Visiting new places can be incredibly exciting but also very overwhelming. Not being fluent in the local language can cause major anxiety. There are also many cultural differences that can be tough to navigate.
Every country has its own unique language, culture, and worldview. The United States is no different. What you see in the movies and on the news is necessarily representative of what your experience will be when you visit.
As someone who grew up in America and has visited several countries, I can tell you it’s very helpful to know as much as possible before coming. It’s impossible to know everything before you arrive, but being prepared can save you some headaches and embarrassing moments.
Visiting the United States can be overwhelming for many people, especially people who have never been to a Western country before. To help you out, we came up with a list of 10 important travel tips to know when visiting America.
Read the list below to help you be better prepared and avoid unnecessary embarrassment.
Top 10 Travel Tips for Visiting America
Tip #1: Learn as much English as possible before you arrive. Most Americans are very friendly but also very busy and think they don’t have time to help. Unfortunately, there are also some Americans who expect everyone to speak English. It’s safest if you can at least have a basic understanding of the language. This is easy to do with many free courses available on the internet and with apps like Duolingo. Starting a few months in advance, spend a few hours a week learning English. We also know many people who have learned a good amount of English through watching movies and listening to music.
Tip #2: Make a budget. The second travel tip when visiting America is preparing a budget. Prices in the United States are incredibly high. Costs for food, housing, transportation, and medical care are very expensive. Also, many people have nice things because they live beyond their means. If you try to keep up with your neighbors and friends, you may find yourself in credit card debt, which is difficult to get out of. If you fail to make a budget, you will find your money is quickly gone.
Tip #3: Plan your transportation. Public transportation in the United States is very poor compared to most of the western world. There are only a few major cities that have good public transportation, including Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. Uber can be expensive if you’re relying on it regularly. Many cities have a public bus system, but it isn’t always reliable and can often be very slow. Since you will not be able to legally drive a vehicle, try to find a sustainable way to get around. Depending on where you live, purchasing a bicycle may be a good option.
Tip #4: Be willing to try new things. Chances are that if you are visiting the United States, you already like to try new things. Don’t be afraid to try various foods, see new places, and attempt things out of your comfort zone. If you aren’t able to muster up the courage, you’ll miss out on some amazing food and fun opportunities. Some of the food and traditions may seem strange, but you might really enjoy tasting the cuisine and participating in the activities. For example, many foreigners think pumpkin pie is strange, but many of them also tend to really like it. Americans’ ways of doing things may seem odd, but you might discover something wonderful.
Tip #5: Purchase travel health insurance. Medical care in the United States is very advanced but also by far the most expensive care in the world. A surgery or hospital stay will easily cost you more than $10,000. Even a broken arm can cost $3,000. Protect yourself and loved ones from financial ruin and purchase a simple travel medical insurance plan when visiting the USA. It may seem unnecessary if you’re coming for a short time, but you’ll be happy you did if an accident happens. A plan can cost just a couple of dollars a day and will bring you peace of mind as you explore America.
Tip #6: Attend as many social gatherings as possible. It may be tempting to curl up on the couch and watch a movie or read a book after a long week. However, you can do that anytime in your home country. Americans love entertainment, so you can usually find something fun happening at night, especially on the weekends. This will give you a better taste of the culture while also having a good time. Many events are inexpensive or free, and some even provide food at no extra cost. This is a great way to meet new people. Be on the lookout for concerts, festivals, sports events, and more.
Tip #7: Speaking of food, it’s important to watch how much and the type of food you eat. America offers delicious food from around the world. Unfortunately, most of it is filled with either chemicals and too much oil, salt, or sugar. People might think that if restaurants can serve the food, it must not be that bad for you. That’s not the case. The United States is one of the most obese countries in the world for a reason. While you should enjoy a variety of food while you’re visiting, be careful how much fast food and processed food you consume. Visitors often leave the country gaining several kilograms.
Tip #8: Tip number eight for visiting America is to be willing to put yourself out there. Many Americans are friendly, but they are generally more independent. They often keep to themselves, and focus on spending time with their families and close friends. It’s common to not know all your immediate neighbors. If you want to make friends and be invited to events, including into an American’s home, you will have to take the initiative. You might get turned down a few times, but don’t get discouraged. Some people will say “yes”, and you will be rewarded by making new friends and experiencing new things.
Tip #9: Get connected to an international community in the U.S. There are many benefits to this. First, you will get to meet people from other countries and learn about their culture and experiences. Second, other international visitors are a great resource when it comes to getting answers to logistical visitor questions. For example, most Americans do not understand the process for getting a visa or green card because they have never had to go through it. They don’t know about the requirements for foreign visitors, but your international friends who have experience do. Be careful not to spend too much time with others from your country so you don’t miss out on getting to know about America and Americans. However, it’s wise to stay connected to your international friends because they can be very helpful.
Tip #10: The last of the 10 tips for visiting America is to be open minded and willing to learn. There are many stereotypes of Americans. While some may be true of most Americans, certainly not all of them are true of all Americans. Try not to immediately judge the culture, people, and beliefs. Instead, come with an open mind, and be humble enough to admit that there are other ways of doing things and thinking about things that are also good. Be willing to learn about other religious beliefs and worldviews.
Each person will have their own experiences and suggestions, so it’s good to gather other ideas before visiting the United States. For example, here are 10 tips provided by someone from Japan who spent significant time in America. Here are 16 other tips to read to get a different perspective.
Whatever your purpose is for coming to America, do your best to make the most of your time. There are many enjoyable things to do and people to meet.
Good Neighbor Insurance has been insuring travelers from around the world since 1997. We have several different insurance plans to choose from while visiting the USA, based on your needs. Chat with us or contact us at 800-813-9100 with any questions you may have, and we’re happy to serve you.
We hope you enjoy your time in the United States!
