You’ve seen America in movies a hundred times—where tourists win over locals with their “charming” mistakes, and every awkward moment ends in laughter. But real-life U.S. travel doesn’t have a script. Clueless isn’t adorable here; it’s just… awkward.
After years of watching my foreign friends make innocent faux pas, I’ve created this list of 21 things NOT to do when visiting America. Because nothing can spoil a trip faster than realizing you’ve been unintentionally rude for days.
1. Don’t Try to See Everything in One Trip
America is huge—almost as big as Europe—and even most Americans haven’t seen their entire country. Many visitors seriously underestimate the distances between major attractions. Driving nonstop from New York to Los Angeles takes over 40 hours, the equivalent of going from Lisbon to Moscow!
Instead, focus on one region. Florida packs Miami’s beaches, Orlando’s theme parks, and the Everglades into one state. The Northeast Corridor from Boston to DC offers easy train connections. For the classic American road trip experience, like Route 66 or the Pacific Coast Highway, reveal America’s stunning landscapes mile by mile.
2. Don’t Forget to Tip
For visitors from other countries, the American custom of tipping can be a particularly perplexing and emotionally charged part of visiting the United States. Unlike many countries where workers earn living wages, the federal minimum wage for tipped workers is only $2.13 per hour. Here, tipping isn’t optional—it’s how millions of service employees pay their rent.
This system creates situations where visitors from other countries unintentionally stiff hardworking staff, and this can really hurt their feelings.
It’s not just about the money. What many visitors don’t realize is that American service workers take the tips they receive very personally. When you leave less than expected, you’re leaving a silent message about the quality of their service.
The standard tip at restaurants is 15-20% (20% in major cities), $1-2 per drink at bars, $1-2 per bag for hotel staff, $2 to $5 for valets, and 15-20% for taxi drivers, hair stylists, and food delivery. Even rideshare drivers now anticipate 15-20% for good service through the app’s tipping function.
- There’s no need to leave a tip at fast food restaurants.
- Tip jars next to the register say, “Tips are appreciated, but not expected.”
- It’s customary to tip at the end of the service.
- An easy rule of thumb is to figure 10% of the bill, double it, and then adjust up or down according to the quality of their service.
💡 PRO TIP: Keep small bills ($1/$5) handy for valets, bellhops, and coffee shops.
U.S. Tipping Cheat Sheet
| Service | Tip Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 15–20% | 20% standard in cities. |
| Bars | $1–2 per drink | Tip per round, not just the bill. |
| Rideshares (Uber/Lyft) | 15–20% | Tip via app within an hour. |
| Hotel Housekeeping | $3–5 per night | Leave daily (staff may rotate). |
| Food Delivery | 15–20% | Tip more for bad weather/large orders. |
Note: If dining with 6 or more, your bill may include an automatic 18-20% gratuity. Check it before you leave a tip.
3. Don’t Skip Showers
In the United States, body odor isn’t just unpleasant—it’s practically taboo. Americans view strong body odor as a social offense, avoiding those who smell unwashed as if they were carrying a contagious disease. Whether in corporate offices or crowded parks, skipped showers or re-worn clothes will make people avoid you.
The standard is clear: daily showers with soap, plus strong deodorant, are non-negotiable. Drugstores overflow with “clinical-strength” antiperspirants, “antibacterial” body washes, and “odor-destroying” foot sprays—because Americans take “long-lasting freshness” seriously. Even in winter or air-conditioned spaces, any lingering smell (especially from feet or stale clothes) draws silent judgment.
Americans rarely mention body odor outright, but the reaction is instant: stepped-back conversations, avoided seating, and subtle frowns. To stay in good graces, shower daily, change socks and shoes regularly, and skip heavy cologne (it doesn’t hide B.O.—it just makes it worse). In the U.S., cleanliness is your social currency.
4. Don’t Cut in Line
Line-cutting is considered one of the worst violations of American social rules. Americans take their lines (or “queues”) seriously, whether waiting for coffee, boarding planes, or entering venues like museums, theme parks, or sporting events. The basic value is fairness—everyone deserves their turn in the order they arrived.
