Brit Reacts to 7 DON'TS When Visiting the United States of America 

Don't debate, Lew! People in America HAVE LOST FRIENDS AND FAMILY because of it!! NO JOKE!!

Shockingly, there is a huge majority of Americans that are incredibly mature and can talk about any subject. You can usually tell who is mentally stable enough to discuss tough topics.

Only tip restaurant waiters/ bar - taxis/bell hops etc - Do not EVER tip starbucks - grocery - dept stores - fast food restaurants - nope nope

We used to be able to have open debates between friends and family. But, that has disappeared over the decades.

Someone at a celebrity event asked Denzel Washington, "Who are you voting for?" He replied, "None of your business!" Loved that he answered them that way!

Debate is fine usually, but "reading the room" is essential. Passionate is one way to put it, maniacal is a better way to put it.

Raised and born in America, I live in New York and I can tell you for a fact that people have cut friendships and relationships due to a difference in opinion on hot topics. She was absolutely right when she said do not bring up these topics in America!

the walking on lawns thing is funny because people get shot using the edge of someone’s driveway to turn around. be careful of where you are and what you’re doing. even in small towns in the midwest.

Before you tip, read your bill. Make sure gratuity (tip) isn't already added to your bill. Some full service restaurants add an 18% gratuity for larger parties. Maybe 6 or more people at the table. You don't want to double tip. You are welcome to leave more if you feel you received very good service.

Lmfao "don't generalize Americans", "so here's this video where I'll be generalizing all Americans" 🤣

shes spot on with the dont talk about politics, abortion, and gun control its hot button issues that can make tempers flare

Tipping is for a 1-on-1 personal service. You would tip at a restaurant with table service or a bartender who serves you directly. You would not tip at a fast-food restaurant where you are in line at the counter, and your food is set on the counter for you to pick up yourself. At a cafe with counter service (like a coffee shop) there is a jar near the cash wrap, you can just leave your change if you pay cash up to $1-2/person or item. (eg. a coffee and warm sandwich = $2, or two people with three drinks = $2-3). You do tip a taxi/rideshare, but not a bus driver. You do tip room service but not the hotel desk. You should tip a shoe-shine, but not a retail worker in a store. A dollar/drink at a bar is a good estimate, or the equivalent of a drink for hotel services. Taxis and restaurants it's good to pay a percentage, but the amount can vary by region.

People do say stuff like America has no history. That's when I tell them they have no manners.

The native Americans have history here. There are ancient ruins hidden all over the place. Burial mounds, abandoned cities, standing stones, cave art and all kinds of stuff.

The whole “touchy subject” thing is a relatively new phenomenon, here in the US. People are allowing the news media to control their behavior.

In most states (38 out of 50), sales taxes are NOT applied to groceries. (And even the ones that do charge a grocery tax do so at a much lower rate than the sales tax on anything else.) So you will pay a sales tax on prepared food, from a restaurant, but not for the same food items if purchased as ingredients from a market. Note that there are some exceptions, though: things like soda and confectioneries (apparently) do not count as proper groceries, so they ARE taxed.

As an Indigenous Person, I love it when People say there is no History.

The “wrong” opinion on a seriously polarized subject can get you hurt. And the longer the discussion goes on, the more likely someone is to lose their cool. It’s just an American thing. Too many people here think that the louder they are, the more right they are. After that point, might makes right and alcohol only accelerates that process.

As far as the yards, most people dont cate if someones dog goes on their lawn so long as the owner cleans up after them

In Michigan, food purchased in a grocery store, gas station, 7-11, etc is not taxed. Food in a restaurant is taxed.

Unfortunately she's right about the political stuff, personally I can have a casual conversation about anything, but my own cousin hates me because we differ on some subjects. So yeah it's best to just NOPE out when dealing with unknown people.

I managed bars and nightclubs in a tourist area for a long time. Do not have a debate in those establishments.

I’m an American and I may not agree with other people’s opinions…but I love being able to talk about those differences with people. Where I draw the line or cut people off, is when they get hostile and aggressive….which is a good portion of the time. A lot of Americans get crazy over politics

in Michigan US, food items are exempt from sales tax. except for items prepared for immediate consumption. which is confusing. almost no one pays with exact change unless your elderly or just happen to have it. if you take too long counting change people get annoyed so best practice is to bring more money than you need or a debit/credit card. there's often a "take a penny leave a penny" tray for people who dont have a few cents for the sale as well, but most often its empty.

