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Not too long ago, we have covered the issue of tourists not really understanding the limits and restrictions of the place they are visiting, i.e. Hawai’i, and then causing a lot of trouble along the way, leading to all of the reasons why Hawai’ians don’t really want visitors any more.

So, why not get ahead of things and nail down some of the actions, behaviors and… things to not do while visiting the U.S., as shared by folks on AskReddit, particularly in this modest thread.

Bored Panda has crafted a curated list with some of the best responses to the now viral question, if visiting America, what is something that [people] should NEVER do?, which you can check out below. And don’t forget to give us those upvotes if you genuinely agree or like the submissions, because we love you, and comment some of your don’ts in the U.S. in the comment section below.

More Info: Reddit

#1

30 Folks Online Share Things That No Tourist In America Should Under Any Circumstances Do Don’t talk about how you think a holiday or American custom is stupid if you are invited to someone’s home. We had a guest from Germany once, who was invited to my parents house for Thanksgiving . The whole day she talked about how it wasn’t a real holiday and it was just an excuse for fat Americans to eat more. It was extremely insulting and made the day unpleasant for everyone. If you are invited to someone’s home, at least try to to be polite.

Summerswaterfall , Joe Shlabotnik Report

#2

30 Folks Online Share Things That No Tourist In America Should Under Any Circumstances Do If you find yourself in Florida, absolutely do not swim in the lakes, ditches, or channels. Any standing body of water can (and does) have alligators in it. Also possibly water moccasins. And maybe even diseases.

Dobbys_Other_Sock , Trish Hartmann Report

#3

30 Folks Online Share Things That No Tourist In America Should Under Any Circumstances Do Do NOT go into the wilderness unprepared. If a trail says 2 miles and 2000' of elevation gain, that's not a nature walk.

Do NOT approach wild Animals. Yea, the moose looks big and stupid, but he'll kill you. So will the bears, mountain lions, alligators, snakes.

projecthouse , Denali National Park and Preserve Report

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dd_13 avatar
DD
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Have a cousin lives in anchorage Alaska. He sent me a pic of a moose laying in the yard across the street. I said oh, it's like on northern exposure (a television show on at the time.). He said no. His was a city moose. The moose on NE was a country moose. I asked what's the difference. He said city moose are somewhat used to people around and tend to be not aggressive. The country moose will just flat out kill you.

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#4

30 Folks Online Share Things That No Tourist In America Should Under Any Circumstances Do Don't underestimate the size of the U.S. We get a lot of international visitors who think they can hit Disneyworld and the Grand Canyon in one or two days. America is huge. We've got 50 states for a reason.

Also, don't expect things to be extremely walkable, or assume a decent public transportation system will be available to you. Urban areas usually have good public transport but truthfully, America is built around having a car. We have drive thru everything - banks, pharmacies, fast food, and in some states, liquor stores.

Don't get weirded out if Americans wave and randomly want to chat you up. We're a pretty talkative bunch, but do watch out for hot-button topics (for example, politics...we're a hot mess right now).

LadySiren , Roger Ahlbrand Report

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Benita Valdez
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also don't assume that because of where you are people aren't friendly. Us New Yorkers are assumed to be assholes but really we're not all bad.

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#5

30 Folks Online Share Things That No Tourist In America Should Under Any Circumstances Do Underestimate distances. When I was a tour guide, far too many customers asked how many HOURS the train to New York was [in seattle] and I had to put their jaw back in when I said 5 days.

a9249 , nakashi Report

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Queenie-Poo
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think Europeans are just unaware of how massive the US as a single country really is. I have a friend in the UK whose mind was blown when he realized that Paris is a hundred miles closer to him in Manchester than I am in northern Arizona to Bakersfield, CA where my kid's best friend lives.

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#6

30 Folks Online Share Things That No Tourist In America Should Under Any Circumstances Do Whether you agree with it or not (and the Redditland consensus is not), but please do not leave a restaurant without tipping (unless you've had really bad service). Again, the debate on this can be had another day, but right now, IRL, these servers depend upon these tips.

llcucf80 , Joanna Poe Report

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Nikki Sevven
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Punishing your server will not cause his employer to suddenly begin paying a living wage.

