One thing to be aware of, in the South (particular the South east) you will have people addressing you with a term of endearment that might sound extremely toward and intimate. So when that waitress if calling your husband (or son) Honey and Sweetheart, she likely doesn’t mean anything by it
I’m a Jersey girl transplanted to Edmonton, Kentucky. About being called “honey, sweetie, sugar, etc”? It is way better than being called “Hey you”. 😁 If you happen to talk to a grandparent, talk about grandbabies is a usual topic. The grandbaby could be anywhere from newborn to adults with babies of their own
A big one is if you are pulled over, DO NOT GET OUT. The cop will come to you and ask you for your things. Do not reach for anything unless they tell you to.
They will ask for your drivers license (proof of identity) and vehicle registration (proof of ownership) and will go back to their vehicle to call in a check to make sure you are who you say.
Everyone must wear a seatbelt while traveling in a car. If pulled over, put your window down a little, keep your hands on the steering wheel, and don't make any sudden moves.
We all definitely say goodbye. They don't on TV or in movies. But in reality life we absolutely do! People usually get angry if you "hang up" without saying goodbye.
True. And if the phone accidentally cuts off we will call back just to say goodbye and to make sure the person didn’t hang up on us on purpose! Nowadays though sometimes just a text goodbye will do if the phone call gets cut off.
I was born on the west coast but have lived on the east coast for half my life. I can tell you that the majority of people everywhere here in the US are understanding, patient and forgiving. Most of us do not get offended easily. We are so welcoming to people from other countries and genuinely curious to talk with them. I wouldn’t worry too much. Most people here are so very kind and open. We love meeting new people and we love New Zealand.
I just "visited" Atlanta (5 hour drive, 1 hour flight) for work. So yes, very weird to hear that since you could be "visiting" another city in 95% of states.
yeah well as a NZer we don't have "states" also you wanna know another thing? we actually speak proper English, not American dumbed down version. hahahaha
Big DON'T for America: DO NOT STOP IN THE DESERT. Absolutely serious about this as someone who grew up in Nevada. If you are driving out into the deserts of the western US you are absolutely taking your life in your hands - especially in summer. Every year we have tragic stories of tourists unerestimating how dangerous our wild spaces are like there are places where there is NO ONE for almost 100 miles. Just...avoid or be VERY careful please. 😅
We drove from Phoenix to Flagstaff to Utah, traveling through some of the most beautiful scenery I ever experienced (Sedona is breath taking). Make sure you always have a full tank of gas. Top off when ever you come by a gas station. I wouldn't avoid the trip but definitely be prepared.
As someone who lived in Arizona most my life, I can confirm, being in a desert without water or shelter is really really bad. Especially in the 120 °F (about 50 °C) heat.
Live in Colorado, can confirm. If you are in the Western half of the US plan accordingly, if you run out of gas or your car breaks down or you get stuck you can literally die, please be careful. There is a reason western Americans joke that when our ancestors came here they would have an entirely different group by the time they reached their destination, because everyone they originally left with died along the way. The heat can kill you, the cold can kill you, dehydration, exposure to the element, starvation, snakes, spiders, bears, etc. If you are in the western US you are in a survival situation, remember that, or you can get yourself killed.
Completely agree! Growing up in Las Vegas you learn to never go driving in the desert with less than a full tank of gas. And if you think you have enough water, stop at a store and pick up more. You'll need it.
I, and almost every American I've ever spoken to on the phone end it with some sort of "goodbye" exchange between both parties. Hollywood, love it or hate it, doesn't always depict things the way they actually are. For example, movies often depict all American neighborhoods as being either very upscale suburbs or inner city ghettos. Great reaction guys... as always! 🇺🇸💙🇳🇿
I think it would be a fun idea to create little polls here for questions about American life vs. what you might see in a movie to get a good sense of whether something is typical or just Hollywood. I would love to participate!
@@brendaenglish2477 I totally agree! I think most Americans find it rude as well. It's been my experience that most calls that end abruptly are "lost calls" when dealing with a company's customer service department (in the middle of a conversation or after waiting in a 45 minute queue for someone to answer).
In regards to tip #1, we like our space from strangers. But in general Americans are very huggy and open with our friends, family and acquaintances. We give hugs, we welcome them. We also are well known for loving to start conversations with complete strangers just about anywhere lol. Something I find a little different here in Europe where people are more distant. I think in general Americans are very open and friendly and not so closed off.
Probably depends on where you're from. I was born in Ohio, raised in Michigan, and have lived my entire adult life in Utah... Rarely do I see people getting too close to others, with the exception of close friends and family members. I think a safe bet, no matter where you are, is to keep your distance and respect others space.
Yeah. They’re gonna need to give people like 10 seconds to process that they have an accent the first time they speak to someone cause, at least in small towns, we don’t often get people with accents 😂
Even as an American, I can confirm EVERY state is different and it’s crazy because if you drive across our country it’s so crazy because as soon as you cross over the state boarder, you can tell by the environment and nature youre in a different state! It’s super cool! Accents also change too!
I always say “bye love you” or “bye have a good day” to my loved ones and friends, and I get mad if my husband doesn’t say he loves me back 🤣 But again, I’m Cuban American so that might just be a cultural thing like the guy was saying.
America is complicated. Each state is like it's own nation with its own unique differences and local cultures, but there's also the broader American identity too.
this is an old video, but dont be afraid to not finish your meals. portions are quite large over here, and most restaurants will provide boxes so you can take your leftovers with you.
The last thing the restaurant wants is for someone to finish their meal and still be hungry. But, it can be taken to absurd levels. And you’re right about the to go box. Asking your waiter for one is not seen as rude. It means you enjoyed the meal and want to eat some more of it tomorrow. About the only sit down restaurant where you are not permitted to bring food home is the all-you-can-eat buffet. You get to eat one stomach full, but that’s all.
You might have to ask for a container for your leftovers, but don't be afraid to ask. Good waiters and waitresses will ask you, but if they don't, just ask.
If you’re a foodie, you should visit New Orleans. Especially during springtime, when the crawfish are in season. Some grocery stores will have boiled crawfish for sale in front of the store, and you can smell the seasoning a block away. In summer, the snowball stands are open (sweet syrup over shaved ice, with 50 different flavors) serving the perfect snack for a 95° (35°C) summer day. And then there’s the year round food. Search for a UA-cam video of “Homer Simpson eats New Orleans” to get an idea of how many different local recipes there are.
Be prepared to get asked "Where are you from" at least 10 times a day. They're not being rude, they genuinely have an interest and are curious. Given the chance they'll keep buying you drinks to keep you talking. I moved here over 20 years ago and even with a faded accent I still get asked all the time :)
You are so right. We are always interested in where peope are from and generally very happy to brag about our country adding suggestions where to go etc.
I was born and raised here and I get that question fairly often. People just want to know where your family came from out of curiosity and wanting to strike up a conversation.
@@tokesalotta1521 We can't tell the difference between british/new zealand/australian/south african accents unless we have a lot of exposure to them. Most people will probably assume they are from the UK at first. I'll be curious to see what they get mistaken for (or not).
@@C__D I disagree. I know a bristish accent over a Australian accent. And most accents. I think most peoole do. But I don't know the difference in Australian and new Zealand accent. That's the only one I'd have a hard time guessing. So yea people will probably guess they're Australian but not British or south African. Lol jeez
As a Canadian, because the us is so big it sometimes helps to think of the different states as individual small countries. They have vastly different cultures, climates and people, so it could be a bit of a culture shock if you think you’re going to see the same things everywhere!
I have to agree with this. But even inside some states the diversity is so phenomenal it's unreal. Like northern Illinois has Chicago and the southern Illinois has cornfields and farming. California has snow on the north end and hot sunny beaches on the south. That's just a few examples.
The USA is the same. Even within states the cultures can be different and speech patterns. Laws can be very different and enforced differently. Some towns still have laws on the books that if you spit on Sunday you can face a fine or jail. Refrain from spitting in public even if you see others do it. Definitely keep your phone 100% charged at all times.
It’s so weird that you mentioned that in American movies people don’t seem to say ‘goodbye’ and just hang up. That’s definitely NOT what anyone here does in real life. Lol. That’s an artifact of American cinema and most of us have no idea why characters on TV and in movies just hang up that way! It’s really interesting that you noticed that.
He mentioned regional cuisine…the funny thing about that is there can be many local restaurants that serve the same food but different people will have their favorites and can be VERY passionate about it.
As an American,I have to say that saying goodbye is far more common than not saying it. Occassionally some will say something like 'see you later or'see you', or even 'it was nice to meet you' instead.
I think it depends, in my experience. It's far more common to say goodbye in the south and Pennsylvania than the west coast, but we also say other things to end a phone call like love ya, talk to you later, or see ya.
I know one tip that I never see in videos for people visiting America, is remember that cars can turn right on red. I hear people say all the time that they almost got hit because they tried to cross the street and didn’t know cars can still turn right. I know they are supposed to watch out for pedestrians but just look to be safe. I hope you guys enjoy your trip!
You can still cross the street though because a right on red is still yielding to the pedestrian. It is important to look out for drivers who aren’t paying attention though, don’t forget that part.
Many intersections in high pedestrian areas (or at intersections with poor visibility to oncoming traffic from the left) will have signs saying “No Right on Red”. Though I have noticed that many people seem to think a ‘no right on red’ sign is optional
Only in particular States. I live in California and we have a law that says we can go right on red, but honestly it just makes people more neglectful and aggressive on the road
No, we definitely say goodbye on the phone. I have one friend who doesn't, and everybody always laughs and thinks that's strange! So for 90+% of us, that's just normal. They only do it in movies because they don't want to add 20 minutes onto the movie with everybody saying goodbye every phone call.
I feel like we dont always say it formal like exactly like "goodbye" its more just a short "bye", "cya" or "have a good one." Occasionally people will say "take care" too
Not sure about other regions in America, but the south has a “southern goodbye.” This takes anywhere between 15 minutes to an hour. The person that initiated this goodbye will continuously say “well I’m gonna let you go” throughout the conversation. Although it is funny to think about saying goodbye for this long, this is a polite gesture that each person will participate in to show the other person that they care.
@@spyrobandicoot9689 …as you all walk slowly towards the door, and put on coats, all keep talking. 😄 To everyone: We (I’m in Indiana, from Ohio) love having visitors! 🤷♀️😁 I’m an introvert & even I love having them! Of course, I want to clean up the house when they’re coming over, & I don’t usually have any special food to serve them 😅 but I have to throw together SOMETHING, & then we are busy talking forever (I mean I as an introvert & 1 visitor will talk forever, not in a big crowd), also I have chronic mono that makes, say, just vacuuming 1 room wear me out, so by the time they leave I’m exhausted & want to spend the next 24 hrs lying down. 😆
@@gretahoostal8565 Yup!!! Just say "hey, can i get a quick glass of water before i heade out?" or "Well i know its getting late, next time yall come by....."
The "No Goodbye" on the phone is a movie trope - we absolutely say it. The "52 States"-thing is because Washington DC an Independent district and Puerto Rico is a US territory - although some people wrongly think both have statehood. I hope you enjoy your visit!
The US has more territories besides Puerto Rico. The US Virgin Islands and Guam come to mind. And I have never heard of anyone confusing Washington DC for a state; but I wouldn’t be surprised. In 2008 Barack Obama said at a campaign rally that he’d been to 57 states, but he’s always the smartest man in the room, so it must be fact. As for phone etiquette, everyone ends a call with something. Bye, So Long, Good Talking With You, etc. Just hanging up would be considered rude or even hostile.
Remember, that the U.S.A. is a very large country and what applies in one place may not be the same in another. Don't be afraid to ask for help wherever you are. Generally, people are happy to help. Once it is realized that you are a visitor, people will often go to great lengths to help you.
@@patricegronwick6692 When my brother-in-law first moved to D.C., his female co-workers told him that if he got confused on the metro, he should "look for a grandma" to help him out. Older women know it all and they are highly unlikely to hurt you.
We do say goodbye always. If we don't, it means we're angry LOL. A lot of families too will say "I love you" every single time when hanging up, regardless of time or circumstance.
As a kid I only spoke to my grandmother in the phone, so as I got older, I'd often tell complete strangers "I love you" out of habit. I always say I love you to family and friends.
Most of the time for people where I live it’s an argument for who says bye last. You see everybody wants the last goodbye and will wait until there is no answer to hang up. See where I’m going?
Both for the reason of re-affirming their love and because something awful might happen to anyone at any time. Where they may not have had the opportunity to say it. But there are some people where the expression of love in that manner is unnatural to them for whatever reason. While they may not say it or say it often, it doesn't mean they don't love someone.
Traveling in the US, whether far or just to the corner, is typically measured in time. Examples include "I'm 25 minutes away" or "The beach is 2 hours away". I rarely use miles to refer to traveling distance. Mostly time.
The bad side of that is the time is different depending on your location or the time of day I grew up in North Dakota very little traffic travel time could vary depending on how many cops were on the road LOL we did measure in time just like you mentioned but when I got older moved to other parts of the country 10 MI which would take typically 10 minutes or just under in North Dakota would turn into 15 to 20 to 30 to an hour depending on the traffic conditions
@@black69camaro2344 Time becomes relative instead of constant, which is why I always say "about" before estimating my time. From home to work is about 10-15 minutes, and for church I drive about 25-35.
But time is a better logistic measuring tool. 10 miles in one direction from somewhere may take 15 minutes, but in the opposite direction from the same spot may take 45 minutes. Traffic congestion, direct routes, and other factors make the average time a good measure versus just pure distance.
Don't worry @ allllll... Ull be FINE!!... Just remember that if food is brought to Ur table.. thn u gotta TIP...and NO EXTRA TAX ON TIPS... U guys are doing great so far... God speed and Be Safe... ✌️❤️😎👍👍🇺🇸
He forgot to mention how huge our portion sizes are! Don't be afraid to ask for a box or a to-go container because we fully expect you to take home any food you don't eat !!!!
Excellent point! Not every dining establishment has huge portions, but many do and it is absolutely normal and expected that you would ask for it to go box or a "doggy bag".
Omg your NOT KIDDING! years I ago I was driving to the Florida Keys from Canada for the 3rd time. I have stomach/intestinal problems so have to be careful what I eat when Im not at home. Worse when I'm on a 2 day driving trip! We stopped in Cracker Barrel since Canada doesn't have them. It was Kentucky or Tennessee. I ordered roast beef dinner, but instead of veggies or salad(cause or car ride) I asked for double mashed potatoes. I weighed about 110 pounds(5ft6inches tall). The waitress- this amazing southern accented women with HUGE HAIR said "Honey, I know ya'll ain't from these parts but I best tell you, we don't have portion sizes like other countries. Ma'am, I know you ain't fixin' to eat a double portion of our mashed. Your such a teeny tiny lil' thing. We'd have to carry you out to yer car. So I will have them put the 2nd order of mashed in a take away container ok?" She wasn't kidding. Holy crap there is NO need for that much food in one meal. That plate had SO MUCH roast beef and mashed on it. American wait staff must have bionic arms...or Carpal tunnel syndrome.