Asking "How are you?" is exactly how Spanish people say "Que pasa". Nobody expects you to go into a discourse about how your life is going. A "Fine, thank you" or "How are you?" back is an appropriate response.

Shes absolutely correct about not debating about politics, religion, ect. It's not so much an opinion like you say, these are core values and beliefs we have that we are very passionate about.

There are some of us that appreciate a good debate. Unfortunately there are way too many people who are so sensitive that you can't have a debate without losing a chance at a friend.

The world changed in 2020 and restaurant staff suffered the most, but literally everyone started expecting tips across the board. The important thing to remember is that servers for food and drinks at sit down restaurants and bars only make about $2.10 per hour, so they really deserve tips, but the service should still be great. For me, it is never based on the quality of the food or aesthetics/ambience of the restaurant, but the quality of the service. If the service is really awful or non-existent or the server is rude, I will still tip, but I only tip 10%. If it is so-so, I tip 15%, if it is good, I tip 20%. If it is exceptional, I tip 25%. For the majority of time I usually tip 20% because most of the time the service will be good. If the service isn’t perfect because of being short staffed, I consider that and still generally tip 20%. I do not tip at self serve or fast food restaurants. At buffets, where the staff are generally paid at least minimum wage, if the service is great, I will tip the server $2 - $5, depending on how many in our party. In the US, you expect good service. I pay for good service. I tip extra ($20 - $100) around holidays or if I am super impressed or inspired. I don’t tip anyone I think already makes a good wage or should be making a good wage. Hairdressers can make six figures. Doormen and cab drivers make more than I do. If anyone in these areas go out of their way or it’s exceptional service, I may tip; but refuse to feel obligated. Tipping still depends on service. Regarding “off-limit” topics or the opinions of others, I welcome other people’s opinion. IMO, liberal people are the most intolerant, angry, and kinda seem easy to “go off”. But, since I am conservative, I really appreciate people who are open-minded enough to have reasonable debates and I welcome them. I find that most liberal people are REALLY angry, bitter, glass-half-empty kinda miserable people. I used to feel bad for them, but not really anymore. They’ve kinda brought it on themselves because everything they blame on others is either what they are doing themselves, the poor results of their own voting, or based on their own guilt. Remember, more than half the population love Trump, regardless of what you see in US mainstream media and Hollywood. It is often regional and media influence is going to guarantee it’s racial. That’s how you could determine if you should or shouldn’t broach a topic.

Ok. So when my niece was 3 we had gone to a store, I told her she could spend 5 dollars on anything she wanted. She asked me at 3 years old if that is before tax or after. LOL. She is an engineer now.

She is accurate about staying away from debates. I have lost both friends and family because of political debates where words can’t be taken back. It’s not everyone but it definitely happens.

Also a lot of places where you go, When you go to ring up your stuff if you're 5 or 10 cents short, They usually have a little container there next to the register that has change in it, They will take the five or 10 cents out that you're short out of that container and hand you your receipt and tell you to have a lovely day.😇

2:17 no, you don't tip at a clothing store. Funny thing is, and this isn't always the case but, when you were helped in a clothing/shoe store people might get a commission when they check you out or when you mention them. And that means the store gives them their tip. It's wild how differently stores could be doing things. We have the tipping culture so that you can have command over the service. You tip well if you are treated well. If the waiter doesn't come around once to ask you if you have everything you need, but the food is swift and yummy, maybe tip less. If you had to wait too long for the menu, and the food was done the way you expected, and you feel neglected, then don't tip anything. I dined once, ONCE, in Dave & Busters in Times Square where the tip is automatically added to your bill at 18%!! We had waited half an hour before getting a menu!! The food wasn't good. Nobody came around after we got the food. The whole experience was shite! Not only will i never eat there again, but because it's Times Square culture to include tip automatically, i wont dine anywhere in Times Square. I would NOT have tipped that shite!

