On your first trip to the United States, things can get awkward if you don't master the laws of American coexistence. Learn how to avoid common blunders when traveling to the United States.
"Why is everyone staring?" For many US visitors, putting their foot in their mouth comes by surprise when interacting with Americans for the first time.
Here are the 10 most common mistakes made by tourists to the USA and some valuable tips on how to avoid slipping up:
The first blunder is waiting upon your arrival at the US border already! Besides the strange looks from fellow travelers and interrogations by the border officials, it can also become really expensive: you are not allowed to enter the United States without a travel permit - not even for a transfer!
Therefore, do not get on the plane without an ESTA permit! You can obtain the electronic travel authorization with minimal effort and at a much lower price than a US visa. Apply for an ESTA at least 72 hours before your trip.
Tip
The ESTA or visa requirement for the USA does not apply to Green Card holders! With a Permanent Resident Card, you can travel to and from the United States without restrictions and even permanently live and work in the US. You have a realistic chance to win one of the desired US immigrant visas by participating in the annual Green Card Lottery!
In restaurants, for hotel services, or when paying tour guides in the USA, you should allow for a generous tip of at least 15 % - ideally even 20 %. Tipping too little is not a good way to make friends in the United States. Due to the low base salaries for certain professions, this small additional income is essential for the survival of service staff.
Tip
Tipping is easy with your travel credit card, and there is no need to carry change. There is an extra line on bills and receipts for you to enter the tip amount before signing for payment.
The entry requirements for the USA hold many a surprise. For example, sweets that are sold along with non-edible toys are forbidden in the United States! So better leave all those exciting treats at home if you don't want to get into trouble at the border.
Tip
What is true for the USA also applies to most other countries: you must check visa and import regulations. For example, countries such as Canada, New Zealand, and Australia have strict rules that differ greatly from one another. To be safe, check our international online visa guides before traveling.
Alcohol laws in the USA are strict, and public consumption is prohibited in most places. If you still want to enjoy your beer outdoors, it has to be put in a bag. You're probably familiar with so-called "brown-bagging" from television.
And also, smokers have a hard time in the USA: the American non-smoker protection law was established to protect your fellow beings from "second-hand smoke." However, the law is interpreted differently in each US state.
Tip
To be on the safe side, only smoke in designated areas in the US.
Did you lose your heart to an American? Congratulations! However, the dating rules in America can be quite a culture shock. Here's an overview:
When things get serious
You're head over heels in love and want to get married? Awesome! By marrying a US citizen, you also acquire the right to a family Green Card and can look forward to a super romantic American wedding!
In most parts of the USA, there is a great emphasis on openness, friendliness, and a respectful way of communicating. It is completely normal for Americans to talk to strangers in public, have a little chit-chat, and then part ways again. Some rules of etiquette:
A lot of perceived rudeness is caused by a language barrier. With a little refresher course in English, you can minimize the risk of embarrassing language faux pas.
Police officers in the USA are a lot tougher than in many other countries. Therefore, it is important that you adhere to all applicable laws and traffic regulations in the respective US state.
Also, it is crucial to follow the rules of conduct for police checks in the USA. These are as follows:
Tip
If your English is not particularly fluent, let the police officer know at the beginning of the check. They will then be more considerate during the conversation.
When dining in American restaurants, check the following rules to avoid putting your foot in your mouth:
Fun fact
Many Americans consider it blasphemy to eat fast food with a knife and fork. Former New York Mayor Bill de Blasio once suffered this fate when he was photographed eating pizza with cutlery. New York Magazine called this incident a "disaster."
Meters, liters, and kilos won't get you far in the United States. Therefore, before talking to an American about temperatures, distances, or weights, take a moment to review the terms here:
| American measurement units | |
|---|---|
| 1 inch | 2,54 cm |
| 1 foot | 30,48 cm |
| 1 yard | 91,44 cm |
| 1 mile | 1,609 km |
| 1 ounce | 28,35 g |
| 1 pound | 453,59 g |
| 1 quarter | 12,7 kg |
| 1 degree Fahrenheit | -17,2 degree Celsius |
You already learned in this article not to forget Valentine's Day. However, there are more rules that may cause embarrassment around the holidays:
Flag Code rules and even some holiday customs are interpreted a bit more loosely these days. But especially when dealing with American seniors, you should be respectful.
You just won a Green Card? That’s huge! With your new US Immigrant Visa, you are now allowed to live and work in the US and have almost the same rights as a US citizen!
But beware: you must carry your Green Card with you at all times! Under Section 264(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (I.N.A.), you may be fined up to $ 100 if you are caught without your Green Card.
Americans are proud of their nation and what they have accomplished together. Show your respect by learning about the USA's customs, culture, and laws before you travel. We wish you a great and embarrassment-free time in the United States!