USA: Top 10 Things You Shouldn’t Do as a Tourist
So, your stars-and-stripes adventure is underway. You’ve landed in the United States, snapped a pic with your iced coffee the size of a flower vase, and you’re ready to take on America like a Hollywood montage. But hold up, partner. Before you start quoting Friends at strangers or confidently jaywalking across six lanes of traffic, let’s talk about what not to do.
The US is big on hospitality, freedom and strong opinions. And while locals will usually forgive your accent and confuse your “boot” with their “trunk”, there are still a few unspoken rules that can make or break your travel experience.
So grab a root beer, practise your polite nod and let’s count down the top 10 things you shouldn’t do in the land of red, white and endless refills.
1. Don’t Skip the Tip
💸 In America, tipping isn’t a bonus. It’s the system.
Your waiter isn’t just being nice — they rely on tips to survive. Leaving nothing (or even 10%) is basically saying, “I hated everything and hope you stub your toe.”
🙅♂️ Don’t do it: Tip 15–20% in restaurants. Even if you just had fries and water. Yes, seriously.
2. Don’t Wander Into the Wrong Neighbourhood Blindly
🧭 Not every area marked “historic” or “charming” is where you want to stroll at midnight.
American cities can shift from posh to dodgy within a few blocks. Google Maps might help with directions but it won’t warn you when you’re suddenly in a scene from a crime documentary.
🙅♀️ Don’t do it: Ask locals or your hotel about safe areas, especially if you’re exploring on foot. Trust your gut, and your Uber app.
3. Don’t Be Too Casual About Laws
🚓 Think the rules don’t apply to tourists? Think again.
In the US, people take their laws seriously. From open container laws (you can’t drink in public) to strict jaywalking fines, one wrong move and you’ll be explaining yourself to Officer Friendly.
🙅♂️ Don’t do it: If you’re not sure it’s legal, don’t assume. Google it or just wait until someone else does it first.
4. Don’t Call It “America” Like It’s the Only One
🌎 Technically, the continent includes more than just the US.
Yes, it’s called the United States of America, but Canadians, Mexicans and every other Central and South American might roll their eyes if you claim the whole hemisphere for one country.
🙅♀️ Don’t do it: Say “the US” or “the States” to be diplomatic. You’ll still sound international and informed.
5. Don’t Make Fun of the Accents
🗣️ Yes, they sound like a movie. No, they’re not doing it on purpose.
Whether it’s a Southern drawl or a fast-talking New Yorker, American accents are real — and many locals are just as baffled by yours.
🙅♂️ Don’t do it: Avoid the “OMG, say it again!” routine. It gets old fast. Unless they ask you to say “aluminium” — then it’s game on.
6. Don’t Forget the Sales Tax Surprise
🛍️ That T-shirt marked $19.99 is lying to you.
Most US states add sales tax at the till, and it’s not included in the sticker price. So no, you’re not getting away with a clean round number.
🙅♀️ Don’t do it: Always budget a bit extra. Unless you’re in a magical tax-free state like Oregon (yes, they exist).
7. Don’t Be Too Blunt in Conversation
🙃 Americans are friendly. But not too friendly.
They love a smile and a “How’s it going?” even if they don’t actually want your full life story. At the same time, oversharing, sarcasm or getting too real can feel a bit… intense.
🙅♂️ Don’t do it: Keep it light, polite and upbeat. Save the existential dread for your group chat back home.
8. Don’t Touch the Flag or Question the National Pride
🇺🇸 Patriotism in the US is not a casual affair.
For many Americans, the flag isn’t just decoration — it’s sacred. Jokes about national pride, the anthem or anything military-related can land badly. Really badly.
🙅♀️ Don’t do it: If you see a flag, admire it from a respectful distance. Maybe salute. Definitely don’t sit on it.
9. Don’t Rely on Public Transport Everywhere
🚍 The New York Subway? Great. The LA Metro? Questionable.
In many cities, public transport is either confusing, limited or non-existent. What you think will be a quick ride might turn into a four-transfer ordeal with a bonus sightseeing tour of a car park.
🙅♂️ Don’t do it: Check transport apps, or just rent a car if you’re not in a walkable city. In most places, it’s basically a necessity.
10. Don’t Assume It’s All the Same Country
🧳 From state to state, the US can feel like 50 different countries.
California has kombucha on tap. Mississippi might not know what kombucha is. Don’t expect the same rules, vibes or attitudes everywhere you go.
🙅♀️ Don’t do it: Embrace the variety. One minute you’re in a vegan taco van in Portland, the next you’re at a rodeo in Texas. Go with it.
🎡 Final Friendly Warnings:
The US is loud, proud and full of surprises — some delightful, some deeply confusing. But as long as you avoid these common tourist blunders, you’ll fit right in with the locals and maybe even get a free refill or two.
So wear sunscreen, tip your server, and whatever you do, don’t ask someone why they need that many flavours of Doritos. This is America. The land of choices. And you just chose wisely.
