I’m American, been one my entire life. Ngl, it took me way too long to realize why people were kind of confused when I responded honestly to “Hi, how are you?”
One I haven't seen on here: Don't trespass, step on their lawn, peak over people's fences, or look in their home windows. That's a major one everywhere in the US.
@@dpainter1526 Yeah it's smart and respectful to do it anywhere but here in the States it's honestly kind of crucial. I honestly don't like trigger-happy gun owners and they give the rest of us a bad light but there are definitely old dudes who will idiotically just shoot at any movement in their yard... So to be safe, just say off of private property you're not permitted to be on, and if you say lose your ball over your neighbors fence or something you should knock and ask for it instead of trying to get it yourself
Romanis95 I think that’s a big City thing. Something they should realize is how much the culture changes with each region. Like the difference between New York City people how abrupt they can be, how they can be perceived as rude, how nobody makes eye contact because it could be considered a threat, nobody gives a shit about the guy next to them but drive a few hours south say into rural small town Pennsylvania and if ya DON’T make eye contact it’s considered rude and can be perceived as one being deceptive. Their personal bubble is smaller and they don’t mind a pat on the shoulder, they’ll hold the door for you and a stranger might strike up a conversation in a long line making small talk asking maybe if the stuff in your basket is your dinner tonight and what your doing in town (that’s them being friendly)
@@Thereisonlyonefrankdatank It could be a city thing. I live in Missouri. One of the most midwestern states there is and I hate when people get too close without permission but that could just be me.
@@Thereisonlyonefrankdatank Nah man I spent my life growing up in 5 different towns and through college, and they were all 10k or less population, one being an incredibly tiny town of a few hundred for high school. Not in any of them did people not have a personal bubble haha. All in Minnesota though so of course it could be regional but I've never met any other American who was cool with getting up close to strangers. Some as friends are more lax about it but never just with someone you don't know well.
I also want to say, don't feel self conscious if you're learning English and have an accent. Especially if you visit a big city which are extremely diverse in America. Most people here have no major problems understanding accents, even thick ones. And don't worry about standing out as a tourist. I know when Americans visit your country we stand out like sore thumbs. But here, chances are most of us here will assume you're an immigrant before we assume you're a tourist.
as specially if you are Scottish or from Welsh the Americans will understand you allthough NO ONE IN THE REST OF THE WORLD DOES or can can catch a single world or sound of the english
@@erzsebetnilsson580Damn is this true? Ive always never really had a problem understanding anyones accent, let alone an irish or scottish one. Id always figured europeans would actually be the ones to understand accents better
I precisely thought about what you say last time a saw a toddler walking by himself down my street. What could be the best thing to do in these cases? My street is also kind of busy.
Im travelling to the US in august and my Airbnb host has kids, and i was going to bring their kids a small gift from australia as a thankyou, probably just a small plush toy of a native animal. Is that weird? Lol
@@dawngalloper12 That's perfectly fine, things like that don't bother most Americans. Also it's important to note that this rule mostly applies to men more than it does to women.
Nobody from any other country but the US would usually talk to strangers. Which is strange because I live in the US and people from other countries who visit us talk about how polite we are and it makes me even more proud to be an American when they say that. But there are a lot of countries that really say crap about the US and it’s not Iran. It’s Turkey. I don’t know why they hate us but I’ve talked to so many Turkish people and they hate us and I really don’t know why. But countries like the UK, France, and Germany say so many nice things about my country. Honestly I need to visit those countries because I’ve seen so many videos about people going to visit them and they’re all beautiful. I also really need to visit the Nordic countries sometime. Any thanks to the people who say this about my country. This country is becoming divided. Just like in the Civil War when we wanted to abolish slavery now we want to impeach Trump. I’m scared that if he wins the next election the opposing parties will go insane. We can’t really be called the United States anymore because right now, we are as united as we were in the Civil War. We need to fix our country honestly. My backup plan is to go to Australia or The British Isles if everything goes south.
I'm an American, and I thought "how are you?" Was an actual question. No one cares about your response, but still a question you have to answer with at least one word.
