USA Travel Do’s And Don’ts Guide

What Every Traveller Should Know Before Visiting

Do’s – Recommended Etiquette

• Greet with a smile. Americans value friendliness and casual conversation, even with strangers.

• Respect personal space. Keep a comfortable distance when speaking; clear physical boundaries are expected.

• Tip generously. Standard tipping is 15–20% in restaurants, plus small tips for taxis, hotel staff, and barbers.

• Follow queue rules. Waiting your turn is taken seriously in both public and private settings.

• Learn local norms. Customs vary widely between states and regions.

• Use polite phrases. “Please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me” are used frequently.

• Follow road rules strictly. Driving laws are enforced and speed limits vary by state.

• Dress casually. The USA is informal; smart-casual is accepted almost everywhere.

• Ask before taking photos. Especially of people, children, or private property.

• Respect cultural diversity. America is a mix of cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds.

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Don’ts – Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Skip tipping. In most service settings, tipping is expected rather than optional.

• Make assumptions about beliefs or background. The population is highly diverse.

• Smoke indoors. Smoking bans apply in most public indoor spaces.

• Touch people casually. Hugging or physical contact without invitation can feel intrusive.

• Joke about sensitive topics. Politics, race, religion, and gun laws can be divisive.

• Photograph children without permission. This is especially sensitive.

• Expect universal public transport. Many areas require driving or ride-sharing.

• Drink alcohol in public streets. Open-container laws apply in many cities.

• Ignore safety instructions. National parks, beaches, and wilderness areas can be dangerous.

• Be shocked by portion sizes. Food servings are often much larger than in Europe.

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Cultural Tips

• Time matters. Punctuality is important for appointments, tours, and business.

• Small talk is normal. Light conversation is polite and expected.

• Individuality is celebrated. People express themselves freely in dress and lifestyle.

• Customer service is enthusiastic. Staff checking in frequently is normal, not intrusive.

• Regional identity is strong. Customs differ widely by state and city.

• Patriotism is common. Flags and national symbols are widely displayed.

• Personal rights are valued. Privacy and independence matter greatly.

• Religion varies by region. Some areas are more traditional, others very secular.

• Sports culture is huge. NFL, NBA, MLB, and college sports are major conversation topics.

• Politeness is informal. Friendly tone matters more than formality.

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Practical Travel Advice

• Expect long distances. Domestic flights or long drives are common.

• Public transport varies. Excellent in cities like New York or DC, limited elsewhere.

• Check weather carefully. Climate ranges from snow to desert heat.

• Sales tax is added at checkout. Displayed prices are not final.

• Carry ID. Required for alcohol purchases and some activities.

• Use Uber or Lyft. Reliable in most cities.

• Book national parks early. Popular parks sell out in peak season.

• Get travel insurance. Medical care is expensive without cover.

• Cashless payments are common. Cards and mobile pay are widely accepted.

• Observe speed limits carefully. Traffic laws vary by state.

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Insider Insight

• Share meals. Portion sizes are large and easily split.

• Free refills are common. Soft drinks and coffee often come with unlimited refills.

• Visit farmers’ markets. Great for local food and regional specialities.

• State fairs are unique. Food, rides, and local culture in one place.

• Local diners are authentic. Excellent comfort food at fair prices.

• Museums are quieter midweek. Weekends attract crowds.

• Tip per drink at bars. Or leave a tip when closing the tab.

• Explore small towns. Hospitality and regional identity shine outside big cities.

• Join local events. Sports games and festivals reflect community culture.

• Respect quiet in nature. National parks value calm behaviour.

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Safety & Legal Guidelines

• Emergency number: 911 for police, fire, and medical help.

• Gun laws vary by state. Avoid casual debate on the topic.

• Stay alert in large cities. Pickpocketing occurs in tourist zones.

• Follow park regulations. Wildlife and terrain can be hazardous.

• Legal drinking age is 21. Nationwide.

• Seatbelts are mandatory. Fines apply in most states.

• Drug laws vary. Cannabis legality differs by state.

• Respect private property. Trespassing is taken seriously.

• Follow beach warnings. Strong currents and rip tides are common.

• Don’t leave valuables in cars. Vehicle break-ins are more common than street theft.

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Communication & Interaction Tips

• English is spoken everywhere. Accents and slang vary by region.

• Friendly tone matters. Casual, upbeat conversation makes a good impression.

• Avoid interrupting. Turn-taking is expected.

• Humour varies. Sarcasm is common but can be misread.

• Maintain eye contact. Signals honesty and confidence.

• Avoid personal questions. Income, religion, and politics can feel intrusive.

• Use polite phrases often. They are everyday communication markers.

• Service check-ins are normal. Not pushy — just standard practice.

• WhatsApp is less common. SMS, iMessage, and social apps dominate.

• Respect regional pride. Every state has its own culture and identity.