Oh.. your pop/soda sizes are INSANE too..and usually free refills. I couldn't even drink half of an iced tea(sweet tea). Are these reasons they say (via Google) "The U.S. is the unhealthiest country globally because of its high obesity rate and the heart disease, diabetes, and other illnesses that go along with it. America has one of the highest rates of obesity in the world-and it's not just adults who are getting heavier and heavier: childhood obesity is also a problem."
About tipping: it’s not just wait staff who you tip. You should also tip anyone who cuts or styles your hair, anyone (taxi/Uber/Lyft) who drives you to a destination, anyone who handles your luggage, housekeeping staff in hotels and motels, and anyone who gives you a manicure and/or pedicure. Basically, tipping is embedded in our culture and is expected, especially whenever someone performs a personal type of task for you.✨ Waving for a taxi is only in New York City. Nowhere else has them roaming around looking for passengers. Everywhere else, you have to call for a ride.✨ We here in the USA do say goodbye (or its equivalent) at the end of our phone calls.
Yeah and now even small shops just selling over the counter are prompting for tips. However, I don’t feel the need to tip someone just for ringing me up. It’s getting crazy.
Great points but the hailing of taxis is also something I’ve done in Chicago, and many wait for fares outside hotels and attractions. And you’re better off in some big cities bringing enough money for cabs since driving and parking is pretty stressful.
@@lethalwolf7455, you’re right. Does any other big city have roaming taxis which can be waved over while you’re just walking down the street? The taxis waiting at hotels and other venues, like stadiums, are different, in my opinion, because they are obviously there for the people who are visiting and aren’t driving or are exiting an event. It’s not the same.
@@jaelynn7575, I agree. If I need fresh towels, etc. I ask for them. However, I always tip when they deliver the items - a dollar or two - and leave a tip when I check out, for those cleaning the room after me.
My mom was born and lived in the U.S. until she was 12. She then moved to a tiny town in Canada (in the early 60's) and her social studies teacher told them there were 52 states. Mom corrected her, and the teacher argued that there had been 50 and then they added Hawaii and Alaska. Teacher finally went into the hall to consult the encyclopedia, came back in the room, and never mentioned it again. 😂
Howdy! (you should do a short on all of our greetings too) For D-man, there are actually 137 islands of Hawaii with 8 main islands. The State of Hawaii stretches over 1500 miles from the island of Hawaii in the south to Kure Atoll in the Northwest. Fun fact, all the islands were born from the same "hot spot" as the tectonic plate passes over it . This is why younger islands are larger because they have not had the erosion of time (rain/waves/wind). They are an underwater mountain chain taller than the Himalayas when measured from the sea floor up! Some day the Big Island will be small and the older islands will disappear as new islands are born...tell your dad you want to come to the Indy 500 someday, it's not just a one day event and you can camp there as well! I'm hooked on this channel after just 3 days🏎🏁
In the USA you will find most people extend kindness and curiosity towards foreigners. It is genuine. Your accent will give you away. The US is very large and for many Americans it may be years between a conversation with foreign visitors. I enjoy your reaction videos and you are a handsome family.
I agree. Everytime I get to meet a foreigner it's a cool experience. Just learning about them and even helping them out if they need it is very enjoyable. I feel like the impressions the people make towards foreigners creates a lasting memory of that country. For example, when I went to Greece after my trip to Italy, I was feeling like Greece didn't have as much to offer than Italy. However, when we went to Athens, I was searching for what I wanted to eat and couldn't really decide. I ended up going with a street vendor selling corn on the cob and I believe roasted hazelnuts. I went to order just some corn and as he was getting my order, I was kind of eyeing the hazelnuts because I was trying to decide if I wanted to order some just to try them. I believe the vendor saw me looking at them and gave me a couple for free. It's been like a little over 5 years since and I still remember that experience. That guy, who I'll likely never meet again, made my trip to Greece for me. That guy is the reason why I enjoy helping foreigners even with seemingly minor things because I know that that can give them a lasting memory of their trip
Not me. I've had my fill of foreigners. Bloody tourists. I live along this transcontinental dirt bike trail that runs from the Atlantic to the Pacific, every summer we get foreigners coming into town every few days and every few nights I have to chase them off our private parking lot. It's for paying costumers only.
That’s mostly true if you look and sound European or in this case/video Australian or New Zealander. If you look and sound latino, asian, african etc they will look at you weird, almost hateful way. At least in rural areas in deep U.S. Not in big cities. That’s just my personal experience
Most people except most people from the West and Northeast lol I live in the South and everytime I've went to the Northeast and West coast, people are rude, loud, and abnoxious lol
I went to Germany recently as an exchange student and I met my host's friends. One of them said her parents didn't want her to be a part of the program because us Americans are mean. I immediately asked if he went to a major city like NYC or Chicago and she said yes. But then she said that us exchange students that she met were really kind. So it's really huge to keep in mind that not every American is the same. There's no typical American, only traits that groups of Americans will most likely exhibit, such as an attitude or gesture typical to a certain region.
It's also great to know that parts of America value different things and it's reflected in the way we treat others. People in cities tend to value their time above all else so they GET. TO. THE. POINT. and don't spend time on being as gentle and social as other parts of the country like the midwest or the south. So for example if you're getting into a cab in NYC they're going to say "Where to?" before your butt is on the seat. No greeting, no what's your name, we get to the point, we don't want this trip to be any more money then it already is vs. other parts of the country if you took an Uber they would have asked about your whole life story and told you theirs before you reached your destination. It just depends on the place you are in the states.
@@PaulaakaPaben Yeah I was surprised reading in other comments that other parts of the country aren't as nice as the midwest. The midwest is must mega nice apparently. I guess it is but I wouldn't know since i've lived there my entire life.
In the Midwest, it's almost considered rude to not say hi to a passersby, or to hold a door for someone when they're right behind you, or to say thanks etc. Being very polite is the normal and although not mandatory, it could get you a cold shoulder later on, especially in smaller towns.
This was an interesting video to watch and I’m from USA! Olympia, Washington. All of these tips are fantastic and I can see how they would really help visitors.
Also as someone else said, if you are driving in the US, be mindful of the fuel level in your car and keep topping off the tank. The US is big and sometimes it can be very far until the next available fuel stop, especially in the western half of the US. You do not want to be stuck at 11 p.m. in the middle of Wyoming on the side of the road because of poor fuel planning. Another point is don't underestimate the weather here. The US weather varies tremendously from region to region and can swing wildly in a single day. Pay attention to weather forecasts each day and be prepared. Here in Montana, we can swing from 100F in some valley areas down to 35F up in Mountain areas on the same day. Always carry water and stay on main roads. Just because a map shows a road, don't assume it's appropriate for normal travel.
And do not trust your gps/Google maps 100%.... get an atlas... just in case. Ilearnex about the gas when moving home to Washington state from Kentucky... driving I90 gas stations were anywhere from 100-200 miles apart... especially in the Dakotas and Montana....
The misconception of the 52 states probably comes from the U.S. territories, Guam, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands, these are sometimes viewed as basically being a state by foreigners, even though most citizens don't feel so and the government hasn't acknowledged it.
As someone who’s lived in New York City, Minnesota, Florida, and Alaska, this country is more diverse and expansive than one trip could encompass for you. I’d say 3 trips at least, because each one will be vastly different depending on where you go. One trip you’re takin body shots of rum on Coco beach, next trip you’re 4 IPA’s deep on a snowmachine in the HooDoo mountains.
Like you, I've lived all around the country, and yes unless your trip is 3 years long, definitely pick a region. My mom's best friend is an American who lives in Scotland, and he told us once that someone there told him they were going to America. They said they were flying in to New York and thought they'd spend the first morning seeing the Statue of Liberty and then drive out in the afternoon and see the Grand Canyon. He just said, "Good luck with that." To the NZ family: you can just Google why that is very, very wrong.
I'm from San Diego, California, and we say "bye" here before hanging up the phone. Customer service people will usually wait for the customer to initiate the "bye" before they will say it.
As someone who was born and raised in the rural south east US and moved to the north east a few year's ago, i can honestly say there are some extreme culture differences throughout the US.
I moved from Texas to Wisconsin. It was like moving to a foreign country. People couldn't understand my accent and I couldn't understand theirs. I was frequently surprised by what food was brought to the table in restaurants; I was sure I knew what a steak sandwich was, for example.
I feel the phone etiquette thing is mostly on TV shows and movies where they don't say goodbye before hanging up. I don't know a single person who doesn't say goodbye. Even when you call the doctor's office or customer service, we all say goodbye.
When I call a business it seems like the "thanks, have a good day" and "thanks, you as well." Goes on too long. Maybe I'm just awkward, but I think it usually gets said more than once. I don't think I say "goodbye" to anyone. I say "love you, bye" to my mom and "okay, bye" to my husband.
The thing about different cultures is *real.* Two hours in any direction and you'll be met with a whole new set of people, culture, slang, and sometimes even different accents
This is so exciting for you guys! I hope you enjoyed your trip. I live in the Pacific Northwest (Oregon/Washington) area of the U.S. but it’s true the culture, terrain and food is so different state to state! Couple things I’d add is don’t stress out too much about the tips. I typically tip at sit down restaurants but have friends who refuse to and it’s no big deal. I agree it’s a VERY odd concept that I wish we didn’t do. Most Americans (except in large cities) are very proud of where there are from and friendly. Most of us are excited to share and also learn from you!
Another thing to update this video on, when you ask someone how far something is, they probably won’t say it’s so and so miles, they will most likely says it’s 5 or 10 minutes. We calculate a lot of driving by time, not miles, at least in the Midwest. What’s nice about this is if it’s far away or depending on the time of day, most people will add time due to traffic or weather conditions.
It’s really funny to see this explained, because I really am out here just being a GPS for free. I’ll add time for the red light that has bad timing and all, damn.
The part about us Americans genuinely wanting to help visitors have a good time is absolutely true. Many people also like to pay for their guests so when you come to America and a fan wants to pay for your dinner, it's best to just let it happen because we won't let it go 😂 Whenever you guys do come, you will have plenty of us wanting to help give you the greatest experience possible
@@TheMetalstepp You also don't have vehicle inspections here either. lol Was a shock to me when I moved here a few years ago. Went to get my new registration and asked about getting my vehicle inspection and the county clerk didn't even know what a vehicle inspection was. haha Saves me about a hundred bucks a year not having one, which I needed in other states I lived in.
I’m from the Midwest of the US and we are known for saying goodbye then continuing the conversation because we had forgotten something. So we do say goodbye. For the health care thing, most places will have medical express places which can provide smaller urgent health care versus going to the emergency room. It can save some money. If it is a real emergency then absolutely head straight to the emergency room. I hope this helps!
LOL so right on the Midwest goodbye. I know I average 3 goodbyes before I make it out the door. "It's getting late we should think about get going" This gets the ball rolling 30 minutes later stands up and heads towards coat and purse "Well, I am gonna head out, the cat is probably starting to get hungry"" Another 30 to 40 minutes I have made my way to the door. "This was lovely, next time at my place or there is that new ..." Finally out the door and a slow 20 minute walk to the car. "Take care now." A big hug and 5 minutes to get inside the care. Then the final wave as you drive off
And while an "urgent care" can deny you care without cash or insurance, a certified emergency room can't turn you away. Doing so can lose them their certification. They will bill you, send it to collections, and hound you until you die, but the "can't squeeze blood from turnip" comes into play. One of the reasons they are so expensive.
I'm from PA. We still say bye or see you later while hanging up the phone. The only times I don't say bye is because I see the person I'm talking to coming towards me or they hang up on me. I work taking peoples orders out to them, if they call, I say bye after the call, then I say have a nice day/night when I'm done putting their order in their car. My co-workers do the same.
The most meaningful conversations with my dad happen in the time we walk out of his house and we shut the door of the vehicle to drive away. These CAN be five minutes but more often stretch into a hour or even more. It seems like he’s trying to build up the courage to say something important but struggles with. Like the one time telling me how much he appreciates my visits and dreads my siblings (I take them to dinner or cook at their house. The siblings want them to cook and cleanup for them as well as take them out (and the sibs and fams CAN NOT ONLY EAT, BUT THEY CAN RUN UP A BAR BILL THAT COULD CHOKE A HORSE!)
If you ever visit Detroit, one place you MUST visit is the DIA (Detroit Institute of Arts). Your minds will be blown. I recommend spending an entire day there, as you could spend several days there, and probably still not see everything. It’s one of the best art museums in the world.
Just keep in mind that the United States is so large and so diverse that visiting the West Coast versus the East Coast is almost like visiting another country. Different mentality‘s, different accents sometimes. Different rules on what to do what not to do. When I moved from the East Coast, down south to Los Angeles, I felt like I was on another continent. Even I had a hard time getting used to it. Call now if you go someplace like New York or Boston, it might be even more of a culture shock. Because those are very specifically different places. Culturally ideology people wise.
*mentalities (plural non-possessive) mentality's = singular possessive (or a contraction of "mentality is/has") Apostrophes are for contractions or possessive nouns, not for pluralizing. To pluralize a noun that ends in -y, drop the -y and add -ies.
@@alvallac2171 you don’t have any friends do you? There’s actually no reason for you to come on here and try to correct somebody’s response, in any way, shape or form.
I had the same kind of culture shock. I shipped out to the military after high school and had never really been anywhere or exposed to people of such different backgrounds before. Then I was lucky enough to have been stationed in so many different places stateside. Even though some of the places weren't the greatest, I'm grateful for what I learned about the culture and people in this great country.
East and West here are exteme culture shock. My first visit was from north carolina to san diego, completely blew my mind, We took the drive over in a big rig. the most beautiful and serene drive ever.
If I asked someone, "How's it going?" as I'm walking by, and they started telling me about their real problems, you'd best believe I'm turning on my heel and stopping what I'm doing to listen. We all have problems, but we all don't have someone to listen. I can definitely take a few minutes to be there for someone, and I know I'm not the only one!
So rude to just keep walking. They need to be heard. Maybe they have no one else to talk to. You can't solve their problem, but you can at least listen. After all that's how you'd like to be treated.
Exactly. We say "how you doing?" And expect a neutral or positive answer. But if we get a negative answer "I've been really sick." We do stop to listen if we have time. We aren't all stuck in our own little bubble, lol.
I can say that I, as a guy living in South Louisiana, NEVER end a call with out telling the person on the other end of the conversation “bye” or “bye bye” or at least “thank you” if it’s that sort of call. And some of us in the USA are very considerate of others, whereas some are downright thoughtless. Things differ person to person at times.