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IlovemydogShilo
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But it may help your waiter or waitress pay their electricity bill or rent, and that's what's important.

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Terry Tobias
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When all you're making is like $2 an hour, you live off of your tips. There were times when I was young and waited tables that I paid my rent in change!

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Chaz Castillo
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1 year ago

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If you're making $2 an hour you need to check yourself and get a better gig.

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Id row
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This 100%. Until the system changes, you're not going to change anything by screwing over your server. TIP THEM.

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chkurtzman18 avatar
George washingmashine
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They have some, but huge mega companies, which Europeans support, often refuse to allow unions and will fire employees who try.

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Joseph Harmon
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you don't like tipping, vote for politicians pushing for higher wages and don't go out to eat until restaurants pay a good wage. If you're giving the restaurant your money now you need to give the staff money too. I used to wait tables and every Sunday after church a family would come in. They were nice but every week the mom would say that it was a shame they made me work on Sundays. Finally, after the 6th or so time hearing this, I told her that as long as they came in to eat I'd have to work, and if they didn't think the restaurant should be open, they shouldn't come to eat there.

chkurtzman18 avatar
George washingmashine
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Literally the only people who run for office are millionaires. The reason they elected Biden is because he’s had to make his own bed once or twice in his lifetime

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Any
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How much is a good tip in the US? We tip also in Europe but mostly 10% off the bill, or that what you can afford, but also we don't have the vages so people don't depend (mostly) on tips. Serious question, i want to visit US sometime!

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RandomFrog
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It’s sad but they live off tips. I’ve heard tons of stories from Europeans where they diditn tip and the server was wanting to know what they did wrong and stuff

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Felkey Felkey
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And don't punish the server if you have a problem with the food. That's on the kitchen, not the wait staff. If the server is friendly, attentive, tries to accommodate, etc, you should still tip them. They have no control over the kitchen and quality of the food. Embrace your inner Karen and call for the manager if you must, but don't make it difficult on the sub-minimum wage employee who just brings the plate.

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Trish Watson
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People who disagree with the notion of tipping should eat at restaurants without sit down service. People who eat at full service restaurants, then claim to disagree with the notion of tipping to justify stiffing the server are perhaps just being cheap. After all, if someone truly disagrees with it - which is their prerogative - why would they support a full service establishment with expectations of the clientele tipping the servers in the first place?

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Kim Cairns
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But thats the thing, these days they ask for tips at the counter now. Fast food that you have to serve yourself. I am getting very tired of tip expectation for everything. Where I live, if you go to an average restaurant, it will cost you $20 for hamburger meal and non alcoholic beverage. And the waiter expects a $4 tip. The waiters here make more money in tips on a saturday night than I do on a normal day of work as a white collar professional.

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AmandaKay
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tip minimum wage in the United States is $2.13 and has not been raise since 1990. Tips servers receive are taxed as income. They are not "gifts". So if a server works 8hrs earning $17.04 on that day bit makes only $10 dollars in tips they are taxed on $27.04 income. It is easily possible to make more tips a day than you do in wages & to recieve a paycheck for a 40 hour week that shows NO earnings. It has happened to me before.

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Vylnce NA
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ive often tipped more for bad service. When i have an inattentive waitperson who is never around i look around. Does the restaurant have 2 servers and 30 tables? Your person may be busting hump and just able to do only so much. I often tip more when i find places that are understaffing (for whatever reason).

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AngelWingsYT
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This. Ppl have bad days. Dont make it worse but not tipping or leaving a shitty tip (seen images of ppl tipping 2-5 CENTS cause of "bad service") min wag workers are ppl too. They have good n bad days. So treat them with kindness

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Theresa SilentCrow
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also, if you are paying your bill with a credit card, if possible, do not put the tip om the card. Tip in cash. Tips on cards have to be claimed, sometimes split with other staff. Cash goes directly in their pocket.

jencasey_1 avatar
Jen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

However some restaurants use the % tipped on card to determine scheduling for the individual server. My sister works at Ruby Tuesdays and if they dont maintain a 20% tipped on card rate, they lose the good shifts and table sections. The company ranks thier performance by those card tips and ranks the servers at each restaurant from best to worst based on those and the best get to choose thier schedules (Tier 5 employees) first and the worst (Tier 1) get whats left over. New employees start at Tier 2 but can only be hosts for the first month. It really hurts thrm when people tip cash not on card because those are counted as a 0% tip in the ranking system. (Pay in cash and tip in cash is just marked an untraced cash table and not included in the calculation at all).

