India USA Travel

Recommended Travel Plans

1. Atlas America
2. Safe Travels
3. Patriot America
  • Visit USA
  • US Travel Tips
  • Visiting Parents
  • Students in USA
  • B1 B2 Visit Visa
  • H1B Visa
  • Life in USA
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy policy
  • Legal Disclaimer
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Vision & Mission
  • Visa Application
Categories
  • B1 B2 Visit Visa
  • FAQ
  • H1B Visa
  • Life in USA
  • NRI FAQs
  • Spouse Visa
  • Students in USA
  • Travel Insurance
  • Travel News
  • US Immigration
  • US Immigration News
  • US Travel Tips
  • USA to India Travel
  • Visa
  • Visit USA
  • Visiting Parents
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Vision & Mission
  • Visa Application
India USA Travel
  • H1B Visa
  • Student Visa
  • Tourist Visa
  • Green Card
  • US Immigration
  • Travel Insurance
American Traveling to India
  • US Travel Tips

5 Things to Know About Americans and America before Visiting

  • November 13, 2018
  • Mani Karthik

This article was last updated and fact checked on June 9, 2022 by Mani Karthik.

Did you know that the revenues of the US hotel industry reached close to $208 billion in 2017? And, why not? America is one nation that receives among the largest number of visitors each year. There were about 75.9 million international visitors to the US in 2016 alone, according to the figures on Statista.

If you too are planning a visit to this globally popular destination, I would recommend that you learn a little about its culture and traditions before your visit. This is good advice for any country that you visit. Here are some things that you should know about the American culture.

In this article...

  • Diversity
  • Learn To Tip
  • Small Talk
  • Don’t be Surprised by the Over-Sized Servings
  • Health Care

Diversity

The United States is often known as a melting pot of cultures because its population consists of people from all over the world, bringing different cultural influences to the mix. What you will find here is a wide variety of faiths, values and traditions, says an article on InterExchange.

There is no one American culture that runs through the entire country. Traditions vary from family to family and from region to region. A cold drink might be called a soda in one region and pop in another! If you are invited to an outdoor cooking meal, it might mean cooking in the streets of New York or a barbecue in a park in Texas. The laws, food, dialects vary from region to region. So, be prepared to experience this amazing diversity when you visit the US.

Helpful Tip

When traveling to USA, travel insurance is much recommended.

Two great plans are, Atlas America and Safe Travels USA.

However there are other choices like these, as well.

Learn To Tip

It is an unsaid rule in the US to tip at least 15%-20% of the bill in restaurants. Since the minimum wage is quite low in the country, these tips become an important part of the income of many workers. In other hospitality and service industries, tips are very common.

It is an important etiquette to tip bartenders, valets, doormen, housekeepers and taxi drivers. Make sure you double-check the bill in restaurants, since there could be times when the establishment automatically adds the tip to the overall charges. It is advisable to keep some cash handy for the tips.

Small Talk

Most Americans like to start up conversations with those around them. They will often engage in small talk with acquaintances or even strangers, while waiting in a queue or commuting. The conversation could range from topics such as sports, politics and the weather to movies and more.

Don’t get startled if a stranger asks you if you have seen the latest episode of a web series. Small talk is harmless, unless it makes you uncomfortable. However, Americans are generally very direct and outspoken in their workplaces. They don’t hesitate to speak up and raise their voice against something that makes them uneasy.

Don’t be Surprised by the Over-Sized Servings

The moment you receive your order, you will understand why most Americans suffer from obesity! You will always get the supersized version of everything that you have ever imagined. The large food portions mean that the remaining portion either goes into the garbage or is eaten forcibly by the person. This is why the US is consistently ranked 1st in the list of countries that exercise the most!

Health Care

It is an undeniable fact that medical services in the US are extremely expensive. And, almost every doctor you visit will first ask for your health insurance. So, make sure you choose a good travel insurance plan with medical coverage before leaving your home country.

An international health insurance policy provides you protection against medical and travel emergencies while you are in a foreign land..

Visiting the US is an interesting and exciting experience, especially because it offers a wide variety of cultural and geographical diversity. However, make sure that you have some basic knowledge of the country and its culture before visiting.

