Although there are many cultural similarities between America and Europe, foreigners traveling to the United States are often shocked to find many differences, too. From traveling through airports to local customs to unfamiliar laws, it’s best to acquaint yourself with the more unfamiliar aspects of American life before arrival - particularly those that could end up costing you a pretty penny!
So if you’re planning a trip Stateside, take note of these ten tips for foreigners traveling to the U.S.
1. Sales tax isn’t included in the price
In most other countries around the world, what you see on the price tag is what you can expect to pay at the till. Meanwhile, in America, the listed price rarely includes sales tax and you can expect to pay up to 10% more when the bill arrives. Different states and cities have different tax rates, though, so best to look this up or assume 10% before making a purchase.
2. Dates are written in reverse order
While most countries will write the day before the month, Americans use the format MM-DD-YYYY, something you should take note of when booking flights, hotels, and activities within the U.S. For example, while a booking in Europe for 03-02-2020 would secure a reservation in February, in the States this date actually refers to March 2nd 2020.
3. Always tip!
Most workers in the service industry rely on tips for the majority of their income, so when in doubt, leave a tip. For restaurant servers, the norm is 15%-20% of the bill. Bartenders, housekeepers, concierges, valets, doormen, taxi drivers, beauty technicians, and other professionals providing a service will also expect a tip ranging from 10%-15% of the bill or $1-5 per item. If you’re paying with a credit card (the most common form of payment in the U.S.), be sure to write the tip amount on the bill before paying.
4. Alcohol laws are stricter than most
Alcohol consumption is prohibited to anyone under the age of 21. Alcohol laws also vary from state to state; for example, stores in Indiana aren’t allowed to sell alcohol on Sundays. Meanwhile, other states such as Tennessee, Kansas, and Mississippi are "dry by default," leaving individual municipalities to decide whether they’ll allow the sale of alcohol at all.
5. Stay connected without roaming nightmare
One often overlooked — but super important — tip: arrange your mobile data before you land in the U.S. Using an eSIM means you don’t have to swap out SIM cards, and you can avoid sky-high roaming charges. A provider like SIMOVO offers prepaid eSIM plans for the United States, with instant activation, reliable 5G on major networks (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T), and data plans tailored to different trip lengths.
6. Nudity on beaches is not permitted
Unlike in Europe, where partial or complete nudity is common on public beaches, failing to cover up may result in being charged with indecent exposure. In fact, the German government released an official travel warning for citizens traveling to the U.S., warning them not to overexpose themselves while bathing in public areas.
7. Airport security is some of the strictest in the world
While this may not be unusual for European travelers, tourists from areas where airport security is more lenient might be surprised when airport rules are strictly enforced. For example, while you may be permitted to take a full water bottle through security in some Southeast Asian airports, TSA in America will strictly enforce the 3-1-1 rule when it comes to liquids in your hand luggage.
8. "How are you?" doesn’t require an answer
While locals may ask "How are you?" this usually isn’t an invitation for you to rattle off about how exhausted you are while adjusting to the new time zone or how excited you are to visit the state’s most exciting tourist attraction. "How are you?" is a common greeting in America that doesn’t necessarily require an answer, so don’t be surprised if a passerby asks you how you’re doing without stopping to listen to the answer!
9. Buy a TSA-approved lock
TSA inspectors are permitted to physically inspect luggage and may break locks on bags that need to be screened. To avoid damage, invest in a TSA-approved lock that can be opened using a master key.
10. Organise airport transfers in advance
There’s a reason 95% of American households own a car! The U.S. is a car-reliant country, and public transport is limited in most cities. For this reason, it’s best to organize an airport transfer or book a rental car in advance.