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Bittersweetie
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I value so much how they give me a break from the alwaysness of food prep and could literally never do their job (my memory or patience would get me fired hourly) so maybe 20% but usually just a "take all my money" thing.

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Sanchi Shiva
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mari- the US census shows that the poverty rate for kids under 18 is the highest in all age categories. They need money, now. They need to provide for their family. They shouldn’t have to, but their family might be homeless or something. Assuming that was incredibly rude and ignorant to their problems. And it’s hard to “make yourself worth more” with no education or money to be educated and helped. It’s clear you aren’t thinking straight, and have lived a rich and luxurious life.

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Barbara Skolly
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Chances are if you're from a country that doesn't really tip then going to a restaurant is likely expensive. Restaurants in America are much cheaper than Europe so split the difference with a tip

quelmar9 avatar
Rocky Mom
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a hard thought about this. Our systems still makes us pull more money out of our pocket, for services. Oh nope, you want to eat and get served. Pay for it your damn self. Now, duh, right... but what about the employers making huge bank because somehow we all got convinced their serving was an extra service for us, and not an extra service on THEM, and their food, they should be so lucky we trust to consume and pay for. I tip. Doesn't mean it is an honest system.

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Ann M Clinkscales
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unless the server is just downright terrible and I know the issues are the server's issues, I always pay at least 20%. Otherwise, I pay 15% and let the manager know about the issues when they come up. How can someone fix something if they don't know what's wrong?

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Martha Higgins
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Asians tend to be the worst tippers in my experience of 60 years of serving food. Yes, it's a stereotype, but stereotypes don't come out of thin air.

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Janet Graham
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Many people give the tip directly to the server and ask her to share it with the cook. This insures that the right person gets the tip they earned. Too many times the server is screwed when the owner takes a cut of the tip.

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Adrienne Mcginley
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bad service should mean a talk with the manager, while it's happening, not at the end of the meal as you're getting ready to leave.

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HIROX
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do check the bill at the establishment. Some places will pre-add the gratuity (tip) to the bill. If you don't you may end up double tipping.

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AngelWingsYT
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Be careful of that though. Sometimes those tips dont go to that one waiter but the whole staff.

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Lazy Panda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you eat in restaurants in the US (excluding a very few that clearly state that they add a surcharge instead of tipping), you just have to factor in a 15% minimum tip. It may be an unfair and stupid system, but it's the system. If you don't tip, you're cheating the hardworking service staff while the owners still make their cut. This isn't a list of "dumb customs the US should change," it's what visitors need to know.

amdeane1123 avatar
Ashley Deane
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also, servers split their tips. Especially with bartenders and hostesses. Just something to keep in mind whenever tipping anyone. Dunkin makes employees split all tips for that shift.

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Richard scott Crandall
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When you are visiting a foreign country every country has their rules and customs please try to abide with them whether you agree with them or not!

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who cares
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Another irrational one. Americans think they're the actual center of the world and that everyone visiting should know to tip, or agree with it. That's laughable coming from anyone, any nationality. Are the prices particularly low, then? To offset the tipping? This was ok as a temporary measure when it started, but you people complying are just enabling these bad bosses. Why are they the only ones that either can't afford to pay a normal wage or unwilling to? What other professions need compulsory tipping, something that should be up to the person and never demanded.

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jtrisn1
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you come to our country, you should do as we do like how you have to obey our laws like you would have to obey any law and customs in other European countries. Get your entitled a*s outta your head and start breathing that sweet healing chemical element called oxygen. Maybe it'll fix your shithole attitude.

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RADUGA.babochka
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I suck at trying to use a calculator, they're all so different and they never real tell you which buttons to use and how to put it in. I'd hate having to sit there and try to calculate how much I need to pay you. I've seen some stories where people get mad that they (customer) didn't tip enough because the person just slapped the money on the table and left. I would really hate to just sit there and struggle and lose my mind just trying to tip but not wanting to make anyone mad. I feel shitty for saying this but I just worry about it because I'm gonna have to start tipping soon.

jencasey_1 avatar
Jen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are really easy tip calculator aps for phones where you put in the bill total then click the percentage you want (single button on the screen) and it tells you how much. You can even have it equally split the bill between as many people as you want.