The reaction to cutting in line can range from dirty looks to confrontation. Americans who seem otherwise relaxed about social rules can become surprisingly assertive when someone cuts in front of them. Even during emergencies, it’s better to ask permission rather than simply moving ahead.
This orderly approach reflects American values around fairness and respect for others’ time. The queuing system is so important that many places have implemented formal line management systems with numbers, ropes, or digital waitlists rather than physical lines. Even at informal gatherings like food trucks or festival booths, maintaining line integrity is an expected social courtesy.
5. Don’t Stand (Or Sit) Too Close to Strangers
Americans typically maintain more personal space than people from many other cultures. Standing closer than arm’s length during casual conversation can make Americans uncomfortable or even anxious. This personal space bubble is a deeply ingrained aspect of American nonverbal communication.
This preference for personal space is clear in lines, elevators, and public transportation, where Americans will spread out rather than cluster together. Even in restrooms, people tend to leave a stall between themselves and another when they can.
While New Yorkers may accept closer proximity than people in rural areas due to urban density, standing an arm’s length away during casual interactions will help avoid creating discomfort. This cultural preference extends to seating arrangements too—in half-empty theaters or waiting rooms, Americans typically leave empty seats between themselves and strangers.
💡 PRO TIP: If you notice Americans subtly stepping backward during conversation, they’re likely trying to preserve their personal space. (It’s either that, or you stink!)
6. Don’t Overthink Small Talk
Americans often have friendly, surface-level conversations with strangers that might seem fake to visitors from more reserved cultures. Questions like “How are you?” and remarks about the weather aren’t usually invitations for deep conversation but rather social oil that acknowledges shared humanity and builds momentary connection.
When a store clerk asks, “How’s your day going?” they expect a brief and positive response rather than detailed honesty. These interactions create a sense of community that many Americans value. Similarly, compliments from strangers about your clothing or accessories (“Nice shirt!”) are generally genuine but don’t require more than a simple “thanks” in response.
Understanding small talk as a cultural practice rather than meaningless chatter can help you engage more comfortably with Americans in everyday situations. This conversational style reflects American values of friendliness and approachability. It’s also a way Americans make public spaces feel more neighborly, especially in regions like the South and Midwest where these interactions are most common.
7. Don’t Avoid Eye Contact.
Direct eye contact during conversation shows honesty and engagement in American culture. While constant staring is inappropriate and can make people uncomfortable, periodically meeting someone’s gaze while speaking shows respect and attentiveness. Avoiding eye contact entirely can be interpreted as dishonesty, disinterest, or a lack of confidence.
Studies show that Americans typically maintain eye contact about 50% of the time while speaking and 70% while listening. Staring continuously at someone is considered rude or even threatening. The balance is making enough eye contact to show engagement without making the other person uncomfortable through excessive staring.
The American handshake—firm but not crushing, with palm-to-palm contact—also carries social meaning. Americans interpret a weak grip as a lack of confidence, which can affect first impressions in business settings. These nonverbal communication practices can be challenging for visitors from cultures where downcast eyes show respect or where handshakes involve different techniques.
8. Don’t Block Sidewalk Traffic.
Stopping suddenly in the middle of a busy sidewalk to check your phone or map disrupts the flow and frustrates people behind you—it’s akin to slamming on the brakes in the middle of a highway. This is especially true in pedestrian-heavy cities where sidewalks serve as vital transportation routes.
If you need to check directions or take a photo, step aside near a building or street fixture to avoid blocking foot traffic. Groups should avoid walking side-by-side on narrow sidewalks to make it easier for others to pass comfortably.
This rule is particularly important in cities like New York, Chicago, and Boston, where walking is a primary mode of transportation, not just a leisure activity. Locals follow an unspoken “keep right” rule, similar to driving, to keep sidewalks moving smoothly. Respecting these unwritten rules helps you blend in and shows consideration for daily commuters.
