United States

Respect & manners

• Tipping is expected: about 15–20% in restaurants and bars, and a few dollars for taxis and hotel staff.
• Sales tax is added at the till: the price on the label is often not the final price.
• Small talk is friendly and normal: "How are you?" is a greeting, not a real question.
• Respect personal space and wait for your turn in line.
• Alcohol: you must be 21 to drink, and open alcohol in the street or in a car is usually illegal.
• If the police stop your car, stay seated, keep your hands on the wheel and follow instructions.