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Colleen Keller
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And please, if you can't afford to tip properly because of your own economic woes, don't eat where you should tip. Always add 30% or more to your meal for tax and tip.

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Daniel Fincher
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tipping servers is an "American" thing, largely. As is adding sales tax to the listed price (other countries have tax included in the sticker price)

lochnessdw avatar
Lochnessdw
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't go to restaurants very often because the whole "we can't do anything to change this from servers, just cover most of my labor costs from owners" is so convoluted. This is the only industry where this is allowed, and its partially due to greedy owners, and partially due to the amount of money a server can make on tips. I would gladly still tip good service, even if they made a fair wage, because I'm not an a*****e. But to treat people so poorly as to pay them $5 an hour in this economy you are inherently an a*****e, and why would I give you my patronage?

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Kay Phillips
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is only true in the US. In places like Japan it’s literally rude to tip. In Europe it’s optional

contact_213 avatar
APL
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mmm..."optional" is iffy. In Britain we pay minimum wage to waiting staff but tipping is still polite. Though only 10%

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Remedy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also don't be fooled into tipping if you pick up your food and leave rather than dining in.

dc1 avatar
DC
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

... do so at home and elsewhere, too ... just the regular amount is to be adjusted, in living-wage-countries, it may totally rely on satisfaction with service, in countries missing this step in their development, not so much. Calculate the minimum wage that would result from the time you're there ... just to put it into perspective ... divide by number of tables served, multiply with number of service workers on duty. If everyone would pay exactly that amount, and tips are shared equally, it ensures that tips equal minimum wage, and actual wage goes on top. That should be the baseline, generously rounded upward, that is considered to be tipped by every visit that has service without any significance whatsoever. Anything better? More. Anything worse, the waiters' fault? Maybe less, but hesitate here, please ... constant pressure, no reliable living wage, that sure may take a toll ... if I fail to correct this, I'm not entitled to never receiving any of it, huh?

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Misterionz
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At my job, for some reason tipping is not allowed, but we are allowed to take tips if the customer insists.

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AngelWingsYT
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ppl ask if they can tip at my job. They can if they want n it goes to the person that got the tip. Its rare (unless you work the bar) but on the busy days/weeks n holidays ppl tend to tip a bit. My dad gave his consessionist a $20 tip when he went on Christmas to see a new movie release.

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The IRS
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd bet most servers expect non-US folks not to tip. Do what you feel llike.

quelmar9 avatar
Rocky Mom
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I tip. But hate f*****g hearing, "don't go out to eat if you can't tip". Like, NO idea what people go through.. where buying a meal that required serving was the best way for them, without being able to add an additional tip ontop of that. Just really, telling people what they should do with their own money. If it isn't illegal, they're not wrong.. maybe just not "empathetic" if we judging here but oh welllll. Don't tell ppl. what they can or cannot do. Hold those accountable and stop scapegoating for them. *I am progressive as they come and will always advocate for better wages, while being full aware of shitty greedy politicians.

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shinshige
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And, tip at least 20%. Do not base tips on dollar amounts. I was at a coffee shop this morning and the woman in front of me had a $10 tab with a one dollar tip. That is not OK.

lochnessdw avatar
Lochnessdw
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not paying a fair wage is not okay, but you're taking it out on the person who tipped? Where is the accountability for the business owner? Are they just not accountable to pay a fair wage? Why am I, the customer, covering labor costs for your business? Hold these people accountable instead of shaming the customer because they only gave 10%. Make the pay go up, not the acceptable percentage for tips.

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Zanshin
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Workers expecting extra money from their customers doesn't mean they are entitled to it.

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APL
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Customers expecting good service from people working for below-subsistence wages doesn't mean that they are entitled to it.