9. Don’t Ignore Smoking Restrictions.
Smoking rules in America are stricter than in many other countries and vary significantly by city and state. In most cities, you can’t smoke inside any public buildings or restaurants or within certain distances (usually 25–50 feet) of their entrances. Many hotels, rental cars, and apartment buildings are entirely smoke-free environments.
Many public parks, beaches, and outdoor venues are smoke-free too. Even in hotels, you’ll need to specifically request a smoking room—and many have gone completely smoke-free. Breaking these rules can result in significant fines in some jurisdictions, not just social disapproval.
E-cigarettes and vaping follow similar restrictions in most places. When unsure, ask, “Where can I smoke?” And always dispose of cigarette butts properly—flicking them on the ground is considered littering and may result in fines. Some cities have designated smoking areas or cigarette disposal containers on streets where smoking is permitted.
10. Don’t Litter. Anywhere.
Public littering is strongly frowned upon in American culture and can result in social disapproval or fines ranging from $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on the location. The social expectation is clear: responsible citizens dispose of waste properly in designated bins, whether in urban areas, parks, or natural spaces.
This includes cigarette butts, which many international visitors are surprised to learn are considered litter rather than acceptable sidewalk debris. Many American cities have reduced public smoking areas specifically because of cigarette litter, and improperly discarded cigarettes attract strong disapproval from environmentally conscious Americans.
When trash cans aren’t readily available, people expect you to carry your waste until you find a suitable disposal. This custom reflects growing environmental awareness in American culture. Recycling is also increasingly important, and you’ll often find public trash cans divided into sections for different types of waste.
11. Don’t Forget: U.S. Prices Exclude Tax.
Unlike most countries where displayed prices include all taxes, American price tags typically show the pre-tax amount only. Sales tax varies by state and even by city, ranging from 0% in states like Oregon and Delaware to nearly 10% in parts of California, Tennessee, or Washington. This tax system creates confusion even for Americans traveling between states.
This system can be especially confusing at restaurants, where the final bill will include tax plus the expected tip (15-20%), potentially making your meal cost nearly 30% more than the menu prices indicated. Budget-conscious travelers should factor such costs into their planning, especially in high-tax cities like Chicago, New York, or Seattle.
American consumers have traditionally preferred seeing exactly what portion of their purchase goes to taxation rather than having it built into the price. While confusing for visitors, understanding this system helps prevent checkout surprises. Some tourist-oriented businesses will post signs reminding international visitors about this practice, but many do not.
12. Don’t Be Late.
Americans generally view punctuality as showing respect for others’ time. For business meetings, medical appointments, and dinner reservations, arriving exactly on time or 5 minutes early is expected. Social gatherings have more flexibility, but significant lateness without notification is still considered rude in most circles.
Regional variations exist—New York and Hawaii may have more relaxed attitudes about time. However, for formal commitments, even in supposedly “laid-back” regions, promptness remains the norm. In business contexts especially, being late can damage professional relationships and impressions.
People expect you to text or call when you’re running late, explaining the delay and providing an updated arrival time. Americans appreciate this courtesy, as it allows them to adjust their schedules accordingly rather than waiting in uncertainty. For important appointments, many Americans build in extra travel time to ensure punctuality.
13. Don’t Sit in the Wrong Taxi Seat.
Unlike many countries where sitting beside the driver is common, American taxi etiquette typically places passengers in the back seat. This arrangement isn’t about social hierarchy but about professional boundaries and personal space for both parties in the transportation service relationship.
The exception is when the back seat is full or when using ride-share services like Uber or Lyft, where some passengers choose the front seat to be sociable. However, with traditional taxis, heading for the back seat will align with local expectations, especially in major cities with strong taxi traditions like New York or Chicago.
Ride-sharing services are beginning to blur the distinction between professional and social transportation. When in doubt, a simple “Mind if I sit up front?” can clarify expectations. With regular taxis in urban areas, drivers often expect passengers to sit diagonally behind them rather than directly behind, combining safety with communication convenience.