Don't get offended if you are for example "Irish" and an American says "I'm Irish too" . A lot of American are very proud of where their ancestors came from, they don't mean to take anything away from you, they are expressing kindship, they are happy to meet a person from Ireland. See them as your long lost cousins :)
I think it is because we like to learn about what others think of us. The thing is that most of us sort of just think we are the only country and so we don't really hear anything about us unless it's negative usually.
Serious tip for y’all nature loving visitors: Do NOT underestimate the climate and wilderness here. We have everything from temperature extremes to dangerous predators that will absolutely eat you if they get the chance. Yes, we have beautiful parks and landscapes, but ALWAYS be cautious.
Something I noticed during my 6-month stay in Las Cruces, NM, was that the locals are braver in the face of climate and wilderness extremes than we are in Europe. I suppose they're used to stuff that we rarely experience over here. One example from my travelling around: in the corner of the TV picture there would be a figure standing for the risk of a hurricane that day. Whaaaat! They just get on with things in a matter-of-fact way.
Don't flip out when people hold a door open for you. In most parts of the USA it's an acceptable custom regardless of gender. They don't have an agenda when they do it, it's just considered polite. In some bigger cities people might not like it though (depending on where you are).
@@kathycaldwell7126 i live right outside of DC and we have this interstate 270 which is always a total nightmare. I hear CA has their awful highways to
Kota H When I was moving my daughter into college there two years ago (I’m 58 years old) I was line cut *3* times. A guy behind me commented that if the Californians who did that had been raised any where else they would have gotten their ass kicked after the first time and it would have cured them of that nonsense. Couldn’t agree more!
A big “Don’t” you missed was, unless you are buying something one on one, don’t try to haggle on the price. Almost all businesses have fixed prices for their merchandise and those that don’t might see your haggling as an attempt at a tout or scam.
Mac Jones Yes exactly! Haggling is reserved for things like buying a car or something used at a flea market or from Craigslist. Don't haggle at Wal-Mart.
Haggling only happens in areas tourists rarely get into. The only things where haggling is common are used goods of any sort (Craigslist, garage sales, swap meets, maybe a thrift store), purchases of automobiles (not rentals), purchases of houses or other real estate, and that's about it. Any chain store or restaurant will have firm, fixed prices.
when I worked at walmart jewelry department. Some men from Africa tried to get me to lower the prices on the watches. He wanted to buy a $100 watch for $20. Kept telling me I wouldn't get more for it. eventually I had to call the manager over because he wouldn't leave or stop trying to get it for a lower price.
I want to add a note here, one of my coworkers had a father that came over from Hong Kong and he got out of the car when the police pulled him over. Do NOT EVER EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEVVVVVVVER do this in the entirety of the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. Nada. Some countries have this as a protocol but it is NOT HERE. Stay in the vehicle, and if you are driving a vehicle at any point in time, make damn sure that you are somewhat versed on the traffic laws. It does help if you are able to understand written English as well. So many people get that wrong. I have people I know that are not coming back due to warrants for tickets on the traffic lights in some states.
@@jdiluigi Sometimes if you were previously allowed to do something before a law you get "grandfathered in" meaning only people under 18 have to wait untill 21. I do not know if they have decided to do that. Probably not
Edit: read too fast, US and Euro are about the same size. When was searching, searched both in kilometers but it gave miles for one of them for some reason Europe is 3.9 million sq kilometers. *The US without Hawaii and Alaska is 8.1 million square kilometers.* The US is over twice the size of Europe, or about the size of all Australia.
Great video. I would add, don't cut in lines. I have been shocked when I (American) travelled to other parts of the world where you are expected to defend your place in line with your body. That is NOT okay in the US. The video mentioned that we like our space, so we tend to line up a bit loosely. The locals are going to get annoyed if you take that gap as an opportunity to push in!
Yes, sometimes there will be an uncleanness about who is next and the majority of the time people would rather let you go first than try to position you out of the way
I think somebody already mentioned this, but don't cut in lines, people will get very angry. Don't forget we drive on the right side of the road. Happy visiting!
