The Democratic Do’s and Don’ts
So you’ve decided to visit America, or perhaps you’ve lived here all your life and are simply curious about the norms you never noticed. Either way, the United States has plenty of cultural rules that may not be apparent to visiting foreigners. For a smooth experience, here are 20 things you should keep in mind in the States.
1.Tipping Culture
While in some places, such as Japan, it is considered rude to tip, that is not the case in America. In fact, the opposite is true. If you don’t tip fairly, the servers and your peers may find you to be cheap or condescending. As a rule of thumb, the typical tip is 10% to 20%, depending on the service. Of course, you’re not expected to tip everyone who asks for it, as the norm is reserved mainly for restaurant and hotel settings.
2. Personal Space
Personal space is a big deal in the United States, and cramming into buses or trains is a nightmare for most. Don’t stand too close to someone in line with you, and when approaching somebody, be sure to keep a reasonable distance.
3. Taboo Topics
There are some topics that are considered too impolite, intense, or personal for public discussion. The usual candidates are religion and politics, so you’re better off keeping that stuff to yourself or having private discussions with close friends.
4. Don’t Jaywalk
In some countries, jaywalking is the only practical way to get around, often due to lackluster or underdeveloped infrastructure. This is not the case in urban America, though, as jaywalking can lead to hefty fines in city spaces.
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5. Use Utensils
In some cultures, it’s pretty common to eat with your hands, and this extends to things like rice or meats as well. However, in the United States, unless it’s a burger, fries, or pizza, you are expected to use a fork, spoon, or knife.
6. Don’t Stare
Staring is considered acceptable behavior in plenty of countries, and many strangers will stare at foreigners with no forethought. However, in the States, staring is considered rude and downright creepy. If someone catches you looking, the only appropriate response is to quickly look away.
7. No Smoking
If you do partake in smoking, don’t expect many indoor areas to be all too accepting. Most restaurants, hotels, and even homes at this point have strict no-smoking policies. Unless you see a sign permitting the act, assume it’s not allowed.
8. Leave Restaurants Reasonably
While there are areas you are allowed to linger in, restaurants are not one of those. After eating, it’s acceptable to stay for maybe another hour if you are with company. However, a restaurant is no place to go to work or spend the day, as they need the table for other customers. Instead, look for a café with outlets if you’re planning a multi-hour stay.
9. Don’t Take Talk for Face Value
In America, it’s common to be polite and friendly to others. For instance, someone might start up a conversation or engage in discussion, but this doesn’t mean they want to be your friend or want to hang out. Americans call this “being fake,” and they do it for the sake of politeness.
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10. Never Hitchhike
While hitchhiking was a common occurrence in the ’60s and ’70s, the horrifying results of that practice have led to major changes. Now hitchhiking is considered very dangerous, especially for lone women. Even Ubers or taxis can be risky these days, so be careful out there.
11. Don’t Forget to Smile
While not everyone subscribes to this, smiling is considered polite in American society. For instance, if someone greets you or you are conversing with a customer service representative, you are expected to smile and be friendly.
12. Watch for Trespassing Signs
Americans take property and privacy very seriously, so be careful not to accidentally trespass into someone else’s space. Keep an eye out for no-trespassing or private-property signs.
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13. Don’t Be Hateful
Despite what the internet might have you thinking, the United States is a melting pot of cultures and races, and they take respect and tolerance very seriously. There are laws and rules against hateful phrases or beliefs, so leave those thoughts at home if you plan on visiting.
14. Wait in the Car if Pulled Over
In case you ever do run into the police, it is advised to stay in the car and let the officer approach you. Do not step out of the car or try to greet the officer, as this may be considered confrontational.
15. No Haggling
In some countries, haggling is a perfectly normal part of the shopping experience, but that’s not the case in the United States. Unless you’re working with a private seller, in most stores, malls, and markets, the prices have fixed prices, and it’s considered rude to haggle.
16. Watch Out for Sales Tax
When you are shopping, keep sales tax in mind. So even if an item is $10, it’ll probably end up costing you more at the checkout line. In restaurants, you can expect gratuity on top of the taxes.
17. Avoid Honking the Horn
While in some places, you may hear honking horns long into the night, America is not one of those regions. In some areas, honking the horn can get you in big trouble. Americans can be a bit tense, and you don’t want to anger the wrong person, as they may do something reckless in retaliation.
18. Waiting in Lines
Never cut in line or skip ahead, because while some people may stare at you in annoyance, others may get physical. You are expected to wait patiently in line, whether it be for food, in front of a store, or any other situation.
19. Ask Before Calling an Ambulance
Since the United States doesn’t have free healthcare, ambulances can put plenty of people in difficult situations. So, if you get involved in an emergency, be sure to ask the person if you can call for an ambulance before doing so. Of course, if lives are at risk and there’s no one to ask, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
20. Wait for the Waiter
In the United States, you shouldn’t call the waiter but should instead wait for them to get to you. Of course, if you need something, you can flag them down. But once you enter the restaurant, wait for them to initiate the ordering, as they may be busy with someone else.