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Joss
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't tip in states with identical tipped/untipped minimum wage unless it's actually exemplary, above and beyond type stuff. I used to tip generously, but since they make minimum wage plus tips, they actually make equal go or more than nontipped workers. I stopped tipping one day when I was broke working as a caretaker for disabled and elderly adults in California (through a state funded program, so I was making state minimum wage in a county and city with a higher minimum wage). All the servers were guaranteed to be making at least a dollar more than I before the tips. Minimum wage isn't enough to live on here for anybody. But it's the same for everybody (state jobs are an exception, but tipped/untipped wise). We still have pressure/shame over tipping despite this. It's not right that people making effectively less (untipped minimum wage workers) are shamed for not paying someone extra to do their own job.

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Alan Strachan
Community Member
1 year ago

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As a customer it is not my responsibility to top up a workers wage. They know what the salary is before they accept the job. If the salary isn't enough then don't accept the job and then beg customers for money!

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APL
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So you're saying you want every restaurant in the US to collapse from lack of staff? That sounds like a stupid solution.

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Pawel Jamacasy
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1 year ago

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Do not do this. It's not your business to pay staff properly

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#7

30 Folks Online Share Things That No Tourist In America Should Under Any Circumstances Do Wear clothing that has any imagery associated with Hells Angels. I was once at the convention centre in San Francisco during the setup of an event, and happened to be wearing a t shirt that had a variation of the “death head” logo on it (I had no idea - it was a cheap t shirt bought in the U.K. that I liked the look of). There was a guy riding round on a fork lift that kept staring at me and talking to his buddies. Eventually he came over and asked if I was associated at all with the Hells Angels. When I said no, he basically told me that if I was spotted outside wearing that t shirt by a member of the gang, I’d be in a whole heap of trouble. He was so insistent that he virtually escorted me back to my hotel to change it. At the time I couldn’t believe it, I was like “mate it’s just a t shirt I bought for 10 quid from TK Maxx” but in hindsight he probably did me a favour.

mangetoutrodders , Ann Larie Valentine Report

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#8

30 Folks Online Share Things That No Tourist In America Should Under Any Circumstances Do If pulled over by the cops, do not exit the vehicle unless they ask you to. The cops might sit in their vehicle for a while, & then they will approach the window & expect you to talk to them while sitting in the car.

yahdinguus , My Photo Journeys Report

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dd_13 avatar
DD
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely correct. If you are told to exit the vehicle, don't argue. Cops have a legal right to order you from the vehicle. Just follow their directives. You can argue your issues in court later if need be. On the side of the road is not the place to do it.

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#9

30 Folks Online Share Things That No Tourist In America Should Under Any Circumstances Do If locals tell you not to go to a certain part of town, listen to them. Similarly, don't go touring drug or gang territory.

CalypsoContinuum , Mike McBey Report

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Daniel Yamada
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm going to restore that car so I can take my children on a great adventure in it. Then I will marry the daughter of the owner of the local candy factory.

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#10

30 Folks Online Share Things That No Tourist In America Should Under Any Circumstances Do Don’t talk about GRAPE

Guns
Religion
Abortion
Politics
Economics

xandrenia , Phil Whitehouse Report

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DD
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never heard it phrased like that but that is a grape, I mean great bit of advice. Some people take those issues so serially I've seen most lead to fights.

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#11

30 Folks Online Share Things That No Tourist In America Should Under Any Circumstances Do Legoboy514 said:
Raccoons are cute… but from a distance.

seapancaketouchr replied:
I had two f*ckers break into my condo and steal my dogs food. And as they went over the wall of my patio it was like watching a fat middle aged man do an obstacle course.

Legoboy514 , Tambako The Jaguar Report

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Geoff
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How about let's expand that to "do not approach any wild animals". I don't care how many times you've seen a Disney movie... wild animals bite and claw... they don't sing and dance.

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#12

30 Folks Online Share Things That No Tourist In America Should Under Any Circumstances Do Don't go to the hospital unless absolutely necessary. The memes don't lie, they'll charge you $2,100 for a s***ty Walgreens splint and an x-ray.

paloofthesanto , Presidencia de la República Mexicana Report

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Benita Valdez
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aw that's how much my broken finger cost in 1999. Nice little clean break, go to hospital, get an xray, get a little $4 splint and a bill for $2100. I was a teen and learned that sometimes, if you think it's broken just wrap it up and don't do anything to worsen it. Hospitals are only for major health issues

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#13

30 Folks Online Share Things That No Tourist In America Should Under Any Circumstances Do Visiting south west USA? Cali. Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, ect. DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE HEAT, all to often people try a hike in 113° and end up needing rescue. And that's no good for anyone.

papamac1111 , James Burrell Report

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Queenie-Poo
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And don't UNDERESTIMATE it either! Northern Arizona is quite a bit cooler than southern Arizona, but it's just as dry and the sun is just as intense. HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE and either cover up or slather on that sunscreen or you'll end up rounding out your trip with a very expensive hospital bill.