MarenAnne66 😂 in EU we drive also on the right side 😄 it’s only in the uk 🇬🇧 they drive on the left all the other country,s they drive on the right side...... in Belgium where I live if you cut in line you’re are gone get a lot of angry faces😄
Wow you must be a really shitty joker. Since an American Diplomat wife ran over and killed a British boy because she forgot to drive in left side. And then hide behind diplomacy and ran home to US who refuse to send her back. Also very few places drive in left side of the road. It is mostly Britain and their former colonies + Japan. Malta and Cyprus. So apparently the rest of the world need to remind YOU that we drive in the right side of the road, and the few left road drivers need to remind your diplomats, that they do not.
@@dewisselspeler9080 If you're gonna visit any place in the US, always go for local food to get a feel of the place. If you're gonna go for fast food or a chain restaurant (e.g. Olive Garden or Hometown Buffet), make sure that it's one that isn't available in your country. Visiting California, for example? Go to In-N-Out, it's a state treasure! *NEVER* go to a place so common like McDonald's. Seriously. Apart from a few local variants, every McDonald's in the world serves the same basic menu. In the US, you're getting the basic menu, nothing more.
@@jmal Totally agree. I just shake my head when I see videos of people coming to the US and freaking out over the standard fast food. This would be like going to China and hunting around for a P.F. Chang's. If you have a smart phone, you have the Internet. People should spend some time, both before they travel and when they get here, to research real food options and small restaurants, stands and food trucks. The U.S. has thousands and thousands of these options, from barbecue places and soul food restaurants to country diners. If you want to come to the U.S., look for the real America.
I am an American and just got back from my first trip to Europe. I must say this video is very accurate and helpful. It's always good to embrace the culture of the place you are visiting and educate yourself on the customs of your destination.
It's a cultural thing. Those are acceptable, and commonly used, ways of saying "You're welcome". Same as if I went to the UK and was offered a fag, I would look at you like you were mental since to us the word fag is a derogatory slang word for a homosexual person. As an American, it makes perfect sense where if you were thanked for something and replied "No problem" because it was not a problem for us to take a second of our time and help you with whatever you needed.
Oh yeah, I remember talking to a British immigrant who got super confused when I said 'no problem' instead of you're welcome.....funny thing is 'you're welcome' is almost never used anymore except when it chidingly precedes gratitude for not being expressed, or when trying to be cutting because you're mad. So oddly enough, at least where I live, 'you're welcome' has really negative connotations.
Don't: Just don't talk about star wars. That is legitimately up there with politics, gun control, and religion. Seriously people start screaming over star wars.
I ❤❤❤ the US! Such a dynamic, passionate and interesting country that has contributed so much to popular culture. Love from Australia to all Americans!
Another don’t is don’t be offended if someone points out your accent. We’re obsessed with accents here. For example if you’re from England someone will likely point it out
Frick, I shouldn't visit the US then as I'm German. I'm very insecure about my accent even though my accent is mostly British, thanks to my South African dad.
@@water9584 just to clarify its not a negative thing, most people will find it interesting. more of an "oh thats cool, youre from germany" type of thing
@@water9584 People here think any type of accent is sexy so I wouldn't worry about it. Some Americans never leave the country so they'll be really interested in you
Another one: Don't get offended if you say "Thank you" to someone and their response is "Uh huh" or "Sure". In America, we say this all the time and it just means "You're welcome" or "No problem at all", it's a polite response. We are NOT saying anything like "Yea, you better thank me", which I realized is how many foreigners hear it. I held a door open for a stranger who said "Thank you" and I said "Uh huh" and then my non-American girlfriend who was with me looked at me in horror. I explained to her what it means, but it always sounds strange to her.
I say this alot when im genuinely saying your welcome but it just depends on the situation and how to use it. Usually if theyre walking fast or with a group i just say mhm or Yup
Don't go to the big cities without knowing which areas are good or bad. You do not want to stay in a bad part if town as a foreigner, or worse be outside at night. Most cities have great areas for their night lifes if you're into that, but make sure you have a ride back to your hotel or where you're staying and don't walk through that bad areas, especially alone.