I’ve lived in the southeastern part of the USA most of my life. I’m a grandmama…so that tells you that it’s been a long time. When finishing any phone conversation we usually say “bye,” “bye bye,” or “goodbye.” With business calls, it’s usually “thank you, goodbye.” And before ending a phone conversation with close family, such as spouse and adult children…but sometimes also extended relatives…before the “goodbye,” we might say something like “love ya” or “I love you” or “love you (their name) or instead of their name, we might insert the word “ Darlin’, Sweetie, or Honey” and then say “goodbye.” And that’s not all. If we’re not going to see them for awhile, we might add “Take care.” If someone we know were to hang up on us abruptly, without at least saying some form of goodbye, we might wonder if they’re mad at us! 😙
I'm a New Englander and I have friends and family who don't say goodbye, see ya, or some official conversation ender on the phone. It seems rude to me honestly. Maybe it is a generational thing.
We were always taught to say "love you see you later" if it was in person and if we were talking on the phone it was always "love you talk to you later". My daddy said "saying goodbye" or "bye" was like saying you will never see them again .
@@kimalexander8378 same here about the family or even close friends, especially children and grandchildren, and my parents. Always tell them that I love them before I hang up. I have several grown grandkids too..
Whenever you guys visit, just be sure to bring your smiles & all will be great. You'll love it here, no matter what part(s) of the country you visit. We love you guys!
In the US, when someone says “How are you?” the proper response is, “I’m well. How are you?” Doesn’t matter how you are doing, just say it and keep going. Usually they will throw back a ‘good’.
It’s definitely not a conversation starter in passing. It’s just a quick check in. If they are obviously trying to engage in a conversation they’ll respond with more.
My dad has been an American all of his life and he will answer people honestly every time. I'm like, just lie like everyone else! They don't really want to know! He's really cute,lol.
Please don't forget what side of the road we drive on!! My first ever car accident was a tourist from New Zealand (we live in a small town but it's home to the Luray Caverns and we get a LOT of tourism) pulled out onto a divided highway and looked thw wrong way, didn’t see me coming and pulled out right into me. I didn't even have my driver's license yet, I had a learner's permit, and that was TERRIFYING. So. Just remember what side of the road to look at, or just look both ways lol!
Had some friends visting from europe and they wanted to know why we couldn’t go to Los Angeles for the day (i lived an hour outside of San Francisco). I told them it was a 500+ mile drive, ONE WAY. They didn’t believe me, rented a car and made the trip on their own. They were completely shell shocked when they returned 2 days later.
Yes, distance between places is something people who aren't from North America can't quite grasp. My cousins from Germany wanted to use my family home in Southwestern Ontario as a base camp for their canoe trip in the Yukon. 😂 They were quite shocked when we told them that it wasn't possible.
People in the US don’t even know how big California is. I live in San Diego and people constantly asking me if I am going to drive to say San Francisco for whatever. I’m like, driving to LA is hard enough in a day trip
Yes, my daughter had South Korean friends come out to Colorado from the southeast area of US. They thought they'd see all of the state in 3 days. She couldn't get it through to them how far about everything is. Then they actually came here and it all made sense.
I would add that if you are driving to pick up food from a restaurant or if you order at the counter with no waitress, then you do not have to leave a tip but sometimes people leave $1-$2 in the tip jar. In addition to restaurants like Mark says, do not just go to the fast food places. Asking locals their suggestions on "local mom and pop owned restaurants" will help you find some of the best food in the USA.
People in the US are friendly and helpful for the most part. If you have questions, need directions, or are not sure about something, just ask someone. We tag strangers with questions all the time. No one will take offense. And if someone doesn't want to help, just ask the next person. :)
Once you move to the US, tipping becomes reflexive, even if you travel to Europe or Asia. It’s happened many times when I’ve been overseas, but the thing I recall most was a bartender in a hotel in Alice Springs (Australia). He was a nice guy, but somewhat surly with really poor customer service. I tipped him 25% anyway. The next day, when my party arrived in the hotel bar, he rushed over to see what we wanted. The bar was busy, but his service on the second day was beyond impeccable. In the instant, tipping was stunningly effective!
Nadine, the not saying bye on the phone is a movie and TV trope that even drives us crazy. We may not say "good-bye," when hanging up, but we will usually say something like "See you later," or "I'll talk to you later."
The best way to view the U.S. is to think of it as 50 separate countries, united. Each state (and sometimes even county) has its own culture, laws, taxes, and due to accents and slang, you can almost say that they have their own language (actually some areas do have their own distinct language - as in the Amish).
To add to Rhonda's comment, some metropolises even have their own CITIES complete with laws; governing sanctions; etiquette and even public SERVICES!!! If you're in the east, it's rare, but out west it isn't uncommon.
There may be some lingering "cultural" and "regional" differences, and definitely some weather differences, but due to national chains of businesses, computers and the internet, television, radio, and movies, and just the mobile, constantly moving nature Americans have always had, it could surprise some foreigners how, despite the size of the country, similar a typical neighborhood in Atlanta, Georgia would be to a neighborhood in Portland, Oregon.
I really don't know if other cultures say "love you" as part of their good byes as often as Americans do. I once heard my teenage brother say it to a telemarketer. He was so embarrassed!
Also, funny thing from an American: we also often tell you distance in reference of time it takes rather than how far away something actually is. Like 'How far away is X?" "Oh, it's about thirty minutes south.", which I don't know happens anywhere else (haven't been around much)
Smoking is hit and miss. Most restaurants and public buildings, smoking is against the law. Curiously it is permitted in casinos in Nevada, but only in the casino part not the hotel or restaurants. Tipping is important. I top around 15% unless we get exceptional service or it is a large party 8 or more people. Don't discuss religion either! He's right about going to regions, but don't think the west coast is a single region. California is one region and Oregon and Washington along with Idaho is the Pacific Northwest and entirely different vibe from California. I think the not saying goodbye is a time thing in movies. Everyone I know say goodbye on the phone or just ' bye. This is pretty accurate but some is regional. Go for mid range hotels/motels if you can, cheap ones can be a nightmare. And sometimes it can be fun to splurge on a single night in an upscale hotel to compare. We travel a lot inside the US and usually go for mid range or mid- high as the beds, linens, carpet are off a better quality and there are nicer amenities. Sometimes locally owned models that seem cheap are actually very nice but not chain motels.
I had some people from the north look at me weird when I told them ‘X’ is 3 hrs away, they cocked their head and looked at me weird and asked again how far away ‘X’ was. We both ended up confused until they asked how many miles, I said I have no idea but I know it’ll take you about 3 hrs to get there.
We totally say goodbye. I would think it would be rude it someone didn't say it or wonder if they were still there? Sounds like New Zealand has a lot of similarities to our culture. Can't wait for you guys to visit! We are very friendly helpful people. I've been to almost every state and never met a rude person.
The goodbye thing is just movies and TV. Everyone almost always says goodbye somehow. It’s not a problem if you don’t, but it will be perceived as cold or overly formal/business-like. Don’t be surprised if someone wants to hug you in a casual social situation. It won’t happen with everyone, but now and then it might. Don’t do more than a handshake with anyone in a business setting unless you know them very well. I’d be curious about how blacks (I’m white, so I don’t know for sure) from other countries are greeted by blacks here. It might be like anyone else here, but this Key & Peele comedy sketch shows you it could get complicated. I work with a lot of black people and I’ve seen all of those greetings except where he stops the white woman from hugging him. Again, it’s best to follow the lead of the other person, if you’re comfortable with it, but in the US, you’ll never be doing something wrong by offering a handshake. Even if it is refused for health concerns, the offer will be appreciated. Here’s the video: ua-cam.com/video/nopWOC4SRm4/v-deo.html
50 states (50 stars on the flag), Washington DC is a district, and we have territories. Some of the territories are uninhabited Islands. I think people may end up counting Guam and Puerto Rico as states but they are 2 of the main territories. We have run into this before and it is what some other countries teach their kids that we have 52 or 54 states. Our flag has always had a star for each state which is an easy way for others to tell.
Here's the answer: "Shoe leather" It's a term in movie production for not showing an unnecessary conclusion, like someone saying goodbye. The movie audience assumes that a goodbye exchange took place between the characters even though it wasn"t seen in the movie. It's like when someone is climbing a flight of stairs in a movie, it's unnecessary to show every step taken because the audience again, assumes that character reaches the top stair. So, to answer you question, we do say goodbye in real life.
A good term to learn is " a hole in the wall" when it comes to food. I'm from the Midwest, and it just means " I don't want chain restaurants or tourist food." it is."This is what locals eat. Be prepared, though, when asked what "type" you need a preference (American, Mexican, southern, Asian, Indian,) list goes on. Pick a flavor or "what you're in the mood for," and most people will point you in the direction of a "hole in the wall "
I think the "52 states" thing comes from thinking that the mainland has 50, plus there's Alaska and Hawaii while in reality the 50 includes Alaska and Hawaii. Another one he forgot to mention is, if you ask how far away something is, don't be surprised if your answer isn't imperial or metric - your answer may be a unit of time! It's not uncommon to ask how far something is and get the response of "oh, about 30 minutes away" (30 minutes being the time it would take to drive there by car)
Doesn’t help that Biden said we had 54 states on National TV. 😂 lol doesn’t surprise me people get confused with how many states we have. I’ve heard so many different things from so many people!
@@Deneerichardson that's what I always thought people assumed when they said 52 states. Although people here aren't always the brightest. I was watching a baseball game between Puerto Rico and Virginia teams and the Virginia crowd was chanting USA. I was like are you chanting for both teams? 😂
We also may not even say a distance but rather the next turn or a road. Like how if you are driving I4, Disney is right after the 528, or how Universal may be the second right after you get off exit 74A
Goodbye depends on the person and the region, just like everywhere else. I always end a conversation with some kind of farewell. I will say I've never really paid much attention to it unless it's someone I care about and I get a bit offended when they don't say it. It's kind of a courtesy thing with many people, especially in the more polite areas of the country like the South.
Everyone in the USA is going to ask about your accent. It’s because we LOVE it! Your accent is one of our all time favorites. Be prepared because people will ask you about it all the time. Also we absolutely say goodbye on the phone. They just don’t in movies.
I think the lack of goodbyes on phone calls is just in the movies. Once in a long while, I have encountered someone who doesn’t say goodbye, but it’s rare. Most people here do have some form of a farewell when ending calls.
Everyone says goodbye differently too depending on relationships. Some people never say goodbye as it has a finality to some. Most are more casual with it just saying 'bye' or 'later' or 'see ya' or 'talk to you later'.... there are loads of valedictions other than 'goodbye' that Americans use. They vary widely with region, generations, cultures, and style. The Hollywood hangup is a distinctly Hollywood thing that no one does even in Hollywood. It just cuts down on lines and therefore space in a script
For the most part he's spot on. I think the "touching" only refers to strangers, if you meet your fans they will accept a hand shake, fist bump or a hug. I agree that unless you plan to spend three months here, you should probably concentrate on one region. The United States has a few territories (colonies) Puerto Rico American Virgin Islands, American Samoa and Guam come to mind so that might be where the extra States come from.
My guess was the same as yours about why some people think we have 52 "states." Perhaps they're thinking about the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico or something, or else they see a map of the Lower 48 and think that it's the USA, and then think, "Don't forget about Alaska and Hawaii!" at which point it would be 52...if there were 50 states in the Lower 48!
Yes, touching strangers, no. People do like their space, NO close talkers. But you will find people very friendly. Pre-pandemic people would shake your hand or hug you for sure. It's a little less forward now.
My son sqqa+id maybe peoe wqere thinking of DC (District of Columbia) . DC is not a state nor does it belong to any state. It is s federal district. It is our capital.
Don’t be offended if people ask you to say things so they can hear your accent. We just love it! And, yes, I say bye on a phone call. Sometimes they’re already off the call, but … 😂
Americans really do love foreign accents, I love hearing English and Aussie and New Zealanders talk. I’m in Pittsburgh so I like to hear pleasant accents once in a while because our own accent is terrible.
LOL that's what I was coming to say about saying "bye" on the phone. If someone doesn't do it back, it feels rude and I usually think they are rude unless proven otherwise.
To be fair, as an American when I was in Australia and New Zealand, people asked me to say things so they could hear my "American" accent lol so we must all do it as English speaking countries 😂 I never realized I had an "accent" coming from Connecticut which is largely considered "accent-less" in the US. I had a group of Aussies tell me they love the American accent and had me say different words for them for about 10 minutes lol
The sales tax thing is so weird! Working retail, I’ve seen a range of 7.5% to like 13% tax from neighboring cities less than half an hour away! It’s so freakin weird
Even in California alone. I’m from Los Angeles and went to stay at a friend of friend’s ranch in Porterville. Which was only a 2 hour drive & it was nothing but country life compared to the city.
True- I have difficulty understanding a lot of people in Georgia & Alabama. Long story short, 1x I somehow I ended up with waffle fries I didn’t know I ordered.
Most important: DON'T LEAVE STUFF IN YOUR CAR WHERE PASSERS BY CAN SEE IT! Especially you're luggage if you are travelling and decide to stop some place before you check into a hotel. Make sure that stuff and anything cool is in the trunk or take it with you. Now, it's not like every place you go, someone is guaranteed to break into you're car, but where is safe and where is risky is a bit of a local knowledge thing. Still, I've risked it at times in areas where I shouldn't have and nothing happened, but the news reports are also full of stories where people thought they were in a safe neighborhood, only to find out they weren't. Play it safe and get the rental with the biggest trunk space.
This is pretty much life lessons. Also easier to have an empty car and doors unlocked rather than waking up to a broken window. Just depends where you go
I always say goodbye. Even with a random secretary etc… “Thank you for all your help, Have a blessed day!”… even if my situation wasn’t resolved. They are all just doing their job!… I’m in South Texas btw! Anywhere west, south and east towards Louisiana… everyone is so nice!!!
Something you'll experience also in the south is when you ask for directions, (at least here in FL), we tend to express distance in measurements of time rather than miles or whatnot. So it'll be like "Hey how far is that restaurant you mentioned?" "Oh about 30 minutes" And anything less than two hours away here is considered local.
In New England, if your destination is on one of the interstates, we'll generally say 'oh yeah, that's like 3 exits north' because we're such small states :P
@@JustSomeDude503 My commute to work was a minimum of 45 minutes one way. We used to have a 20 minute drive to get to the closest grocery store before the population in our area doubled.
The US only has 50 states because it doesnt count DC, Guam, Puerto Rico or other areas as states (yet). Hawaii has 8 major islands (137 total) and it is a single state. This was so interesting to watch! eta- we definitely say goodbye at the end of calls
I was thinking DC and Puerto Rico. Also, it's worth noting to people that Washington D.C. is not in Washington state. I know people that have lived here their whole life and they don't even know that.
