put a persone on a plane and send overseas to be treated in Europe, but still we will have it covered.
Anton Kider 3 years ago
In Europe we have an international Social Security card. It will cost us nothing.
Brafne Heiwer 3 years ago
Or middle class. Or work harder. Or do well in school. Ect.
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RELATED:
#2
Do not cut in line. We are not British, we won't just shake our heads and mutter under our breath. Americans will absolutely start a fight over line cutting. It will become a whole big thing, people will film it on their phones, and boom! There you are all over [internet], getting beat up because you couldn't just wait your turn in line for a few minutes
Jayne Kyra 3 years ago (edited)
Internet? The original says "Reddit". At least acknowledge when taking content from other sites. Edit: For those confused, I am talking about this specific image where they replaced the word "Reddit" with the word "Internet".
Marco Hub-Dub 3 years ago
It’s shameless on BP, but for me it’s sort of a “reader’s digest” of the worst of Reddit. Rather than go down the Reddit hole while working, I get my flippant fix coming here.
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Everybody Say Love! 3 years ago
Brits most certainly do not just "shake their head and mutter", you will get a good talking to! Infact, at Glastonbury, there was a queue for the porta-loos and an incredibly rude American cuts the line and 50 people in it. I called her out and she proceeded to chime back with "Oh yeah, I forgot you have these" motioning to the line, I quipped "What? Manners?!". Not my finest moment but there you go. Don't cut the line.
Douglas Mock 3 years ago
Confirmed. Line-jumpers, I will beat your ass in front of a cop and he will look away.
CrunChewy McSandybutt 3 years ago
It's true. I once yanked a line jumper out of line by her hair, and then stood there as if nothing happened. The others in line just snickered.
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Mollie Mills 3 years ago
I'm British and trust me when I say we're not a fan of people cutting in line either
Celtic Pirate Queen 3 years ago
At the airport, which is awful enough, and this younger gal comes around a pillar and tries to "merge" into the line. So not having it. I looked at her and said, "Yeah, there's this whole line thing going on here and your place is WAY back there". Literally got applause.
#3
Don't wear the red hats.
Thorfin Wolfsbane 3 years ago
Actually we prefer they wear them. It helps us identify who the easily duped morons are.
QibliOfTheSandWings 3 years ago
You startled me in the first half of your comment
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Walking On Sunshine 3 years ago
Also, they released a picture the other day of Trump flags being made in China in a sweatshop. Easy to find on Google. America first, my ass.
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Wang Zhuang 3 years ago
I'm not a Trump supporter, but you can wear what you want. Anybody who criticizes you based on that sucks.
phil blanque 3 years ago
They never got the spelling right...it should be: "Make America grate again". It is all about friction. Friction and abrasiveness.
SykesDaMan 3 years ago (edited)
What If I'm a Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets, Philadelphia Sixers, ... fan? They don't have the "writing" on them! It's the writing that's controversial, right? These guys don't have the monopoly on red hats! Let's take them back! Edit: I just re-read it! It says THE red hats! OK! My bad!
Steve Ramaekers 3 years ago
America is supposed to have freedom of speech yet this post and comments. Whether one likes trumps leadership or not there is a lot of unAmerican on here and just plain nastiness.
Steve Fischer 3 years ago
It's America's "scarlet letter" and it replaced the dunce hat. People who wear them are uneducated dreggs that normal people should avoid interacting with. There is no vaccine to cure this horrible disease.
Layne Rodgers 3 years ago
I don't care for politics. I just know that the America I am currently living in is filled with too much hate on both sides on the political spectrum.
Douglas Mock 3 years ago
Just look at how many unhinged morons are attacking me for saying violence is bad...
Load More Replies... #4
The word c*nt is lot more offensive in the US (and Canada) than in other English-speaking nations. Don’t use it casually
Shane S 3 years ago (edited)
Also calling someone a pedo. I see that a lot in British tv and movies and of course it’s an insult, but here it has serious implications. If you call someone that, you truly mean it and it can get someone beat up or attract the attention of law enforcement. It’s never said as an offhand comment here.
Robyn Bowns 3 years ago (edited)
Personally I don't mind it so much. Having menstruated most my life I understand how painful a raging c**t truely is 😜
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Nathaniel 3 years ago
What about tw@t (which Americans pronounce weird, rhyming it with swot.) or w@nker?
Chucky Cheezburger 3 years ago (edited)
In the U.S., twat is derogatory slang for lady parts, a wanker would be defined as someone, usually a guy that masturbates.(wank is slang for the act, so a wank-er would be "someone who wanks", AKA wracking it, pulling the pud, flogging the dolphin, spanking the monkey, punching the clown, washing w***y, ect.ect.) This is probably gonna be butchered by BP's editing algorithm, but maybe it can be deciphered.
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Christina Hill 3 years ago
Yes. But if i really want to insult the person I say c*nt nugget! It always throws them off!
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Smilejustbecause 3 years ago
Words are words , I don’t care what offensive words you call me, it won’t ever hurt my feelings. People are so sensitive. 😂
#5
That whole trespassers will be shot thing is not a joke
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
Since someone commented: What, nobody ignores fences? LOL. Yeah, no. They do. They also ignore no-jaywalking signs in other places.
Susan Egan 3 years ago
Jaywalking? I've never been anywhere in the USA where people do not Jaywalk unless it's a risk to life and limb not to.
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High Mamii Melo 3 years ago
I've seen neighbors on my Ring app where people have encouraged the shooting of kids when their Halloween decorations and things are taken. It's gross to know that ADULTS advocate this over lawn ornaments they admit themselves are usually under $25.
Teresa Stabler 3 years ago
That's over the top violence. Very scary. Very disturbing.
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Mark Jaress 3 years ago (edited)
When I was a kid, I read those signs that said "Trespassers will be prosecuted" as "Survivors will be persecuted"
Id row 3 years ago
That's because we have a lot of thieving and dangerous idiots living among us.
ellie angel urban 3 years ago
Sometimes the dangerous idiots are the ones aiming guns at people from their own property and they get charged with misdemeanors and then get pardoned by the Governor. Like Mark and Patricia Mccloskey of St. Louis, Missouri.
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June Gem 3 years ago
And don't forget in the south there's a few states that have conceal carry a gun in a car and some businesses without a permit bs. So freaking stupid and scary I unfortunately live in one of these and they wonder why we have an increase in road rage shootings and robberies
BasedWang 3 years ago
I mean we can do this in Illinois too. but if people are gonna take part in criminal activity, they are gonna find a way to get what they want. I know one of the gangs around me with a grenade launcher
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Lady of the Mountains 3 years ago
you dont want people messing with your house. vandalism is very common
Data1001 3 years ago
Come on now. Yes, there is certainly a very tiny percentage of homeowners who will shoot trespassers, but such a thing is not at all common. I will also go so far as to say that the vast majority of people who put up signs saying that "tresspassers will be shot" would never actually follow through on that, but put up such a sign to try to scare those away who might think they would do so.
Grace Noyes 3 years ago
In Texas, trespassers will be--and often are--shot. Everybody and their dog has a gun here. It's a great place to live./s
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Salty Wild Hair 3 years ago
Also know that sometimes maps have references to areas that look like roads, but are not made for rental vehicles. I know if it shows up on a map at all in Europe, they consider it a road, but the American desert is no joke. You can find yourself easily trespassing without realizing it due to the sheer size of the land.
Susan Egan 3 years ago
No trespassing is pretty firm. No one wants strangers wandering around on their property. You will see those signs on state, county and business land as well. Getting shot? In most areas it won't happen but you may be picked up by the police and fined, or worse.
#6
The price marked on the shelf does not include taxes. What you see is not what you pay.
Saico Hipe 3 years ago
Except in Oregon! I just moved here a few months ago and was pleasantly surprised to find that there is NO sales tax on anything! The price on the shelf/sticker/menu etc. is what you actually pay. It's pretty sweet
Dodo 3 years ago
This always confuses me. Companies ship the same products all over Europe, each country puts their own price on it. Is it really that hard for states to do the same thing? And if the stores print the labels for the shelves, why can't they add the tax too?
Victor Botha 3 years ago
It's inconceivable to me that the sales tax or VAT is not included in the price. Virtually every country in the world, includes that charge into the price of an article. What you see is what you pay.
Sandra Givens 3 years ago
Depends upon the state and the product in question. Some states charge tax on food for take out or at restaurants, but not on food bought at a grocery store. Ditto for clothing, where ordinary clothes are tax free but furs and bathing suits are taxed (Pennsylvania).
#7
21 is the Legal Drinking Age. Don't try to reason convince the bartender that it's 18 back "home". It's not that they're being difficult just to be difficult. Their jobs and possibly the liquor license of the establishment (which is super extremely incredibly crazily difficult to get in some places) could be revoked over something as small as this.
JJ 3 years ago
I visited the US at the age of 18 and saw a girl my age take a sip of beer from her older friend at a concert. She was led outside. I turned to my bf and said, "This feels crazy to me. Back home I would be legally allowed to buy alcohol and drink myself to coma at the age of 16 and here I couldn't even take a sip if I wanted to." Not that I think it's a great idea to sell alcohol to 16-year-old. It just felt crazy.
Demi Zwaan 3 years ago
Weirdest thing is you can get a $100.000 student loan, drive a car, buy a gun, join the military and kill some dudes, get married, have kids, but you can't have a drink.
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Sandra Givens 3 years ago
A lot of the Euros commenting live in countries where it is not common for a 15 or 16 year old to be driving in their own car daily. We're a big country, and we drive a lot, which is one reason why drinking by younger people is so restricted. I would allow it at 18 though, since you can be drafted into the military at that age.
Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago
I find this rule ridiculous. You can vote, drive, get a gun, join the military etc before 21 but drinking is a big no-no.
Fritz Baumeister 3 years ago
That was the argument used to lower the legal drinking age during the Vietnam War. If you can fight and die for your country, you should be allowed to drink. The trouble was that with the lower drinking age, there was a huge increase in the number of drunk driving deaths, especially among those under 21. They increased the age to 21 in the early 1980s to prevent so many drunk driving deaths. It actually worked.
Load More Replies... Cordelia 3 years ago
Sorry but I personally think it's a good practice when bodies are still growing and mature attitudes are still developing I don't think it's wise to throw alcohol into the mix it hurts the body and it leads to irresponsible decisions.
Ren Karlej 3 years ago
While at its extreme alcohol may have more damaging effects than sugar, excessive consumption of sugar is considerably more prevalent and a much more severe problem than excessive alcohol consumption.
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Dani Alexander 3 years ago
I can imagine this rule here in Australia would not work well with us. Aussies are deadly serious when it comes to our drinks and honestly Teachers tell us (at 15 and 16) it’s ok to drink you just have to have adult supervision. And the legal drinking age here is 18.
Fritz Baumeister 3 years ago
A little history... Prior to the 1980s, the legal age to buy alcohol varied from state to state. In my state it was 20. In a neighboring state it was 18 for beer & wine, 21 for hard liquor. Another neighboring state it was 19. Another was 21. Then the Feds decided to do something about drunk driving deaths. Apparently a disproportionate number of drunk driving deaths were caused by drivers under 21. The Feds tied valuable highway funds given to the states to raising the legal age to 21. Not wanting to lose all that money, eventually all the states complied. Naturally, teens weren't too happy about it, but it did dramatically cut DUI deaths.
#8
Don't dine at a sit down/table service restaurant and not tip just to make a point.
Not the way things are done in your country? Great! Part of the fun of travel is experiencing other cultures. You should embrace the opportunity to experience our primitive way of life first hand.
Rachel Peterson 3 years ago
The fact is that it's not just the 'culture' but it's also (mostly?) the fact that servers and waitstaff SURVIVE on those tips because of screwed up laws allowing food service businesses to pay them super-low wages (like $2.00/hour).
Shaun Coleman 3 years ago
$2.00/hr??? Wow that is really evil. Why do people take those jobs?
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Chris D 3 years ago
If we take tips away, and pay them higher wages. Just raise the price on the menu and call it a day.
Paul Davis 3 years ago
Don't forget that just a few decades ago tipping in the U.S. worked just as it did in the rest of the world, but corrupt politicians colluded with restaurant businesses to allow them a way to deceive customers about the cost of eating out while at the same time allowing them to pay third-world wages to their staff.
Ray Heap 3 years ago
First time in the US and totally unaware of „tipping“ I just left the usual EU rounded up and left. The manager came out just as I was out of the door, excused himself and explained. No problem, the server got the correct tip.
Linziaj 3 years ago
Wow that's just rude. It's not the law to tip, just a gesture
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Oopsydaisy 3 years ago
I'm fine with that, but where I get in trouble is in bars. I never know whether to tip when I get each drink or wait until the end of the night and give a bigger tip. Where I live there are tip jars on the bar if you want to tip. Same in cafes. I got yelled at once in new York by a woman outside a bar because I had one drink and didn't tip (didn't finish the wine either. It was crap). But I didn't know how to tip the barperson.
Marco Hub-Dub 3 years ago
If you have a credit card at the bar you close out at the end, tip then. If you pay per drink, tip when you pay.