@@hamedabubakr7584 Hand shakes are common when meeting someone. High fives and fist bumps are also common, but no cheek kissing or hugging, if you do that people will get uncomfortable.
One time in Utah some torists took pictures of my kids. They even posed next to them. It was weird having them pinch there cheeks. Don’t touch the Americans.
@@jdcunnington I'll say don't even start chatting with them if their parents are not around especially if you are of a different race. Last time I saw a toddler walking by himself in my neighborhood I was afraid to help him because I know how overprotective some parents are. Fortunately, a family member came out to get him; otherwise, I would have had to do something with a good chance of getting in real trouble.
Im from oregon, and the college i go to has a student exchange program. I've been asked a few times by foriegners if i could drive them to Los Angeles for lunch.
I had a friend from Pakistan who moved to the US. He got pulled over by the police while going 90mph on the freeway (limit 75) and decided to get out of his vehicle and approach the officers car. He was lucky he didn't get shot lol there's your tip. Stay in your vehicle, roll down the window and wait for the officer to approach you. Oh and hands on the steering wheel!
Honestly I would treat every state/region as a separate country culture wise, I recently traveled to Florida from the northwest and it was REALLY different, considering the chain stores, cuisine, the things to do, weather, etc.
I agree. In Europe, you would have many countries, with different languages and cultures, within the same geograpical space that you find in the U.S. Yes, most everyone speaks English (after a fashion), in the U.S. but don't think the differences in various parts of the country aren't significant.
One common thing I kept hearing when I was in Germany was that the Germans wanted to visit the US and 'drive' from New York to L.A. to Miami in a week. What was more amazing was when I told them that a trip like that would take closer to 3 or 4 weeks if they planned to sleep and make stops, they thought I was greatly exaggerating.
As a fellow German yes it's very true i have been living in America since 01 since it makes me laugh that Germans r highly delusional when it comes to coming to America they just don't understand how big America is nor the logistics they got to use to the European way of travel
@Bo Oliver Not really. It takes around a week to drive halfway across the US if you take time to eat 3 meals a day and sleep 6 hours a night, I'd know because I moved across the US. I'd say 3-4 weeks is a generous estimate, that's across the entire country and back. If you spend 8 hours a day driving I'd say expect a month of traveling, although if you ONLY stop to sleep then 3-4 weeks is a good estimate
@Bo Oliver That's on different conditions, maybe my trip was more slow as we took longer stops for food and whatnot, and I'd assume your job as a trucker means far longer hours on the road. So of course your trip would be faster. My experience was driving halfway across the US with my family, I was a kid. I'd assume if we are doing an estimate for tourists, they'd likely have a rental car for their family if they wanted to drive that whole trip. So for them, it would take around a week to get halfway around the US. They'd spend time at that destination, leave to the next, and that would probably juuuuust total up to a week. Spend a day to enjoy it, drive to the next location, which could take around 3-ish weeks. 4 if you take many frequent breaks, 2 if you rarely take breaks at all and drive almost constantly. 3 is most likely the average. It all depends on situation.
Tim Wijsman Same, whenever someone asks me “how are you?” I always say “good, how about you?” ;-; I didn’t know I didn’t have to do that...I’m still gonna do it anyway I can’t be stopped >:)
LA tips: 1) Dog city. Feel free to pet/talk to dogs, but make sure to ask the owners permission first, especially if it’s a large dog. Don’t try to pet service dogs, they’re on the job, but it never hurts to ask. 2) If you are lost/need something, don’t be afraid to ask. People will usually be very patient and try to explain to the best of their ability, especially if you are a tourist. 3) The ocean is cold, like cold cold. 4) Taco trucks, street food and strip mall restaurants are some of the best foods you’re going to find anywhere, fancy restaurants should be left alone. 5) Do not drink alcohol outside. That includes parks and the beach. That’s a big no no. If you are going to smoke marijuana on the street, try to do it away from children, and expect people saying “daaaamn” as they drive by, they usually mean it in a positive way.
