(Photo: Tim Pearce)
Redditor Sammod123 is moving to the United States from the United Kingdom. He asks his fellow redditors what he needs to know about the place.
I have not travelled abroad widely, nor recently, but I can think of two things right away:
- Tipping. There are some people that you should tip unless you get bad service: waiters, cabbies, pizza delivery drivers. There are people that you don’t tip: teachers, librarians, your future mother-in-law. The amount varies, but 15% is probably fine. When in doubt, ask a few Americans.
- Cars. Unless you live in a very large city, you’ll need one. If you want to get out and see the country beyond these cities, you will definitely need one.
Several redditors mention sales tax. Most of the goods that you purchase will have an additional charge at the register, usually about 4-10%, depending on the locality. We Americans are used to just mentally calculating it as we shop.
Neatoramanauts, what would you add?
2. We are dead serious about driving laws. Tickets are part of municipal income.
3. A $10 martini will have three times the alcohol.
4. When a map shows a hiking trail, there will be a real trail, not a poorly marked series of stiles.
5. Contrary to popular myth, restaurant food portions will be much smaller.
6. While I am on the subject of drinking, beer will have twice the alcohol.
7. The food selection will be greatly increased. Try everything. (Except the fish and chips. You will be greatly disappointed.)
8. The only kitchen appliance you will know how to use is the dishwasher. Ask for help.
9. Our Internet speeds are crap. Get used to it. Nothing to be done.
We refer to colleagues by their first names.
The steering wheel is on the correct side.
If you want to bypass the legal immigration process, start in Latin America.
Beer has so little alcohol, it might as well be water.
Avoid making direct eye contact with anyone.
If another person holds the door open for you, you're expected to say "thanks."
You'll be telling us next about that wonderful innovation, electricity.