Visit America - The DON'Ts of Visiting The USA

Summary

In this video, Mark from Wolters World offers essential travel tips for visiting the U.S., focusing on the cultural nuances and practicalities travelers should be aware of. Key advice includes respecting personal space, understanding the reliance on cars over public transport, and being prepared for regional differences. Mark highlights unique aspects of American culture such as tipping, the imperial system, and the importance of local food experiences. He also shares tips on navigating health care costs, common mistakes like assuming the U.S. has 52 states, and avoiding sensitive topics like politics and gun control. A must-watch for anyone traveling to the U.S.!

Takeaways

• 😀 Don't invade Americans' personal space – Americans value their personal bubble and prefer a little distance.
• 🚗 Don't rely on public transportation – Outside major cities, public transport in the U.S. is often limited and unreliable.
• 🌍 Don't underestimate the size of the U.S. – Distances between major cities can be vast, so plan region-specific trips.
• 💵 Don't forget sales tax – The price you see isn't the final price; sales tax varies by location.
• 💸 Don't skip tipping – In the U.S., tipping 15-20% in sit-down restaurants is expected.
• 🍞 Don't be surprised by free stuff – Restaurants often provide free bread, chips, or water with meals.
• 🚭 Don't smoke in public places – Smoking is frowned upon in many U.S. areas, and designated smoking zones are common.
• 🍻 Don't forget your ID – You must be 21 to buy alcohol and 18 to buy cigarettes, and ID checks are common.
• 📏 Don't expect to use the metric system – The U.S. uses the Imperial system (miles, inches, gallons, etc.).
• 🤫 Don't discuss sensitive topics – Avoid talking about politics or gun control to prevent arguments with locals.

Q & A

What is the first 'don't' when visiting the US?

The first 'don't' is not to touch Americans. They value their personal space and feel uncomfortable if others get too close.

Why is public transportation not reliable in most parts of the US?

Public transportation in the US is not as developed as in countries like China or European nations. While big cities like New York and Chicago have good systems, smaller towns and mid-sized cities often lack efficient public transport.

What should travelers know about the size of the US?

The US is vast, and distances between cities can be long. For example, driving from New York to Miami or Los Angeles can take many hours, so it's recommended to focus on one region at a time to manage both time and logistics effectively.

What do travelers need to know about prices in the US?

In the US, the sticker price doesn't reflect the final cost because sales tax is added separately. Also, tipping is expected in many situations, such as in sit-down restaurants, typically 15-20% of the bill.

What is the tipping culture like in the US?

Tipping is an important part of the service industry in the US. In sit-down restaurants, 15-20% is standard. Bartenders and servers at restaurants depend on tips to make up a significant portion of their income.

Why is service often over-the-top in the US?

Due to the tipping culture, service staff in the US are motivated to provide excellent service. Sometimes it can feel excessive to visitors from countries with less focus on service, but it's generally done with good intentions.

What are some of the free things visitors might get in US restaurants?

In many US restaurants, free items such as bread, water, or chips and salsa may be provided with the meal. These extras are often included in the dining experience, but you should still order food to avoid looking like you're only there for the free items.

What should visitors know about smoking in the US?

Smoking cigarettes is frowned upon in the US, and there are many places where smoking is not allowed. If you do smoke, be aware that you may need to go a certain distance away from buildings to do so.

What is the legal age for buying alcohol and cigarettes in the US?

The legal age for purchasing alcohol is 21, and for cigarettes, it is 18. Be prepared to show identification if you look under a certain age, as it's a strict policy to avoid fines for vendors.

What system of measurement is used in the US, and how should travelers prepare?

The US uses the Imperial system, including inches, feet, miles, and pounds. Visitors from countries that use the metric system should familiarize themselves with basic conversions to navigate distances and weights more easily.