@Fritiof Geisler - It depends on where you go. Some cities, they are everywhere. Other cities, you won’t see any. Ask in advance. We usually just ignore them.
Note: Big meals in restaraunts. You don't have to eat all of it, it is not considered a normal portion size. Most restaurants have "to go boxes" so you can take leftovers home. The meal is intended to be multiple meals if you choose. It's a hospitality gesture, as it's considered rude for a host to let their guests leave still hungry.
YES! If there's a lot of foot traffic try to match pace with everyone else or you WILL get pushed, we will break our own personal space rule if you are being a hindrance to the hundreds if not thousands of other people who are trying to walk. If I'm walking to work, I don't want some slow walking tourist making me late because they refuse to match pace, or have stopped in the middle of a busy sidewalk.
FINALY a make sence content....! IT IS VERY TRUE ! ALL is about the TRASH.... such as California Holywood Florida NYC Washington MEXICO as if it was the capital of the US and not least Hawaii where the hell would go .... is all the time on SELL Never those places which is CIVILIZED like the Midwest or Washington State or so on.... greetings from Europe, Agree with you
I'm 54 and I still get carded for alcohol. When you order tea in the south, it WILL be loaded with sugar unless you specifically request "unsweet tea". Don't expect to stay on a diet; many restaurants will give you enough food to feed 3 people (or more). It WILL be loaded with salt and fats. Especially in the South. Try Ranch dressing at least once; it's awesome on salads and to dip stuff in. You'll see why we are obsessed with it. If you order a "biscuit", you are not going to get a sweet, dessert-type goody to eat with afternoon tea. You will get a type of bread made to eat with butter, gravy, eggs, and other savory foods.
If someone is 10 seconds from entering a building behind you, hold the door for them. If someone holds the door for you, say thank you. Do NOT hold doors open that are badge access. Wash your feet in the shower or tub. Never in the sink. (Yes that's a thing...) If someone says "Well I am going to leave you alone" or "I am going to get out of your hair" or "I need to get going" that is them ending the conversation politely.
I'm an American living in Greece. I wore a dress once and my downstairs neighbor put her hands all over my waist to talk about how well the dress fit me. I told my Greek husband later that that was the worst thing she could possibly do if we were in America 😂😂
Daniel VanDusen I appreciated that about NY, I barely wanna talk to people I *do* know. Although the jaw dropped reactions I got from people when I said for the cashier to go ahead and keep the twelve cents change I was owed was pretty amusing. Do y'all not leave your change for people who are running a bit short?
Touching the Americans at your own risk; If you do touch this American, and are a male it's not recommended unless if your life insurance is paid up to date, if it's your wife or girlfriend just remind her, the standard feed apply, not responsible for any bites, loss of limbs, or pregnancies that might occur. Whatever you do, do not, I repeat, do not feed the Americans after midnight or call out their name out three times in a row.
As a Tour Director who leads foreigners through the US this was an awesome video. Pretty much covered all the culture shocks that my international guests experience. Only thing I'd add is Portion size at restaurants. People are blown away at how huge the meals are when you eat out here in America. Also, don't be surprised if you get a lot of "Whats" "huhs" or "Come Agains" when you speak, even if your speaking English. Most of us aren't used to thick English, Australian, Irish ETC accents here.
I was born, bred, and educated in the US but moved abroad decades ago. I used to fly back every once in a while to visit family. One time I was there I actually had to ask a young woman to repeat herself several times because she was speaking so fast that I couldn't understand her. 😅😅
Specifically for New England/Mountain weather. It changes at the drop of a dime. It doesn't matter that it was 90 and sunny when you started hiking, it might be 10 and snowing when you're halfway up, or just pouring rain. Luckily this is only an extreme issue in the mountains, so come prepared.
