MANNERS AND RULES IN THE USA

Generally speaking, every trip abroad requires an open mind and a detachment from what seems “normal” and “logical” in our home country. Indeed, people all over the world don’t always share the same lifestyles; this can range from quasi-antinomic attitudes and values to more subtle day-to-day details. This is the case between the United States of America and France, for example. Although both cultures are considered “Western” and similar in many ways, there are also divergent details.

Whether you’re in a public place, at a host’s home or at work in the U.S., we advise you to know a minimum of good manners. Customs and habits sometimes differ from those in France, and certain behaviors that are commonplace in France are frowned upon, if not totally out of place, in Uncle Sam’s country. Don’t be fooled, and gather some useful knowledge before you leave for the USA for an unforgettable experience, thanks to anofficial ESTA or visa!

BEFORE TRAVELLING TO THE UNITED STATES, LEARN ABOUT GOOD MANNERS

First of all, we’d like to make it clear that this article deals with the broad outlines of American culture. Obviously, this does not necessarily apply to all citizens or to the country as a whole. What’s more, there are many differences between states and even cities in the U.S.: there are differences in customs depending on whether you live in Florida, Louisiana, Arizona, San Francisco, Philadelphia and so on. Here, we’ll concentrate on the good manners that can be found just about everywhere, and which depart from classic French behavior.

POLITICS

Let’s start this list of good manners with the most basic: greetings between individuals. To say hello, forget the kiss right away, and opt for the handshake at work, or the famous “hug” between friends (note that the embrace must be brief, not a 10-second cuddle). That said, once you’ve got past the “hello” stage, avoid physical contact with your interlocutor; it’s best to keep a reasonable distance on the other side of the Atlantic.

A STRANGER APPROACHES YOU? DON’T PANIC!

During your stay in the USA, you’ll notice that people are quite talkative, even passers-by on the street. Don’t be offended if someone smiles at you or approaches you; Americans are often very chatty and just want to talk, on rudimentary subjects. This usually doesn’t drag on too long, but if you’re looking for peace and quiet and a minimum of interactivity with the local population, perhaps you should consider a destination other than North America!

STAY ON SCHEDULE!

If you’re used to arriving a few minutes after the given time in France, you’re going to have to make a bit of an effort on American soil. Whether you’re meeting for business, pleasure or pleasure, you’ll need to make sure you don’t overshoot the meeting time. Likewise, if you’re inviting friends, count on them to ring your doorbell at the appointed time, if not before. It’s a question of good manners over there!

WHAT NOT TO DO IN THE USA

LEAVE WITHOUT TIPPING

Tipping is a must in every American state. That’s why you should always carry some change with you when traveling in the USA. This doesn’t just apply to waiters in restaurants: hairdressers, delivery drivers, various service employees when the service merits it…

When it comes to tipping, it’s hard to come up with a universal rule. On the whole, it varies from 1 or 2 dollars to dozens, as in restaurants for example, where the tip can be as much as 25% of the bill (by the way, find out about culinary specialties on the other side of the Atlantic too!).

SMOKING ANYWHERE

Don’t light your cigarette in the street or on a terrace! Good manners preclude this type of behavior, which is considered inappropriate or even totally disrespectful. Living in the U.S. means smoking only in designated areas (sometimes, even your neighbors will take a dim view of you smoking in your apartment, if the smoke bothers them in the hallway or through the window, for example). Moreover, packets are expensive and only available in a few places.

ADDRESS CERTAIN TOPICS

In France, politics is a rather common topic of conversation at the bar, among friends or even colleagues. In Colorado, Atlanta, Las Vegas or California, don’t think about it and keep your ideas to yourself. Don’t criticize the U.S. government or its rules.

On the other hand, don’t approach the subject of terrorism with irony or humor. Beyond the principle of good manners, this is too serious a subject to joke about with American citizens.

The same goes for dealing with an immigration officer: if you want to enter the U.S. without complications, we advise you to avoid all forms of humor, and to confine yourself to entry formalities.

So much for the basics! Whether you’re staying for a few weeks on a temporary basis, or for several months with a visa or ESTA, it’s best to keep these good manners in mind before traveling to the United States.