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#14

30 Folks Online Share Things That No Tourist In America Should Under Any Circumstances Do Do not attempt bribe a police officer. It's common in some countries, but it will land you in a world of s**t here.

rimshot101 , Kristina D.C. Hoeppner Report

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Benita Valdez
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can in many South American countries and Mexico. My dad has bribed himself out of many speeding tickets 😁

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#15

30 Folks Online Share Things That No Tourist In America Should Under Any Circumstances Do Don’t assume that the price shown on an item for sale is your price for said item.

There are almost always taxes that are added to the price when you go to pay.

Red_Queen592 , Lachlan Hardy Report

#16

30 Folks Online Share Things That No Tourist In America Should Under Any Circumstances Do If you’re in a New York City subway, try not to make too much eye contact or look too long at people around you. Old guy lighting up a crack pipe near the door between cars? Just ignore the smell. Woman near you screaming at the top of her lungs at her silent child? Keep listening to your music. Someone digging through their bag, muttering to themselves, and throwing rose petals on the floor like they’re preparing for a seance? Just keep staring blankly at your phone. Trust me.

Jroks2 , Veni Report

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#17

30 Folks Online Share Things That No Tourist In America Should Under Any Circumstances Do Give retail employees a hard time about paying sales tax. We know you don't live here—the register and the government don't care.

burnercellular , Midnight Believer Report

#18

30 Folks Online Share Things That No Tourist In America Should Under Any Circumstances Do Don't think the laws are the same everywhere. You can walk with an open alcohol container in Vegas but not many other places. Alcohol laws, pot laws, firearms laws, smoking - lots of very different laws depending on the state and city where you are.

Babstana , Sara Report

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Terry Tobias
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Always check first! And don't just ask a local... they might think they know but could be wrong. Google it and search that state's (and sometimes local) laws.

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#19

30 Folks Online Share Things That No Tourist In America Should Under Any Circumstances Do Don’t forget to put eggs and milk in the fridge. We do stuff to them that makes them require refrigeration.

Edited; it’s not homogenization. Just know that the way we process them makes them, much like Americans, spoiled without Air conditioning.

GoddessOfOddness , Celeste Lindell Report

#20

30 Folks Online Share Things That No Tourist In America Should Under Any Circumstances Do 541mya said:
Don't take pictures with the people dressed up in costumes in LA/ NYC.

nsci2ece replied:
They'll immediately expect payment for it.

This only applies to photos where you pose directly with them. Taking photos of them from a distance is fine.

541mya , Loren Javier Report

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Skylar Jaxx
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also Vegas! I made a ton of money and I was on vacation. People just took pictures with me in my costume (nun outside but fishnets and leather & fishnet gloves, spiky heels) and was just passing me money I didn't know what was going on. Then realized that that was people's actual jobs!

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#21

30 Folks Online Share Things That No Tourist In America Should Under Any Circumstances Do If you are coming to the Midwest or northeast during winter be prepared and don’t think sunshine means warm weather. It can be deceptively cold. :)

Hefty-Anywhere-2710 , DaPuglet Report

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TheFox
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yep...Minnesota is sunny for most of the winter...doesn't stop it from being -10°F or less for weeks

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#22

30 Folks Online Share Things That No Tourist In America Should Under Any Circumstances Do Objective-Dingo6603 said:
Do not take anything from national parks.

floorwantshugs replied:
Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints*.

*on the designated trails. Do not under any circumstances step on the cryptobiotic soil.

Themasterofcomedy209 replied:
Unless you want to become another missing 411 case where people speculate if you were abducted by Bigfoot.

Objective-Dingo6603 , Pom' Report

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Queenie-Poo
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Staying on the designated path isn't just to protect the environment. It's also for your own safety. Our national parks still have plenty of apex predators like bears and mountain lions.