As a Uk visitor to the US, can’t fault the hospitality and friendly nature of Americans, always been a pleasure to visit and see the differences between each state
I'm very glad you liked it! As an American, it's cool to visit states I've never been to and seeing the differences. Hoping to travel outside of the US to visit the UK someday though ^^
@@johnsaunders2109 It is - but Americans mean well. Extroverts seem to like it but Europeans seem to be a bit more on the reserved side, so it probably freaks you guys out. As a more introverted American, I've learned to just deal with it with a nod and smile or people here will find you rude.
Don‘t change into bathing suit on the beach. Don’t expect normal plates at the breakfast in a hotel (they will give you a melting plate for your waffle). Don’t expect a new car when you’re renting one. Don’t expect you can walk anywhere from your hotel, you’re probably better off in your car when crossing the street. In some states, don’t expect something that is not grilled with cheese. Don’t expect toilets that have some privacy, they’ll all are with centimeter gaps on the doors which are not higher than 140 cm. Don’t be shocked about the vast amount of homeless people. Don’t be shocked about the extremely bad teeth of all security and night watch people. Don’t be shocked about the vast amounts of potholes on any road (no wonder trucks are so popular)
I agree with Nicholas. I don’t say it’s 10 minutes away. Because I don’t know how fucking fast you are driving. It makes more sense if you say it in distance. 1 block away, 1 mile down the road...
Other key tips from a Southerner: Don’t be afraid of small talk, make sure you visit at least one basketball/American football game to get a sense of the sports culture, and keep your eyes peeled for cops. They’re hidden where you least expect it and will pull you aside for the smallest thing.
If you're visiting the Midwest, don't freak out if the people are super nice to you and willing to help you with everything, or if they start asking you questions about everything because they're really curious.
And if you’re in NYC and people start talking to you, WALK AWAY... it’s not normal here. NYers are very friendly but won’t go out of their way to chat people up. It’s the con artists, weirdos and people selling stuff who do that. Don’t ask a NYer too many questions. Mind Your Business is a big thing here....
Good to know that, but what about the tornadoes? We watch TV shows with stormchasers in the midwest, nasty storms and sh1t. Is it common? (Hello from the other side of the world 🖐️😁)
@@TitioVlad I live in southern Wisconsin which is part of the Midwest. I am 32 years old, and have only experienced maybe 2 tornadoes in my life. Only 1 of those tornadoes was deadly really deadly, but it didn't affect anything where I lived, just a neighboring city. Unless you're going to Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, or Alabama in peak tornado season, I doubt you're going to experience one if you come here. You have better chances of winning $200 at a casino than seeing a tornado. Most of the tornadoes you see on Stormchasers, they are driving like 3-12 hours just to catch a tornado, and they have been following the storm that could produce the really dangerous tornadoes for like 2 days.
@@TitioVlad The Midwestern States are often hit by tornadoes during the late spring and early summer months, especially the months of May and June. Watch the weather. Be aware of tornado sirens if you are in a place that gets them.
Funny thing enough, the Brits surely did underestimate the size of America. That's why we have tiny states like Rhode Islands and Delaware on the East Coast and why states get bigger and bigger as things move to the west.
When you go to Denver, don't overexert yourself. When they say it's the Mile High City, that is *not* hyperbole, it actually, literally is 5280 feet above sea level. That altitude is gonna do things to you.
And the converse: If you're an American touring another country, ask for the bill and dont just wait for them to bring it. Otherwise you might be sitting there a long time.
This is because wait staff depend on tips for income, if you take up a table for a long period of time you are cutting into their wages. Don't rush, just don't linger😊
@@MCMXC.a.D. Ummmm k bro. completely off topic. Not sure what you're on about. Plus those drones aren't meant for attacking. And trump actually wants to go to war. You're just nothing, but a misinformed troll dude. F
I worked in Texas for a company stationed in a much smaller state. They put together a lunch meeting for all of the Texan employees to meet in central texas. This was 300 miles away from me (in Texas). The point is that even the smaller states in the US don’t realize how big Texas and other states can be. A visit could take you weeks to see everything you want to see in just Texas alone. My advice would be figure up time and gas and mileage before you plan road trips here.
