25 Things People Should Know Before Visiting the USA
1.
“If you’re in a New York City subway, try not to make too much eye contact or look too long at people around you. Old guy lighting up a crack pipe near the door between cars? Just ignore the smell. Woman near you screaming at the top of her lungs at her silent child? Keep listening to your music. Someone digging through their bag, muttering to themselves, and throwing rose petals on the floor like they’re preparing for a seance? Just keep staring blankly at your phone. Trust me.”
4.
“Don't think the laws are the same everywhere. You can walk with an open alcohol container in Vegas but not many other places. Alcohol laws, pot laws, firearms laws, smoking - lots of very different laws depending on the state and city where you are.”
5.
“If pulled over by the cops, do not exit the vehicle unless they ask you to. The cops might sit in their vehicle for a while, & then they will approach the window & expect you to talk to them while sitting in the car.”
6.
“If you find yourself in Florida, absolutely do not swim in the lakes, ditches, or channels. Any standing body of water can (and does) have alligators in it. Also possibly water moccasins. And maybe even diseases.”
7.
“Don’t assume that the price shown on an item for sale is your price for said item. There are almost always taxes that are added to the price when you go to pay.”
8.
“I live in an area around 4 major rivers and my town has a booming river industry. Someone drowns at least once a month. The current is so strong as soon as your feet hit the water you’re most likely gone. Look at the river, take pictures, stop and look at our murals along our flood walls, but do not go near the river!”
9.
“Underestimate distances. When I was a tour guide, far too many customers asked how many HOURS the train to New York was [in seattle] and I had to put their jaw back in when I said 5 days.”
12.
“If you go to a department store, Kohls, Target, or even Home Depot, they often try to have people sign up for credit cards. Absolutely don’t do this. Tell your non-English speaking friends this. The short time I worked at target, I often saw people who were clearly just visiting the US get signed up for credit cards. It may not alway work without a social security number, but it is a major time suck for sure.”
13.
“If you're visiting Las Vegas, do not engage with anyone that asks if you'll be in town tomorrow night. They're trying to rope you into a timeshare presentation and even though they'll offer free show tickets, meal vouchers, and even cash, it's not worth it! The tour and "short" presentation will be way longer (and obnoxiously higher pressure) than you'd expect and they know damn well after you've invested a few hours you're not going to leave without the promised reward that they only give you at the very end. These people are most often found at the entrances to malls or casinos at what can be easily mistaken for information booths. Either just say "no" no matter how long you're actually still going to be there or flat-out ignore them. Also don't accept the cards being handed out by people in brightly colored shirts on the strip unless you want a promo for strippers.”
15.
“Most places don’t allow alcohol in an open container in public. Have your drinks at the hotel, bar, or restaurant. Can be fined or arrested depending on state.”
16.
“If you are coming to the Midwest or northeast during winter be prepared and don’t think sunshine means warm weather. It can be deceptively cold:)”
18.
“Make sure you visit after your 21st birthday if you are a drinker or a smoker. Can't do either til you are 21.”
19.
“Visiting south west USA? Cali, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico ect, DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE HEAT! All too often people try and hike in 113° and end up needing rescue. And thats no good for anyone.”
20.
“Don’t let anyone use your phone, and don't stop in the middle of the sidewalk (please move to the side).”
21.
“Do not attempt bribe a police officer. It's common in some countries, but it will land you in a world of shit here.”
22.
“Don't count out your money and buy enough stuff that you think it's covered. It's not. There's a hidden sales tax added at the register after they total it up that can be close to 10% more than the marked price.”
23.
“If locals tell you not to go to a certain part of town, listen to them. Similarly, don't go touring drug or gang territory.”
24.
“Do NOT go into the wilderness unprepared. If a trail says 2 miles and 2000' of elevation gain, that's not a nature walk. Do NOT approach wild Animals. Yea, the moose looks big and stupid, but he'll kill you. So will the bears, mountain lions, alligators, and snakes.”
25.
“Don't eat wild mushrooms unless you're an expert. There are deadly species here that look like safe muhrooms in other countries. Southeast Asians are frequently poisoned by amanita species (death cap, destroying angel).”
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