@@CrazedPop I didn't know there was a misconception about 52 states, but if there is, it's almost definitely people double-counting Hawaii and Alaska. It would be natural to think: "it's 50 states, plus don't forget Hawaii and Alaska!", but Hawaii and Alaska are already included in the 50.
do you really think each of the Hawaiian islands should be it's own state? Some of them are barely inhabited... Maybe we should make Michigan's UP it's own state while we're at it? Think of the cost of running a state level government & ask if Hawaii really wants or needs to pay that for each major island?
Tip 1 is more of a northern east coast or big city thing. A handshake is the customary greeting but lots of hugs are happening at intimate social events.
Don’t be alarmed by small talk at the checkout at the grocery store! Folks will talk to each other a bit, it’s considered friendly. :) - maybe it’s a southern thing.
Too much if you ask me...some people don't like being touched at all...I don't know where their hands have been & when the last time they washed them was...I don't like pretty much any bodily contact by people I'm not at least somewhat familiar with...& even then I'm not big on it...
You do not have to worry about tax on tips. However, if you tip via debit or credit card there are taxes pulled from the tip. For example if you tip $10 on a bill, the amount the servers actually receive is less than $10 but the amount you pay doesn't change. If you tip with cash then no taxes are taken. This means servers prefer cash to credit tips, but it's totally normal to tip with card just because most people dont carry cash with them.
As an American I have to say pretty much every other person I’ve spoken on the phone with here fights to be the last one to say goodbye😂 Trust me, we’re also very confused why American movies/tv series display so many phone conversations without the characters saying some sort of “goodbye”
Lol, unless you are using some old rotary or home phone. If you're angry forget about saying goodbye just slam that thing down and let'em hear your frustrations on the other end.
It's a regional thing since most movies come out of Los Angeles, many cultural references are from this city and goodbyes are bout 60/40 leaning towards just hanging up. That's on the rarity that someone calls you, people prefer text messages, and there is no cut-off limit, I get text messages from clients at 2am, and it's a never-ending conversation, thus the never goodbye. I love to get text messages that say, Hey, I just emailed you, or other favorite, iPhone people who like all my responses. I don't need a thumbs up to what I just wrote you, I know you saw it, it says "Read"
😢 We do say goodbye on the phone, it depends on who were talking to as to what we say. Friends and family we might say “love ya” or “Talk to you soon” or just “Bye!” It’s kind of rude just to hang up and not say something so people say whatever feels comfortable depending on who you’re talking to. If it’s a business call, like I do customer service from home, I would say something like thank you for using our service, or have a great day. Thanks for the interesting video! And you guys have a great day! Bye!
I've got a longtime "friend" (I use this term loosely) who never says goodbye on the phone. She just abruptly hangs up every time. It is so discourteous and incredibly rude. I've known this chick for 25 years, we were roommates for a while after high school, our kids are friends. We used to be close, but not for the last 7-8 years.... and even now when she randomly pops up it's still shocking how rude she is on the phone (and how boorish and ill mannered she is in general!!).
Something else about eating out in America that I don't see discussed: we don't call over a waiter/waitress when we're ready to order. Just wait until they come over. I know there are a few cultures that will yell or raise their hand or whatnot when they're ready, but here in the USA, that is considered very rude. edit: Oh, if you're planning to visit soonish, basically the northern half of the USA is going to be cold, unless snow and misery are what you're after. XD In Minnesota right now, it is currently ~21F or -6C on average, and that's before the wind kicks in. Check the local temps of wherever you're going to visit to make sure you have clothing to suit the weather.
It was a high of 80 down here in Texas today and suppose to be a low of 30 next week. ALWAYS CHECK THE WEEKLY FORECAST FOR WHERE YOURE PLANNING TO GO!!!! A drive of just a couple hours can change the weather! Houston the high for today is 82, Dallas is 75.
@@Neongummybearss And here in Oklahoma it can change in the blink of an eye. We were working on an airfield in Wilburton, eastern central part of the state, not far from the Arkansas border and by Beaver's Bend. We left the hotel room and it was clear and sunny, drove the 8 miles or so out to the airport, got our tools out of the truck and in 5 minutes the clouds rolled in and it poured until 2 PM. Actually cost us 5 days because we ended up with 4 foot of water between the runway and taxiway, and the same on the other side of the runway, both of them the entire length. Those were the low spots so even if we had enough pumps and hose, we had nowhere to pump it too. But our(ours and yours) ice storms are no joke.
@@andyfletcher3561 oh yah there’s a reason a lot of the south don’t really listen to the weather it’s more of a what we think it’s gonna be like instead of what it will be. The forecast for the day could be no rain, but it comes out of absolutely nowhere. And I hate the ice storms it’s not cold enough to freeze anything but it’s cold enough to stick to the roads and create black ice everywhere.
I live down in the southwest corner of Colorado it will definitely get below freezing at night and during the day it can be lower than 50F. Right now I've got a layer of ❄️ snow.
@@NeongummybearssMy first winter 2001-2002. Coming from the west coast that was my first ice storm, and I still have a problem fully wrapping my head around them. We were on a co-op power and it was 6 weeks before we had some bit of power each day. On a well so no water. They put a big generator at the transformer station but it would only run about 8 hours then a couple of days until they refueled them. 1k feet down the road and they were on OG&E and had their power restored in 4-5 days.
Are you kidding me? I’m 50 years old. I’m an American. We always say goodbye unless we’re mad and we hang up on somebody! Also, I know this guy’s thing. Yes people want from other Americans, but happy to help people from other countries are visiting and need help or have questions. We are extremely friendly country. Well, to our guests anyway! Hope you make it here one day. I live in Ga, we have lots to see and do here, and the food is phenomenal! Bye ya’ll!
I'm from the South and we definitely say goodbye before hanging up the phone. With family and close friends, it's usually, "Okay, love you, bye." Enjoy your trip to the U.S.
The US is full of 50 different countries/cultures. That's how I see it. I'm from Florida and I recently took a trip to NYC for the first time. Insane cultural shock/difference.
This is probably the best way to explain it, although it’s not exactly true. We were a confederation once under the Articles of Confederation and we almost didn’t survive. Now, that’s not to say I wouldn’t explain it like that because that’s pretty much how it is.
I’m American and I hate when people don’t say goodbye on the phone 😂 I only know a couple people who don’t lol. I liked that video, he had some good points. I hope you come here one day! America is a beautiful country, our State and National Parks are absolutely gorgeous. So much to see, truly.
Yep. I worked in customer service where I just answered phones for food orders and I still said "bye, have a nice night!" Because it is so rude not to.
One major don't is not to stare or make faces when looking at people 😂😂 everyone in America is different and you'll get a range of different personalities so don't make one bad/good experience make you think that is everyone. And 2 make sure you go and try all different foods from soul, Mexican, Asian and more! There's so much authentic foods from different areas not just hotdogs, burgers and pizza so be sure do expand your pallet when you're here!
I live in Arizona. The temperatures here this summer were 115°F every day. Please be aware of this when deciding outdoor activity. It is so sad when I hear about foreigners/visitors dying because they went hiking in these temps. And yes this is a vast country. Enjoy it. We love people to come visit. Great video.
Excellent advice, especially for the Grand Canyon. I live in Flagstaff, Arizona. Maximum temps in the summer here are around 32˚ C but usually closer to 20 or 25˚ during the day and 10˚ at night. Also, the area around Flagstaff is much more beautiful for hiking.
My friends in Phoenix all have Air Conditioning and try to limit outside time during the daytime. We don't have or need air conditioning.@@craigcohen3682
I live in Phoenix as well. The 'but it's a dry heat' thing is real. My family went to San Diego last month. 30 degrees cooler, but the humidity made it feel worse than Phoenix 115.
Hope tthat you have a great time. I'm in the North Central Plains states but, understand that we arent high on the visit list. Hope that y'all have a great time.
One thing to be aware of, in the South (particular the South east) you will have people addressing you with a term of endearment that might sound extremely toward and intimate. So when that waitress if calling your husband (or son) Honey and Sweetheart, she likely doesn’t mean anything by it
Good point.
😟 And there I thought the middle aged woman serving me at Cracker Barrel was flirting with me. 😔
I’m a Jersey girl transplanted to Edmonton, Kentucky.
About being called “honey, sweetie, sugar, etc”? It is way better than being called “Hey you”. 😁
If you happen to talk to a grandparent, talk about grandbabies is a usual topic. The grandbaby could be anywhere from newborn to adults with babies of their own
yup my wife does the same thing lol more of a southern region thing
Very good point.
Don’t be alarmed if someone says
Thanks love, honey, sweetheart, darling.
It’s just a typical thank you or hi or goodbye.
A big one is if you are pulled over, DO NOT GET OUT. The cop will come to you and ask you for your things. Do not reach for anything unless they tell you to.
This is a good one. Prepare to have a gun pulled on you if you get out of your car during a police stop.
They will ask for your drivers license (proof of identity) and vehicle registration (proof of ownership) and will go back to their vehicle to call in a check to make sure you are who you say.
Wait, do you get out in other countries?
Everyone must wear a seatbelt while traveling in a car. If pulled over, put your window down a little, keep your hands on the steering wheel, and don't make any sudden moves.
@@MalachiCo0 We used to here.
We all definitely say goodbye. They don't on TV or in movies. But in reality life we absolutely do! People usually get angry if you "hang up" without saying goodbye.
True. And if the phone accidentally cuts off we will call back just to say goodbye and to make sure the person didn’t hang up on us on purpose!
Nowadays though sometimes just a text goodbye will do if the phone call gets cut off.
Psychos don’t say goodbye on the phone.
It’s just a shorthand courtesy to say “OK conversation over thanks” lol
Hello, good.
i always say how annoying that is in movies. it flows better cinematically but i would be confused and insulted if they just hung up
I was born on the west coast but have lived on the east coast for half my life. I can tell you that the majority of people everywhere here in the US are understanding, patient and forgiving. Most of us do not get offended easily. We are so welcoming to people from other countries and genuinely curious to talk with them. I wouldn’t worry too much. Most people here are so very kind and open. We love meeting new people and we love New Zealand.
As an American it's funny to hear "visiting the US" since visiting two states away is a trip for us
Right?!
I just "visited" Atlanta (5 hour drive, 1 hour flight) for work. So yes, very weird to hear that since you could be "visiting" another city in 95% of states.
yeah well as a NZer we don't have "states" also you wanna know another thing? we actually speak proper English, not American dumbed down version. hahahaha
I'm in Alaska. Visiting other places in my state is a trip.
Honestly, I been to more countries than states. Ive been to just at 60 countries and only 26 states.
Big DON'T for America:
DO NOT STOP IN THE DESERT.
Absolutely serious about this as someone who grew up in Nevada. If you are driving out into the deserts of the western US you are absolutely taking your life in your hands - especially in summer.
Every year we have tragic stories of tourists unerestimating how dangerous our wild spaces are like there are places where there is NO ONE for almost 100 miles. Just...avoid or be VERY careful please. 😅
We drove from Phoenix to Flagstaff to Utah, traveling through some of the most beautiful scenery I ever experienced (Sedona is breath taking). Make sure you always have a full tank of gas. Top off when ever you come by a gas station. I wouldn't avoid the trip but definitely be prepared.
As someone who lived in Arizona most my life, I can confirm, being in a desert without water or shelter is really really bad. Especially in the 120 °F (about 50 °C) heat.
Live in Colorado, can confirm. If you are in the Western half of the US plan accordingly, if you run out of gas or your car breaks down or you get stuck you can literally die, please be careful. There is a reason western Americans joke that when our ancestors came here they would have an entirely different group by the time they reached their destination, because everyone they originally left with died along the way. The heat can kill you, the cold can kill you, dehydration, exposure to the element, starvation, snakes, spiders, bears, etc.
If you are in the western US you are in a survival situation, remember that, or you can get yourself killed.
Completely agree! Growing up in Las Vegas you learn to never go driving in the desert with less than a full tank of gas. And if you think you have enough water, stop at a store and pick up more. You'll need it.
@@catherinestringer719 not quite a desert but west texas is hot as hell and you can definitely use half a tank of gas without a gas station
I, and almost every American I've ever spoken to on the phone end it with some sort of "goodbye" exchange between both parties. Hollywood, love it or hate it, doesn't always depict things the way they actually are. For example, movies often depict all American neighborhoods as being either very upscale suburbs or inner city ghettos. Great reaction guys... as always! 🇺🇸💙🇳🇿
I think it would be a fun idea to create little polls here for questions about American life vs. what you might see in a movie to get a good sense of whether something is typical or just Hollywood. I would love to participate!
I always say some form of Good-bye when I hang up. I’ve had a person here or that haven’t when talking to me. I, personally, find it rude.
@@tinastar1972 that's a really good idea!!! I'd definitely participate as well! 👍
I always say bye. My sister hangs up while I'm still talking. LOL
@@brendaenglish2477 I totally agree! I think most Americans find it rude as well. It's been my experience that most calls that end abruptly are "lost calls" when dealing with a company's customer service department (in the middle of a conversation or after waiting in a 45 minute queue for someone to answer).
In regards to tip #1, we like our space from strangers. But in general Americans are very huggy and open with our friends, family and acquaintances. We give hugs, we welcome them. We also are well known for loving to start conversations with complete strangers just about anywhere lol. Something I find a little different here in Europe where people are more distant. I think in general Americans are very open and friendly and not so closed off.
Probably depends on where you're from. I was born in Ohio, raised in Michigan, and have lived my entire adult life in Utah... Rarely do I see people getting too close to others, with the exception of close friends and family members. I think a safe bet, no matter where you are, is to keep your distance and respect others space.
That makes sense because the culture of the midwest takes a lot from Scandinavia like sweeden@@juliat4908
Just be warned, we Americans love the NZ/AU accents so be ready to have a lot of people asking you to say things so they can here it 🤣
I am an american and i approve this statement
I totally agree with this as well xD
Or getting your country of orgin mixed up.
Yeah. They’re gonna need to give people like 10 seconds to process that they have an accent the first time they speak to someone cause, at least in small towns, we don’t often get people with accents 😂
I encountered the same in the UK. People begged to hear our Louisiana accents. Lol.
Even as an American, I can confirm EVERY state is different and it’s crazy because if you drive across our country it’s so crazy because as soon as you cross over the state boarder, you can tell by the environment and nature youre in a different state! It’s super cool! Accents also change too!
I always say “bye love you” or “bye have a good day” to my loved ones and friends, and I get mad if my husband doesn’t say he loves me back 🤣 But again, I’m Cuban American so that might just be a cultural thing like the guy was saying.
even within states theres huge differences
America is complicated. Each state is like it's own nation with its own unique differences and local cultures, but there's also the broader American identity too.
@@Tree_Chase Oh totally! Depends on where you go visit or live!
Kentucky was way different to New York
this is an old video, but dont be afraid to not finish your meals. portions are quite large over here, and most restaurants will provide boxes so you can take your leftovers with you.
The last thing the restaurant wants is for someone to finish their meal and still be hungry. But, it can be taken to absurd levels.
