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Tourists Shouldn't Do These 30 Things When They Visit The US According To Americans

"Do not walk through grass taller than your ankles."

Tourists Shouldn't Do These 30 Things When They Visit The US According To Americans

Tourists love the idea of the United States, but Americans say a little common sense goes a long way once you get there. From huge distances and state-by-state rules to tipping, transit, and local etiquette, the country can surprise visitors fast.

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This roundup pulls together the things Americans say travelers should avoid, based on a Reddit discussion about what not to do in the US. Some of the warnings are practical, some are funny, and a few are very specific to certain cities and states.

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If you are planning a trip, these are the habits that could make things awkward in a hurry.

Thanks to this Reddit discussion, we have a consolidated list approved by Americans on what you can't do when you tour the US

Thanks to this Reddit discussion, we have a consolidated list approved by Americans on what you can't do when you tour the USsarra-sagesse
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1. Don't underestimate the travel time between cities and states because it is a large country

1. Don't underestimate the travel time between cities and states because it is a large countrya9249
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2. If you go to Florida, do not swim in lakes, ditches, channels, or questionable bodies of water

2. If you go to Florida, do not swim in lakes, ditches, channels, or questionable bodies of waterDobbys_Other_Sock

3. Be careful because laws vary from state to state

3. Be careful because laws vary from state to stateBabstana

4. Follow the instructions of the police officer if they pull you over

4. Follow the instructions of the police officer if they pull you overyahdinguus

5. Taxes are included upon checkout, so budget accordingly

5. Taxes are included upon checkout, so budget accordinglyRed_Queen592

6. Do not pet raccoons at all costs

6. Do not pet raccoons at all costsLegoboy514

7. The photo is not free, and if you don't pay up, you better be ready for a screaming match

7. The photo is not free, and if you don't pay up, you better be ready for a screaming match541mya

8. Do not underestimate the dangers of the American wilderness

8. Do not underestimate the dangers of the American wildernessprojecthouse

9. Be prepared for anything when you plan to hike, and do not go alone

9. Be prepared for anything when you plan to hike, and do not go alonebdbr

10. Not all American cities and towns are walkable. The main mode of transportation is still private vehicles.

10. Not all American cities and towns are walkable. The main mode of transportation is still private vehicles.LadySiren

That part catches a lot of visitors off guard.

Also, most Americans will talk to you as if you have been friends for a long time

Also, most Americans will talk to you as if you have been friends for a long timeLadySiren

This is similar to the friend group where planning a dream vacation without asking first backfired.

11. Do not entertain people at the checkout encouraging you to sign up for a credit card

11. Do not entertain people at the checkout encouraging you to sign up for a credit cardo0_bobbo_0o

12. Do not make eye contact in New York City subways or get on an empty subway car

12. Do not make eye contact in New York City subways or get on an empty subway carJroks2

13. National Parks are highly protected places. As they say, "Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints."

13. National Parks are highly protected places. As they say, "Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints."Objective-Dingo6603, soline

14. Do not underestimate the heat in the Southwest

14. Do not underestimate the heat in the Southwestpapamac1111

15. Do not haggle at stores and restaurants. If the staff decline, do not yell at them because it's not their fault.

15. Do not haggle at stores and restaurants. If the staff decline, do not yell at them because it's not their fault.TerribleAttitude

16. Do not use this particular "C" word

16. Do not use this particular "C" wordThe_Duke_of_Lazy

17. Respect the integrity of the line

17. Respect the integrity of the linemacaronsforeveryone

18. The minimum legal drinking and smoking age is 21, not 18 years old

18. The minimum legal drinking and smoking age is 21, not 18 years oldLadyJedi1286

19. Tip your waiters and service staff

19. Tip your waiters and service staffllcucf80

20. Listen to what the locals have to say about good and bad neighborhoods in their area

20. Listen to what the locals have to say about good and bad neighborhoods in their areaCalypsoContinuum

21. Do not even think about bribing or sweet-talking police officers

21. Do not even think about bribing or sweet-talking police officersrimshot101

22. American healthcare is complicated, and if you can, purchase traveler's health insurance for the entirety of your visit

22. American healthcare is complicated, and if you can, purchase traveler's health insurance for the entirety of your visitpaloofthesanto

23. Here are some topics of conversation to avoid:

23. Here are some topics of conversation to avoid:xandrenia

24. Do not be racist

24. Do not be racistfufufufufufufufuf15

25. It's the American way of saying hi. You can reply, "Good! How about you?" and then go about your day

25. It's the American way of saying hi. You can reply, "Good! How about you?" and then go about your dayspaghettimembrane

26. Do as the guides say

26. Do as the guides saychibinoi

27. Respect your host country's traditions and celebrations

27. Respect your host country's traditions and celebrationsSummerswaterfall

28. Do not maintain eye contact for a prolonged period because you will get into a world of trouble. Plus, respect people's space.

28. Do not maintain eye contact for a prolonged period because you will get into a world of trouble. Plus, respect people's space.GrumpyBachelorSF

29. This may surprise visitors, but some Americans have a permit to carry their firearms unconcealed.

29. This may surprise visitors, but some Americans have a permit to carry their firearms unconcealed.grls-tumbr

30. Do not walk on grass that is taller than ankle height unless you want to risk viruses and diseases from little critters or a surprise encounter with a snake

30. Do not walk on grass that is taller than ankle height unless you want to risk viruses and diseases from little critters or a surprise encounter with a snakebuttmagnuson

The United States of America is a beautifully diverse country. America has a lot to offer if you visit with an open mind, plenty of time, and a considerable amount of money.

You will surely meet many good people who will point you to the best places in their locale. Be mindful that you are a visitor in their home, and you'll be alright.

After 105 countries, this globetrotter lists five destinations he will never revisit, including the ones that disappointed him.

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