Load More Replies... Wang Zhuang 3 years ago (edited)
You won't go to jail for not tipping, but it's a cultural faux pas in the US to not do so. The server would have to be an extraordinary jerk for you not to tip, that should really be the only reason. If you don't tip, you should never return to that restaurant. They will definitely remember you...
ZAPanda 3 years ago
we have a tipping culture here so this would not be foreign. In our case, base salaries exist but they're pretty low, so we pretty much tip everyone, even petrol pump attendants and car guards (guys who hang round your parked car to make sure it doesn't get broken into)
Nicola Roberts 3 years ago
Pump attendants? Where are you? In the UK I had someone fill the car, once, it was very awkward for the two of us.
Load More Replies... #9
Back in my MMO days a scottish friend of mine went to Atlanta once and called a black guy 'boy'. I guess you just call people boy in Scotland?
Yeah but do not call black people boy. Its perceived as racist / talking down to them and its a good way to get in a fight. Especially in the South
Wang Zhuang 3 years ago
Yeah, as a black American, I can tell you that calling a black man "boy", however innocent it may seem, can cause some problems. Best to avoid it.
Panda Mona 3 years ago
As a no native speaker I am very glad to know this. It´s perfectly clear as soon as you know it, but I had no idea ...
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LH25 3 years ago
I did this at work once. Born and raised in the USA. I worked with a black man, and called him boy one day. The second I said it, I was horrified at myself. Thank God he had heard me calling other men, including white men, that as well. He understood that in this case, it was not a racial thing. We talked a bit about what it meant to him, and I've never done it again.
Louloubelle 3 years ago
Another thing not to say "you people". I did this once when the office I worked in kept getting solicitors selling meat out of the back of their trucks/vans. We were getting about 2 a day for some reason (this was 1982 for reference). I was tasked with making them go away. I was so angry at the third one of the day, I said "what is wrong with you people" meaning solicitors. Unfortunately the man was black. I honestly meant these guys selling this crap, and the man didn't seem offended. But in looking back at that, I realize you just cannot say that.
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RoseTheMad 3 years ago (edited)
Yea, its kinda just a thing in the UK I think, in Yorkshire you'll likely get called "Lad" (boy) or "Lass" (girl) xP but I definitely know that it isn't the case elsewhere
Louloubelle 3 years ago
I'm in the US and my son and his group of friends call each other "lad" all the time. He worked at a large, deli/restaurant, and the bosses started calling them the "deli lads" and it stuck.
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Karis Ravenhill 3 years ago
At the same time americans could recognize when they're hearing an accent from another country, understand perhaps that foreigner doesn't know the myriad of words you just can't say to overly sensitive americans, and just get the hell on with your day without causing a damn scene. I've been called Paki derogatorily my entire life, it's a racist term in my country, never once have I started a fight over it. I've laughed in the persons face and walked onwards.
backatya 3 years ago
that's because you're a good mature human being and didn't pay any mind to people who maybe using it derogatorily.
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Sarcastic Cow 3 years ago (edited)
Old people do that everywhere, when they´re talking to younger people want to humiliate them (almost) imperceptibly. But I understand that in this case it has different connotations.
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Some Cool Guy 3 years ago
A famous host in Australia Bert Newton once said to Mohammad Ali in an interview "I like the boy!", meaning well. There were a few nervous moments when Ali thought he was putting him down.
SoozeeQ 3 years ago
Yes, I thought of this, too. It was quite innocent. If he'd said "guy" there would have been no reaction. Don Lane (the American co-host with Bert) had to quickly explain to Muhammed Ali that Bert meant no disrespect. Those watching the show all wondered why Ali was so upset, as "boy" is not an offensive term in Australia.
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Elaine Everett-Klimas 3 years ago
I heard an American bloke say this in Vanuatu to a black dive guide, 'Boy!, get my dive kit ready!' so I called him an ignorant racist c.u.n.t. and if I heard him say it again I'd switch his air off mid dive....wanker!
Glynn Reid 3 years ago
Scottish here. Sometimes we use boy as a term of endearment, like mate, pal, buddy but mostly it would be in the exact context of the "thing not to do". Not to black people. We don't really have black people in Scotland, but definitely to put someone in their place.....normally just before the fists start moving.
#10
Don't take selfies at memorials honoring the dead.
I just about threw up from all the selfie sticks at the world trade center memorial in NY.
Corey Smith 3 years ago
I remember one where a girl took a selfie there with a huge smile and smiling emojis. It made me sick.
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Maxximus Prime 3 years ago
Oh god no! This is THE WORST you can do. You can take normal respectful photos but DON'T TAKE SELFIES
Lady of the Mountains 3 years ago
no kidding. pictures are fine, but no smiling family photo. go for profile, back of head, or just of the monument.
Id row 3 years ago
I don't understand the whole narcissistic thing with selfies in the first place, let alone doing this kind of disrespectful thing.
Theoretical Empiricist 3 years ago
I'm guessing there are a lot of people who don't believe they really saw something or experienced something or perhaps that they even exist unless they have some sort of documentation.
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Linda Riebel 3 years ago
I saw this being done at Theresienstadt concentration camp a few years ago. Revolting.
RoseTheMad 3 years ago
Ah yes, because Influencers (including Americans) don't do this kinda thing at Auschwitz... :/ some people just don't have any respect. By all means take a picture, but not a happy smiling selfie or whatever focused on your ass. e_e
Davo gifman 3 years ago
Yeah well most influencers are s**t no matter where you go.
Load More Replies... WilvanderHeijden 3 years ago (edited)
Or even worse, completely ignore the signs asking you to pay some respect and don't step on or climb the memorials. There should be a law that makes it legal to kill disrespectful people doing this on the spot, call some garbage removal service and collect a premium.
Diane Herman 3 years ago
I was furious at a Japanese family being disrespectful at Pearl Harbor..
#11
NEVER pass an unloading school bus. When those stop signs flap out, you've got to wait until those little crotch goblins get off the bus until you even think of moving again. Whether it's hitting a pedestrian child, getting a nasty ticket, or just the absolute looks of disgust you'll warrant, it won't be worth it.
Wang Zhuang 3 years ago (edited)
Yes! Many tourists may not realize this, but it's very important. Traffic on both sides of the street must stop when a school bus flashes its lights and the stop sign on the side of the bus pops out. This is to ensure children's safety.
Devil's Advocate 3 years ago
In the UK, people just get on an off buses (children included) without needing any fanfare and it's all quite safe. Don't get me wrong, I'd stop for the idiots who clearly lack any road sense, it just amazes me that a country can have this on one hand, and shooting guns as soon as you're old enough to hold it on the other.
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Gavin Johnson 3 years ago
Seems like a particularly good idea. Traffic stopping for students. 👍
Lsai Aeon 3 years ago
There are also "School zones" where the speed limit goes down to 20 mph when the light is blinking.
Huddo's sister 3 years ago
That's good to know. We have had school zones in Australia (or at least Victoria) around every school for about 10 years, where the limit changes to either 60km on a highway or 40km on all other roads. We have also had to make areas where there is a shopping strip on a busy road that gets a lot of foot traffic the speed goes down to 40kms. It can be annoying, when you know it is because people have been hit when walking across the road wherever they want, even though there is a crossing less than 10m away. Even after fences/barriers have been installed along the median strip to discourage this! Better safe than sorry, but it is annoying that it would not have had this change if people did the right thing.
Load More Replies... YetAnotherSarah 3 years ago
When a *school* bus stops and displays its stop sign, it is creating a temporary crosswalk for those children. The children have right of way. No one can see around a 13 foot high bus or predict what a six year old will do, no matter how many times that child has been taught to properly cross. So we wait. For everyone mentioning divided highways, in New York State, you have to stop even if there's a median and you're on the opposite side of it. Local regulations vary.
Celtic Pirate Queen 3 years ago
I think most people are trying to avoid "Crotch Goblins". Sounds like a f*cking venereal disease.
Pamda Panda 3 years ago
I was in a car with someone who "forgot because she doesn't drive a lot." People were yelling at her from all directions.
Brenda 3 years ago
If there is no median between lanes, both lanes must stop. If there is a median, the other side isn't required to stop but most do. Some kids have to cross. When my kids were riding the bus, I would wait for all the kids, then block the traffic so the kids crossed safely. Most drivers were fine with it
#12
Don't complain that taxes aren't included in the price. I know it's annoying, but the poor souls who have to work retail didn't set U.S. tax policy.
Dave P 3 years ago
This is due to in the olden days before computerized inventory systems you had to calculate federal, state, and local taxes. It was easier to calculate after total purchase than before. We just havent changed
Tim 3 years ago
It's also advertising. You can say that something is $5.99 and it's true, regardless of the jurisdiction, state, etc.
Load More Replies... Rider 3 years ago
Our tax rates vary by area. By listing the price without tax it allows manufactures post generic adds across multiple tax areas for a single price. And allows consumers to see the cost difference is due to the different tax rate not the manufacturer.
Jay Son 3 years ago (edited)
It's just laziness from the companies. I'm an American, lived in both the US and Europe, and they can do it there. Surely we can do this here, too. I'm not blaming the employees, but I am blaming the companies. There's no law saying they can't show the price including taxes for that store.
Load More Replies... Sandra Givens 3 years ago
Sales tax is NOT a national thing, it is state by state, and even city by city, so there is no U.S. tax policy relating to buying a bag of chips and some underwear.
Ariom Dahl 3 years ago
In Australia it is compulsory to include the GST (goods and service tax) and show the total price. No nasty surprises when you get to the checkout at the supermarket or whatever.
Trophy Husband 3 years ago
Actually, this is up to each individual business. Since it makes prices seem cheaper, they opt to leave it out. I personally love it when I find a business that includes the taxes!
Kellie Whyte 3 years ago
I'm so glad that I'm from Australia where the advertised price is the TOTAL PRICE!!!
#13
If you're driving and get pulled over, DO NOT get out of the car. Roll down your window and wait for the police officer to walk up to your car. Keep your hands visible (resting on the steering wheel).
AlanandLeila Hoyt 3 years ago
Absolutely. They will think you are coming after them with a weapon or something (which of course does happen). I made the mistake of getting out once and got his gun drawn on me pretty quickly.
Louloubelle 3 years ago
Even better, try to be a white, middle aged woman. At 61, no cops screw with me.
Load More Replies... Wang Zhuang 3 years ago
And for the love of God, COMPLY with whatever they ask you to do, no matter how much you may disagree. Cops are unpredictable and may be trigger happy. Don't give them a reason. Comply and contest the situation later.
Naesil 3 years ago
This! even though I dont need to be scared to get shot in my country unless I start shooting at the officers first, I still never understood why people keep arguing against police officers? even if they are wrong its not the time and place to get things right... just comply and then if there was something wrong then contest that through proper channels.
Load More Replies... Thorfin Wolfsbane 3 years ago (edited)
Cops in America are really jumpy, scared and frighten easily. If you make any sudden movements and scare them, you will be killed. Even for something so minor as a traffic stop.
Fritz Baumeister 3 years ago
You may criticize them for being nervous, but virtually every cop you ever meet has attended a funeral for a fellow officer slain during a traffic stop.
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TKA 3 years ago
It might seem awkward to wait for them with your window down and hands on steering wheel and to make it worse, it can take a few minutes before they even get out of their vehicle. (Correct me if I’m wrong) I think they are running your license plate to get your driving record & to make sure your vehicle isn’t stolen, it gives them an idea of who they are walking up on. Obviously the driver isn’t always the owner of the vehicle though.
LJ Robinson 3 years ago
Absolutely true. Just be still, don't engage until engaged. I don't understand why that's so hard for so many people. Even if you think you are being profiled, or are unaware of doing anything wrong, just sit stillll people! Yeah, it's shitty, but so is getting shot. If you ARE guilty of something, you better make that cop your best friend, because your behaviour at the time of arrest WILL matter.
Load More Replies... Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
This. Sit still. It seems very odd, I know, but it's our custom. If I have to be charmed by a high tea, the world can cope with sitting still in the car. All it takes is one cop thinking of one story about another cop shot during a traffic stop, as recently happened IIRC in Germany, and everything gets very tense very fast!
John Baker 3 years ago
Unfortunately, we have a lot of cops in this country who have no business being cops.
MysteriousLegBruise 3 years ago
In the two times I've been pulled over, I also take my keys out of the ignition and put them on the dashboard
#14
Don’t f**king use racial slurs. Good lord, I work in the service industry with lots of people from China and they’ll just say the N-word with the hard R (or just s**tty racist stuff in general) and will be confused as to why people get pissed off.
While America’s race relations are strained at best, it’s completely unacceptable to voice your racist opinions in public. If you choose to do it anyway, you will be completely ostracized - and any people who are accepting of it are probably s**tty racists themselves. Yikes.
Potato Panda 3 years ago
The Chinese guys may have been using the Chinese word “那个” instead of the N word It sounds similar but there’s absolutely no connection
Bored Panda 3 years ago
Yes, that ^. If they were speaking Chinese then they were pretty certainly saying that. If I recall correctly, it's like "uhh" which we say a lot when we're talking.