Alyssa Martinez it's funny you finding humor in people explaining things you grew up on LOL I just said that so I can explain without being too rude how open-ended your conversation was
But on the other side of the coin, don't be surprised if the Americans there don't know any more about it than you do, which goes back to the size of the country. I remember, as a kid, taking a trip to Yellowstone Park, and meeting this French couple there. They asked us about the attractions, and local restaurants, etc., and just couldn't understand why we couldn't answer. Well, it's because Yellowstone is further from my house than Norway is from France. I'll tell you all about the local attractions in Yellowstone if you'll recommend me a good hotel in Oslo.
Why would you need a bulletproof jacket unless you're doing police work, criminal work, or just needlessly hanging out in the bad side of a high-crime city for awhile? Contrary to what some foreigners might think, the US isn't really a likely place to get shot (I know there have been some mass shootings in the news, but there have been terror attacks in various European cities over the last few years too, so I doubt the US is any more dangerous than Europe except perhaps the "bad parts" of some cities).
One big DO in Texas, DO hold the door open for others. Not just men holding for women, I mean every group holds the door for every other group if we're both going in or out at the same time, or if one person is entering a place at the same time someone else is exiting. How is it determined who holds the door? Simple: You're the first person to grab the handle.
@@haijyvelho Sorry about that. That made me look really ignorant actually. When I meant non-english countries I was thinking of places like India where it's too crowded for people in cities to really care about manners, but it was stupid for me to make a broad assumption, my apologies.
No, this is not a necessity. Some people may see it as rude, but it is also sometimes seen as rude for a man to hold open a door for a woman (as it may be seen as a flirtatious move, or something that implies that she is inferior and incapable of holding the door herself.) However, MOST women will demand alot from you, even if they don't know you. Not helping a "Damsel in distress" when she demands it can be seen as extremely rude, but not doing so might be a better tactic since a lot of women (if you see them more than just once), will end up using you for manual labour everytime they need it. So, in short, holding a door for someone can really be a gamble, but is not a requirement. Edit: UNLESS it is the elderly. Regardless of gender, the elderly are typically treated with more care, so holding the door for an old man / woman IS more of a cultural requirement since whatever establishment you are entering may actually ask you to never return if you are seen (generally multiple times) treating elderly customers / employees / citizens poorly or with disrespect. (It is considered very disrespectful, anywhere in the United States to shut the door in an elderly person's face, especially if they are visibly disabled.)
1. The greetings can be weird: "Hello" usually starts a conversation. People say "Hi" much more. “Good morning” is a friendly version of “hi.” It’s always a good choice before noon. “Good afternoon/evening” is a bit formal. It’s now “Hi,” “Hello,” “How are you?” time of day. “Good night” usually means “goodbye,” not “hello”. People will often say “have a good night” as a friendly version of “goodbye.” “How are you” - “good, thanks, you?” or “hi” is normal exactly like the video said. But in a service environment, like a hotel or restaurant, you can reply to “how are you?” with compliments and maybe get free stuff or good tourist advice (“how are you?” “I’m great. I’m visiting from _ and really love Portland and all of the trees and art here”). “See you later” - when an American says this, it is often a friendlier version of “goodbye” and may not mean there are specific plans to see each other again. But if a tourist first says “see you later” to an American, the American might think that you will actually come back soon to see them during this same trip. (Many Americans don’t travel a lot, so we assume you’re on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to our city.) “Thank you” or “nice to meet you” are always appreciated. 2. Yes, travel health insurance and auto insurance from the rental car company are important. If something bad happens in the US, it can be very expensive. These two kinds of insurance are worth it. 3. You can use credit cards almost everywhere, and it’s much easier, but carry $100 in mixed bills just in case. You won’t spend much of it and can change it back when you leave. 4. In public, notice how unknown Americans around you greet you and how they greet each other. In small towns, it can be expected that you say “hi” or “good morning” to strangers in smaller settings, and would be rude not to reply. In cities, strangers may only greet you when they want your attention to ask for money. It’s always ok to ask strangers for directions anywhere, in a city or a small town. When you ask for directions, tell people where you’re visiting from and they’ll be kinder; they will see that you’re honestly lost. They will think it’s special you came here to visit and will probably tell their friends (seriously). But don’t expect them to know anything about your home or where it is. In school, we only learn about countries we’ve been at war with.