14. Don’t Ask About Money.
American money talk follows strict unwritten rules. Salaries, home prices, and debts stay private, even among friends. Direct questions come across as rude or intrusive, no matter how casually you ask.
To navigate this, focus on generalities. “What’s the rent range for this neighborhood?” replaces “What do you pay?” At work, “Is the pay competitive?” avoids the awkwardness of “What’s your salary?” Americans will openly discuss financial stress—just never exact amounts.
This rule changes only when Americans volunteer the amounts. Until then, treat money talk like commenting on someone’s parenting—just don’t. Regional exceptions exist (New Yorkers might gripe about rent), but when in doubt, assume silence is golden.
15. Don’t Touch Without Permission.
Americans typically maintain stricter boundaries around physical contact than many other cultures. Beyond handshakes in professional settings, touching someone you’ve just met—patting their back, touching their arm, or greeting them with kisses on the cheek—can create discomfort unless clearly welcomed. Americans generally prefer verbal communication over physical touch with new acquaintances.
This physical boundary extends to children as well. While in some cultures it’s common to touch or pick up other people’s children as a sign of affection, in America this behavior can cause serious alarm. Always ask permission before interacting physically with someone’s child, even for innocent gestures like ruffling hair or pinching cheeks.
The South may have more hugging among new acquaintances, while in New England, physical boundaries tend to be more pronounced. Observing local behavior and following others’ leads on physical greetings will help navigate these regional differences. In professional settings across all regions, minimal physical contact beyond handshakes is the safest approach.
16. Don’t Skip Travel Insurance.
The U.S. has the world’s most expensive healthcare system. A simple doctor’s visit can cost $200 or more, and emergency room visits often run into the thousands. Unlike many countries with universal healthcare, hospitals here usually require uninsured patients to pay upfront—even for minor treatments like stitches or infections.
Because of these high costs, having comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Look for a plan that covers emergency care, hospital stays, and medical evacuation. Many credit cards offer limited coverage, but these often exclude pre-existing conditions and have payout limits far below typical U.S. medical bills.
For anyone visiting the U.S., travel insurance provides important financial protection and peace of mind. It helps ensure you can access necessary medical care without facing overwhelming expenses during your trip.
17. Don’t Joke About Security.
Americans are particularly sensitive about security threats in public spaces, especially airports, government buildings, and schools. Comments or jokes about weapons, bombs, or terrorism—even obviously sarcastic ones—can trigger serious security responses and legal consequences that could disrupt your entire trip.
This heightened sensitivity reflects historic events and ongoing security concerns unique to American culture. What might be received as obvious humor in your home country could result in detention, questioning, and potentially missed flights or tours. Security personnel take all potential threats seriously regardless of context.
Security personnel are required to investigate all potential threats, regardless of perceived intent or the apparent harmlessness of the person making the comment. The safest approach is to completely avoid humor related to violence or threats in any security context, no matter how ridiculous or self-evidently joking you believe your comment to be.
18. Don’t Be Afraid to Customize Your Order.
Americans are accustomed to personalizing their orders in both casual diners and upscale establishments. “Dressing on the side,” “No onions, please,” or “Can I substitute sweet potato fries?” are all normal requests that won’t raise eyebrows in American restaurants.
Restaurants typically have many condiments available—salt and pepper, ketchup, mustard, hot sauce, ranch dressing, extra napkins, etc., so don’t hesitate to ask for what you need to enjoy your meal. Servers won’t think you’re being difficult; it’s part of the service culture in the American restaurant industry. This customization culture stems from the American value of individualism and customer service.
Just remember to ask politely and say thank you—basic courtesy goes a long way, even when making special requests. Most places want you to enjoy your meal exactly how you like it. The customer-focused approach of American restaurants means that reasonable modifications are expected and accommodated as part of normal service.
19. Don’t Waste Restaurant Food.
In America, taking leftover food from a restaurant home is completely normal. No one expects you to finish those large American portion sizes in one sitting. When your server asks, “Would you like a box for that?” they’re offering a standard service, not suggesting you ordered too much or ate too little.