And you’re right about the to go box. Asking your waiter for one is not seen as rude. It means you enjoyed the meal and want to eat some more of it tomorrow.
About the only sit down restaurant where you are not permitted to bring food home is the all-you-can-eat buffet. You get to eat one stomach full, but that’s all.
You might have to ask for a container for your leftovers, but don't be afraid to ask. Good waiters and waitresses will ask you, but if they don't, just ask.
Those left-over take away boxes are often called 'doggie bags'...no shame!🤣👍
If you’re a foodie, you should visit New Orleans.
Especially during springtime, when the crawfish are in season. Some grocery stores will have boiled crawfish for sale in front of the store, and you can smell the seasoning a block away.
In summer, the snowball stands are open (sweet syrup over shaved ice, with 50 different flavors) serving the perfect snack for a 95° (35°C) summer day.
And then there’s the year round food. Search for a UA-cam video of “Homer Simpson eats New Orleans” to get an idea of how many different local recipes there are.
Be prepared to get asked "Where are you from" at least 10 times a day. They're not being rude, they genuinely have an interest and are curious. Given the chance they'll keep buying you drinks to keep you talking. I moved here over 20 years ago and even with a faded accent I still get asked all the time :)
You are so right. We are always interested in where peope are from and generally very happy to brag about our country adding suggestions where to go etc.
This family would probably just have most people assume they're Australian
I was born and raised here and I get that question fairly often. People just want to know where your family came from out of curiosity and wanting to strike up a conversation.
@@tokesalotta1521 We can't tell the difference between british/new zealand/australian/south african accents unless we have a lot of exposure to them. Most people will probably assume they are from the UK at first. I'll be curious to see what they get mistaken for (or not).
@@C__D I disagree. I know a bristish accent over a Australian accent. And most accents. I think most peoole do. But I don't know the difference in Australian and new Zealand accent. That's the only one I'd have a hard time guessing. So yea people will probably guess they're Australian but not British or south African. Lol jeez
As a Canadian, because the us is so big it sometimes helps to think of the different states as individual small countries. They have vastly different cultures, climates and people, so it could be a bit of a culture shock if you think you’re going to see the same things everywhere!
I have to agree with this. But even inside some states the diversity is so phenomenal it's unreal. Like northern Illinois has Chicago and the southern Illinois has cornfields and farming. California has snow on the north end and hot sunny beaches on the south. That's just a few examples.
That's where the "United" part comes from. Each state has their own laws.
The USA is the same. Even within states the cultures can be different and speech patterns. Laws can be very different and enforced differently. Some towns still have laws on the books that if you spit on Sunday you can face a fine or jail. Refrain from spitting in public even if you see others do it. Definitely keep your phone 100% charged at all times.
Ya we kinda have that mindset here in the states too a little friendly state rivalry is common
I think the same way about Canada! And there is Quebec!
It’s so weird that you mentioned that in American movies people don’t seem to say ‘goodbye’ and just hang up. That’s definitely NOT what anyone here does in real life. Lol. That’s an artifact of American cinema and most of us have no idea why characters on TV and in movies just hang up that way! It’s really interesting that you noticed that.
Yeah if someone in real life doesn’t say goodbye before they hang up, they’re probably upset with you.
Yes! So true!
I’ve actually noticed that in movies as well. I just have never experienced it. So not sure where that came from.
I agree; we do say bye or bye bye. 😊
Oh yeah, we say bye. Sometimes several times we say bye 😂
He mentioned regional cuisine…the funny thing about that is there can be many local restaurants that serve the same food but different people will have their favorites and can be VERY passionate about it.
One thing you guys will notice is we all love your accent. New Zealand and Australian accents are loved by most Americans.
Yes, and the culture is much friendlier than the English (not to bash them, at all, but they're not as relaxed, in my opinion).
No we don't.
@@Artman710 i said most Americans.
Can confirm
@@Artman710speak for yourself
As an American,I have to say that saying goodbye is far more common than not saying it. Occassionally some will say something like 'see you later or'see you', or even 'it was nice to meet you' instead.
I think it depends, in my experience. It's far more common to say goodbye in the south and Pennsylvania than the west coast, but we also say other things to end a phone call like love ya, talk to you later, or see ya.
@@ruth370 I live in the West and people say good bye most of the time
@@Eniral441 yes we do
As far as tips, yes, they are taxed 😢
Good luck in the south. We will stand there talking to ya for about 3 hours
I know one tip that I never see in videos for people visiting America, is remember that cars can turn right on red. I hear people say all the time that they almost got hit because they tried to cross the street and didn’t know cars can still turn right. I know they are supposed to watch out for pedestrians but just look to be safe. I hope you guys enjoy your trip!
Right on red unless there is a sign saying otherwise. PLUS, some places allow left on red if turning from a one-way to a one-way (Alabama).
You can still cross the street though because a right on red is still yielding to the pedestrian. It is important to look out for drivers who aren’t paying attention though, don’t forget that part.
Many intersections in high pedestrian areas (or at intersections with poor visibility to oncoming traffic from the left) will have signs saying “No Right on Red”. Though I have noticed that many people seem to think a ‘no right on red’ sign is optional
Only in particular States. I live in California and we have a law that says we can go right on red, but honestly it just makes people more neglectful and aggressive on the road
Good suggestion, yes that is true.
No, we definitely say goodbye on the phone. I have one friend who doesn't, and everybody always laughs and thinks that's strange! So for 90+% of us, that's just normal. They only do it in movies because they don't want to add 20 minutes onto the movie with everybody saying goodbye every phone call.
I feel like we dont always say it formal like exactly like "goodbye" its more just a short "bye", "cya" or "have a good one." Occasionally people will say "take care" too
Not sure about other regions in America, but the south has a “southern goodbye.” This takes anywhere between 15 minutes to an hour. The person that initiated this goodbye will continuously say “well I’m gonna let you go” throughout the conversation. Although it is funny to think about saying goodbye for this long, this is a polite gesture that each person will participate in to show the other person that they care.
In the midwest goodbye takes at least an hour, maybe 2. And another 6 pack.
@@spyrobandicoot9689 …as you all walk slowly towards the door, and put on coats, all keep talking. 😄 To everyone: We (I’m in Indiana, from Ohio) love having visitors! 🤷♀️😁 I’m an introvert & even I love having them! Of course, I want to clean up the house when they’re coming over, & I don’t usually have any special food to serve them 😅 but I have to throw together SOMETHING, & then we are busy talking forever (I mean I as an introvert & 1 visitor will talk forever, not in a big crowd), also I have chronic mono that makes, say, just vacuuming 1 room wear me out, so by the time they leave I’m exhausted & want to spend the next 24 hrs lying down. 😆
Interesting! Where I'm at on the West Coast, a polite goodbye on the phone is a quick "Mmmm bye". 😆
Starts with "what's going on?"
"Ohhhh, not much! (insert hour of gossip)"
@@gretahoostal8565 Yup!!! Just say "hey, can i get a quick glass of water before i heade out?"
or "Well i know its getting late, next time yall come by....."
The "No Goodbye" on the phone is a movie trope - we absolutely say it.
The "52 States"-thing is because Washington DC an Independent district and Puerto Rico is a US territory - although some people wrongly think both have statehood.
I hope you enjoy your visit!
The only times I have ever heard anyone say the US had 52 states was because they thought we had 50 contiguous states, plus AK and HI.
Agreed, we definitely say goodbye. I never noticed the detail that movies show Americans that way. But, it's not accurate.
The US has more territories besides Puerto Rico. The US Virgin Islands and Guam come to mind. And I have never heard of anyone confusing Washington DC for a state; but I wouldn’t be surprised. In 2008 Barack Obama said at a campaign rally that he’d been to 57 states, but he’s always the smartest man in the room, so it must be fact.
As for phone etiquette, everyone ends a call with something. Bye, So Long, Good Talking With You, etc. Just hanging up would be considered rude or even hostile.
Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands are territories
And technically we only have 46 states, 4 commonwealth, and 1 district and 2 annexed.
I love you and your family, good vibes, I’m in Orange County, California and you guys just seem like all around wholesome great people
Remember, that the U.S.A. is a very large country and what applies in one place may not be the same in another. Don't be afraid to ask for help wherever you are. Generally, people are happy to help. Once it is realized that you are a visitor, people will often go to great lengths to help you.
Also be careful who you ask for help. Stop in a store or gas station first. Not all locals are kind.
@@patricegronwick6692 When my brother-in-law first moved to D.C., his female co-workers told him that if he got confused on the metro, he should "look for a grandma" to help him out. Older women know it all and they are highly unlikely to hurt you.
@@jackiebuchanan3024 Best advice anyone could give. Even the bad grandmas will help you to the best of their ability
@@bedrock30_40 Bad grannies help no one.
@@bullboo1 I have a bad grandma. They're only nice to strangers
We do say goodbye always. If we don't, it means we're angry LOL. A lot of families too will say "I love you" every single time when hanging up, regardless of time or circumstance.
That is so true! If I am taking to my family or closest friends we always say I love you and goodbye at the end of a phone conversation.
As a kid I only spoke to my grandmother in the phone, so as I got older, I'd often tell complete strangers "I love you" out of habit. I always say I love you to family and friends.
Most of the time for people where I live it’s an argument for who says bye last. You see everybody wants the last goodbye and will wait until there is no answer to hang up. See where I’m going?
The reason they don't on TV is that on TV time is always of essence.
Both for the reason of re-affirming their love and because something awful might happen to anyone at any time. Where they may not have had the opportunity to say it. But there are some people where the expression of love in that manner is unnatural to them for whatever reason. While they may not say it or say it often, it doesn't mean they don't love someone.
Traveling in the US, whether far or just to the corner, is typically measured in time. Examples include "I'm 25 minutes away" or "The beach is 2 hours away". I rarely use miles to refer to traveling distance. Mostly time.
The bad side of that is the time is different depending on your location or the time of day I grew up in North Dakota very little traffic travel time could vary depending on how many cops were on the road LOL we did measure in time just like you mentioned but when I got older moved to other parts of the country 10 MI which would take typically 10 minutes or just under in North Dakota would turn into 15 to 20 to 30 to an hour depending on the traffic conditions
@@black69camaro2344
Time becomes relative instead of constant, which is why I always say "about" before estimating my time. From home to work is about 10-15 minutes, and for church I drive about 25-35.
But time is a better logistic measuring tool. 10 miles in one direction from somewhere may take 15 minutes, but in the opposite direction from the same spot may take 45 minutes. Traffic congestion, direct routes, and other factors make the average time a good measure versus just pure distance.
Me, I usually go by time but my husband, he’ll likely give you the distance in miles.
In cities for sure, but rural areas are hit or miss. Where I live it's almost always in miles.
Don't worry @ allllll... Ull be FINE!!... Just remember that if food is brought to Ur table.. thn u gotta TIP...and NO EXTRA TAX ON TIPS... U guys are doing great so far... God speed and Be Safe... ✌️❤️😎👍👍🇺🇸
He forgot to mention how huge our portion sizes are! Don't be afraid to ask for a box or a to-go container because we fully expect you to take home any food you don't eat !!!!
Or 1 meal for 2 ppl
@@seedsoflove7684 , my wife and I will split a plate when we go out to reduce cost and avoid having to take leftovers home.
Excellent point! Not every dining establishment has huge portions, but many do and it is absolutely normal and expected that you would ask for it to go box or a "doggy bag".
Omg your NOT KIDDING! years I ago I was driving to the Florida Keys from Canada for the 3rd time. I have stomach/intestinal problems so have to be careful what I eat when Im not at home. Worse when I'm on a 2 day driving trip! We stopped in Cracker Barrel since Canada doesn't have them. It was Kentucky or Tennessee. I ordered roast beef dinner, but instead of veggies or salad(cause or car ride) I asked for double mashed potatoes. I weighed about 110 pounds(5ft6inches tall). The waitress- this amazing southern accented women with HUGE HAIR said "Honey, I know ya'll ain't from these parts but I best tell you, we don't have portion sizes like other countries. Ma'am, I know you ain't fixin' to eat a double portion of our mashed. Your such a teeny tiny lil' thing. We'd have to carry you out to yer car. So I will have them put the 2nd order of mashed in a take away container ok?"
She wasn't kidding. Holy crap there is NO need for that much food in one meal. That plate had SO MUCH roast beef and mashed on it. American wait staff must have bionic arms...or Carpal tunnel syndrome.
Oh.. your pop/soda sizes are INSANE too..and usually free refills. I couldn't even drink half of an iced tea(sweet tea). Are these reasons they say (via Google) "The U.S. is the unhealthiest country globally because of its high obesity rate and the heart disease, diabetes, and other illnesses that go along with it. America has one of the highest rates of obesity in the world-and it's not just adults who are getting heavier and heavier: childhood obesity is also a problem."
About tipping: it’s not just wait staff who you tip. You should also tip anyone who cuts or styles your hair, anyone (taxi/Uber/Lyft) who drives you to a destination, anyone who handles your luggage, housekeeping staff in hotels and motels, and anyone who gives you a manicure and/or pedicure. Basically, tipping is embedded in our culture and is expected, especially whenever someone performs a personal type of task for you.✨ Waving for a taxi is only in New York City. Nowhere else has them roaming around looking for passengers. Everywhere else, you have to call for a ride.✨ We here in the USA do say goodbye (or its equivalent) at the end of our phone calls.
Yeah and now even small shops just selling over the counter are prompting for tips. However, I don’t feel the need to tip someone just for ringing me up. It’s getting crazy.
Great points but the hailing of taxis is also something I’ve done in Chicago, and many wait for fares outside hotels and attractions. And you’re better off in some big cities bringing enough money for cabs since driving and parking is pretty stressful.
@@lethalwolf7455, you’re right. Does any other big city have roaming taxis which can be waved over while you’re just walking down the street? The taxis waiting at hotels and other venues, like stadiums, are different, in my opinion, because they are obviously there for the people who are visiting and aren’t driving or are exiting an event. It’s not the same.
i dont tip
@@jaelynn7575, I agree. If I need fresh towels, etc. I ask for them. However, I always tip when they deliver the items - a dollar or two - and leave a tip when I check out, for those cleaning the room after me.
My mom was born and lived in the U.S. until she was 12. She then moved to a tiny town in Canada (in the early 60's) and her social studies teacher told them there were 52 states. Mom corrected her, and the teacher argued that there had been 50 and then they added Hawaii and Alaska. Teacher finally went into the hall to consult the encyclopedia, came back in the room, and never mentioned it again. 😂
It is 50 lol but people confuse it for a deck of cards still haven't figured out why and I'm American lol
@@helenslay4538 Because poker is more popular than geography. 😭
@@juliehurdman2257 sounds about right 😂
I think they may think Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands are states. They aren't but they are commonwealths of the United States.
@@johannabrianna3231 Guam is also possible.