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Not PC 3 years ago
Not using a racial slur. Look it up. There is a word they say that sounds VERY much like the N word. It's not.
deadinside 3 years ago
it's 那个, it's basically like "uhhh" (or in some contexts, "which")
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Mary Kelly 3 years ago
the chinese aren't saying the n-word...they are saying "negg-ah," which is the chinese way of saying "umm" or "er"...it's a nonce word...it means nothing....
Jimifan 3 years ago
That's not always true. Yes, they say na-ge (sounds like knee-guh) similar to when Americans would say "uh," "err..." or "you know," but there is a definite problem with the use of the N-word. I have experienced it several times, and I'm white (often during basketball games).
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Bill cipher 3 years ago
people at my school keep in mind I’m a middle schooler say the n word r word and f slur on a daily basis one of my former “friends” says the f slur so much its ridiculous
Jimifan 3 years ago
I live in China, teaching English to kids and adults who are heading to the U.S. (or Canada) for high school or college. After a while I realized that I not only had to teach the language, but what's not acceptable in American culture - things that could lead to trouble. Yeah, racist remarks are WAY up there, as are not loudly commenting on a heavy person's weight (very common here), smoking in clearly marked no smoking areas (ditto), littering and taking a leak outdoors. There are others, but these are the biggies.
Claudia Schmid 3 years ago
Not just American culture. All the things you mention are generally not acceptable in western culture.
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Mokayokok 3 years ago
You had better hope all you are is "ostracized", and not f*****g shot. Black Lives Matter is huge here, your day is going to go sideways if your dumbass has the nerve to use the N word at an African American, and it's not just them who will lose they're goddamn minds over ... if you have the nerve to be openly racist here, then you fully deserve what happens to you as a result and no one is going to feel bad for your dumb***. Same thing with the gay community, there's no tolerance for being a bigot.
Casey Horn 3 years ago
the word you think you hear is actually chinese. it gets people in trouble a lot. them being racist in general is on them. but that n-word is actually a chinese phrase.
deadinside 3 years ago
it's 那个 pls don't refer to it as "that n word" even sarcastically
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Tamora Spiller 3 years ago
Yeah, we're not out here muttering and being mad at what you say anymore. Now you're catching hands because you refuse to learn.
#15
Treat wildlife with respect, you will see it everywhere and it is generally dangerous or can kill you.
Dont try a selfie with a Bear or Buffalo
ZAPanda 3 years ago
shhhhhh don't give it away we are trying to thin out their numbers - dumbasses i mean.
Lady of the Mountains 3 years ago
follow the thumb rule- put your thumb out as far as your arm can go. if your thumb can cover the animal, you're probably at a safe distance. the smaller you are, the farther away you'll need to be, the bigger the animal, the farther away you'll need to be. Learned this at Yellowstone national park. the rangers there do a very good job explaining the risks of wild animals and the laws of what you can do with them. (yes there are laws. all wild animals have placed restraining orders on all humans) please ask rangers about the wild animals in any national park you go to :)
Rumple Schleppskin 3 years ago
I love seeing people try to take selfies with wildlife, it truly is impressive to think about. . It's not a petting zoo, they aren't pets,.. a buffalo/bison can weigh as much as a car. It can destroy a car, intentionally. You wouldn't go snap a selfie with a rhino or hippo.
SoozeeQ 3 years ago
Yes, but bears and bisons are fluffy, don't you know? And therefore can't possibly be dangerous. Especially if there are cute babies. /s
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David Brown 3 years ago
Moose hate seeing themselves on social media as do squirrels and coyotes. Don't be fooled by those convincing Saturday morning cartoons.
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
Nah. Selfie with the bear cubs or the bison. The world needs less narcissists. FYI, you will also encounter bears, puma, and wolves in places other than the US West. Wihle black bears are less likely to kill you than, say, a polar bear or grizzly, you will still miss having that limb on your flight home....
#16
There's 330 million of us. Saying something like "I heard Americans like/dislike," is almost always going to be met with a grain of salt/resentment
Nikki Sevven 3 years ago
I've addressed quite a few comments here on BP who assume all 330 million of us are exactly alike, an attitude they would get pissed about if it were directed at them and their country. Maybe I'll do a BP article about this.
Iseefractals 3 years ago
Well....75% of the US is overweight, and 40% of it is obese....so it's safe to say that americans like low quality food, in huge portions.
Brafne Heiwer 3 years ago
Except the 25%, which is about 75 million people.
Load More Replies... Amanda Hunter 3 years ago
Other countries media like to put out anti-American propaganda, so they have a pre conceived idea about us
#17
Don't talk down to people in service industries. They work for the company and not for you. They are not servants, and they deserve respect and decency
Dodo 3 years ago (edited)
From all the US-based stories floating around online, I think it's your fellow countrymen you need to tell this to, not foreigners.
Martha Meyer 3 years ago
I think this is mainly adresses to certain Asian foreigners like Indians, who are used to treating service people like dirt back home.
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Shaun Coleman 3 years ago
Except it's Americans who are generally assholes to people in the service industries. Didn't you give us the "Karen"?
Michael Largey 3 years ago
Give them decency and respect because they sure won't get any from their employers.
#18
Don't go to dangerous neighborhoods because you saw them on TV.
Not a foreign visitor, but a naive friend from Colorado came to visit in California and wanted to see the gangs on Crenshaw in South Central L.A. because he'd seen it on some cop show.
Yeah, no, we're not driving through the 'hood so you can take pictures of the thugs and poor people. He's a Latino guy, too, so the last thing I needed was someone thinking he was cruising and looking for a fight.
Aliquid 3 years ago
Poverty tourism... rather disgusting concept, like you think you are on a safari or something.
Sandeep Jani 3 years ago
These are neighborhoods where people live and work hard to survive. This is not a zoo
RoseTheMad 3 years ago
Ok but this is disrespectful af - yea the neighborhoods may have a lot of crime/gangs, but in a good amount of cases, the kids in these neighborhoods grow up around that and don't know any different, much like how it is in prison, your gang is also your protection, too. It's actually really sad tbh, and whilst I'm not even American, I do believe more should be done about it to give those kids a better chance in life than growing up a "gangster" .-.
Two_rolling_black_eyes 3 years ago
There's a tourbus company called LA Hood Life Tourz that will fill one up and take you through Compton, Crenshaw, and all of the other neighborhoods you've seen in the movies and music for $85. There used to be several but Hood Life pretty much has a stranglehold on them now. They got that way because its a black owned, almost exclusively black staffed company and they give a good chunk of the $85 to the communities. It has some goodwill that the other companies didn't have. There's still many who feel its exploitation but there's others who see it as the community helping itself.
Marcellus II 3 years ago
"But in Brasil I paid for a tour of the Favelas" --- yes, you can do that but mostly because the gangs know how bad for business it is when they kill a white person.
phil blanque 3 years ago
is there a word for cultureexploitationtravel. There should be. It is rampant.. Anybody got ideas?
Huddo's sister 3 years ago
I think cultureexploitationtravel covers it :)
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Thomas Sweda 3 years ago
Really want to have fun ? Drive through Chicago’s west side, and make varied hand and finger gestures. They love that !
#19
Smell bad. It sounds like a joke, but Americans are really unaccepting of any type of BO. We (probably) won’t actually say anything to you, but we will automatically dislike you.
Marcellus II 3 years ago
It is to a large extent --- but the definition of "smell bad" varies. Most USAians aim to smell neutral; a large swathe of it cooks flavourless and is repelled by anyone that has eaten any garlic in the last week or so! I talked with a Brooklyn friend that moved to Paris about this, you have so many midwesterners come off a plane and just be astonished.
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Karis Ravenhill 3 years ago
Lies. I've been in the USA 11yrs, everywhere I go people absolutely reek because water costs a fortune here (didn't pay for water in Scotland) and a lot of people don't wash their bodies or their clothes very regularly. Every morning on the bus is a contest with myself to see if i can make it to my stop without hurling from the stench of unwashed bodies and urine. I've questioned it with other americans and they just can't smell it, or themselves, unless its pungent enough to make your eyes water. Not absolutely every single place is like this, but I have to completely disagree with OP, on the whole, no Americans don't give a crap about BO.
Poultry Geist 3 years ago
In the south we won’t say anything until you leave and then we will talk about and we will bless your heart 😂 except my son did ask a buddy of mine “ why do you smell so bad” the friend appreciated it .
Peej Maybe 3 years ago
This sounds like it was written by someone who never stood in line with the "Elmers" at DisneyWorld Florida... :) Man, they STANK!
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago (edited)
I've yet to go anywhere that says, "Ah, you stink of being unwashed, you're among friends!" (Edited b/c I got nailed by autocorrect and "groin" was in there instead of gross!)
Marlowe Fitzpatrik 3 years ago
Don't sniff other people's groins, man! That's just rude.
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#20
I spent a bit of time abroad with people foreign to the US
Pointing is VERY rude! My one friend (from Thailand) would always point to people when speaking about them. It was just very uncomfortable and I didn’t realize it was part of the social structure here until she was doing it everywhere lol. Don’t point at complete strangers and talk about them, you may end up starting a fight
The American South, while known probably to some for being racist, is VERY VERY big into politeness and manners.
Generally do things like hold the door open for others, a cashier may ask you “hi how are you” just answer “good, how are you?” Or “I’m okay, how are you” but whatever you answer remember to return the ask. Always say please and thank you. If you make eye contact with a stranger give a smile and a nod. Unless they say hi, then say hi back. I also tend to end conversations with people by saying “have a good one” if meeting somebody (more of a professional thing) when shaking hands, let the person who initiated the handshake introduce themselves first.
Also Americans tend to be very friendly and will strike up conversations with people, don’t be afraid to chat, just don’t bring up politics
Britton Raymond 3 years ago
I am so damn tired of ya'll bashing the American south about racism. We can be talking about fried chicken and you all can still somehow manage to bring up racism. We are talking about manners and the first thing yall bring up is racism. We are not all racist and we are tired of being labeled as such. We do have some racist people down here, but so does every place on the planet.
Blackstone 3 years ago
Tbh it does get tiresome being told that I should be racist, homophobic, and intolerant just because of where I live and the faith I have chosen. Good thing I don't take advice from social media I guess 😂. Everyone is equal and deserves to be valued, understood, represented, and treated fairly and with respect. Most people I know hold these same values. Stereotyping people off the loudest few is easy, but yields largely inaccurate results.
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Teresa Stabler 3 years ago
I HATE this saying. I guess it can be meant as good or bad. The only way, I personally, have heard is to degrade someone one in a very sarcastic way.
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Anne Mitchell 3 years ago
Sorry, but most countries appreciate politeness and courtesy, It is not just prevalent the the USA south. Personally I have been the object of utter and total rudeness in the South.
GettheOtis 3 years ago (edited)
And don't be shocked when you are in non-southern states and hear/witness racism. It's everywhere, not just concentrated in the south
ellie angel urban 3 years ago
I just answer, "good, thanks" and smile at them. I thought these rhetorical questions were understood to be common courtesy. Most cashiers that I know (including myself at one point) want you to acknowledge quickly and move on (at least in the North-East). Most places seem to require that you ask this of each customer you encounter, so if you can imagine that many people asking you how you are in return and having to respond each time..yeah it gets to be a bit much for some.
#21
Don't sit around for hours in a restaurant after eating. The wait staff get fussy
Trillian 3 years ago
One reason why I hate dining out in the US. The staff will bring the bill the minute they see you chew the last bite. It is so rushed und uncomfortable. Plus it‘s expensive and tax and service are not even included yet.
Mohammad Ammar 3 years ago
That's what happens when you get paid through tips.
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Wang Zhuang 3 years ago
Most restaurants don't care about this unless they're very busy (like the lunch or dinner rushes). If the place isn't crowded, it's not a big deal, but if you see people piling in, be courteous and get through your meal so others can be seated.
Thorfin Wolfsbane 3 years ago
Yeah, in America, restaurants are businesses trying to make money. Wait staff is underpaid and relies on tips. So eat, pay, get up, leave. Then another person can come in and eat and pay and leave.
S 3 years ago
As an American, I will sit and chat as long as I please. I will be ordering drinks though and I will always tip you at LEAST 20% regardless of service.
Phill Healey 3 years ago
And they still expect a tip? Wowser. I wish you guys just got paid for doing your job instead of expecting the customer to pay.
RoseTheMad 3 years ago (edited)
Honestly, don't do that in any country, (well, not for hours, maybe 10 to 15 minutes or so whilst you digest your food is ok, don't feel rushed) whilst some countries will be more polite about it, generally it's not good manners to sit around for absolutely ages, that restaurant/cafe is trying to earn money, and if they can't get more people in whilst you're sat around just talking and not ordering anything else, they lose money xP
Huddo's sister 3 years ago (edited)
Actually it is perfectly fine and common for people to sit for longer than that in many places. They are there to socialise as much as to eat. That is, unless the table is booked for another party after you.
Load More Replies... pebs 3 years ago (edited)
In Italy, usually (unless it is a particularly crowded or trendy restaurant, or a place where you can have a quick lunch), it is perfectly normal to stay at the table chatting with the diners after having finished eating or while drinking a liqueur or coffee. On the contrary, the waiter who rushes customers is considered very rude and this way of doing things can make customers decide not to go to that restaurant anymore.