Being raised in the South, we were always told never talk politics, religion or how much someone earns. Also someone's age!! 😁

When i tip I try not to think about if I like the person or not. If the service is good and they are a kind person I tip well 20-30% and if the service is bad im a sucker and think about if the person is having a bad day or tired from long shifts I try to give the benefit of the doubt. And they have families and need to eat too so I still tip 15-20%

so like the walking in the yard thing has changed a lot. so when i grew up it was very common to cut through someone's yard walking home because it would allow you to get to a patch of woods so you dont have to follow the road and could cut your walk home in half when going home from school, and most people that had one of those yards were pretty chill about it.

Never discuss politics or religion with strangers. I think that is probably a good general rule to keep in mind no matter where you go.

Lewis, I'm going to tell you the same thing I told Andre in Portugal who also does reaction videos: your viewers are all rational people who are interested in learning what people from other countries think about the US. Right now there are a lot of people in the US that are pretty much totally _irrational_ and aren't safe to discuss almost anything with. See the commenters who spoke of losing friends or having a relative hate them now because they disagree on some issue. It's a crazy time here.

It should be called: How Not To Get Punched In The Face (Or Worse) When Visiting The US.

“ get the hell off my lawn” -Clint Eastwood 😂 It’s very true. if somebody was on my lawn, I would be very suspicious, especially when there’s usually a sidewalk right there

If your service is really really bad...some people leave a "written tip". Thats a note on their paper receipt they write what the issue was and how it can be fixed. I have never done that, but have seen it. It is also a thing that if you stay in a restaurant at your table for a really long time, you give a much bigger tip to help cover what tips that server could have made if you had left after a reasonable time and other customers could have sat, ordered and paid so server could make their money.

The hot topic conversations can ruin relationships. It’s a saying when meeting new people “stick to the weather”. Americans, even though this is a generalization and does not mean everyone, have a tendency to believe they are right and you can not change their minds. If your opinion is different you are wrong and stupid. Therefore the line is drawn, it’s me against you. I have gotten to the point with my mother where I told her politics are off topic and I will not discuss it with her because she gets overheated. I just say “Mom, we’ve talked about this. I love you, but I’m not talking about this with you, because we both know we disagree.”

Tip 15-20%. You want to tip anyone who moves stuff for you or provides a personal service, such as: wait staff in restaurants; bartenders; parking valets; bellhops; masseuses; and barbers/hairstylists. Pretty much everywhere you go now, there’s an option to tip at the cash register, but it’s not necessary unless someone provides really stellar service to you and you want to give them something extra.

Some stores in the US include the tax in the marked price, but this is the exception. Trespass is tricky. Back in 2010 I worked for the US Census and I accidentally drove onto private property looking for residences and the land owner came out with a shotgun and ordered me off his land. A couple of days later I returned to do the Census for that property and I waited, in plain sight, at the gate for the property own to come out. While it would have been a crime for him to shoot or shoot at me in the state, it was not a crime for him to bear the shotgun to come and order me off his land. When I was stationed in West Germany in the late 80s I had French people accuse me of having no culture or History as an American. Then I point out that they lost 2 world wars in a row and ask if they want to lose another.

About debates, when you are on stream the people on the stream feel like they are your friend so they openly engage in the debate. If your at a bar and engage in a debate with strangers it could get ugly. But most Americans invite general conversations with strangers just keep it light and your 👍 ok

Regarding history in the US, prior to the arrival of Europeans, there was plenty of history happening with native peoples and societies, e.g. Chaco Canyon, New Mexico; Mesa Verde, Colorado; Cahokia Mounds, Illinois; the Great Serpent Mound, Ohio and more.... (BTW, great places to visit when you come over)

No, you don't tip retail staff, you don'ttip at gas stations, etc, only service staff. Wait staff, Lift/Uber/taxi driver, hotel staff (housekeeping/bell staff), salon/barber, bar/club staff, etc. You'll see some sub sandwich or ice cream shop with tip jars, I don't usually tip those unless they are super swamped and working their butts off because they are paid normal wages. If the service is absolutely terrible, I may not tip or only tip 5-10%. Average tip is 15% of the net (before taxes) bill. If the service is exceptional we tip 20%.

Common saying around here is “opinions are like a$$holes, everybody has one. That doesn’t mean everybody wants to hear yours”

I live in the city with the highest per capita rate of "crime of passion murder." #2 Will straight get you murdered, hated, or beaten. Also, if we ask you to "talk outside," we are actually just politely asking to settle things with a fistfight.❤

French guy: The US has no history! June 6th, 1944 has entered the chat.