Howdy! (you should do a short on all of our greetings too) For D-man, there are actually 137 islands of Hawaii with 8 main islands. The State of Hawaii stretches over 1500 miles from the island of Hawaii in the south to Kure Atoll in the Northwest. Fun fact, all the islands were born from the same "hot spot" as the tectonic plate passes over it . This is why younger islands are larger because they have not had the erosion of time (rain/waves/wind). They are an underwater mountain chain taller than the Himalayas when measured from the sea floor up! Some day the Big Island will be small and the older islands will disappear as new islands are born...tell your dad you want to come to the Indy 500 someday, it's not just a one day event and you can camp there as well! I'm hooked on this channel after just 3 days🏎🏁
In the USA you will find most people extend kindness and curiosity towards foreigners. It is genuine. Your accent will give you away. The US is very large and for many Americans it may be years between a conversation with foreign visitors. I enjoy your reaction videos and you are a handsome family.
I agree. Everytime I get to meet a foreigner it's a cool experience. Just learning about them and even helping them out if they need it is very enjoyable.
I feel like the impressions the people make towards foreigners creates a lasting memory of that country. For example, when I went to Greece after my trip to Italy, I was feeling like Greece didn't have as much to offer than Italy. However, when we went to Athens, I was searching for what I wanted to eat and couldn't really decide. I ended up going with a street vendor selling corn on the cob and I believe roasted hazelnuts. I went to order just some corn and as he was getting my order, I was kind of eyeing the hazelnuts because I was trying to decide if I wanted to order some just to try them. I believe the vendor saw me looking at them and gave me a couple for free. It's been like a little over 5 years since and I still remember that experience. That guy, who I'll likely never meet again, made my trip to Greece for me.
That guy is the reason why I enjoy helping foreigners even with seemingly minor things because I know that that can give them a lasting memory of their trip
Not me. I've had my fill of foreigners. Bloody tourists. I live along this transcontinental dirt bike trail that runs from the Atlantic to the Pacific, every summer we get foreigners coming into town every few days and every few nights I have to chase them off our private parking lot. It's for paying costumers only.
That’s mostly true if you look and sound European or in this case/video Australian or New Zealander. If you look and sound latino, asian, african etc they will look at you weird, almost hateful way. At least in rural areas in deep U.S. Not in big cities. That’s just my personal experience
Most people except most people from the West and Northeast lol
I live in the South and everytime I've went to the Northeast and West coast, people are rude, loud, and abnoxious lol
I went to Germany recently as an exchange student and I met my host's friends. One of them said her parents didn't want her to be a part of the program because us Americans are mean. I immediately asked if he went to a major city like NYC or Chicago and she said yes. But then she said that us exchange students that she met were really kind. So it's really huge to keep in mind that not every American is the same. There's no typical American, only traits that groups of Americans will most likely exhibit, such as an attitude or gesture typical to a certain region.
It's also great to know that parts of America value different things and it's reflected in the way we treat others. People in cities tend to value their time above all else so they GET. TO. THE. POINT. and don't spend time on being as gentle and social as other parts of the country like the midwest or the south. So for example if you're getting into a cab in NYC they're going to say "Where to?" before your butt is on the seat. No greeting, no what's your name, we get to the point, we don't want this trip to be any more money then it already is vs. other parts of the country if you took an Uber they would have asked about your whole life story and told you theirs before you reached your destination. It just depends on the place you are in the states.
We get told the Midwest People are The Friendliest! Esp. if we are in Red shirts That say GO BIG RED! Our College Football Team! lol!
@@PaulaakaPaben Yeah I was surprised reading in other comments that other parts of the country aren't as nice as the midwest. The midwest is must mega nice apparently. I guess it is but I wouldn't know since i've lived there my entire life.
The funny part is that chances are the rude new Yorker may have been from Germany or anywhere else but the US 😂
In California we tend to end a phone conversation with "late" see ya or talk to you soon
In the Midwest, it's almost considered rude to not say hi to a passersby, or to hold a door for someone when they're right behind you, or to say thanks etc. Being very polite is the normal and although not mandatory, it could get you a cold shoulder later on, especially in smaller towns.
Ya or you can do the ol hat tip or head nod which is basically saying hi.
Very true! I'm an introvert but it's almost like habit for me to at least smile at someone nicely as they walk by. 😅
Facts this is facts
We are also huggers in the MW
Come to Nebraska. We like to touch, say hi, we talk to everyone! We love people!
This was an interesting video to watch and I’m from USA! Olympia, Washington. All of these tips are fantastic and I can see how they would really help visitors.
Also as someone else said, if you are driving in the US, be mindful of the fuel level in your car and keep topping off the tank. The US is big and sometimes it can be very far until the next available fuel stop, especially in the western half of the US. You do not want to be stuck at 11 p.m. in the middle of Wyoming on the side of the road because of poor fuel planning. Another point is don't underestimate the weather here. The US weather varies tremendously from region to region and can swing wildly in a single day. Pay attention to weather forecasts each day and be prepared. Here in Montana, we can swing from 100F in some valley areas down to 35F up in Mountain areas on the same day. Always carry water and stay on main roads. Just because a map shows a road, don't assume it's appropriate for normal travel.
When traveling I would never let your gas tank get less than half, and keep an extra gas can with you just in case.
You are so right. This latest blizzard shows that!
And do not trust your gps/Google maps 100%.... get an atlas... just in case. Ilearnex about the gas when moving home to Washington state from Kentucky... driving I90 gas stations were anywhere from 100-200 miles apart... especially in the Dakotas and Montana....
The misconception of the 52 states probably comes from the U.S. territories, Guam, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands, these are sometimes viewed as basically being a state by foreigners, even though most citizens don't feel so and the government hasn't acknowledged it.
I think it’s mostly Puerto Rico and Washington DC that people confuse as the other two
I’m pretty sure they think that there’s 50 in the mainland, and hawaii and alaska count as an extra 2
That’s what I thought with Guam 🇬🇺 Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 US Virgin Islands 🇻🇮 but I always assumed it was all three or I missed the memo
I thought he just meant people thought the continental US was 50 states, and that AK and HI were separate, which is obviously just wrong.
We're too lazy to change the flag. 50 is a good round number.
As someone who’s lived in New York City, Minnesota, Florida, and Alaska, this country is more diverse and expansive than one trip could encompass for you. I’d say 3 trips at least, because each one will be vastly different depending on where you go. One trip you’re takin body shots of rum on Coco beach, next trip you’re 4 IPA’s deep on a snowmachine in the HooDoo mountains.
Florida🤙 woop woop
Not everyone is an alcoholic like you
Like you, I've lived all around the country, and yes unless your trip is 3 years long, definitely pick a region. My mom's best friend is an American who lives in Scotland, and he told us once that someone there told him they were going to America. They said they were flying in to New York and thought they'd spend the first morning seeing the Statue of Liberty and then drive out in the afternoon and see the Grand Canyon. He just said, "Good luck with that." To the NZ family: you can just Google why that is very, very wrong.
Well said!
I'm from San Diego, California, and we say "bye" here before hanging up the phone. Customer service people will usually wait for the customer to initiate the "bye" before they will say it.
As someone who was born and raised in the rural south east US and moved to the north east a few year's ago, i can honestly say there are some extreme culture differences throughout the US.
I moved from Texas to Wisconsin. It was like moving to a foreign country. People couldn't understand my accent and I couldn't understand theirs. I was frequently surprised by what food was brought to the table in restaurants; I was sure I knew what a steak sandwich was, for example.
My in laws are Midwest - phew! There’s almost a language barrier! But I love ‘em anyways ❤
Yep....people in the south are warm, welcoming and friendly. Ppl north are rude and just nasty!!!!
I went from the northeast to the south lol I know the difference you speak of 😂
@@ediebegoniaa steak sandwich?
I feel the phone etiquette thing is mostly on TV shows and movies where they don't say goodbye before hanging up. I don't know a single person who doesn't say goodbye. Even when you call the doctor's office or customer service, we all say goodbye.
spot on, croissant :)
I've created so many awkward 3 second silences waiting for the other person to say goodbye first lmao it's in our genetics at this point hahaha
My granddad never says goodbye on the phone, he just hangs up when hes done with the conversation. its so annoying
my daughter never says bye but she’s an asshole.
When I call a business it seems like the "thanks, have a good day" and "thanks, you as well." Goes on too long. Maybe I'm just awkward, but I think it usually gets said more than once.
I don't think I say "goodbye" to anyone. I say "love you, bye" to my mom and "okay, bye" to my husband.
The thing about different cultures is *real.* Two hours in any direction and you'll be met with a whole new set of people, culture, slang, and sometimes even different accents
So true! I moved 90 minutes from where I grew up and there are many stark differences!
Mhmm, and it doesn't respect State borders. In a single state you can have many many different cultures.
Fugget Aboudit!
In texas 2 hours doesn’t get you anywhere
Heck, In Philadelphia, you can travel 2 blocks in any direction and experience this. LOL!
This is so exciting for you guys! I hope you enjoyed your trip. I live in the Pacific Northwest (Oregon/Washington) area of the U.S. but it’s true the culture, terrain and food is so different state to state!
Couple things I’d add is don’t stress out too much about the tips. I typically tip at sit down restaurants but have friends who refuse to and it’s no big deal. I agree it’s a VERY odd concept that I wish we didn’t do.
Most Americans (except in large cities) are very proud of where there are from and friendly. Most of us are excited to share and also learn from you!
Another thing to update this video on, when you ask someone how far something is, they probably won’t say it’s so and so miles, they will most likely says it’s 5 or 10 minutes. We calculate a lot of driving by time, not miles, at least in the Midwest. What’s nice about this is if it’s far away or depending on the time of day, most people will add time due to traffic or weather conditions.
Yeah...by driving and walking. In NYC it would be _"about 3 blocks"_ or _"about a 10 minute walk"_ .
It’s really funny to see this explained, because I really am out here just being a GPS for free. I’ll add time for the red light that has bad timing and all, damn.
@@cactuscadaver It's really funny the unconscious things we are used to doing.
I agree, Almost never will someone say “it’s 5 miles.” It’s almost always “Oh from here to the ice cream place? 15-20 minute drive.”
Especially the big cities!
The part about us Americans genuinely wanting to help visitors have a good time is absolutely true. Many people also like to pay for their guests so when you come to America and a fan wants to pay for your dinner, it's best to just let it happen because we won't let it go 😂
Whenever you guys do come, you will have plenty of us wanting to help give you the greatest experience possible
Except for NY City
They probably won't, but I wish they'd come to Montana. We don't even have sales tax.
@@justchillin4065 touché
@@TheMartianGeek sounds like I'm moving to Montana
@@TheMetalstepp You also don't have vehicle inspections here either. lol Was a shock to me when I moved here a few years ago. Went to get my new registration and asked about getting my vehicle inspection and the county clerk didn't even know what a vehicle inspection was. haha Saves me about a hundred bucks a year not having one, which I needed in other states I lived in.
I’m from the Midwest of the US and we are known for saying goodbye then continuing the conversation because we had forgotten something. So we do say goodbye. For the health care thing, most places will have medical express places which can provide smaller urgent health care versus going to the emergency room. It can save some money. If it is a real emergency then absolutely head straight to the emergency room. I hope this helps!
LOL so right on the Midwest goodbye. I know I average 3 goodbyes before I make it out the door.
"It's getting late we should think about get going"
This gets the ball rolling
30 minutes later stands up and heads towards coat and purse
"Well, I am gonna head out, the cat is probably starting to get hungry""
Another 30 to 40 minutes I have made my way to the door.
"This was lovely, next time at my place or there is that new ..."
Finally out the door and a slow 20 minute walk to the car.
"Take care now."
A big hug and 5 minutes to get inside the care.
Then the final wave as you drive off
In Wisconsin, we just slap our knee, say ope or welp, then take off at that point. That's when you know someone is about to leave.
And while an "urgent care" can deny you care without cash or insurance, a certified emergency room can't turn you away. Doing so can lose them their certification. They will bill you, send it to collections, and hound you until you die, but the "can't squeeze blood from turnip" comes into play. One of the reasons they are so expensive.
I'm from PA. We still say bye or see you later while hanging up the phone. The only times I don't say bye is because I see the person I'm talking to coming towards me or they hang up on me. I work taking peoples orders out to them, if they call, I say bye after the call, then I say have a nice day/night when I'm done putting their order in their car. My co-workers do the same.
The most meaningful conversations with my dad happen in the time we walk out of his house and we shut the door of the vehicle to drive away. These CAN be five minutes but more often stretch into a hour or even more. It seems like he’s trying to build up the courage to say something important but struggles with. Like the one time telling me how much he appreciates my visits and dreads my siblings (I take them to dinner or cook at their house. The siblings want them to cook and cleanup for them as well as take them out (and the sibs and fams CAN NOT ONLY EAT, BUT THEY CAN RUN UP A BAR BILL THAT COULD CHOKE A HORSE!)
If you ever visit Detroit, one place you MUST visit is the DIA (Detroit Institute of Arts). Your minds will be blown. I recommend spending an entire day there, as you could spend several days there, and probably still not see everything. It’s one of the best art museums in the world.
Just keep in mind that the United States is so large and so diverse that visiting the West Coast versus the East Coast is almost like visiting another country. Different mentality‘s, different accents sometimes. Different rules on what to do what not to do. When I moved from the East Coast, down south to Los Angeles, I felt like I was on another continent. Even I had a hard time getting used to it. Call now if you go someplace like New York or Boston, it might be even more of a culture shock. Because those are very specifically different places. Culturally ideology people wise.
*mentalities (plural non-possessive)
mentality's = singular possessive (or a contraction of "mentality is/has")
Apostrophes are for contractions or possessive nouns, not for pluralizing.
To pluralize a noun that ends in -y, drop the -y and add -ies.
@@alvallac2171 you don’t have any friends do you? There’s actually no reason for you to come on here and try to correct somebody’s response, in any way, shape or form.
@@alvallac2171 You are trolling for sure.🙄
I had the same kind of culture shock. I shipped out to the military after high school and had never really been anywhere or exposed to people of such different backgrounds before. Then I was lucky enough to have been stationed in so many different places stateside. Even though some of the places weren't the greatest, I'm grateful for what I learned about the culture and people in this great country.
East and West here are exteme culture shock. My first visit was from north carolina to san diego, completely blew my mind, We took the drive over in a big rig. the most beautiful and serene drive ever.
If I asked someone, "How's it going?" as I'm walking by, and they started telling me about their real problems, you'd best believe I'm turning on my heel and stopping what I'm doing to listen. We all have problems, but we all don't have someone to listen. I can definitely take a few minutes to be there for someone, and I know I'm not the only one!
Same!
Likewise. If I say, "How are you?" I'm asking a real question and am willing to hear the answer.
So rude to just keep walking. They need to be heard. Maybe they have no one else to talk to. You can't solve their problem, but you can at least listen. After all that's how you'd like to be treated.
Me too!!