#22
Don't litter
Marcellus II 3 years ago
But in the US, it's because companies will do it for you! https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/thieves-in-la-are-looting-freight-trains-filled-with-packages-from-ups-fedex-and-amazon/ar-AASNhWp ---- train company has fired all its security on a slow-moving stretch, and now it's a gigantic mess as parcel delivery containers are regularly looted as if it's a 3rd world country.
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Luther von Wolfen 3 years ago (edited)
Just because we throw garbage everywhere doesn't mean you can.
Steve Fischer 3 years ago
From the sight of all the litter, you would think most people in this country are pigs.
FOX_MULDER 3 years ago
Unfortunately NY is absolutely littered to hell. I judge how good a state is by how clean the side of the roads are. I can't even count how many times I've seen someone just throw a bag of fast food out of their car. Or unwrap something and just let it go into the wind.
AlanandLeila Hoyt 3 years ago
There’s signs saying littering fines are enforced but I’ve never seen it. Litters common in a lot of cities here and it’s tragic
#23
Americans are about personal bubbles. If you're a stranger, keep an arms distance when conversing with an American. If you are familiar with them, keep an elbows distance. And lastly, unless you are extremely familiar with them, do not touch except for a handshake. We're like the Swedish, but louder.
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 3 years ago
Goes double for braids/dreadlocks/spikes. DO NOT EVER feel someone's hair. Don't even ask. It's crazy rude here.
Tuna Fish 3 years ago
OMG I can't imagine touching someone else's hair! How rude. Pregnant women don't like their bellies being touched either. Why you would want to is beyond me but people do it.
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CrunChewy McSandybutt 3 years ago
Elbow distance seems way too close even for a close friend or relative. Strangers should stay at least a meter (3 feet-ish) away and close friends should stay arms-length unless they are going in for a hug.
deathrose 3 years ago
The amount of people that will just grab my hair is infuriating. They will grab a lock of my cork screw curls just to watch it spring back up and think I'm rude for being upset about it.
Teresa Stabler 3 years ago
I can't understand why people think that's ok.
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BORKADYMUSIC 3 years ago
My bubble is huge cuz I’m an introvert, I hate when people touch me except if I know them well :’)
RoseTheMad 3 years ago
same goes for the UK tbh, and most North European countries, Finland especially xD
Veronica Sjöberg 3 years ago
I actually think this is pretty universal...it have been studied. Sure, the exact size of your "bubble" might be a little bit bigger/smaller depending on where you're from but we, as humans overall, like to keep a little distance to strangers if possible. If you don't keep that distance it's considered a threat.
Big Blue Cat 3 years ago
We get a lot of eastern European workers here in the summer. They don't have any concept of personal space. In line to cashier they stand as close as possible to the person in front.
Load More Replies... #24
Don’t try to make it cross country in a day. Especially during extreme weather
King Kashue 3 years ago (edited)
"Especially during extreme weather"? As if it's some remote possibility otherwise but the weather makes it a 0%? It's more 2700 miles. Even driving for literally every single second, "cross country in a day" would require an *average* speed of around 115 miles per hour - that number goes up with stops for gas, food, toilet breaks, etc. The Cannonball run record - i.e., the stupidly illegal trip undertaken by people pouring significant resources into it (at least in the modern attempts) is 25 hours 39 minutes. Literally no one has ever done that in a 'single day.'
Marcellus II 3 years ago
Sounds like you have to read up on the https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannonball_Run_challenge or seen the entertaining docu about the car that's in the movie about that race, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8b7erU_DOfE --- Ed Bolian is ever entertaining! And yes, during Covid lockdown records were repeatedly broken and are now practically impossible.
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RoseTheMad 3 years ago
who the actual hell thinks they can cross the entire US in one day? o.o I hear that in the US you can drive for a whole day and still be in the same state!
Sandra Givens 3 years ago
Europeans, that's who. They have no idea how huge the country is.
Load More Replies... AlanandLeila Hoyt 3 years ago
My brother tried to make a straight shot from California to Virginia in his 54 bel air. Ended up falling asleep, hitting a bunch of barbed wire and crashed into a ditch. Cross country should take about 4-6 days
Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago
Same with Australia and also make sure you take plenty of water and have a couple of full jerry cans.
SoozeeQ 3 years ago
I once heard of a couple from Singapore who got off the plane at Sydney and wanted to catch a taxi to Perth "on the other side of the island". Yeah nah. (For our American readers, that's almost the equivalent of New York to LA. You technically *could* catch a taxi, but it's a helluva long way, and would take several days to get there, through some very inhospitable territory).
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Memere 3 years ago
Should have said "drive cross country". The ONLY way to make it from one coast to the other in a day is to fly.
Damitria 3 years ago
And the way our airlines are going with delay and stupid people causing ruckus on planes and having to have them return to the gate, even flying isn't guarantee to get you from point A to point B in a timely manner.
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#25
You can buy alcohol in any store in town but you will get the long d*ck of the law if you open that puppy up in public
Katchen 3 years ago
If it’s in a brown paper bag, you’re golden. No one could possibly guess what you’ve got in there!
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Wang Zhuang 3 years ago
Actually, there are plenty of "dry" areas in the US where you can't buy alcohol at all in stores. For reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_dry_communities_by_U.S._state
Guido Pisano 3 years ago
that's a thing I will never understand. If you're above the legal age, why can't you drink where you want?
Marco Hub-Dub 3 years ago
Depends on location. It’s legal to drink in public in many places, but not legal to be intoxicated in public.
#26
If you are driving, don't forget that you can make a right turn on a red light, and if you get pulled over by a cop, being friendly/respectful can go a looooooong way
D K 3 years ago (edited)
When pulled over by a cop, roll the window down and keep your hands on the wheel where they can see them. Be polite. I would go as far as saying “my license/registration/insurance” or whatever they are asking for are “in my wallet/glove compartment” etc, “may I reach out and get those?”
Earl Grey 3 years ago (edited)
Hands on the wheel at 10 and 2, roll down the windows, turn on lights if at night, when the officer approaches, ask “What are your instructions?”
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Jon S. 3 years ago
If you are walking, don't forget drivers can make a right turn on a red light! I fell foul of this the first time I crossed a road over there.
Micah 3 years ago
Cars are supposed to yield for pedestrians, but yea, it's safer to make sure a vehicle is letting you go before you attempt to cross.
Load More Replies... kaycee14 3 years ago (edited)
When I was learning to drive, my dad told me that if I was traveling and didn't know if right-on-red was allowed, to just wait. If the car behind me honked its horn, it was ok to turn.
Tim Bouchee 3 years ago (edited)
I wouldn't always go by what other drivers are pressuring you to do. I've seen plenty of people turn on red when there was a clear sign saying no to. That being said, if there isn't a sign saying No Right on Red, you can turn right on red. EDIT: Apparently NYC is the one anomaly for this rule and does things in reverse.
Load More Replies... Tim Bouchee 3 years ago
Not just being polite with the police when pulled over, but be honest. If you were running late for work and speeding to make up, just say that. Now, be honest, but don't be stupid. Saying you were in a hurry and lost track of how fast you were going? Honest. Saying you always go 15+ the speed limit every day? Stupid. Being late isn't an excuse, but you never know...the cop might be swayed towards giving you a warning if you're not bullshitting them. And if they were gonna ticket you anyways...no amount of BS excuse is gonna change their mind.
Robyn Bowns 3 years ago
It's more from humility than honesty. You can be an honest jerk and still be ticketed.
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Terry Tobias 3 years ago
You can't always make a right turn on red. Make sure to check for a sign that says "No turn on red" up near the stoplight. And first check for oncoming traffic and pedestrians as well! This shouldn't have to be said but you'd be surprised at how many people don't!
Sarmite Kraukle 3 years ago
That is very f****d up rule! Come to Ireland and learn, how to care about road safety! Slip roads, and intersections is the answer.
Nancy Lynch 3 years ago
Be very polite to the police. No sudden moves. Hands in sight at all times. If you need to get something in your car, tell the officer what and where it is first.
#27
Restaurants and stores will take your cards. I know, it is weird. You lose sight of it. If you do not want that to happen have cash prepared.
ellie angel urban 3 years ago
Some places do. But some places just take it and swipe it behind the counter. Had this happen at a pizza place once and next thing we knew, charges were being billed for like $50 worth of pizza, delivered to some other address. My advice is if you are uncomfortable having them take to swipe, ask to go with them and keep eye on your card or use cash or pre-charged money card. Also beware of gas station pumps and atm machines. Often times can steal your info that way and charge to your card. Check machines any time you swipe for suspicious-looking bulky add-ons.
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MiniMaus 3 years ago
How out of date is the USA if they still take your card away. Every restaurant or bar I've been to in Canada brings the mobile unit to your table and you pay there. Cash? What's cash?
Ole Peder Amrud Hagen 3 years ago
Yeah, they manage to do that in basically any other country.
Load More Replies... ZAPanda 3 years ago
Here this would not happen because of card skimming (copying). If they want to take your card away that's a hard NYET from you. They must bring the point of sale machine to you, or let you scan a QR code to pay.
ellie angel urban 3 years ago
Card skimming happens in the U.S. They also target gas station and public atm machines. When swiping your card at any outdoor machine in U.S., check machine first for signs of suspicious-looking bulky add-ons. There's lists online of what to look out for when using American machines.
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Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago
I don't even think that is legal in SA. Never let anyone take your card out of sight.
Huddo's sister 3 years ago
Even if you are at the counter and they put it in the machine for you, they have to pass it over to you to press ok and/or put in your pin in Victoria.
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Evan Martin 3 years ago
This might happen in rare circumstances but is by no means a common thing. I'm be lived from east to west coast and never heard of/seen this actually happen to someone.
Linziaj 3 years ago
never let the card out of sight. If you do and fraud happens, you're I strange won't be covered. Same if you gave out your pin number
Sarah Harel 3 years ago
Not a thing- ever been to a restaurant with the waiters little black folder? They take it, run it, and you sign the receipt. Some chains gave the machines at the table but not small restaurants or very posh places
#28
We Americans love foreign visitors and we will pepper you with questions, ask about your language, culture, almost really intrusive questions. Some might even try to relate to you on some level because we Americans are taught that the United States is a melting pot and we all have distant relatives in other countries. For the Irish, English, Scottish, and German; do not be shocked or offended if an American says "Oh! I'm insert heritage too!"
Dodo 3 years ago (edited)
If you said 'I have Irish heritage too!' there wouldn't be an issue. The fact that you mostly say it as 'Hey, I'm Irish too!' is the offensive part. You're not Irish. You're American. Your great-great-granddaddy was Irish. (Edit: Changed 'English heritage' to 'Irish heritage' as people really seem to be misunderstanding what I'm saying and this is the only thing I can think might be tripping them up)
Louloubelle 3 years ago
What you need to understand is that Americans are rather like adopted children when it comes to ethnicity. If you're Scottish (I'll use that as my grandmother was Scottish), you know about your culture, traditions, etc. But we Americans, unless like me, have a relative straight off the boat (as we say), you have no idea of where your mother got her schnitzel recipe, or why everyone in your family has red hair. It's about wanting to belong. Since we have so many different ethnicities in the US, we don't have real traditions. We're developing them. And eventually we'll simply be Americans. But until then, try to understand it's about wanting to know where your DNA comes from.
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L.A. Trefry 3 years ago
"I'm Irish too" is just shorthand for "I'm of Irish heritage." We all know we aren't Irish/Polish/whatever but it's part of our ancestry and it might even inform our current traditions and beliefs so it's important to us.
Rita Gilbert 3 years ago
Also another pro tip. If you speak Portuguese or Spanish. PLEASE don't talk about someone in another language. Spanish is a well know language and Portuguese has similar words in it. My aunt was pointing to people and screaming jesus there so fat! in portugese. don't do that
julien 3 years ago
spanish, italian, portuguese, french and even romanian have similar words : they are the latin languages ! and english has tons of french words !
Load More Replies... Cuppa tea? 3 years ago
Watch that clip of Russell Peters mocking "Irish" American. I'm Irish. Where are you from? Boston. Where are yours parents from? Boston. Where are yours grandparents from? Boston. You are not Irish, you are from Boston.
ZAPanda 3 years ago
hmm I can imagine some people might find it intrusive.
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Linny H 3 years ago
Oh my gosh, you should have heard the question I got (I'm American) while visiting South Africa. This trio of ladies seemed to the the show Dallas was a documentary on the average American. It was difficult to take their questions seriously and they were amazingly rude. But I'd be a fool to think that that means ALL South Africans are A holes.
Thomas Sweda 3 years ago
Had an American, ( Polish heritage) aunt get in trouble returning from Barbados to the states, because she listed Polish as her nationality.
#29
For the love of god please just go the speed limit, and NEVER stop in the middle of the road no matter where you are
Thorfin Wolfsbane 3 years ago
In America is best to think of the speed limit as the slowest you can go without being a nuisance.
Guy Incognito 3 years ago
Most important rule. If your are going slow stay out of the left lane. Especially if your going under the speed limit.
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digitalin 3 years ago
Correction: Drive AT LEAST the speed limit. Driving under it (at least on the major highways, etc) will get you dirty looks, and worse, be a safety hazard.
