Planning Your First Trip to the US? Don’t Do These 7 Things!

Visiting the United States for the first time is super exciting. From iconic cities and stunning national parks to huge portions of delicious food, America has a lot to offer.

However, culture shock is real! Every country has its own unwritten rules, and the US is no exception. To help you avoid awkward situations and stay safe, here are 7 things you should NEVER do on your first trip to the USA.

1. Don’t Forget to Tip

Tipping is not optional in the US it is a big part of the culture. In restaurants, servers rely on tips for their main income.

• How much to tip:

  • Restaurants with table service: 18% to 20% of your total bill.

  • Taxi/Rideshare drivers & barbers: 15% to 20%.

  • Fast food & coffee shops: Tipping is optional, but leaving a dollar or two in the tip jar is appreciated.

Pro Tip: Always double check your receipt! Sometimes a service charge or gratuity is already included for large groups.

2. Don’t Forget About Added Sales Tax

When you look at a price tag in a US store say, a $10 souvenir you might be surprised when the cashier asks for $10.80.

In America, price tags do not include sales tax. Tax is added at the register when you pay. The tax rate varies by state and city, usually ranging between 4% and 10%. A few states, like Oregon and Delaware, have zero sales tax!

3. Don’t Expect Public Transit Everywhere

While cities like New York, San Francisco, Chicago, and Washington D.C. have great subway and bus systems, most of the US relies heavily on cars.

If you plan to visit spread-out cities like Los Angeles, Miami, or Orlando, walking or taking the bus can be frustrating and slow.

• What to do: Plan to rent a car or use rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft to get around comfortably.

4. Don’t Joke Around at Airport Security or Immigration

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and TSA staff take security very seriously.

• Never make jokes about bombs, weapons, or illegal items, even if you are just being sarcastic.

• Keep your answers short, polite, and honest when the immigration officer asks about your travel plans.

• Avoid taking photos or using your phone in restricted customs areas.

5. Don’t Stand Too Close (Respect Personal Space)

Americans place a high value on personal space. Standing too close to someone in line at a coffee shop or on an escalator can make people feel uncomfortable.

• Keep about an arm’s length of distance between you and a stranger whenever possible.

• If you accidentally bump into someone, a simple "Excuse me" or "Sorry about that" goes a long way.

6. Don’t Ignore Local Laws and Signs

Laws can change significantly from state to state. What is allowed in California might be illegal in Texas!

• Jaywalking: Crossing the street outside of designated crosswalks can get you a ticket in some cities.

• Drinking in Public: In most places, carrying open alcohol on the street is illegal (exceptions include Las Vegas and New Orleans).

• Smoking: Smoking indoors in public places, restaurants, or hotel rooms is strictly forbidden.

7. Don’t Underestimate Portions and Distances

Two classic beginner mistakes:

1. Food Portions: Meal portions in the US are huge! If you aren't super hungry, consider sharing an entree or asking for a to-go box ("doggy bag").

2. Travel Distances: The US is massive. Driving from New York to Los Angeles takes about 40 hours! Don't try to fit too many far-apart cities into a short trip. Focus on one region at a time.

Final Thoughts

Visiting the US is an unforgettable experience as long as you keep an open mind and respect the local norms. Be polite, smile, tip your servers, and you’ll have an amazing time!

Have you ever been to the United States? What surprised you the most on your first visit?