Exactly. We say "how you doing?" And expect a neutral or positive answer. But if we get a negative answer "I've been really sick." We do stop to listen if we have time. We aren't all stuck in our own little bubble, lol.
I can say that I, as a guy living in South Louisiana, NEVER end a call with out telling the person on the other end of the conversation “bye” or “bye bye” or at least “thank you” if it’s that sort of call. And some of us in the USA are very considerate of others, whereas some are downright thoughtless. Things differ person to person at times.
I’m a hair dresser and we do claim tips on our income tax 😢
I’ve lived in the southeastern part of the USA most of my life. I’m a grandmama…so that tells you that it’s been a long time. When finishing any phone conversation we usually say “bye,” “bye bye,” or “goodbye.” With business calls, it’s usually “thank you, goodbye.” And before ending a phone conversation with close family, such as spouse and adult children…but sometimes also extended relatives…before the “goodbye,” we might say something like “love ya” or “I love you” or “love you (their name) or instead of their name, we might insert the word “ Darlin’, Sweetie, or Honey” and then say “goodbye.” And that’s not all. If we’re not going to see them for awhile, we might add “Take care.” If someone we know were to hang up on us abruptly, without at least saying some form of goodbye, we might wonder if they’re mad at us! 😙
I'm a New Englander and I have friends and family who don't say goodbye, see ya, or some official conversation ender on the phone. It seems rude to me honestly. Maybe it is a generational thing.
We were always taught to say "love you see you later" if it was in person and if we were talking on the phone it was always "love you talk to you later". My daddy said "saying goodbye" or "bye" was like saying you will never see them again .
@@kimalexander8378 same here about the family or even close friends, especially children and grandchildren, and my parents. Always tell them that I love them before I hang up. I have several grown grandkids too..
Whenever you guys visit, just be sure to bring your smiles & all will be great. You'll love it here, no matter what part(s) of the country you visit. We love you guys!
As an American this is super interesting! There's stuff I didn't realize would be weird for other cultures.
Same! Which is kinda funny since it’s our own culture. 😂
What country in America do you live in? I’ll love to know more about your culture.
@@zachfg970 Do you mean state???
@finn2188 America is a country filled with states
@finn2188 Do your research babes
In the US, when someone says “How are you?” the proper response is, “I’m well. How are you?” Doesn’t matter how you are doing, just say it and keep going. Usually they will throw back a ‘good’.
In Texas:
"How are you doing today?"
"Great! How are you doing?"
"Very well, thank you. Have a good day."
"You too."
This is a very common interaction in NZ too
It’s definitely not a conversation starter in passing. It’s just a quick check in. If they are obviously trying to engage in a conversation they’ll respond with more.
I just say, "Good, Thanks." It's polite and ends the greeting(s) quickly.
My dad has been an American all of his life and he will answer people honestly every time. I'm like, just lie like everyone else! They don't really want to know! He's really cute,lol.
Please don't forget what side of the road we drive on!! My first ever car accident was a tourist from New Zealand (we live in a small town but it's home to the Luray Caverns and we get a LOT of tourism) pulled out onto a divided highway and looked thw wrong way, didn’t see me coming and pulled out right into me. I didn't even have my driver's license yet, I had a learner's permit, and that was TERRIFYING. So. Just remember what side of the road to look at, or just look both ways lol!
Had some friends visting from europe and they wanted to know why we couldn’t go to Los Angeles for the day (i lived an hour outside of San Francisco). I told them it was a 500+ mile drive, ONE WAY. They didn’t believe me, rented a car and made the trip on their own. They were completely shell shocked when they returned 2 days later.
Yes, distance between places is something people who aren't from North America can't quite grasp.
My cousins from Germany wanted to use my family home in Southwestern Ontario as a base camp for their canoe trip in the Yukon. 😂 They were quite shocked when we told them that it wasn't possible.
People in the US don’t even know how big California is. I live in San Diego and people constantly asking me if I am going to drive to say San Francisco for whatever. I’m like, driving to LA is hard enough in a day trip
@@pb4ugo08OH I feel you 🤣!! I'm from San Fernando Valley and I understand how long a drive it is. It is amazing how people don't understand that 😅
Yes, my daughter had South Korean friends come out to Colorado from the southeast area of US. They thought they'd see all of the state in 3 days. She couldn't get it through to them how far about everything is. Then they actually came here and it all made sense.
We drove highway 1 when we were there a few years ago. That's a great drive to do even if they weren't expecting quite the distance
I would add that if you are driving to pick up food from a restaurant or if you order at the counter with no waitress, then you do not have to leave a tip but sometimes people leave $1-$2 in the tip jar. In addition to restaurants like Mark says, do not just go to the fast food places. Asking locals their suggestions on "local mom and pop owned restaurants" will help you find some of the best food in the USA.
Words to the Wise!
And some of the best foods are @ the food trucks or”roach coach”.
another term to use when looking for the mom and pop places is "Hole in the wall"
And when in the Midwest as for a good "Supper Club"
*ask
People in the US are friendly and helpful for the most part. If you have questions, need directions, or are not sure about something, just ask someone. We tag strangers with questions all the time. No one will take offense. And if someone doesn't want to help, just ask the next person. :)
So correct
As an American, I agree. I always try to help people with directions if they ask me.
If I see someone with a map looking confused, I always ask if I can help :-)
He really gave good advice. As far as the 50 states, some think mainland has 50 states PLUS Alaska and Hawaii... Only 48 on continental U.S
Once you move to the US, tipping becomes reflexive, even if you travel to Europe or Asia. It’s happened many times when I’ve been overseas, but the thing I recall most was a bartender in a hotel in Alice Springs (Australia). He was a nice guy, but somewhat surly with really poor customer service. I tipped him 25% anyway. The next day, when my party arrived in the hotel bar, he rushed over to see what we wanted. The bar was busy, but his service on the second day was beyond impeccable. In the instant, tipping was stunningly effective!
Great example of catching flies with honey!
T.I.P. To insure promptness, it's original meaning.
@@anitarobinson1143well that doesn’t make sense cause the correct word there would be “ensure”
Nadine, the not saying bye on the phone is a movie and TV trope that even drives us crazy. We may not say "good-bye," when hanging up, but we will usually say something like "See you later," or "I'll talk to you later."
usually just "BYE"
Exactly, with family ill said "love ya, bye"... depends who you're talking to, if is a business I say "Thank you for your help, bye"
"alright peace out"
Everyone I know says "later" or something besides bye. Guess it depends on who you are.
Or the dreaded Southern goodbye where you say goodbye, or all right, or I'm heading out, but you keep talking
The best way to view the U.S. is to think of it as 50 separate countries, united. Each state (and sometimes even county) has its own culture, laws, taxes, and due to accents and slang, you can almost say that they have their own language (actually some areas do have their own distinct language - as in the Amish).
To add to Rhonda's comment, some metropolises even have their own CITIES complete with laws; governing sanctions; etiquette and even public SERVICES!!! If you're in the east, it's rare, but out west it isn't uncommon.
Agreed!
Regional cultures would be the best way to describe. State borders doesn't make sense
@Noskpain
Yes they do! A border line is were someone won a war.
There may be some lingering "cultural" and "regional" differences, and definitely
some weather differences, but due to national chains of businesses, computers
and the internet, television, radio, and movies, and just the mobile, constantly
moving nature Americans have always had, it could surprise some foreigners
how, despite the size of the country, similar a typical neighborhood in Atlanta,
Georgia would be to a neighborhood in Portland, Oregon.
Your kids are so smart! I love your family. I always say good bye and "I love you" to all my family and close friends. I am American!.
I really don't know if other cultures say "love you" as part of their good byes as often as Americans do. I once heard my teenage brother say it to a telemarketer. He was so embarrassed!
Also, funny thing from an American: we also often tell you distance in reference of time it takes rather than how far away something actually is. Like 'How far away is X?" "Oh, it's about thirty minutes south.", which I don't know happens anywhere else (haven't been around much)
Agreed. We are always going to tell you how long it is to get there.
Because distance means little when 5 miles one way could take an hour but 20 miles another way could take 20 minutes.
Smoking is hit and miss. Most restaurants and public buildings, smoking is against the law. Curiously it is permitted in casinos in Nevada, but only in the casino part not the hotel or restaurants. Tipping is important. I top around 15% unless we get exceptional service or it is a large party 8 or more people. Don't discuss religion either! He's right about going to regions, but don't think the west coast is a single region. California is one region and Oregon and Washington along with Idaho is the Pacific Northwest and entirely different vibe from California. I think the not saying goodbye is a time thing in movies. Everyone I know say goodbye on the phone or just ' bye. This is pretty accurate but some is regional. Go for mid range hotels/motels if you can, cheap ones can be a nightmare. And sometimes it can be fun to splurge on a single night in an upscale hotel to compare. We travel a lot inside the US and usually go for mid range or mid- high as the beds, linens, carpet are off a better quality and there are nicer amenities. Sometimes locally owned models that seem cheap are actually very nice but not chain motels.
I had some people from the north look at me weird when I told them ‘X’ is 3 hrs away, they cocked their head and looked at me weird and asked again how far away ‘X’ was. We both ended up confused until they asked how many miles, I said I have no idea but I know it’ll take you about 3 hrs to get there.
We totally say goodbye. I would think it would be rude it someone didn't say it or wonder if they were still there? Sounds like New Zealand has a lot of similarities to our culture. Can't wait for you guys to visit! We are very friendly helpful people. I've been to almost every state and never met a rude person.
It’s mixed with goodbyes. I know many who don’t. I personally see this more with men than women in the US - but even then it’s a relative mix.
The goodbye thing is just movies and TV. Everyone almost always says goodbye somehow. It’s not a problem if you don’t, but it will be perceived as cold or overly formal/business-like.
Don’t be surprised if someone wants to hug you in a casual social situation. It won’t happen with everyone, but now and then it might. Don’t do more than a handshake with anyone in a business setting unless you know them very well.
I’d be curious about how blacks (I’m white, so I don’t know for sure) from other countries are greeted by blacks here. It might be like anyone else here, but this Key & Peele comedy sketch shows you it could get complicated. I work with a lot of black people and I’ve seen all of those greetings except where he stops the white woman from hugging him. Again, it’s best to follow the lead of the other person, if you’re comfortable with it, but in the US, you’ll never be doing something wrong by offering a handshake. Even if it is refused for health concerns, the offer will be appreciated.
Here’s the video:
ua-cam.com/video/nopWOC4SRm4/v-deo.html
Came here to say well, your first sentence at least XD
Rudest person ive seen was going through the drive thru at chick filet. The person didnt say "my pleasure"😂
Goodbye yes but some say see you later as they feel that goodbye is so permanent my wife daughter and I do this
50 states (50 stars on the flag), Washington DC is a district, and we have territories. Some of the territories are uninhabited Islands. I think people may end up counting Guam and Puerto Rico as states but they are 2 of the main territories. We have run into this before and it is what some other countries teach their kids that we have 52 or 54 states. Our flag has always had a star for each state which is an easy way for others to tell.
You have a lovely family. I know this was a while ago but I hope you enjoyed the USA.
Here's the answer: "Shoe leather" It's a term in movie production for not showing an unnecessary conclusion, like someone saying goodbye. The movie audience assumes that a goodbye exchange took place between the characters even though it wasn"t seen in the movie. It's like when someone is climbing a flight of stairs in a movie, it's unnecessary to show every step taken because the audience again, assumes that character reaches the top stair. So, to answer you question, we do say goodbye in real life.
A good term to learn is " a hole in the wall" when it comes to food. I'm from the Midwest, and it just means " I don't want chain restaurants or tourist food." it is."This is what locals eat. Be prepared, though, when asked what "type" you need a preference (American, Mexican, southern, Asian, Indian,) list goes on. Pick a flavor or "what you're in the mood for," and most people will point you in the direction of a "hole in the wall "
This. American eateries take a lot from other cultures and fusion food is huge esp. in the larger cities
hole in the wall places are the best places to eat. or drink.
I think the "52 states" thing comes from thinking that the mainland has 50, plus there's Alaska and Hawaii while in reality the 50 includes Alaska and Hawaii.
Another one he forgot to mention is, if you ask how far away something is, don't be surprised if your answer isn't imperial or metric - your answer may be a unit of time! It's not uncommon to ask how far something is and get the response of "oh, about 30 minutes away" (30 minutes being the time it would take to drive there by car)
Doesn’t help that Biden said we had 54 states on National TV. 😂 lol doesn’t surprise me people get confused with how many states we have. I’ve heard so many different things from so many people!
we still have territories, puerto rico and guam and may be some others that they may think are states
I’m wondering if Puerto Rico and DC are the extra 2 they’re thinking about? USA is only 50 states. (I can sing them all alphabetically 😅)
@@Deneerichardson that's what I always thought people assumed when they said 52 states. Although people here aren't always the brightest. I was watching a baseball game between Puerto Rico and Virginia teams and the Virginia crowd was chanting USA. I was like are you chanting for both teams? 😂
We also may not even say a distance but rather the next turn or a road. Like how if you are driving I4, Disney is right after the 528, or how Universal may be the second right after you get off exit 74A
Goodbye depends on the person and the region, just like everywhere else. I always end a conversation with some kind of farewell. I will say I've never really paid much attention to it unless it's someone I care about and I get a bit offended when they don't say it. It's kind of a courtesy thing with many people, especially in the more polite areas of the country like the South.
People in the South are only nice to you if you bend the knee to the Traditionalist Christian Agenda.
Everyone in the USA is going to ask about your accent. It’s because we LOVE it! Your accent is one of our all time favorites. Be prepared because people will ask you about it all the time.
Also we absolutely say goodbye on the phone. They just don’t in movies.
I think the lack of goodbyes on phone calls is just in the movies. Once in a long while, I have encountered someone who doesn’t say goodbye, but it’s rare. Most people here do have some form of a farewell when ending calls.
Thanks. I always notice that too. Seems so rude to just hang up on someone.
@@karendaley3184 Most people I know end a call with "Bye"
Everyone says goodbye differently too depending on relationships. Some people never say goodbye as it has a finality to some. Most are more casual with it just saying 'bye' or 'later' or 'see ya' or 'talk to you later'.... there are loads of valedictions other than 'goodbye' that Americans use. They vary widely with region, generations, cultures, and style. The Hollywood hangup is a distinctly Hollywood thing that no one does even in Hollywood. It just cuts down on lines and therefore space in a script
My mother in law does that to my wife 🤣🤣🤣
Pretty much every phone call I've made has some sort of farewell. And everytime they just hang up I'm like wtf, guess they're having a bad day lol.
Hi'ya fam 😎
Nadine, that's so cool your relationship to Vincent Van Gough. That's s so cool.
For the most part he's spot on. I think the "touching" only refers to strangers, if you meet your fans they will accept a hand shake, fist bump or a hug. I agree that unless you plan to spend three months here, you should probably concentrate on one region. The United States has a few territories (colonies) Puerto Rico American Virgin Islands, American Samoa and Guam come to mind so that might be where the extra States come from.
