The beautiful thing about traveling is that it allows you to experience different cultures and learn about other ways of life. However, this wonderful opportunity comes with the responsibility to respect and appreciate the customs of the people who are hosting you.
So when a person who goes on the internet by the nickname FarmSuch5021 made a post on the subreddit 'Ask An American,' saying, "What should a foreigner absolutely not do when visiting the USA?" locals immediately started sending in their suggestions.
Considering that the United States is the third most-visited country in the world and that the travel industry directly employs 8 million Americans, it's safe to say that the discussion is relevant to both tourists and the economic well-being of the nation.
#41
If staying in a private home, as a guest: Do not begin cleaning it. Do not tidy or mow the yard. (All this spontaneously, without being asked first, or asking.)
That will be insulting. You are saying the house is too dirty for your taste. Worse, that it is so horrible that you can't even wait to be settled in, before cleaning it.
If you want to be of some help, simply ask "is there anything I can help with?" And then obey the answer. Usually it will be "No, you are a guest, please be comfortable."
"Can I help with the dishes" after a meal -- that is another common question. Most will say no. Some will say yes. You do not have to ask it.
Usually a guest is treated as a guest and is not expected to do household chores.
Report
34points
#42
Get out of your car if you get pulled over. Basically keep your hands on the wheel once you've shifted into park, until they come to you.
Report
31points
#43
Don't crowd up around people when in line or viewing something. We like our personal space.
Report
27points
#44
Shoot massive snot rockets into a trash can in a crowded area at JFK. 🤮 yuck
Report
25points
#45
If you are a man, don't walk up to a woman and start talking to her unless she is in a group, or you are in a bar or club or other place that kind of thing is expected. But a man approaching a solo woman on the street or in a shop is likely to make the woman uncomfortable.
Report
25points
#47
Don't ever ask anyone how much money they earn or have. Avoid money topics in general (like how much did your house/car cost) to be on the safe side.
Keep at least an arm's length physical distance from anyone you are speaking to. Same if you aren't speaking to them!
Avoid conversational topics including religion, politics, and Covid mitigation measures (all three are very sensitive topics here and can quickly blow up in your face unless you are very careful). I would also avoid topics related to race/racial stereotypes/news stories tied to race unless you know the person REALLY well. We have a certain kind of language and manners we use when discussing these topics that many people from abroad (especially non-native English speakers) aren't familiar with, and you can quickly offend without meaning to.
Also, try to shower every day and always wear deodorant , any kind of natural body odor is considered a faux pas here.
Report
25points
#48
Don't point at people, especially with one finger. It's considered rude. You can point at things or animals. For people, you can nod your head that way, or wave your entire hand toward them.
It seems silly, but we teach children this from really young, and I've seen people get really upset over it.
Report
23points
#50
You know how you go to someone’s house and you don’t say rude things or try to act superior or don’t learn the customs….that part
Report
17points