Data1001 3 years ago
I've actually been pulled over for driving 10-15 miles per hour under the posted speed limit on a highway. And it wasn't one of those highways with a lower limit posted (which we do have). I was driving a car that was overheating and couldn't go above a certain speed or it'd completely overheat. The cop understood but still wouldn't let me go without ticketing me until I told him I'd do the rest of the trip on side roads and stay off the highway.
Load More Replies... Sarabura 3 years ago
These are two completely different things. Americans speed all the time, but yeah, don't stop in the road.
Robyn Bowns 3 years ago (edited)
I assumed they meant at least the limit. Where I come from traffic flows about 5mph over, minimum.
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Tim Bouchee 3 years ago
One winter it was well below zero out, and on my way to work the night shift, I learned something: when it is that cold out and you've just taken a shower (a HOT shower) your car windsheild will frost up within seconds to the point of no visibility. I put my flashers on and stopped in the middle of the road while I desparated tried to scrap the fast-forming frost off. So that's a possible reason.
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Darcy Marie 3 years ago
If you're ever lost or confused or the weather makes you feel unsafe whatever just pull over and out of the way. You're more of a danger when you're slowing up traffic than most people realize.
Lady of the Mountains 3 years ago
why the crap would you stop in the middle of the road. why is that ok in other countries. people have places to be.
LivingTheDream 3 years ago
no, no, no... The speed limit should actually be renamed "Speed Minimum" You can go up to 5 over almost anywhere in the US without worrying about a ticket. IN CA, you can be cited for going under the speed limit and holding up traffic(rarely enforced). You are actually required to pull over/out of the way to let traffic pass.
Jay Son 3 years ago
We have both a minimum and maximum posted in my state.
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Andrea Steht 3 years ago
For the love of all things holy go at least 5 over the posted limit or move over!
Makoto Fletcher 3 years ago
Oh my gosh. Yes, I have seen foreign couple stop -- STOP -- and argue about whether they are heading in the correct direction. Have seen a "newly" licensed driver stop for a red light and drive through the intersection, if there were no oncoming traffic. Ugh, is it not bad enough to use no turn signal, change lanes at a red light (never mind that you block the turn lane AND through lane. I do not know how they obtain their license, but it certainly is not under the strict process I went through when I was first examined ... oh, 50+ years ago.
#30
A few from personal accounts of people I know.
Do not think it's acceptable to bribe someone in authority. It's not even a joking matter in the U.S. I grew up in a country where it was an unwritten rule that these things could be "negotiated" and there were tell-tale signs to know whether said authority was open to it.
Coworker of mine knows a guy (comes from a European country where this is common place) that was in the U.S and had to be escorted out of a shopping mall because he cat-called a group of girls... who also happened to be underage. Yeah, that's a no go here. Maybe it will be tolerated at a night club, but in public? You'll likely face repercussions. It's just not culturally acceptable. (Note: that's not to say it doesn't happen in the U.S - as I know it's a problem in a lot of major cities).
Micah Chips 3 years ago
exactly. it won't get you girls, it will make most women immediately hate you, it's gross and weird, and you could get in trouble, so like what's the point
Load More Replies... Chucky Cheezburger 3 years ago
I cat called my wife once. Bad thing was that I was in my work truck and I work for the local government...🥴 We were driving through the part of town that she works in and I saw her walking down the street. I got so excited to see her, I didn't think through how bad it looks for a government employee to be hanging out the window of a government vehicle yelling " HEY BABYYYY! HEY BABYYY,I LOVE YOU! "
And i was like WTF!! 3 years ago
That would not be tolerated in Europe (at least the parts that i know of)
Claudia Schmid 3 years ago
Agree. Especially the bribing could get you really into trouble
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Seeing-EyeBear 3 years ago
"How did you and daddy meet? Well I was walking down the sidewalk and he hollered the most vulgar, disgusting, misogynistic stuff at me, and I was smitten!" Yeah, lots of romantic stories like that.
MellonCollie 3 years ago
I like the idea of just throwing people out who cat-call women and girls. The rare occassion where it can be OK, REALLY does not weigh up to all the times where it is just annoying, gross and disrespectful.
Louloubelle 3 years ago
Serious question. Where and when is the rare occasion where it is ok?
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Daniel Ikelman 3 years ago
I can't imagine cat calling under age girls is acceptable anywhere..
John L 3 years ago
That and bartering the price. A lot of recent immigrants have a issue with this, not just foreign visitors. Of course, this doesn't have the same ramifications that the OP talks about.
Louloubelle 3 years ago
Yeah, unless you're at a flea market or garage sale, we don't barter. Well, maybe cars, but that's a bit different.
Load More Replies... Steve Fischer 3 years ago
Only rich people and corporations can bribe the authorities in this country. Thank you Supreme Court☹️
Stoopham McFernybabes 3 years ago
I don’t think the cat calling is “acceptable” anywhere (especially to the call-ees), but some places have a far more supportive culture of calling that sh-t out and trying to prevent it.
#31
Don't get in the water unless it's explicitly marked that you can:
if it's a large body of water like a bay or waterway, it's likely polluted and boats might not see you.
if it's a small body of water in a park, swimming is likely not allowed for conservation purposes or just by cultural norm
if it's a reflecting pool at a memorial, it's disrespectful to those who the memorial is honoring. (People break this one all the time in DC; please don't be one of those people.)
Dirk Daring 3 years ago
Tourists coming to DC always want to be dipping their feet in the reflecting pool, not realizing it's really a gigantic goose toilet. Just don't.
Lost Panda 3 years ago
Why anyone would need to be told not to swim in a reflection pool is beyond me, humans are a disgrace
Izzy Curer 3 years ago (edited)
I don't know about this one. It depends on where. I can see this being a thing around the DC area, but it's a pretty narrow mindset to think that's how most of the country is. I think that's pretty much a metaphor for DC in general
#32
As awesome as we can be, we are the opposite of a homogeneous culture, this means we have people of different races, religions, and ideologies. I know that our own politics can and will dominate the news headlines around the world, but I suggest you tread lightly when discussing politics and religion. This is because tribalism of religious and ideological beliefs run deep and Americans can and will get offended quickly.
Yo Momma 3 years ago
I am glad I am not one of those Americans that get offended over nonsense. I am an adult and can have an open conversation about any and everything without getting violent, upset, triggered, etc.
WilvanderHeijden 3 years ago
You're not living rentfree in our minds. You're squatting our minds with the insane news coming from your country every single day. "Abortion banned" " Second school shooting in one month" "Factory workers killed by disgruntled ex-employee"
Nimitz 3 years ago
This is one of the worst parts of being America's neighbor. The rhetoric and horribly toxic US political outgassing that spreads like pollution to up here in Canada. And feeling compelled to monitor the situation because now they occasionally have Nazis openly marching through their streets. When people feel comfortable to openly and proudly declare themselves Nazis, you need to pay close attention to what they're doing. Thanks for that America. Real glad I have that in my life now. Get your s**t together.
Data1001 3 years ago
The US has been getting further and further divided -- socially, politically, religiously, etc. It's gotten so bad that a lot of us wouldn't be surprised to see another civil war within the next few decades. So this one is particularly true now, when it seems a lot of people have fervently allied themselves with one "side", and anyone on the "other side" is deemed to be a lunatic, a traitor, or just "evil". You'll find some of us who won't get riled up (we may judge you silently, but won't start a fight about it); however, there are a lot of folks here who have been swayed by the pundits that they follow on their media of choice and could potentially give you an earful, if not try to engage you otherwise.
CrunChewy McSandybutt 3 years ago
I get a little offended when people insist on talking politics. I'm just so d@mned sick of it.
Per Arne Dahl 3 years ago
So you are saying offending religious and/or political nutcases is a BAD thing. Never gonna understand you Muricans.
#33
Do not drink alcohol in a car, even as a passenger, it's against the law to have an open container of alcohol in a car. Period.
Walking On Sunshine 3 years ago
If you have been drinking and you're sitting in your car with the key in the ignition, that is called actual physical control and it is one step below DUI.
Robyn Bowns 3 years ago
Special laws for comercial services. If I'm not mistaken the partition window has something to do with it. Besides as loser in cheif keeps proving, the rich get away with whatever.....
Load More Replies... FOX_MULDER 3 years ago
This is not entirely true. Here's a list of states that allow open containers, and their laws regarding exceptions. Obviously don't drink and drive. https://www.losangelesduiattorney.com/drinking-in-a-vehicle/what-states-can-you-have-open-alcohol-in-the-car/
Huddo's sister 3 years ago
My sister wouldn't survive there lol. She's not an alcoholic, but is glad that she checked the laws to make sure she could drink while a passenger on the way to Rover Scout camps. I don't feel the need myself though. I guess this rule is part of why newly licensed drivers in my state in Australia are limited to one passenger in a certain age range.
Nami Tantrum 3 years ago
and then there is germany where you technically drink alcohol while driving if you stay under thre promille limit... also, the rest of the car can get wastet but it is pretty dangerous to have someone highly intoxicated on the front seat because some might just randomly grab the stearingwheel.. which is not good
#34
Disobey park rules regarding nature and wildlife.
If you’re in a national/state/any park, follow the rules: stay on the trail don’t litter Don’t touch any wild/plant life Camp/cook/dump/use the toilet in designated spaces Etc.
The reason for the park is for preservation, and for you to walk, relax, and breathe in it. It is not to be used to take a giant cooler full of cheap beer, drink half of it, leave it and then take pictures of you knocking over a large rock that’s over a million years old.
Also, if you’re one of the 10 people wading in the World War II monument in DC, the other 90 people are reading the signs that say “No Swimming”, and watching with severe disappointment.
Ripley 3 years ago
How many non-Americans are actually dragging huge coolers full of beer into a national park, really?
RoseTheMad 3 years ago
Or having ridiculous gender reveals that burn down forests...?
Load More Replies... AlanandLeila Hoyt 3 years ago
You can touch plant life and go off trail. Just don’t damage it and don’t get lost or go into restricted areas. This post makes it seem like you wouldn’t be able to relax or breathe at state parks which is bull.
madbakes 3 years ago
Going off trail isn't permitted in several national parks, mostly for space from bears, moose, etc
Load More Replies... Huddo's sister 3 years ago (edited)
Isn't this the same everywhere? The only part I don't get is not drinking. In Australia you are definitely allowed to drink at campsites in National Parks, as long as you aren't disturbing others.
Izzy Curer 3 years ago
Um. You're allowed to touch the plants. Just know which ones in the region are poisonous before you go. There will honestly probably be signs to educate you on what to look for
Huddo's sister 3 years ago
Take only photographs :) First thing we were taught in Outdoor & Environmental Studies was that poem lol.
Load More Replies... Demi Zwaan 3 years ago
Ha! I've never seen more garbage in nature than in US parks. And not from tourists either.
#35
Do not haggle for prices except at pawn shops (second hand shops), car dealerships, flea markets, and internet/phone/cable providers. You will be mocked if you do that anywhere else as it is considered rude.
Demi Zwaan 3 years ago
Wait, what? You haggle with internet/phone/cable providers? That's really weird.
ZAPanda 3 years ago
I do that, they overcharge so much that sometimes you can bully them into a lower tarrif if you threaten to go to a competitor.
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Paul Davis 3 years ago (edited)
Don't haggle at p**n shops, flea markets or car dealerships???? Here in the U.S. only idiots and noobs fail to haggle at those locations. I think someone completely lost track of what country this article was about.
Theoretical Empiricist 3 years ago
Please re-read the OP. "...except for..." is clearly called out.
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Raiden Prime 3 years ago
Hourly workers don't set the prices, and stores are already understaffed. Having to stop everything to deal with your dumbass wanting to haggle corporate set prices, then having to hear you crying about wanting a manager, you're not only foreign, you're a Karen.
#36
Be nice to the animals. We tend to place a really high value on animal life here. If you get to know someone who treats their pet like a human child, don't mind it. And certainly don't purposely try to hurt it. If you get caught abusing an animal--even just a stray dog/cat on the street--you'll certainly face repercussions, whether it be a fine or jail time. You'll also see a lot of roadkill, but don't try to hit an animal on the road on purpose. There's lots of roadkill because we have a lot of opossums and armadillos and they're fairly stupid, so they get on the road and get run over a lot. Most of the time it's an accident.
Becky Samuel 3 years ago
It's ironic that a country that professes to place such a high value on animal life has such disgusting and abusive farming practices, bends over backwards for the 'hunting, shooting and fishing' lobby, and spends over $100 million a year on killing wolves and coyotes.
madbakes 3 years ago
I'm an American, and I completely and totally agree with your statement. It's incredibly frustrating and sickening.
Load More Replies... Oopsydaisy 3 years ago
Excuse me. Do you think people from other countries just go around wilfully hurting animals, while Americans are some bastion of decency to animals. Jesus.
Ole Peder Amrud Hagen 3 years ago
Oh, wow, thanks for that tip. In every other country in the world torturing animals is a favorite pastime.
Louloubelle 3 years ago
As an American, I have discovered after working with people that were born elsewhere, they have completely different ideas about animals. I work with a man who thought it was perfectly fine to chain up a dog in his yard, and never bring it in. Do people in the US do that? Yes, but most people here frown on that.
