How Things Work in United States
Everything Tourists Need to Know
Tipping is mandatory in practice — 18-22% at sit-down restaurants is the current norm, as servers can legally be paid as little as $2.13/hr in base wages.
Updated 2025-06
The US has no national public transport network — outside of a handful of major cities, a rental car is essential for getting around.
Updated 2025-06
US healthcare is the most expensive in the world — a single emergency room visit can cost USD 3,000-10,000 or more without insurance, making comprehensive travel insurance absolutely mandatory.
Updated 2025-06
Laws vary significantly from state to state — cannabis, gun ownership, and alcohol rules that are legal in one state can be criminal offences in another.
Updated 2025-06
Dial 911 from any phone for police, ambulance, or fire services — it works nationwide on any carrier, even without a SIM card.
Updated 2025-06
The US is extremely casual — there are virtually no enforced dress codes in public, and Americans dress far more informally than European standards.
Updated 2025-06
The drinking age is 21 nationwide with no exceptions, and ID is checked rigorously — even visitors who are clearly middle-aged are routinely asked for ID.
Updated 2025-06
Bargaining is not part of American retail culture — prices in shops are fixed, though negotiation is expected when buying cars, and is possible at garage sales and antique shops.
Updated 2025-06
Photography in public spaces is broadly protected under the First Amendment — you have the legal right to photograph anything visible from a public area, including police officers on duty.
Updated 2025-06
Most US retail operates 7 days a week, but Thanksgiving and Christmas cause widespread closures, and some states restrict Sunday alcohol sales under blue laws.
Updated 2025-06
Uber and Lyft operate in virtually every US city and are the default way to get around without a car — traditional taxis still operate mainly at airports and in NYC.
Updated 2025-06
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the US — it is one of the most tightly regulated drinking water systems in the world and bottled water is largely unnecessary.
Updated 2025-06
Card payments are accepted almost everywhere in the US, but cash is still useful for tips, small vendors, and street food — ATM fees of USD 2-5 per withdrawal are common.
Updated 2025-06
T-Mobile tourist SIM plans from USD 15-35/month offer the best value for visitors, while an Airalo eSIM is the most convenient option if your phone supports it.
Updated 2025-06
The US uses Type A and Type B flat-pin plugs at 120V/60Hz — visitors from Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa need both a plug adapter and possibly a voltage converter.
Updated 2025-06
Tourist scams in the US are moderate risk — timeshare presentations, fake ticket sellers, and overpriced 'official' souvenirs near major attractions are the most common pitfalls.
Updated 2025-06
Tourist areas in major US cities are generally safe, but gun violence rates are higher than comparable developed countries and specific neighborhoods in some cities carry significant risk.
Updated 2025-06
Americans are informal, friendly, and quick to use first names — small talk with strangers is normal, 'How are you?' is a greeting not a real question, and enthusiasm in service is expected.
Updated 2025-06
English is the sole working language of the US, and proficiency in English is assumed for all services — though Spanish is widely spoken in Florida, the Southwest, and parts of major cities.
Updated 2025-06
The US has world-class beaches but rip currents are the leading danger at ocean beaches — always swim between the flags and never ignore beach closure signs.
Updated 2025-06
Drive on the right side of the road; an international driving permit plus your home licence is valid in most states; a rental car is essential for exploring beyond major cities.
Updated 2025-06
American regional food culture is extraordinarily diverse — from NYC pizza and Texas BBQ to New Orleans Creole and California cuisine — with portions that are universally enormous.
Updated 2025-06
The US has a rich diversity of religious sites that are generally very welcoming to visitors — dress modestly, be quiet, and follow the lead of worshippers.
Updated 2025-06
The best time to visit most of the continental US is May-June or September-October, avoiding the extremes of summer heat and winter cold — though the ideal timing varies enormously by region.
Updated 2025-06
The US can be expensive, but happy hour specials, national park annual passes, eating at food trucks, and booking domestic flights on Tuesdays can significantly cut costs.
Updated 2025-06