10 Things To Know Before Traveling to the US (From a US Citizen)

1. Personal space is a must.

Everything is bigger in America: Store aisles, roads, cars, everything. If they don't live in a metropolitan area, most Americans are not used to being squished like sardines on public transport. Therefore, Americans REALLY need their personal space. When standing near an American, take what you believe to be the "normal" amount of personal space--and multiply it by two. Our personal bubbles tend to be just a little bit bigger than yours might be.

2. Cars are necessary.

Public transport is really only common in major cities. If you are visiting a rural or suburban area, you won't have too much luck with public transport. Rural and suburban areas have very little--if any--public transport options. If you're not in a metro area, grocery stores and other places will be quite a long walk away. In my town, the nearest grocery store is a fifteen minute DRIVE away--and an hour walk, just one way. And that's best case scenario. There are some people who live in the country, where the nearest place to buy groceries is an hour away. What I'm getting at is: A good chunk of Americans need to know how to drive if they want to go anywhere. So unless you want to make an entire day trip out of buying groceries and carrying them back home, you'll need a car. Cars are a luxury item in most parts of the world, but in America they're absolutely a necessity for at least 80% of the population. If you have a driving license, I would highly recommend you rent a car, or borrow one. If you do not, you're going to need to use Uber. Yeah, it's expensive and a little inconvenient, but that's kind of just the way it is here.

3. You won't be able to see it all in one trip.

Like I said, America is HUGE. If you're staying in New York City, you won't be able to just "pop over" to Las Vegas for a day trip. Even Americans can't do that. You're going to have a really bad time if you even try. Unless you plan on taking (very expensive) domestic round-trip flights every day you're here, you're going to have to settle on one place--save the rest for another trip.

4. McDonald's and Burger King are not a good representation of "American cuisine"

Honestly, their burgers are trash compared to the deliciousness of a nice, juicy, fresh brewery burger. If you want to experience good American food, any locally owned brewery or burger joint is a way better place to get acquainted--than McDonald's. Trust me, if you slam American cuisine, based only on what you've eaten at American fast food chains, you will get a good earful from every American foodie within a twelve mile (19.3 km) radius.

5. Travel insurance is a MUST

I'm sure you are well aware that America is not the greatest country to get affordable healthcare. So (heaven forbid) if you get sick or injured while you are here, travel insurance is going to be your savior, and help you avoid having to pay out the wazoo at the hospital.

6. Tipping at restaurants is usually expected

True, tipping is not customary in other parts of the world. And trust me, I think 90% of Americans will agree with you that tipping is archaic and should only be done if given exceptionally good service. However, until restaurant owners agree to start treating their employees like humans instead of cattle and pay them a livable wage, tipping is something you will want to do if you don't want to be seen as a cheapskate. You may not like it, but you not liking it doesn't change the fact servers are only making $2.13/hr and rely on tips as the brunt of their income. "When in Rome" as they say...

7. The "Coasts" aren't the only cool thing to see in the US!

California and New York are usually the places foreign travelers flock to. And for good reason! There's a lot to see in both of those states, and they are always portrayed with glamour and excitement in movies and television. However, there's also quite a lot of cool things in "the middle" part of the country, that often goes ignored. The midwest gets a bad rap as "farmland" while the South gets written off as "rednecks"--but both the midwest and the south have cool cities that are worth visiting. Chicago, New Orleans, Indianapolis, Memphis, to name just a few. Heck, Las Vegas is a landlocked city! While you'll definitely see some cool things on the east and west coast, don't overlook the "middle" part.

8. This shouldn't have to be said but don't, don't, DON'T make threats about terrorist violence as a joke

It may be an edgy joke to you, but in America any kind of threat of mass violence is always handled as if it were 100% credible. If you don't want to get in trouble with the feds and end up with your name on an FBI watchlist, keep these kinds of jokes to yourself.

9. Keep sales tax in mind when shopping

Our price tags do not display what the total will be with tax. So when paying for something with cash, always make sure you have a little more than what is displayed on the price tag. Sales tax rates can vary from state to state--and even city to city--but having at least three dollars more than what is displayed, will usually leave you in the clear.

10. People are usually very nice.

Of course, you will run into some rude and bad people every so often. But the same can be said about pretty much any country in the world. On the whole, Americans tend to be pretty friendly and helpful (especially if you're visiting the west coast or midwest regions!), so don't be shy when asking questions. If you are unsure of who to approach, look for an information or service desk. If you cannot find one, look for someone who does not appear to be busy or in a hurry, they will usually be more than happy to help.