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Huddo's sister 3 years ago
Who on earth purposely tries to hit animals on the road?! (I gat a slight startle when there were three kangaroos on the road this morning, then I stopped until they had crossed).
Izzy Curer 3 years ago (edited)
Oppossums and armadillos aren't stupid. They're slow and have weak eyesight because they didn't evolve with cars in mind. I'd argue that humans are slower than oppossums. Armadillos are slow because they're tiny tanks
#37
Don’t carry a large amount of cash on you or carry only big bills. This is so common in japan, a cash based society. A student of mine here in japan told me her husband had his wallet stolen in Boston when he was carrying mostly cash. Major cities and large stores/restaurants are very card friendly. It’s safer and easier.
fire bug 3 years ago
When traveling, I carry a "decoy" wallet with a few dollars and expired cards in it and then a money clip or another wallet somewhere else.
Memere 3 years ago
Same here! Learned that one a long time ago from a friend who traveled a lot. And wear a cheap watch, & inexpensive jewelry - leave the good stuff at home.
Load More Replies... Huddo's sister 3 years ago
How many countries are there where tourists should carry a large amount of cash? Generally interested. From what I have heard its is wise to have some cash in places, but not a whole lot in one go.
#38
Don't critisize our culture or politics (to our faces) , even if we agree with you, it will annoy many of us
Walking On Sunshine 3 years ago
Heads up, conservatives in our country turned out to be giant snowflakes.
CrunChewy McSandybutt 3 years ago
It's kind of like insulting someone's kid brother. We can do it, but you can't.
Wintermute 3 years ago
10 years ago this might have annoyed me, but now I'ma agree and join in the criticism. We're a bunch of clowns here.
Huddo's sister 3 years ago
I imagine most tourists don't want to talk about American politics, especially as it often amounts to name calling. They would be more than happy to leave you to that.
John Baker 3 years ago
Think of it the way you might think of family relationships. I might say Cousin Edna is stupid and lazy, but if you aren't family, you'd better not say it unless you want an earful. Same with culture or politics. I can criticize because it's mine, but it's rude for you to do it.
#39
Bomb jokes in airport. Thats actually a top tip for every airport.
Ren Karlej 3 years ago
Most airport staff find it incredibly annoying at the very least but often it can be frightening. How do they know what is real or a joke? They have to assume it's real to be on the safe side. People have and WILL be arrested and that is worldwide.
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#40
If someone asks "how are you?" , just say "good" or something similar, we don't actually give a s**t how you're doing, we ask because it's polite
ZAPanda 3 years ago
no I find that in South Africa a lot of people ask this sincerely, especially if they know you.
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Poultry Geist 3 years ago
Yeah but if I make eye contact with you I’m probably going to nod , smile and say “hi! How ya doing” ! I’ve started doing this very annoying thing we’re I just smile, nod and make a noise almost a laugh but it sound like “hmmmm” I hate it but I just keep doing it 🤦🏻♀️ The older I get the worse it’s getting 😂
Load More Replies... Paul Davis 3 years ago
Many of us do give a s**t, and are ready to listen, even though it is such a common greeting. I've never understood why I always see posts saying this.
Data1001 3 years ago
I think you'll find that the majority of people who ask this just do so because it's considered polite, and not because they really care about how you're doing. Even if they respond to your response with, "Glad to hear it!" it's just politeness, in most cases. Granted, there are exceptions, with close friends and relatives, but it's a kneejerk thing with the majority, I think. That having been said, though, I think for a lot of people, it does make them feel good because part of them feels like they have made some sort of positive connection with that other person, even though it's really fake. There are a lot of people who answer "fine" or "good" when they're really not fine, nor good -- because they are solely taking part in the ritual, but beyond that, they aren't interested in spilling their guts about what's really going on. Societal rituals are just weird like that. ;-)
Load More Replies... Izzy Curer 3 years ago
This is so untrue. I don't f*cking ask if I don't want to know. I also don't enjoy being asked if the person doesn't care, so I tell them exactly how I am. They either like it or they stop asking me. Win win
Rumple Schleppskin 3 years ago
I care,.. Some of the time. But I will probably lose focus while youre talking, so it's really for your own good.
David Woollands 3 years ago
Try that in London - they won’t talk to you, they just think your odd - a one outside London is normally happy to talk about most stuff
RoseTheMad 3 years ago (edited)
Same in the UK - funnily enough, it's the Americans that seem to launch into their life story when we say "alright?" :P
Data1001 3 years ago
I have a Brit friend who says "you alright?" instead of "how you doing?" and for the longest time I thought it was a genuine question rather than the UK version of what we say in the States. So I think maybe that might be what you run into when saying that. ;-)
Load More Replies... #41
Don't expect to get into bars or clubs under 21. In many countries people can still go to these places underage and not drink, but in the U.S. the vast majority of places other than restaurants that serve alcohol will not allow anyone in under 21.
Ray Heap 3 years ago
Here‘s me, British and somewhere off the beaten track in Kansas. 50-odd and being asked for ID to check my age to get into a pub.
CrunChewy McSandybutt 3 years ago
They card everybody so an older-looking kid can't slip through.
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#42
Don't get too far away from any major highway, don't let your tank of gas go under half. Most people traveling here haven't been to a country this big and this empty before. Easy to assume there will be roadside services and get stuck.
#43
Don't smoke around children.
Definitely do not pester, feed or endanger a wild animal, and don't harm someone's animal. Kicking or mistreating a dog/cat around here is grounds for fighting.
Please show respect and courtesy around monuments, parks, and historical sites, be they local, state or federal. Our history might be young, but it's still our history.
Every gun is loaded. Bubba will not be happy if you blow your hand off, so just don't touch any unless supervised
CrunChewy McSandybutt 3 years ago
And do not touch other people's children. I've had incidences where people from another country (where it's acceptable?) actually grab my child's hand and muss his hair and whatnot. DO. NOT. DO. THAT.
Andrei Marentette 3 years ago
I'm 14 and i think i've inhaled as much secondhand smoke as 1 cig entirely. so F off
AlanandLeila Hoyt 3 years ago
In any country you should always treat a gun as if loaded. Also, if you’re in the us and want to go to a shooting range, most places you can rent firearms and shoot without a license, just gotta pay for the rental and ammo.
#44
Hit your child in public. I'm not condoning physical punishment against kids, I just know from experience that in some cultures that's a norm. But if you do it here, chances are you will be confronted by an irate bystander
#45
Don't try to walk along really busy roads. Not all roads have sidewalks. Not all roads are walkable. People will think you're in distress and the police may stop you to check if you're okay.
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
For what it's worth, this annoys the heck out of most people in the US.
Paul Davis 3 years ago (edited)
Don't forget there are a lot of places where rednecks will decide you're either poor and therefore a powerless and easy target, or you are trying to be healthy, or green, or something -- and will try to hurt or murder you because many of these guys are taught to hate anyone doing anything different from themselves.
Summer Mason 3 years ago (edited)
Especially if your in the country. The roads are normally traveled by locals and not all obay the speed limit. So stay safe. Recently a young girl got hit by a car walking to the store a block away. I know it sounds lazy as f**k...but seriously if there are no sidewalks...don't walk on the road.
Ole Peder Amrud Hagen 3 years ago
I was stopped every single time I tried walking to school when doing an exchange year. Gave up and let other people drive me.
Sue Grigg 3 years ago
Cities have sidewalks. But all of the U.S. is not a city.
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#46
Respect personal space. I’ve had foreign friends visit and when they talk to you they tend to stand extremely close and it makes me cringe every time. Same goes for standing in lines - make sure to leave a couple feet in between you and the person in front of you.
T. D. Bostick 3 years ago
I think the entire world's gotten used to this practice over the past two years.
𝙸'𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚘𝚘𝚋!(new account) 3 years ago
The fact that 2 yrs just went by...👀 (still processing it all)
Load More Replies... Chucky Cheezburger 3 years ago (edited)
Im like skunk...get too close to me and I WILL fart on you and it will be bad. Like burn out your nose hair bad.😈
#47
Yes we have food from your country. 9 times out of 10 it is not the same and is Americanized. Sometimes it is better. Sometimes it is not. Some random places have an accurate recreation of that dish. Don't b**ch about how the bangers and mash, pizza, poutine, or something isn't the same. Try some American dishes. You can, maybe, find ingredients from your homeland in a grocery store and can use those if you are renting a house or one of those apartment hotels.
Scagsy 3 years ago (edited)
You might want to just stay at home if all you want is your own country's brands of food etc. I've heard fellow Brits return from Benidorm gleefully informing anyone who will listen about how they found an 'English Pub' with HP sauce and a full English breakfast, on the first day. And how they went there everyday after for sausage, egg and chips and a warm pint of Carling. What's the point in visiting a foreign country if you aren't prepared to try some of the local delicacies? I shake my head. I am literally shaking my head right now as I type. My head has been shaken.
Luther von Wolfen 3 years ago
I worked in an Ethiopian restaurant. White Americans would occasionally complain that the food wasn't "authentic". The owners were Ethiopian - all the recipes were based on the woman's food in her village. Servers had to explain that Ethiopia is a big country and people cook differently in different parts of it - to people who had visited there once for a month.
ZAPanda 3 years ago
depends on which town you are in. If you are in a small town (less than a million residents) I found that the US only has american food (pizza/burger/kfc), if you want national dishes you have to go to a big city.
Insert Generic Username 3 years ago
A small town is one that consists of less than a MILLION residents? What? Anyway, I live in a city of about 150,000 and we have every kind of ethnic food you could think of.
Load More Replies... Huddo's sister 3 years ago
I'm so disappointed that I didn't get to taste more Canadian foods when I visited, but the combination of my sister being very fussy because of ASD and the fact we were not spending much time in each place meant I couldn't, though we did stop at Tim Hortens a lot (I am gluten free though so could only really get hash browns :( ).. I did love the gluten free pumpkin pie I had on my first day though. I definitely would prefer food from the country I visit if I can.
Heather Pobicki 3 years ago
I haven't had string cheese in 35+ years and I'm 42. It's a joke purchase. We have cheese just like any country lol
Load More Replies... #48
If you're male, don't talk to strangers kids, especially daughters.
kybourbonpearls 3 years ago
As an American, yes. We think that. In our defense though, America is full of creeps itself. The sex trade industry over here is unfortunately booming.
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Uber Mensch 3 years ago
Easier to accept if you keep in mind that the country was (mostly) founded by religious zealots, and hasn't progressed very well. Sex and nudity (not necessarily connected) are still big taboos here - at least, in public. Private hypocrisy is rampant, however.
Walking On Sunshine 3 years ago
What a load of crap. Only conservatives are uncomfortable with this, because they are a party of pedophiles.
Crazycatcher 3 years ago
"Especially daughters"? no, just don't do it unless the kid comes up to you and even then don't go on and on and DO NOT touch them
#49
Don't use politics as a conversation starter. That's something we only really discuss with family in person. I was surprised how often US and World politics came up as an opening conversation while traveling in Europe last year.
ZAPanda 3 years ago
because europeans are watching y'all like people watch a car crash when they drive past. It's basically this fascinating shitshow across the pond. So europeans (and others TBH) want to know (a) why is it such a shitshow and (b) how are you not suicidal and (c) would you like to apply for citizenship here? We have free healthcare...
madbakes 3 years ago
We, as Americans, are also fascinated by the s**t show, particularly with Trump. We are also more aggravated than fascinated. And yes, I'd like to explore moving out of country.
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Unnamed Panda 3 years ago
It’s because politics here are SO divided. Republicans used to have brains, and we could have civil discussions. But Trump turned Republicans into conservative, pro-life, anti-vaxxer, conspiracy theorist idiots.
FOX_MULDER 3 years ago
This might only be true in red states. In NY we're always talking about the dumb regressive shizz the rest of the country is up to.
kaycee14 3 years ago
No, we people haven't. Many millions of us are just living our lives, working our jobs, and caring for our families. We're no more responsible for our government's foreign policy than you are for your's, and we don't deserve to be abused when we travel. Especially since we're also called stupid and insular when we DON'T travel.
Load More Replies... #50
Do not try to go across the country in one day like you would in a small country. I hear some people say they want to go from new york and road trip to Miami then San Francisco in one day. That would take a week or two. we are a big country with lots of places.
Ripley 3 years ago
If you live in Europe, where an hour's drive will quite literally put you in another country, it's quite easy to underestimate the vast distances in the US or Australia (which is nearly as big if Alaska isn't included).
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Hypoxia Smurf 3 years ago
Some time ago at Grand Canyon Nat'l Park, we met a group of Australians on a two-week cross-country (New York to Los Angeles) bus tour. That's rather like a two-week bus tour of Europe. A lot is skipped. Yikes.
CrunChewy McSandybutt 3 years ago
I had a friend from England that planned to go to Yosemite National Park for a couple of hours then visit Death Valley. They are both in California but are very far apart. And you can't see Yosemite in a couple of hours. That is at least a day-long trip.
#51
Don't stare at people. We just glance. People will think you are on drugs or mentally ill.
Paul Davis 3 years ago
At the same time in many parts of the country people openly stare at other people without any of that baggage. It's a big country with a lot of different types of people.