I wouldn’t strike up a debate without getting to know the person a bit. Most people you could have a civil debate with, but in some scenarios it could be like stepping in a beehive!

Also tip your waitress at a buffet. People often don't, it never occurred to me until my mom tipped a Chinese waitress at a Chinese buffet 3 dollars in 2019 and she actually cried! And said nobody ever tips them and that they don't get paid very much .

When she's talking about polarizing opinions, she's talking about the big things that people attach their moral frameworks to. It's not stuff like "should we spend more on education or infrastructure?" It's like "is abortion murder?" It makes sense where some issues have a side where if the premise is accepted than disagreement on the conclusion could reasonably be viewed as immoral. It's much harder to accept that someone may disagree with the premise.

Ever since the pandemic, everyone expects to be tipped. I only tipp people who have performed a service for me, not just anyone who hands me an item over a counter. I seldom tip less than 20 percent, however, if the service is notably bad, or rude, only then do I tip nothing. One thing about sales tax, it can't be built in to the price of the item as it is in Europe because different items (food, clothes, alcohol, tobacco, gasoline,etc.) are taxed at different rates. Also, the percentage of sales tax can change from state to state and even from county to county.

Tipping frustration is just now starting to brew in the US after Covid, there’s a lot of “why am I tipping when I did all the work” lately

If you’re confused on how much to tip in a restaurant the base is 15-20 percent. But if you look on the bill a lot of restaurants will have different percentages showing with the dollar amount to help you with the math.

Having lived in Europe for the last 4 years, I would say that if tipping in Europe was "normal" or "expected" then the service would be WAAAAAAY much better over here. One of my biggest complaints about eating out in Europe is the lack of attention that wait staffs provide to restaurant patrons. I've literally gone 30 minutes waiting for a waiter to bring my bill to me after asking for it before. IF that happened in America, the tip would be so insultingly low (like maybe a penny). So, tips do encourage better service in America compared to Europe.

1.) Rule of thumb for tipping is around 15-20%. However, you don't have to tip in as many places as she says. Fast food, hotels, and places like those the tipping is up to your own discretion. Tipping is typically the most common at restaurants and bars, but not as many other places as she specifies. 2.) Look on the bill for gratuity. If there is a gratuity charge, that means the restaurant is forcing you to tip a specified amount and you shouldn't tip again unless you want to. 3.) Sales tax differs from state to state, and not all states have a sales tax (instead choosing to tax you in a different way). I would say typically expecting to pay 10% more than the listed price due to sales tax is good (it's 7% in my own state, but varies between states). 4.) Many can have debates and political conversation without getting mad. However, many DO get upset and both friendships and familial ties can literally end over politics. If it's someone you KNOW won't get upset over your political differences, it's fine to debate them. Otherwise I would recommend a visitor stay away from the topics (ESPECIALLY in a bar).

The average day of tips as a server for me is 40.00/ 5 dollars per table, and my section has 7 tables. Some tip 10%, some tip 25%. Now, that is an average given that some people don't tip, but others do. That is one day, so why work any other job making 15 to 25 an hour. Plus, the average server makes $7.50 an hour, not including tips. That's the cherry on top.

The tipping situation is so ridiculous. One thing none of these videos mentioned is that some places include the "gratuity" (tip) in the bill. So pay attention, or you'll be tipping twice.

My grandmother RIP, lived on the corner and took pride in her yard. But the neighborhood kids would cut the corner and walk across her lawn. NOT a good thing! It happened so often that a trail started to form across the lawn. She had a small decorative fence put up to keep the kids off of it. It mostly worked, but you could step over it if you wanted to. There were a few teenagers that would still step over it. She found out who their parents where and that was the end of it. LOL

Tip or Tips stands for: "To Insure Promptitude or To Insure Prompt Service." I worked as a cocktail waitress while in college. Since I worked in a bar setting, it was easy to prioritize my tipping customers. On busy nights, non-topping customers had to walk up to the bar. My customers, especially regulars, were very well taken care of. I didn't remember their names, but I always remembered what they drank and ate. They were paying me for that premium service. Nowadays, I don't get easily offended, but I really dislike some businesses (at least in Washington state) that expect a tip. It's gotten out of hand, for sure. For example, if I'm getting frozen yogurt and putting my own yogurt in the cup, placing the toppings I want, getting my own spoon, and weighing it, don't ask for a tip for ringing me up. I do tip my hair stylist, tattoo artist, and dog groomer for obvious reasons. The better the service, the more I tip because I'm so appreciative. I have four Huskies, and I'm sure she makes at least minimum wage (almost $17/hr in my state), but I would feel so guilty if I didn't tip. I also want the groomer to be nice to my dogs. There are definitely some grey areas when it comes to tipping, but you'll get the hang of it. 😊 *Do not tip medical staff.😅