Requesting a “to-go box” or “doggy bag” is a common practice in most restaurants, with the exception of the most upscale ones. Americans dislike food waste, and taking leftovers home for tomorrow’s lunch is practically a cultural tradition. Most restaurants provide sturdy containers specifically designed for this purpose.
However, if you’re invited to someone’s home for dinner, asking to take leftover food home would be considered strange and possibly rude. Sometimes the host might offer you leftovers to take, but you shouldn’t request them unprompted.
20. Don’t Rely On Public Transit.
If you’re visiting the U.S., don’t rely too much on public transport. Outside major cities like New York or San Francisco, buses and trains run infrequently and don’t always cover the places you want, so expect delays and detours. For getting between cities, intercity buses like Greyhound and Megabus are affordable but can be slow and less comfortable.
Amtrak is the main passenger train service, but it shares tracks with freight trains that get priority. Expect frequent delays except in the busy Northeast Corridor (Boston to Washington, D.C.), where service is faster and more reliable. These delays can add hours to your trip.
Bottom line: renting a car or using ride-shares gives you more freedom and convenience to explore. Public transit is improving in some places, but for hassle-free travel, having your own wheels is usually the best move.
21. Don’t Judge America by Its Cities.
New York and L.A. are some of the least representative places in America. Sure, they’re fascinating destinations, but they are outliers in almost every way—from population density and public transit to pace of life and social norms. Forming an opinion about American culture based solely on Manhattan or Hollywood would give you a very skewed perspective.
Many international visitors make the mistake of spending a week in one spot and thinking they now understand American culture. That’s like visiting Paris and claiming to understand French people!
To truly experience America, you need to visit different regions: the relaxed West Coast, the hospitable South, the straightforward Midwest, and yes, the bustling Northeast. Each area has distinct food, accents, values, and daily rhythms that make up the complete American experience. America’s regional diversity is unique, and you can’t appreciate it by visiting just one place.
Frequently Asked Questions About American Etiquette
Is tipping mandatory in the U.S.?
Tipping isn’t legally required but is strongly expected, especially in sit-down restaurants where servers rely on tips for most of their income. Not leaving a tip is considered a sign that the level of service was inadequate.
Why do Americans say “How are you?” without expecting an answer?
It’s a simple greeting, much like “hello” or “good morning,” rather than a genuine question requiring a detailed response. Most people respond with a brief “Good, thanks!” or “Fine, and you?”
What’s the dress code in America?
Americans generally dress modestly and comfortably. Casual wear like jeans, T-shirts, and sneakers is common, while business casual is typical in workplaces. The main rule is to dress neatly and appropriately for the occasion without drawing undue attention or offending others.
Is it rude to refuse food at someone’s house?
Politely declining is acceptable, but it is customary to add a small explanation or excuse to soften the rejection, i.e., “Thank you, but I’ve already eaten.” If your host insists, accept a small portion.
Are controversial topics acceptable in conversation?
Most Americans prefer keeping casual conversations light. Avoid politics, religion, or divisive issues—especially with new acquaintances. Instead, focus on universally safe topics like food, weather, sports, or local attractions.
Can I negotiate prices in American stores?
Haggling is uncommon except at flea markets, yard sales, or some independent shops.
What’s the etiquette for holding doors?
Hold doors for anyone approaching behind you. A simple “thank you” is expected.
Conclusion
Congratulations—you’ve just upgraded from “obvious visitor” to “person who gets it.” You’ll still take photos of weird snacks at Walmart like everyone else, but at least you won’t be that guy who’s arguing about sales tax at the register.
Americans are pretty forgiving of honest mistakes, but knowing these unwritten rules will save you from those painful “everyone’s staring at me” moments. Now, you can actually enjoy your trip without worrying about accidentally offending people everywhere you go.
Which of these surprised you? Have an amusing tourist-in-America story? Drop it in the comments—we’ve all been “that clueless visitor” at some point!
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