ChimeraBubbles 3 years ago
I'm guessing you've said this because of the idea that Americans are self-absorbed (I'm not saying they all are btw). However it's important to remember Talking Therapies can be helpful for pretty much everyone. It can be especially helpful for people who have a mental health diagnosis (but not always). The myth that therapy is in any way self-indulgent or only for for 'mentally ill' people needs to die.
Load More Replies... #52
Don't go without tipping, especially at restaurants. Though it's higher in some states, the national minimum wage of tipped workers is $2.13. It's not considered an extra on top of their pay, but the source of the majority of their pay.
Nathaniel 3 years ago
This is such a backward system. Tips should only be given for good/exceptional service.
Chucky Cheezburger 3 years ago
It seems the tipping is getting out of hand though. Places that pay more than the wait staff minimum wage ($2.13 or so, where the tips make up the majority of their pay) are setting out tip jars and adding a line on the receipt for tips. Places where the wait staff minimum doesn't apply and the employees are paid the state or federal minimum or more. Places like fast food and store clerks a such. I agree that minimum wage is crap, but dang...you sold me a sandwhich..didn't make it, just sold it., and theres a tip jar? I wanna get a tip when I change out someone's $h!try home grinder, but I don't see it happening.
Spittnimage 3 years ago
I've never understood why restaurant owners think customers should pay their employees' wages.
AlanandLeila Hoyt 3 years ago
Stores are supposed to pay any employee the difference in minimum wage that they didn’t earn from tips, but it doesn’t always happen. 20% is the norm. Also, just because there’s a tip jar doesn’t mean they’re below min wage tipped workers. Anyone can put out a tip jar.
FOX_MULDER 3 years ago
If you don't work doing manual labor/blue collar, or if you make good money, you should always tip 20% - even if their service sucks. This server person is busting their butt every day, or the kitchen staff is too, they probably have no benefits, the least you can do is tip and tip well. Think of it as a good Karma generator.
#53
Dont blare bluetooth speakers in public places.
#54
Don't urinate in public areas, even if you think you are doing so discreetly
Izzy Curer 3 years ago (edited)
In the states, you'll be slapped with a sex offender record. It's treated as a pretty serious crime, where it might not be so much in other countries
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#55
Don't be late to everything. 10-15 minutes is the polite amount of late for social engagements, but other things, like school, doctors appointments, reservations (bookings) etc, just be ontime ffs
AlanandLeila Hoyt 3 years ago
Most appointments will get cancelled after 15 min unless you call ahead
Cold Contagious 3 years ago
At a large specialty practice that I have to be seen at every two months, their patient appointment slots are scheduled every 10 minutes on the computer. The computer will not allow them to extend the time allowance if you're late. I've seen so many people flabbergasted by their system but it's the program they use.
Load More Replies... Memere 3 years ago
As far as doctor's appointments, do your best to be on time, but call if you're going to be late. And then be prepared to wait a minimum of 45 minutes before you get called back to the exam room. Once in the exam room, get as comfy as you can, because it's gonna be another 30-45 minute wait, or more, before the doctor comes in. That's IF he didn't get delayed by an emergency! I always just took a full day off work when I had to go to the doctor.
MiniMaus 3 years ago
I hear that in Brazil, there is really no "time". Everyone just shows up when they feel like it. There was an entire book written about it. lol
Huddo's sister 3 years ago
I have heard the same about Cook Islanders. They just go by Island time, meaning show up whenever. Even for things like church.
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#56
Do not worry about getting shot. That is, unless you are dealing drugs or breaking into someone's house
Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago
Or going to school, church, the movies, a concert, a marathon etc.
Dodo 3 years ago
Or you happen to be at the wrong house. Or you're at a traffic stop. Or you're the wrong colour.
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Laugh or not 3 years ago
Or at school, or at a marathon, or at a country music festival in Las Vegas, or... Shall I continue ?
Patrick McKemie 3 years ago
Nope, I'd recommend you worry a little bit. As an American, I often do.
Walking On Sunshine 3 years ago
Or breaking into our nation's Capitol. Isn't that right Ashley?
Panda Mona 3 years ago
I get this, but I also have to say that in my country I have never heard of a young child accidentally killing a sibling or a parent. It's not that it's rare here, it just doesn't happen at all. I read that nine children are accidentally shot dead every day in the United States. That's so sad. There is no information on the number of children and young people who accidentally injure or kill someone with a shot.
Memere 3 years ago
That is down to parents & adults who blatantly disregard sensible rules for gun ownership - they don't keep the gun unloaded & locked up. One young woman was killed in a Walmart by her 4 year old when he grabbed her loaded pistol she was carrying in her purse. It's tragic & horrifying to me, but until the entire population comes to their senses about private gun ownership, it's only going to get worse. And sadly, that will never happen.
Load More Replies... #57
Don't depend on public transit it's s**tty in a majority of places
Beverly Hasegawa 3 years ago
In NYC it's almost obligatory to use public transport. But it's an outlier in that and many other respects.
Bella Wexhome 3 years ago
i came here to say just that. in nyc it's smarter to take the subway than anything else. it's the fastest and cheapest way to get around the city. Boston's T is also great but pretty much shuts down at 2am.
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Memere 3 years ago (edited)
No, it's not absolutely false. I live in the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan area, which covers 8,472 square miles (that's 21,940 sq km), and the population is around 2.2 million people. Only in the city proper is public transit reliable. We only have buses, no subway here, and only a very short tram downtown. Kansas City is an extremely automobile-centric city, & if you don't have a car, your only other options are cabs, Uber, Lyft, or family & friends willing & available to give you a ride.
Load More Replies... #58
Don’t call all of us yanks... southerners will depending on the person be bemused or enraged. Don’t call football hand egg.
CrunChewy McSandybutt 3 years ago
Blame the Brits, they coined the phrase Soccer.
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sofacushionfort 3 years ago
To a European, a Yank is any American. To any American, a Yankee is any New Englander. To any New Englander, a Yankee is a Vermont farmer who eats apple pie with cheese for breakfast.
Walking On Sunshine 3 years ago
I'm thinking most of these are written by conservatives because they're coming off as assholes and not all of us are like that.
Davo gifman 3 years ago
I don't mind if someone from another country calls me a yank,or not. I'm sure that just stems from WWII. So I wouldn't take offense to that.
#59
Don't casually touch (slap on the back, tap on the shoulder, hug, etc) someone unless you know them very well. We're very protective of our personal space, and we dont touch each other in a friendly manner like most European cultures unless they're very good friends or loved ones.
RoseTheMad 3 years ago
Exactly, if you're in one of the Nordic, Baltics or the UK, you generally keep your distance and keep quiet if you don't know someone. xP
Load More Replies... Memere 3 years ago (edited)
I don't want any stranger touching me, in any way, shape, or form, ever. I don't care where you're from, if we don't know each other, Do. Not. Touch. Me. Unless we're being introduced, then I might be willing to shake your hand. Then immediately use my hand sanitizer!
#60
Don't: make eye contact with any homeless people panhandling for cash. They will hound you.
Izzy Curer 3 years ago
Um, you can just talk to them and treat them like human beings. Just say "no" when they ask you for money if you don't want to give them anything. A lot of times, they'll continue to talk to you, so it's not all about money. Sometimes they just appreciate the conversation
#61
Don't forget to tip your bartender
Lost Panda 3 years ago
People wouldn't have to rely on tips if they were paid appropriately in the first place
Oopsydaisy 3 years ago
But how? I've already asked this elsewhere. I had one drink at a bar, didn't tip because I couldn't figure out how to, and got yelled at by a woman outside the bar. I mean, it's easy where I live. There are tip jars. I don't have a problem when I run a tab, obviously, but if you're buying each drink separately it seems tricky.
Doc Moran 3 years ago
A dollar a drink in cash as you go. Or one lump sum at the end. Either works.
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Colin Leamon 3 years ago
How does the system work? Customers are automatically put 'on a tab'?
Kimi Tomminello 3 years ago
When you cash out your tab is when you add tip. If you're paying by card when you sign there's a line for tip, if you pay with cash leave it in the bill sleeve under your glass.
Load More Replies... #62
Some of my foreign coworkers didn't understand how dangerous it is driving on snow. Depending on the climate where you're from and how common driving is, you may have never experienced it... you have to drive slower if there's any snow, and depending on the consistency you may have to drive quite a bit slower. Tip one is to watch how other people are driving in it and mimic the more conservative drivers you see. Also, if you're ever driving somewhere that you aren't sure of the conditions, pick a safe spot to try stopping as fast as you can and see how quickly your vehicle actually slows down (don't do this if someone is following you closely because you could cause a wreck). Otherwise, and idk if this is the case in other countries as much as here, so you may know this already: people are generally more aggressive and less deferential in more urban areas. Even just living in a more rural part of the country most of my younger life, it was a culture shock moving to a large city. People even drive more aggressively, but it tends to be the overall mindset too. People have mentioned cutting in line being a major no-no, but that sort of depends where you're at actually. You might get away with it with no more than a silently pissed midwestern lady behind you if you do it in less urbanized areas... or if you try that s**t in Jersey or NYC, you'll get your a** handed to you. Basically, just don't make the mistake of going to a medium to large city and being overly polite or deferential. People will take advantage... you need to be a hard target, and don't feel bad about it because the nicer people that live places like that understand the need to be guarded and a bit defensive in those areas.
Bella Wexhome 3 years ago
I'm from NYC. we are frank, we are blunt, and yes..there is a pace you need to keep up with when driving and/or walking. but this if you stop us and ask us how to get someplace, not only will we tell you the fastest way to get there, we'll tell you of 5 places that are better and cheaper. if you listen to the above advice, then yes...we will be assholes. prefer the nyc attitude to the fake bless your heart attitude of the south.
Izzy Curer 3 years ago
New Yorkers are like "Get your crap out of my way. Gah, here let me help you, you jerk. I can see that you're having some trouble there. Gosh, here, no, I'll do it, I'll do it. There. You good? You okay? Good, stay out of the sidewalk, you asshat."
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Jeannine Pope 3 years ago
I was born in the north and live in the south for the past 30 years. So roughly half my life. It is more difficult to get to know Northeners because of their brusqueness. It is more difficult to get to know Southerners because of the initial veneer of politeness. Each culture has its defenses, but each culture can be kind, helpful and generous once you get past reputations and meet people where they authentically are. Plus, many people living in the South are tired of the old depictions and are working to be more progressive.
#63
Chew with your mouth open. We don't do that here and you shouldn't either unless you are literally a farm animal.
#64
DO NOT try and bribe the police. I know in some countrys it is common, but here you will be arrested. They also wear bodycams most of the time, so there will be evidence if you do.
Chucky Cheezburger 3 years ago
Unless they turn them off to beat the hell out of you,then claim you assaulted them by slamming your face into their fist. And don't worry that they don't have enough money because you don't bribe them. They'll say that whatever cash you have on you is subject to civil asset forfeiture and take it. Yet another reason not to carry cash in the U.S
Spittnimage 3 years ago
There are laws for civil forfeiture they have to follow ijit.
Load More Replies... #65
Get the app waze for driving here helps with traffic. And if you come to Texas drive aggressive haha.
Summer Mason 3 years ago
In texas.... be aware that sometimes tires fly down the rd next to you too. So yeah.... pay attention.
Memere 3 years ago
Only when they're driving in Texas, maybe. When Texans get out of state, not so much.
Load More Replies... #66
If you make eye contact, nod or acknowledge the presence of the other person
ZAPanda 3 years ago
I think this particular one is addressed to the brits.
Load More Replies... Memere 3 years ago
When I travel, I tend to make eye contact so other people know that I am aware of them & will be ready to take whatever action is necessary to keep myself safe. And I nod, or sometimes even give a small smile. If I make eye contact with a dog, though, all bets are off, there will be pets & scritches!
Crazycatcher 3 years ago
U don't really have to do this, it's more so they know u don't mean anything bad by it
#67
Don’t diss a man’s car. Don’t bring up politics or religion. Tip. Don’t assume that people from the south are stupid. Assume that people have guns, don’t argue or look for fights.
ZAPanda 3 years ago (edited)
hmm... so, don't assume people are stupid but assume they have guns? In my book, ANYONE who carries a gun is borderline mentally challenged. The stats show that you are 3x more likely to die by gun violence merely by having one in the house. Furthermore, carring a gun does not in fact guarantee time to respond. Most actual criminals will shoot first before letting you find it. Lastly, carrying one in public is overtly an attempt to intimidate everyone around you and what I think immediately are things like "Sheesh what a prick and sheesh what a wanker". I do NOT admire you at all. I think you are pathetic, in fact, and deeply insecure. But, hey, rightwingers DONT LIVE IN FEAR do they? I mean, what's a little virus?
#68
Do not argue with / taunt police officers.
ZAPanda 3 years ago
you probably won't die though. Here it's quite common to argue with a cop, especially if they're trying to ticket you and you think it's BS. You won't win, but it happens, and guess what... you don't get shot.
Load More Replies... ZAPanda 3 years ago (edited)
This is my main reason for not ever wanting to visit the states again, apparently your cops have become much worse/genocidal. Also I am scared of walking past a school in case I get shot. Of course, the chances are probably quite low, but still, that's how it looks from you know, here, in what did trump call us? oh yes. A shithole.