Response to #2 If you do get sick and it is not life-threatening, like something requiring surgery, visit an urgent care, NOT an emergency room. In the ER you would be waiting there for HOURS, and it will be insanely expensive. The urgent care has fixed prices that they must charge for their services, whereas a hospital can charge you whatever they want. "Oh, that pill I gave you for your allergies? That'll be $300 bucks." 🙄 Yeah, go to an urgent care unless absolutely necessary, as in a medical emergency.
Don't be surprised with different words for *_essentially_* the same thing, depending on region. *multi-lane mass transit roads* - interstate, highway, parkway, freeway, expressway, thruway *long sandwiches* - sub, submarine, hero, hoagie, grinder, po' boy, Italian sandwich *carbonated drink* - soft drink, pop, soda, Coke *lavatory* - restroom, bathroom, washroom, toilet, mens room, ladies room, John
Don't forget that people will often just call it by its Route or State road number. for example ill just tell people take 595, not interstate 595. Though I do try to be more descriptive if its someone from out of town.
Anna this video is also kinda "what to expect while traveling as an American" because people will get in your personal space 😂 I've been to Mexico a few times but the first time I went my mom didn't tell me anything about how touchy Mexicans are. For example a typical greeting in America is a handshake, in Mexico it's a kiss on the cheek 😂 I was not prepared for this when I went there but after a few days I got used to, so used to it that when I came back home it felt weird to not kiss my family and friends.
Sara Rhodes I have a great uncle who's lived in a bunch of different countries, and he always kisses me on the cheek when I visit him. It's not as weird anymore but the first time he did it I was pretty surprised lmao. It still seems weird to me to kiss random strangers though.
Anna I went down to meet my family on my mom's side who were basically strangers to me lol (I know this is gonna sound really weird but oh well) the first person to greet me in this way was one my (male) cousins who was just a few years older than me, and my 14 year old brain was very confused lol "why the heck did he just kiss me?? I just wanted a hug😂" then my mom made fun of how flustered I was😂 totally embarrassing but if you ever go our southerly neighbor don't be surprised if you make a friend and say, they introduce to one of their friends and that new friend goes for a kiss on the cheek (pro tip, stick out your hand for a hand shake before they chance to say 'hola')
Do not drive into the desert southwest without letting somebody know where your going and when you expect to be back. Make sure your car is in reliable mechanical condition. Fill the tank. And always pack lots and lots of water.
When you speak to someone in the US, make eye contact with them. A lot of cultures see making eye contact with someone as being "rude" or "hostile," but in the US not making eye contact while speaking with someone is seen as a sign that you are either upset about something or are not interested in the conversation.
White Male I think the "you" in "you're lying" was meant to refer to the person who doesn't make eye contact. Avoiding eye contact while speaking, especially by looking downward (or so I've heard), is often interpreted as a sign that that person is lying (whereas looking upward means you need some time to think before answering).
I guess that's true but if you're visiting the US (and are not used to making eye contact) I wouldn't worry about it. I don't like to make eye contact very much. But yeah, don't constantly look down or away like you're uninterested.
I remember my dad telling a story of picking up a hitchhiker who was a foreigner. The hitcher was looking to go to upstate NY. Dad drove for 2-3 hours and noticed that his passenger was getting really nervous. He asked him if he was okay, and the passenger said in a scared voice that he just wanted to go to upstate NY and please don't kidnap him. Dad had to explain that they were still in New York State and hadn't even gotten close to upstate yet (meaning Utica). The passenger was astonished and said for the time he had been driving, that in Europe he would have gone through 3 countries by now.
Well as an indonesian my experience with americans were all good. No problems at all. My advice dont trust the media . bad ppl would do bad things , good ppl would do good things , thats universal nothing to do with nationality or ethnicity. One universal language that every man would understand is respect. We just not born with it we have to show it in order to earn it.