13:34 My dad had the greenest yard in the neighborhood. He worked his ass off to perfect it every summer. He took pride in the way his yard looked. There wasn’t a weed in the flower beds, he planted the same grass seed all over… it was just the way he was. If you walked through his yard, and he didn’t know you… you may get shot or at least yelled at.

The fact that different states and regions have different cultures THAT'S why we are so divided on certain issues because one doesn't want to be dictated to by another!

In terms of tipping, dont stress about it. Literally just ask any American around you whether or not you're supposed to tip, and they'll more than likely be unnecessarily happy to explain it to you. Sales tax varies by city. For example: I buy my groceries in the next town over because the sales tax is 8% instead of 10% in my city

When people ask me "What's up?" I like to joke, "the ceiling" if we're indoors, or "the sky" if we're outdoors. :)

This attitude on debates started about 2012. It used to be different. People are more quick to judge, hate and become violent.

It's funny! 😂 The farmer coming out of the house with a shotgun is a American stereotype that in the country where I live may actually happen! 😂

I live in Cincinnati and I worked at Bob Evans in the early 90's. Pete Rose came in and I gave him excellent service and he stiffed me! I can't stand that man to this day!

They problem I find with debating topics is that things get personal really fast. Someone calls you and idiot or evil for believing XYZ without hearing full beliefs about XYZ, then the little insults get into big insults that might not even be related to the topic at hand.

I’m a big tipper to ppl who work in the service industry, like food servers , Ubers etc . I’m back in Ireland and I actually tipped someone bc I’ve gotten so used to it . I don’t ppl from other countries should feel that tipping should feel insulting, I actually think it’s a compliment.

The thing about not tipping is that at the end of the shift, every bill from that shift is counted. They have to report to the IRS as if everyone tipped you a certain percent, even if they didnt tip. So by not tipping, you will cause them to pay taxes on income they didnt receive.

Cowboys herding their cattle across great distances basically ended when farmers put up fences, especially those barbed wire fences. I think the wagon trails heading west, the Pony Express delivering mail across this vast territory, and then the building of the trains is quite the interesting history. There are A LOT of historical attractions throughout America that you can visit.

Sadly, there are a lot of people who think their opinion is the only correct opinion & will actually throw punches. If someone tries to discuss any issues with me, I just say that I don't discuss politics or religion. If that disturbs them, I repeat it & walk away.

8:40 I love going into a long drawn out tale when someone ask "how are you", you can't use it all the time but if I've got time and the place is slow , or on the really rare occasion when it's super busy

I have lived in 4 States, all very different from each other. In NONE of these places would I EVER talk Politics or Religion! Family is the WORST when opinions differ, no hold barred then! I'm NOT of this mindset; I love a good convo and enjoy trying to understand other POVs. However, most Americans DO NOT feel the same, "My way or the highway," is the general mindset.

Sales tax varies by state, by county, and sometimes even by city. And it can change any time local bond initiatives are voted on. Merchants don't want to change the sticker price anytime the local tax rates change.

I tip for restaurant service, the hotel cleaning staff, to go places (not as much, but a thank you for their work since they still prep your food), ride share such as uber and other services such as hair salons. No on the retail and fast food.

As for tipping, if you get bad service, let them know in the tip with 10% or nothing. I just recently went to GA to visit my parents, went to a sit down sushi restaurant. 3 waiters, 4 couples in the place at 2 p.m. on a Thursday. Our waiter took our order, gave us water and when the food came he brought it to us, then he disappeared, never saw him again. We finished our meal, no checking on us, no water refills. Never brought us our salad or miso, we just let it go. We had to ask another waiter politely for our check, he said sorry that our waiter is probably outside smoking a cig. I would have just tipped the sushi preparers and left nothing for the waiter but hubby left the waiter still 25% tip for fear of seeming cheap. Not all but some wait staff are expecting a 20%+ tip regardless of their service doing barely nothing. I've seen this where I live in West Texas too.