My guess was the same as yours about why some people think we have 52 "states." Perhaps they're thinking about the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico or something, or else they see a map of the Lower 48 and think that it's the USA, and then think, "Don't forget about Alaska and Hawaii!" at which point it would be 52...if there were 50 states in the Lower 48!
@@philipmcniel4908 that sounds like tourists. Hoping that everyone that's finished grammar school knows there's 50 total. Lol
@@karenmorrisette5027 Yeah, I think would-be tourists to the United States are the people that video was aimed at.
Yes, touching strangers, no. People do like their space, NO close talkers. But you will find people very friendly. Pre-pandemic people would shake your hand or hug you for sure. It's a little less forward now.
My son sqqa+id maybe peoe wqere thinking of DC (District of Columbia) . DC is not a state nor does it belong to any state. It is s federal district. It is our capital.
Don’t be offended if people ask you to say things so they can hear your accent. We just love it! And, yes, I say bye on a phone call. Sometimes they’re already off the call, but … 😂
Americans really do love foreign accents, I love hearing English and Aussie and New Zealanders talk. I’m in Pittsburgh so I like to hear pleasant accents once in a while because our own accent is terrible.
LOL that's what I was coming to say about saying "bye" on the phone. If someone doesn't do it back, it feels rude and I usually think they are rude unless proven otherwise.
To be fair, as an American when I was in Australia and New Zealand, people asked me to say things so they could hear my "American" accent lol so we must all do it as English speaking countries 😂 I never realized I had an "accent" coming from Connecticut which is largely considered "accent-less" in the US. I had a group of Aussies tell me they love the American accent and had me say different words for them for about 10 minutes lol
@@tinasapienza6552😂😂.
@@lmnop6140haven't been but yeah no place is free of an accent lol. It's weird thinking I've got an American west coast accent lol.
As a Californian, I’ll tell you that I always feel like I’m going to another country when I go to another state. They’re all SO DIFFERENT
The sales tax thing is so weird! Working retail, I’ve seen a range of 7.5% to like 13% tax from neighboring cities less than half an hour away! It’s so freakin weird
Even in California alone. I’m from Los Angeles and went to stay at a friend of friend’s ranch in Porterville. Which was only a 2 hour drive & it was nothing but country life compared to the city.
the US is more like a more powerful cohesive EU than it is own country
And y’all have Las Vegas a few hours away, which has some of everything.
True- I have difficulty understanding a lot of people in Georgia & Alabama. Long story short, 1x I somehow I ended up with waffle fries I didn’t know I ordered.
Cute family Have fun while here. If somethings confusing just ask an American, most will really try to help you
One more don't: Don't stay away. We love sharing our country and meeting new people. Please come on over here and have some fun.
Most important: DON'T LEAVE STUFF IN YOUR CAR WHERE PASSERS BY CAN SEE IT!
Especially you're luggage if you are travelling and decide to stop some place before you check into a hotel. Make sure that stuff and anything cool is in the trunk or take it with you.
Now, it's not like every place you go, someone is guaranteed to break into you're car, but where is safe and where is risky is a bit of a local knowledge thing. Still, I've risked it at times in areas where I shouldn't have and nothing happened, but the news reports are also full of stories where people thought they were in a safe neighborhood, only to find out they weren't. Play it safe and get the rental with the biggest trunk space.
I feel like this is just basic life information.
Oh, especially in a town like San Francisco or Seattle. People are hanging out, just waiting for you to leave stuff in your car.
This is pretty much life lessons. Also easier to have an empty car and doors unlocked rather than waking up to a broken window. Just depends where you go
That's just common sense
Yeah sadly the video was made before rental cars really started getting targeted. Now having a rental car alone is being a target 😅
This is the most wholesome channel on UA-cam. I always find my way back when I'm having a bad day, so thank you guys!
Love to hear that, thankyou!! 😀
I always say goodbye. Even with a random secretary etc… “Thank you for all your help, Have a blessed day!”… even if my situation wasn’t resolved. They are all just doing their job!… I’m in South Texas btw! Anywhere west, south and east towards Louisiana… everyone is so nice!!!
Something you'll experience also in the south is when you ask for directions, (at least here in FL), we tend to express distance in measurements of time rather than miles or whatnot. So it'll be like "Hey how far is that restaurant you mentioned?" "Oh about 30 minutes" And anything less than two hours away here is considered local.
Here in SoCal same! How far away is that? Oh about 25 min give or take traffic.
In New England, if your destination is on one of the interstates, we'll generally say 'oh yeah, that's like 3 exits north' because we're such small states :P
Haha here in Louisiana too for sure!
I would venture to say that if it takes more than 30-45 minutes to get there, it's not considered local.
@@JustSomeDude503 My commute to work was a minimum of 45 minutes one way. We used to have a 20 minute drive to get to the closest grocery store before the population in our area doubled.
The US only has 50 states because it doesnt count DC, Guam, Puerto Rico or other areas as states (yet). Hawaii has 8 major islands (137 total) and it is a single state. This was so interesting to watch!
eta- we definitely say goodbye at the end of calls
I was thinking DC and Puerto Rico. Also, it's worth noting to people that Washington D.C. is not in Washington state. I know people that have lived here their whole life and they don't even know that.
@@CrazedPop I didn't know there was a misconception about 52 states, but if there is, it's almost definitely people double-counting Hawaii and Alaska. It would be natural to think: "it's 50 states, plus don't forget Hawaii and Alaska!", but Hawaii and Alaska are already included in the 50.
@@navbravic1355 That's a good point, and sounds pretty plausible to me. They probably aren't familiar with the term "lower 48".
Or maybe they count Michigan as two states since it’s two landmasses that aren’t connected to each other
do you really think each of the Hawaiian islands should be it's own state? Some of them are barely inhabited... Maybe we should make Michigan's UP it's own state while we're at it? Think of the cost of running a state level government & ask if Hawaii really wants or needs to pay that for each major island?
You guys seem like a super nice family. If you come to America, I hope you have a wonderful time!
Tip 1 is more of a northern east coast or big city thing. A handshake is the customary greeting but lots of hugs are happening at intimate social events.
I love how concerned the daughter looks reacting to every single fact
Don’t be alarmed by small talk at the checkout at the grocery store! Folks will talk to each other a bit, it’s considered friendly. :) - maybe it’s a southern thing.
Not in chicago, we will get mad if you waste time. Especially at busy well known resturaunts. You better know what you want when you get to the window
@@ScootsMcPoot I’m
Not talking about not knowing what you want to order… just saying, “hi, how ya doing? How’s your week going?”
Same in the great NW
@@ScootsMcPoot this is true in most major US cities
@@peachykeen7634 that doesn't happen here lmao
The “Don’t touch the Americans” gets me every time. A handshake is enough
Too much if you ask me...some people don't like being touched at all...I don't know where their hands have been & when the last time they washed them was...I don't like pretty much any bodily contact by people I'm not at least somewhat familiar with...& even then I'm not big on it...
Even handshakes are getting rare with younger people
@@colinmarshall6634 if anything I do a sideways fist bump now instead of anything else
@@colinmarshall6634 "I wanna shake your hand! I just wanna shake his hand!"
Because we are zoo animals
You do not have to worry about tax on tips. However, if you tip via debit or credit card there are taxes pulled from the tip. For example if you tip $10 on a bill, the amount the servers actually receive is less than $10 but the amount you pay doesn't change. If you tip with cash then no taxes are taken. This means servers prefer cash to credit tips, but it's totally normal to tip with card just because most people dont carry cash with them.
As an American I have to say pretty much every other person I’ve spoken on the phone with here fights to be the last one to say goodbye😂 Trust me, we’re also very confused why American movies/tv series display so many phone conversations without the characters saying some sort of “goodbye”
This has always been weird for me to see on tv, also! I don’t know anyone who doesn’t say bye before hanging up.
@@zlaree2012 I know right, it makes no sense!
I was so confused when she brought that up lol, that's so foreign to me
Lol, unless you are using some old rotary or home phone. If you're angry forget about saying goodbye just slam that thing down and let'em hear your frustrations on the other end.
It's a regional thing since most movies come out of Los Angeles, many cultural references are from this city and goodbyes are bout 60/40 leaning towards just hanging up. That's on the rarity that someone calls you, people prefer text messages, and there is no cut-off limit, I get text messages from clients at 2am, and it's a never-ending conversation, thus the never goodbye. I love to get text messages that say, Hey, I just emailed you, or other favorite, iPhone people who like all my responses. I don't need a thumbs up to what I just wrote you, I know you saw it, it says "Read"
😢 We do say goodbye on the phone, it depends on who were talking to as to what we say. Friends and family we might say “love ya” or “Talk to you soon” or just “Bye!” It’s kind of rude just to hang up and not say something so people say whatever feels comfortable depending on who you’re talking to. If it’s a business call, like I do customer service from home, I would say something like thank you for using our service, or have a great day. Thanks for the interesting video! And you guys have a great day! Bye!
I think foreigners get that from TV or movies. Nobody says goodbye on TV.
I would actually be offended if someone didn't tell me "bye" on the phone.
Good, glad you said this. Although saying she sees this in movies explained a lot. Typical Hollywood (Hollyweird).
I've got a longtime "friend" (I use this term loosely) who never says goodbye on the phone. She just abruptly hangs up every time. It is so discourteous and incredibly rude. I've known this chick for 25 years, we were roommates for a while after high school, our kids are friends. We used to be close, but not for the last 7-8 years.... and even now when she randomly pops up it's still shocking how rude she is on the phone (and how boorish and ill mannered she is in general!!).
Something else about eating out in America that I don't see discussed: we don't call over a waiter/waitress when we're ready to order. Just wait until they come over. I know there are a few cultures that will yell or raise their hand or whatnot when they're ready, but here in the USA, that is considered very rude.
edit: Oh, if you're planning to visit soonish, basically the northern half of the USA is going to be cold, unless snow and misery are what you're after. XD In Minnesota right now, it is currently ~21F or -6C on average, and that's before the wind kicks in. Check the local temps of wherever you're going to visit to make sure you have clothing to suit the weather.
It was a high of 80 down here in Texas today and suppose to be a low of 30 next week. ALWAYS CHECK THE WEEKLY FORECAST FOR WHERE YOURE PLANNING TO GO!!!! A drive of just a couple hours can change the weather! Houston the high for today is 82, Dallas is 75.
@@Neongummybearss And here in Oklahoma it can change in the blink of an eye. We were working on an airfield in Wilburton, eastern central part of the state, not far from the Arkansas border and by Beaver's Bend. We left the hotel room and it was clear and sunny, drove the 8 miles or so out to the airport, got our tools out of the truck and in 5 minutes the clouds rolled in and it poured until 2 PM. Actually cost us 5 days because we ended up with 4 foot of water between the runway and taxiway, and the same on the other side of the runway, both of them the entire length. Those were the low spots so even if we had enough pumps and hose, we had nowhere to pump it too. But our(ours and yours) ice storms are no joke.
@@andyfletcher3561 oh yah there’s a reason a lot of the south don’t really listen to the weather it’s more of a what we think it’s gonna be like instead of what it will be. The forecast for the day could be no rain, but it comes out of absolutely nowhere. And I hate the ice storms it’s not cold enough to freeze anything but it’s cold enough to stick to the roads and create black ice everywhere.
I live down in the southwest corner of Colorado it will definitely get below freezing at night and during the day it can be lower than 50F.
Right now I've got a layer of ❄️ snow.
@@NeongummybearssMy first winter 2001-2002. Coming from the west coast that was my first ice storm, and I still have a problem fully wrapping my head around them. We were on a co-op power and it was 6 weeks before we had some bit of power each day. On a well so no water. They put a big generator at the transformer station but it would only run about 8 hours then a couple of days until they refueled them. 1k feet down the road and they were on OG&E and had their power restored in 4-5 days.
Are you kidding me? I’m 50 years old. I’m an American. We always say goodbye unless we’re mad and we hang up on somebody! Also, I know this guy’s thing. Yes people want from other Americans, but happy to help people from other countries are visiting and need help or have questions. We are extremely friendly country. Well, to our guests anyway! Hope you make it here one day. I live in Ga, we have lots to see and do here, and the food is phenomenal! Bye ya’ll!
I'm from the South and we definitely say goodbye before hanging up the phone. With family and close friends, it's usually, "Okay, love you, bye." Enjoy your trip to the U.S.
The US is full of 50 different countries/cultures. That's how I see it. I'm from Florida and I recently took a trip to NYC for the first time. Insane cultural shock/difference.
True, as a New Englander even the difference between RI and Mass is noticeable
This is probably the best way to explain it, although it’s not exactly true. We were a confederation once under the Articles of Confederation and we almost didn’t survive.
Now, that’s not to say I wouldn’t explain it like that because that’s pretty much how it is.
10 -15% depending on the service, sometimes 20 depending on service.
Didn’t fall off the turnip truck yesterday.
I’m American and I hate when people don’t say goodbye on the phone 😂 I only know a couple people who don’t lol. I liked that video, he had some good points. I hope you come here one day! America is a beautiful country, our State and National Parks are absolutely gorgeous. So much to see, truly.
Yep. I worked in customer service where I just answered phones for food orders and I still said "bye, have a nice night!" Because it is so rude not to.
Right! So rude! I can die tomorrow an you dont even care
One major don't is not to stare or make faces when looking at people 😂😂 everyone in America is different and you'll get a range of different personalities so don't make one bad/good experience make you think that is everyone. And 2 make sure you go and try all different foods from soul, Mexican, Asian and more! There's so much authentic foods from different areas not just hotdogs, burgers and pizza so be sure do expand your pallet when you're here!
Yeah don't eyeball people or they take it as aggression.
@@bookmouse2719 yeah especially in the areas that aren't upscale
I live in Arizona. The temperatures here this summer were 115°F every day. Please be aware of this when deciding outdoor activity. It is so sad when I hear about foreigners/visitors dying because they went hiking in these temps.
And yes this is a vast country. Enjoy it. We love people to come visit.
Great video.
I work right by Camelback Mountain. See so many helicopters doing rescues in the spring because of this.
Excellent advice, especially for the Grand Canyon. I live in Flagstaff, Arizona. Maximum temps in the summer here are around 32˚ C but usually closer to 20 or 25˚ during the day and 10˚ at night. Also, the area around Flagstaff is much more beautiful for hiking.
I don't know how you guys are making it through. I really feel for you guys
My friends in Phoenix all have Air Conditioning and try to limit outside time during the daytime. We don't have or need air conditioning.@@craigcohen3682
I live in Phoenix as well. The 'but it's a dry heat' thing is real. My family went to San Diego last month. 30 degrees cooler, but the humidity made it feel worse than Phoenix 115.
Hope tthat you have a great time. I'm in the North Central Plains states but, understand that we arent high on the visit list. Hope that y'all have a great time.