Join Our Facebook Group
Be2c34b9f8d5710f56ad8bcdadecfeb4f98d8809eba603af834a20aa9fb44916
Mani Karthik

Having lived in 3+ countries, worked for companies small and big in the USA, Middle East & India, I have a lot of experience to share about international travel, immigration and living as an NRI in the US.

Related Topics
  • Parents Visiting USA
Previous Article
Places to Visit in USA for Thanksgiving
  • Visit USA

10 Best Places to Visit in USA during Thanksgiving

  • November 12, 2018
  • Mani Karthik
View Post
Next Article
Medical v/s Travel Insurance
  • Travel Insurance

What to Do If You Travel to the US Without Buying Travel Insurance

  • November 13, 2018
  • Mani Karthik
View Post
  • Trump’s New Travel Ban: What Travelers Need to Know
  • Priority Dates for EB2 Visa: Complete Guide for Indians
  • What is the EB1 Visa: Complete Guide
  • EB1 vs EB2 Visa: Complete Comparison Guide
  • What is the EB2 Visa: Complete Guide
  • US Green Card Renewal Process: Complete Guide for 2025
  • Dual Citizenship India and USA: Complete Guide
  • 100 US Citizenship Test Questions and Answers: Complete Guide
  • US Naturalization vs Citizenship: What’s the Difference?
  • Marriage Based Green Card: Complete Guide for Indians
Compare Insurance Plans
  • B1 B2 Visit Visa
  • FAQ
  • H1B Visa
  • Life in USA
  • NRI FAQs
  • Spouse Visa
  • Students in USA
  • Travel Insurance
  • Travel News
  • US Immigration
  • US Immigration News
  • US Travel Tips
  • USA to India Travel
  • Visa
  • Visit USA
  • Visiting Parents

Recommended Travel Plans

1. Atlas America
2. Safe Travels
3. Patriot America
IndiaUSAtravel_Logo

IndiaUSAtravel.com provides general information on U.S. immigration, not legal advice. For specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney. We assume no responsibility for the accuracy or timeliness of information, and using this Website does not establish an attorney-client relationship.

We respect your privacy and use any collected data solely to improve our services. However, we cannot guarantee the security of internet-transmitted information. For details, see our Privacy Policy.

We do not guarantee the outcome of immigration processes, as success depends on individual circumstances and legal compliance. External links on the site are for convenience, and we are not responsible for their content or privacy practices.

Some links may be affiliate links, from which we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. All content on IndiaUSAtravel.com is our intellectual property. Unauthorized use is prohibited; contact us for usage inquiries.

Email: info@indiausatravel.com
Phone: +1 (628) 201-9173
Address: Blogitivity Media LLC, 30 N Gould St Ste N, Sheridan Wyoming, USA, 82801

  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Facebook Page
Recent Articles
  • Trump’s New Travel Ban: What Travelers Need to Know
  • Priority Dates for EB2 Visa: Complete Guide for Indians
  • What is the EB1 Visa: Complete Guide
  • EB1 vs EB2 Visa: Complete Comparison Guide
  • What is the EB2 Visa: Complete Guide
  • US Green Card Renewal Process: Complete Guide for 2025
  • Dual Citizenship India and USA: Complete Guide
  • 100 US Citizenship Test Questions and Answers: Complete Guide
  • US Naturalization vs Citizenship: What’s the Difference?
  • Marriage Based Green Card: Complete Guide for Indians
  • Alien Registration Number: Guide for Indian Travelers
  • Green Card Number: What is it & Why You Need It (2025)
  • I-485 Filing Fee: Complete Guide
  • How to Expedite a US Visa Appointment from India
  • B1 B2 Visit Visa
  • FAQ
  • H1B Visa
  • Life in USA
  • NRI FAQs
  • Spouse Visa
  • Students in USA
  • Travel Insurance
  • Travel News
  • US Immigration
  • US Immigration News
  • US Travel Tips
  • USA to India Travel
  • Visa
  • Visit USA
  • Visiting Parents

Input your search keywords and press Enter.