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#23

30 Folks Online Share Things That No Tourist In America Should Under Any Circumstances Do Do not take pictures of the Amish. It's really rude to them.

saradoering82 Report

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Trevor Nicholson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ok but like literally, just don't take pictures of people without permission. Not just people with specific religious views, but literally any strangers. Just because yes it is fully legal to take photos of people in public, it doesn't mean it isn't creepy, weird, and/or rude.

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#24

30 Folks Online Share Things That No Tourist In America Should Under Any Circumstances Do macaronsforeveryone said:
Don’t cut in line. We hate that.

EnchantedPancake replied:
About a year ago I had a dumb [woman] drive in front of me at the Starbucks drive thru. I was so happy she did too. As soon as it was her turn to order, I layed into my horn for as long as it took for her to become frustrated and leave because her order could not be heard LMAO. No one deserves to get walked on like that.

macaronsforeveryone , David Morris Report

#25

30 Folks Online Share Things That No Tourist In America Should Under Any Circumstances Do When visiting tourist places, if there are signs instructing you to “stay on the path” or “please do **not** touch” or “**no** flash photography” or a guide at the place asks you to please refrain from doing something….

DO AS THEY (or the sign) ASK! It’s no different than when the tourism is in reverse.

chibinoi , Tim Dorr Report

#26

If you're driving through a neighbourhood where people have their shirts off, do not stop for anyone. You have reached the bad part of town and want to leave it as soon as possible.

Maybe not true for all places but in the land of limitless guns and crazy people it's not a bad rule of thumb.

Callipygian_Linguist Report

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WoodenLion
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

probably right - move like you know where you are going and keep your chin up. literally.

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#27

30 Folks Online Share Things That No Tourist In America Should Under Any Circumstances Do If you're visiting Las Vegas, do *not* engage with anyone that asks if you'll be in town tomorrow night. They're trying to rope you into a timeshare presentation and even though they'll offer free show tickets, meal vouchers, and even cash, it's not worth it! The tour and "short" presentation will be way longer (and obnoxiously higher pressure) than you'd expect and they know damn well after you've invested a few hours you're not going to leave without the promised reward that they only give you at the very end.

These people are most often found at the entrances to malls or casinos at what can be easily mistaken for information booths. Either just say "no" no matter how long you're actually still going to be there or flat-out ignore them.

Also don't accept the cards being handed out by people in brightly colored shirts on the strip unless you want a promo for strippers.

Tangent_ , Mathieu Lebreton Report

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Paul Davis
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The rewards the timeshare guys promise always turn out to be cheap garbage also

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#28

30 Folks Online Share Things That No Tourist In America Should Under Any Circumstances Do [Do not] haggle. There are times it’s appropriate to haggle in the US, but none of them are going to come up on your tourist trip. In the US, haggling is basically reserved for high-ticket items and certain services. You can’t haggle for things in a store or at a restaurant. The people you’re talking to usually don’t have the power to change the price, and if they do, they still won’t want to. The exceptions would be of the thing in the store is damaged (and they might not reduce the price, they might just take the broken one from you and find you a decent one), or if the person you’re dealing with is a criminal (ex; the guys who sell stolen purses, fake sunglasses, and bootleg DVDs in the street in some cities). Goods in stores or at kiosks have a set price based on pretty specific metrics, and everyone pays the same. No one’s going to cry or try and convince you if you walk away.

TerribleAttitude , .zaim. Report

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Terry Tobias
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Haggling is ok if you're at a flea market, lawn sale, or something like that. It's expected. Regular stores... no.

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#29

30 Folks Online Share Things That No Tourist In America Should Under Any Circumstances Do Don’t get in someone’s personal space. Stand at *least* 3 feet and preferably 6+ feet away from everyone. It is very uncomfortable for Americans when you stand too close and it can even be threatening. Plenty of countries are the same way but specifically Americans.

Randomgardener23 , Steve Baker Report

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NsG
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can you tell that to the overly friendly Americans who got uncomfortably close during my last visit Stateside? I don't know how they were measuring 3 feet, but our elbows certainly got friendly!

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#30

Leave your car with your purse sitting on the front seat. Thieves will smash the window and steal it.

hawkwings Report

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