People in retail sales typically are on a base rate plus commission, or a reasonable hourly rate, so tipping isn't needed. In restaurants, bars, and hospitality service (valets, bell hops, doormen and women, and the like) tips are also customary. Basically, any customer service occupation that's low paid is the way because it's tipped (which means you'd better make your customers' satisfaction a real priority).

The quality of service is reflected in your tip.

As an American, I feel our history is awesome! Our ancestors were brave enough to take their families on a big ship across a huge ocean not knowing exactly what was in store for them. How scary that must've been in those days. Hell, that would be intimidating now, but back then?! Whoa! 😮 Changed their entire lives starting in a brand new world. I owe it all to them and their brave adventure into the unknown for what I have now getting to be an American. Our country is far from perfect, but the more I study other countries, the more I am happy to live where I do. I want to travel the world, but then come back home to North America.

Okay, about her #2. It's not that you would be hated if you give your opinion. It would just seem very rude if you argued your opinion. If you approached polarizing topics in a question format, it would be much better. Then make sure you really listen. Then, let it lead into further questions and answers. You could follow up with why questions. Why do you feel this way? How did you form your opinion? Once into a subject, be extremely respectful and watch your conversation partner for signs of distress. Give them an easy exit from the conversation. It would be 100% acceptable to actually ask, "Am I making you uncomfortable? Would you like to change the subject? " I would love to have great conversations with you. Contact me anytime.

No, you're not expected to tip cashiers and baggers. But it's always appreciated. Sometimes you'll find a tip jar at a coffee shop, but you don't need to feel obligated. Most people just throw a buck or two, or whatever the change was from the coffee. The basic rule is if you're sitting down and somebody is bringing you things, tip them. Or if they're exceptionally helpful. At hotels, it's expected that you tip the bellmen that transport your luggage or bring you room service. And when you check out of a room, leave your maid at least $5. Do not strip your own bed, because then it looks like maybe you peed on it or something. Don't make up your own bed on check out. They do have to strip them. .Don't take out your own trash, cuz the maid may need it while cleaning. Do make sure all your trash is in the trash cans. Do gather up your used towels in a pile, ideally in the bathtub/shower. And the bigger your mess, or the more they made up your room while you were there, the bigger your tip should be. The maids make barely minimum wage and are almost literally worked to death, or at least to insanity.

Not really. Its basically food service (but not fast food), rides/valet, bellhops, personal beauty services. Def not required to tip at like walmart but some shops on Rodeo etc w personal shoppers it is a little different. 20% is the common for food service. Other services is descretion

Do not tip at a store unless they are helping you load your groceries into the car. Even then a lot of grocery stores discourage tipping, some even fire the person taking the tip, so ask. Do not tip at a fast food place. The tip for hotel maid service is $2 or $3 per night, paid at the end of your visit in that hotel. The tip for someone helping with your luggage is $2 to $5 depending on how many and how heavy your bags are. More if they are super heavy or if you have a lot of bags. More if it is a very tourist heavy area (Hawaii, Orlando, etc.). Do not tip the desk clerk at a hotel, or the hostess at a restaurant unless they go well above and beyond their duties. The US may not have a long written history, but each native tribe has a long verbal history and most of us have sort of adopted the European history of our ancestors and that native culture closest to where we live. The history makers may not have been related to us, but they are associated with our place, therefor they, and their history, are ours or our community's.

You said it loud and clear all you gotta do is be respectful anywhere you go and you will be just fine

Prices - This is due to the nature of taxes in NJ. Most of our taxes are done on a percentage of the price of the item and every State has their own Sales tax percentage, including a few States, like Delaware, that don't charge a sales tax. So, it just makes it easier for stores to not put the sales tax on until you actually buy an item. If you think about chain stores, like Walmart for instance. They would have to change the prices for every item they sell, depending on where that store was located because the sales tax is diff. This makes it much more difficult to have large distribution centers supplying all of their stores. It's much easier to have common pricing even if it's regional and then have each of the State stores just calculate the add on Sales tax for your State.