Walking On Sunshine 3 years ago
Trump made *our* country a shithole. And cops in this country are out of control. They keep getting busted and then they keep killing innocent people. It's ridiculous having to watch a cop be tried for a murder that we all watched on video.
Load More Replies... Walking On Sunshine 3 years ago
Look, most of us know America is s**t. The only people that defend it are conservatives waving a flag as they try to destroy America. It's humiliating. Fascism comes holding a Bible and a flag. And here they are.
#69
Fireworks are illegal in most parts of California. There are “safe” fireworks that are sold in some areas during the week of Fourth of July, but do not take them to other parts of the state and assume they are ok to use, and do not bring fireworks from other states and use them here.
Dirk Daring 3 years ago
To participate in and engage with the cultures of the country they are visiting? Wouldn't a visitor to India be welcome at a Diwali celebration?
Load More Replies... Robert T 3 years ago (edited)
But you can go and buy and assault rifle and use that instead! /s Edit to add: Perhaps stating the reason in this post would help - I think most people would be quite understanding of this if you started it with "Due to the risk of wildfires..."
Uber Mensch 3 years ago
The bar to buy fireworks is a LOT lower than that needed to buy firearms.
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Tracy Wallick 3 years ago
That's how we wind up with yet another massive, out of control wildfire.
Kimi Tomminello 3 years ago
If you're a tourist in the US and want to light off fireworks, for whatever reason, check with local authorities and inquire with locals first. Laws vary widely across the US.
Eucritta 3 years ago
Not just that, the official phrase in California is 'safe and sane.' I can attest they are neither, but it is true they're generally small.
Load More Replies... #70
Try to smoke cigarettes where everyone else is. Lighting up within a building is a no-go
Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago (edited)
Just out of curiosity is there strict rules for smoking in public places in the US. I guess it would depend on the state though. In SA you aren't allowed to smoke in the car with anyone under the age of 16, bus/train/tram stops, in shops or workplaces, playgrounds, the front of medical facilities like hospitals, dentists, outdoor dining areas, sports clubs, certain distance from schools etc.
Kimi Tomminello 3 years ago (edited)
Laws vary from state to state. Smoking in public buildings is not allowed and enforced. Smoking in vehicles with children in states with laws in place is still relatively unenforced. Smoking outside of hospitals and federal buildings isn't permitted but enforcement varies. No smoking allowed on school grounds but usually only enforced during school hours. I hope that explains a little.
Load More Replies... T. D. Bostick 3 years ago
This is unclear. Smoke cigarettes where other smokers are. Anywhere else, just don't.
Memere 3 years ago (edited)
They should have just said don't smoke inside any building, and when outside, look for a smoking area sign, or where other people are congregating to smoke. Some restaurants or bars may have an outdoor seating area where you can smoke, but it's pretty rare, depending on where you are. If you're in a little country town, it might be easier to find a restaurant with outdoor seating that allows smoking, or even a bar where you can smoke inside. Honestly, the best thing to do is just ask.
Load More Replies... #71
Don't drive on the left side of the road
Robert T 3 years ago
No! Really! I just drive whichever side I please. When visiting another country it is customary to follow the local conventions, aided usually by the steering wheel being on the other side of the car!
Theoretical Empiricist 3 years ago
They just need to put more effort into not slipping into "autopilot", like you would if you in England. I was riding with a colleague from New Zealand (who had been in the US a couple years, and during an animated discussion pulled onto a street onto the wrong side of the road. He realized his mistake when other passengers started screaming at him.
Load More Replies... #72
Bribing people, Like I realize in some parts of the world it's perfectly acceptable to grease the wheels a little bit to get thungs done. but it's a no-go here.
ZAPanda 3 years ago
no that's apparently called "lobbying" and is TOTALLY NOT corruption AT ALL. shh. /s
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#73
Don't wear a speedo at the beach. We don't need to see that.
Psycho Cat 3 years ago
But you like seeing women in bikinis? Isn't this a little bit of a double standard from the MOST INCLUSIVE WOKE country ever?
John L 3 years ago
But a very puritanical society. You can't drink if you are under 21 and depending on where you are, buy alcohol after a certain time or at all (regardless of age), in certain jurisdictions. Men going shirtless is different from women going shirtless. Separation of the sexes, along certain lines. Nude beaches, what is considered porn, etc.
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Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago
I personally don't like budgie smugglers so that's why I don't wear them lol. I prefer the mankini. On a serious note though, How can men find them comfortable, wouldn't the nuts and bolt get squished?
S 3 years ago
Okay this onw could have been left off. This is one person's opinion. Wear whatever bathing suit you want to wear. Ridiculous.
L.A. Trefry 3 years ago
They really are much less common though in the US -- and men wearing them might get side-eyed, so it's a legit heads-up.
Load More Replies... Eucritta 3 years ago
Not true where I live, in the California wine country. People don't generally get agitated about what others wear around here, so long as it's clean. But while we've got a lot of very beautiful coast, it's usually windy, the water is very cold, and the waves & currents are treacherous. So residents tend to go fully, if sometimes lightly, dressed, and maybe paddle at the edge a bit. Unless it's surfers, but they're all nuts.
#74
If you go to Texas or anywhere else in the south, you're expected to shake hands when introducing yourself. When I say shake hands, I mean no limp d*ck, clammy noodle. No one wants to feel that s**t. Wipe your hand on your pants, then try to break the other dude's hand before he can break yours
Cold Contagious 3 years ago
This is not everyone in the south, or even Texas, for that matter. This is the example of one person's extremely misguided opinion and maybe his small group of friends.
Load More Replies... John L 3 years ago (edited)
I think this has gone by the wayside since 2019. It'll be interesting to see when/if it comes back. I always hated shaking hands. Why can't we do something more practical, like bow.
Izzy Curer 3 years ago (edited)
I fist bump. Texas can suck it. (Apologies to any Texan who isn't a Covid denier. This comment isn't aimed at you)
Davo gifman 3 years ago
This is s**t! Just a firm handshake works great. You know like you're actually pleased to meet that person.
CrunChewy McSandybutt 3 years ago
This is not true at all. Only a$$holes shake hands this way.
#75
Attempt taxation without representation
ZAPanda 3 years ago
I think this is a southerner complaining that his racism and sexism are not getting representative status in the house of congress due to inadequate control over government due to his side having LOST THE F*****G ELECTION due to having let the last idiot run the country further into the ground, but, he still has to pay tax. booooohooo... Imagine how the northerners felt having to pay taxes to watch the trump take a dump on your country.
Cats 3 years ago
It’s not. It’s a rather jokey reference to the American Revolution. By the way, Trump’s supporters are not all concentrated in the South, and many southerners voted against him.
Load More Replies... #76
If you're going shopping, don't wear polo shirts. People will automatically assume you're a store worker, and they can be very rude about it.
ZAPanda 3 years ago
So, hawaiian shirts, board shorts, white sneakers, and an AR15, is the correct apparel? got it.
Leslie Tollefson 3 years ago
I made the mistake of going to a certain store in khakis and a red shirt …
Dirk Daring 3 years ago
Only dumb people act like that. I made the mistake of wearing a red polo shirt to Target, someone asked me for help, I explained I didn't work there. I pointed to where I didn't have a name tag, and they said sorry and moved on.
What do you think ?
Scarlett 3 years ago
So, to summarize this entire thing: be a nice person, don’t get hurt/sick, and always be polite to cops. That’s really all you need to know bout Murica. (We’re not all horrible people; there’s just a lot of idiots)
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
Basically, and given what I've seen when I travel outside the US, that sums up humanity. Not all horrible, but a lot of idiots!
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Tracy Wallick 3 years ago
Gotta love how BP loves to s**t on America for being ignorant/backwards/selfish/whatever, yet complain about our customs and will insist on using their own even if it's rude.
Psycho Cat 3 years ago
Don't abuse animals, be kind to other people, don't vandalize monuments, don't fight the cops? Do Americans think other people have a habit of doing those things in other countries? This article is pure b******t.
Julie C Rose 3 years ago
It’s a Reddit thing. There are certain comments people always post because they know they’ll get upvotes. It’s irritating and part of the reason I don’t go on Reddit anymore.
Load More Replies... Nikki Sevven 3 years ago
As an American, I have to point out that none of the things mentioned here are universally true in every part of the country. The US is bloody huge, and we tend to identify with the part we live in: New England, Mid-Atlantic, the South, the Midwest, and so on. In New England, we tend to move and speak quickly. In the South, they're exactly the opposite; they stroll and drawl. Different areas have different values as well, and different cultural norms. Think of the US more like the EU, that is to say, a group of somewhat disparate, but somewhat similar countries and cultures.
Daria Z 3 years ago
To be honest, I don't want to visit the US that much. A wild country with too many civilian firearms for my taste.
Summer Mason 3 years ago
The thing about the South... South means Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama, florida, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, South and North Carolina, Mississippi. We do love people. But there are still parts segregated. My best advice is ask a local where not to go. They will tell you. We want you to get back home safe. I can tell you now.. too keep your car gased up. Don't travel alone if you can help it in big cities. Stay away from cherry st area in knoxville tn. Not all are bad there but it's not friendly unless you know someone who lives there personally. Don't f*****g touch wild life or try to capture a picture of a bear. Admire it from an distance. In Codes Cave loop in the smokies....keep driving. Don't stop. It's 11 miles of a loop rd. If you want to take pictures park in the designated areas and go walk. Please for the love of God pull over and allow faster traffic to pass you when you can if on a two way highway. Don't litter. No matter where you are in the world don't litter. Th
Who Panda 420 3 years ago
I lived in Florida a general rule is if you see it Confederate flag maybe not the place to be. One thing they didn't mention about the south is a lot of people prefer to be called Sir or ma'am it's just considered polite. When I moved up North with this habit people thought it was rude they said I'm not that old.
Load More Replies... Demi Zwaan 3 years ago
Tbh, I'm surprised bribing police isn't a huge thing in the US. Everything is about money, politicians accept huge bribes (but call them donations or lobbying), but police won't accept it. It's quite amazing.
madbakes 3 years ago
Ordinary people (including police) aren't that shady. It's the people in power who love bribes.
Load More Replies... Scarlett 3 years ago
So, to summarize this entire thing: be a nice person, don’t get hurt/sick, and always be polite to cops. That’s really all you need to know bout Murica. (We’re not all horrible people; there’s just a lot of idiots)
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
Basically, and given what I've seen when I travel outside the US, that sums up humanity. Not all horrible, but a lot of idiots!
Load More Replies... Tracy Wallick 3 years ago
Gotta love how BP loves to s**t on America for being ignorant/backwards/selfish/whatever, yet complain about our customs and will insist on using their own even if it's rude.
Psycho Cat 3 years ago
Don't abuse animals, be kind to other people, don't vandalize monuments, don't fight the cops? Do Americans think other people have a habit of doing those things in other countries? This article is pure b******t.
Julie C Rose 3 years ago
It’s a Reddit thing. There are certain comments people always post because they know they’ll get upvotes. It’s irritating and part of the reason I don’t go on Reddit anymore.
Load More Replies... Nikki Sevven 3 years ago
As an American, I have to point out that none of the things mentioned here are universally true in every part of the country. The US is bloody huge, and we tend to identify with the part we live in: New England, Mid-Atlantic, the South, the Midwest, and so on. In New England, we tend to move and speak quickly. In the South, they're exactly the opposite; they stroll and drawl. Different areas have different values as well, and different cultural norms. Think of the US more like the EU, that is to say, a group of somewhat disparate, but somewhat similar countries and cultures.
Daria Z 3 years ago
To be honest, I don't want to visit the US that much. A wild country with too many civilian firearms for my taste.
Summer Mason 3 years ago
The thing about the South... South means Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama, florida, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, South and North Carolina, Mississippi. We do love people. But there are still parts segregated. My best advice is ask a local where not to go. They will tell you. We want you to get back home safe. I can tell you now.. too keep your car gased up. Don't travel alone if you can help it in big cities. Stay away from cherry st area in knoxville tn. Not all are bad there but it's not friendly unless you know someone who lives there personally. Don't f*****g touch wild life or try to capture a picture of a bear. Admire it from an distance. In Codes Cave loop in the smokies....keep driving. Don't stop. It's 11 miles of a loop rd. If you want to take pictures park in the designated areas and go walk. Please for the love of God pull over and allow faster traffic to pass you when you can if on a two way highway. Don't litter. No matter where you are in the world don't litter. Th
Who Panda 420 3 years ago
I lived in Florida a general rule is if you see it Confederate flag maybe not the place to be. One thing they didn't mention about the south is a lot of people prefer to be called Sir or ma'am it's just considered polite. When I moved up North with this habit people thought it was rude they said I'm not that old.
Load More Replies... Demi Zwaan 3 years ago
Tbh, I'm surprised bribing police isn't a huge thing in the US. Everything is about money, politicians accept huge bribes (but call them donations or lobbying), but police won't accept it. It's quite amazing.
madbakes 3 years ago
Ordinary people (including police) aren't that shady. It's the people in power who love bribes.
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