About half the people in the US are perfectly capable of a respectful debate. The other half seems to personalize and moralize opinions, and their responses can be BAD. The problem is, you don’t know where that person falls on the reasonable and mature scale. Best just to not engage in conversations about touchy topics until you know the people you are talking to are capable of both critical thinking and maturity.

You don't need to tip in most stores. The way I tip in a restaurant is I start out with a amount If you provide the basic service that's what you get. If you give great service the a.ount goes up, on the other hand if you give bad service the amount goes down.

Tip 20% for basic service at a restaurant. Remember, the server usually has to tip the bartender and bussers from their tips. They are also taxed on a set percentage of sales. So if you don't tip, you could be causing the server to be paying to wait on you.

I tip 20% to wait staff. If service is bad, 15%. If service is good 25%. Tip your maid at hotel. If someone takes up your luggage, a couple of bucks. I tip my masseuse $30 for 90 minutes. My hair dresser, depends on service.

On the trespassing front, it absolutely is a problem. When my parents were in California (they moved only 1½ years ago) they had a large garden in the front yard that included a Pluot tree, 2 persimmon trees, a pomegranate tree, 2 olive trees, and 3 huge artichoke plants. We had a couple of different neighbors (one older Asian lady and a hispanic family) who would regularly sneak into their yard and pick the fruit. Now, they wouldn't mind if it was just a few fruits, but they would straight up steal full grocery bags and even STRIP THE TREE. my mom got ZERO persimmons from her trees the first year because the Asian lady (caught on camera) stole 3 grocery bags of the fruit. She even took the underripe ones. Did she hate them? We'd never even met her!!! So probably no. She also was back to steal 2 of my dad's prized artichoke heads (at least 1½ pounds a piece) and most of the pomegranates. The hispanic neighbors were caught selling mom's pomegranates and pluots up the road at an impromptu fruit stand (reported to us by a neighbor). He refused to tell them where he sourced his fruit. This is why they put up cameras and they started reporting the thefts to the police. Their kids were even caught on camera whacking all of the fruit off of the olive trees with sticks for fun. Uhhhh... she cans those and makes her own olives... The police did nothing. One more reason they left California.

Concerning polarizing topics, if you are just out talking to strangers it is not a good idea! Most likely people that come to your channel are more open-minded in the first place and possibly have been watching you and even though you don't know them they feel they know you so it's a little bit easier to have those types of conversations in a civil manner! The average Joe especially if they've had alcohol is not a person you want to provoke!

Debates went out the window around 2010. We used to debate all the time. But know you lose friends and family over it.

Tip service restaurants, and other things that are generally elective service like the bellman or valet. Other things might be things that you appreciate in other service areas like housekeepers or people who go above and beyond typical duties that serve you.

The real problem with tipping waitstaff is that they will pay taxes on 15% of their sales, on top of their hourly salary. The assumption being that an "average" table will tip 15%. So if you don't pay at least 15%, they're paying taxes on money they never received. In my state, waitstaff is paid $2.13/hour, again assuming you'll make $5.12 in tips per hour to make official minimum wage of $7.25. No, in clothing/retail, you don't need to tip. In some cases, the employees get a commission on what they sell (so remember their name if they don't check you out - so they'll get the credit). IMO, the word "hate" is overused. Some people will unfriend you (in real life and online) for differing opinions, so I guess that's "hate." But usually, when having a normal debate, even if you don't settle the differences, you move on with your day. If that make sense. Having a disagreement isn't HATE, it's a difference of opinion. And if you come to the states, you'll probably rely on folks you've met here online, and have conversed with. You wouldn't be some stranger in a restaurant, you'd be a guest. And if you have an opinion, share it! I love to hear other people's views on things - especially as a non-US citizen.

Good service is 20%

There used to be some small shops that had a change dish where some people would throw in spare change and the shop would use the change for people who were a few cents short. I haven’t seen that in awhile now though.

LOL, 'Hello or HI, how are you' is a greeting. I always reply, "Fantastic, and you?", they usually reply 'good' and carry on.

Where I'm at in central Texas sales tax is 8.25 in our county. So if you buy a candy bar for $1 you will pay $1 and 8 cents. So for every dollar you spend you will pay 8.25 cents. Wether it be a candy bar a bicycle a car tire ect... But when you buy food or groceries there are no sales tax unless the food you buy is already cooked.