So, you’ve booked your ticket to the United States—congratulations! Whether you’re coming for study, work, or adventure, you’re about to experience one of the world’s most dynamic cultures. And you’re in good company — international travelers are expected to reach 85 million in 2025 alone! Learning about American culture before you arrive will help you have a better trip.
This guide offers practical insights into today’s America—where casual greetings mix with complex etiquette, regional differences create multiple “Americas” within one nation, and where knowing when to tip, how to navigate personal space, and which topics to avoid can make all the difference in your journey. Consider this your cultural compass as you prepare for your American adventure.
Social etiquette and norms
Every country has different social rules, and America is no exception. The customs might feel different from your home country, but most are easy to learn. Having a basic understanding will help you feel more comfortable and connect better with locals during your visit.
Greetings and conversation
Americans are known for being friendly and even greet strangers when walking on streets, in elevators, or waiting in lines. (Of course, it also depends on what area of the U.S. you’re in, which we’ll get into a little bit later.) The typical greeting between people who just met is a handshake, though younger Americans may offer a fist bump or a casual wave. Hugs are generally reserved for people you know well, but it’s ok to copy the gesture extended to you depending on your level of comfort.
People in America tend to be informal in their interactions, often calling people by their first names even in professional settings. However, it is still polite to use titles for those older than you like “Mr.”, “Mrs.”, “Ms.”, or “Dr.” until invited to use their first name.
Personal space and physical contact
Americans typically keep a larger distance between them compared to many other cultures, which might make them appear less warm to visitors from cultures comfortable with closer physical closeness. Stand about one arm’s length away (approximately 2-3 feet) when speaking with someone you don’t know well. Of course, this may not be possible in more crowded urban areas.
Punctuality and time
Americans generally value punctuality. Being on time for business meetings, appointments, and formal social gatherings is expected. For casual social events among friends, arriving 5-15 minutes late is generally acceptable, but it’s best to communicate if you’ll be very late.
Dress code
Americans tend to dress more casually than people in many other countries. Students often wear casual clothing like jeans and t-shirts to school, and many workplaces have relaxed dress codes. You may be surprised to see people wearing athletic clothing or even pajamas in public spaces like grocery stores. However, there are still contexts where formal attire is expected, such as upscale restaurants, formal events, job interviews, and religious services.
Communication style and language
American communication tends to be relatively direct, though often cushioned with positivity. “No problem,” “sounds good,” and “awesome” are common affirmative responses you’ll hear frequently. Americans have a habit of asking “How are you?” as a greeting without expecting a detailed answer, which can confuse visitors from different cultures. A brief “Good, thanks! And you?” is the expected response.
Small talk
It’s common for Americans to participate in what is called “small talk” where you make conversation with strangers or those you don’t know well about non-controversial topics, such as the weather, sports, popular television shows, hobbies and interests, travel experiences, weekend plans, and local events. While waiting at a bus stop, in line at a store, or in an elevator, don’t be surprised if a stranger says something to you about the game last night or makes a joke about the long line you’re both in. Small talk is supposed to be harmless, and you are not required to carry on a long conversation. It’s best to feel out each situation and trust your intuition.
Speaking up
In general and in the workplace, Americans are known for speaking up and going after what they want. Particularly in a work setting, you may be surprised to see that Americans are not afraid to voice their ideas or ask questions. While your supervisor should always be treated with respect, your employer likely prefers that you ask for clarification if you need it. In fact, being assertive and proactive in the workplace will often make you look more confident and engaged.
Using respectful language
In America, people care about using respectful language that won’t offend a group of people. This is called “political correctness.” For example, it’s important to say “person with a disability” instead of “disabled person.” It’s also good to make an effort to learn a person’s pronouns. Some prefer “he/him,” “she/her,” or “they/them.” If you’re not sure, it’s okay to ask politely: “What pronouns do you use?”
Don’t worry if you use the wrong word sometimes. With so much variety in the U.S., even native-English speakers don’t get it right all the time. You can always ask someone: “What’s the best way to say this?” And of course if someone corrects you, respond kindly and honor their request.
Different parts of America have different rules about language, but being kind and respectful works everywhere. Americans appreciate when you try to be respectful, even if your English isn’t perfect.
Cuisine and dining customs
American cuisine today reflects the nation’s diverse cultural heritage and continues to evolve through innovation, influences from around the world, and changing customer priorities. Over the years, there is more awareness around environmental and health concerns, though classic American staples still include burgers, hot dogs, apple pie, and regional specialties.
American dining also means experiencing larger-than-average portion sizes, a strong tipping culture (15-20% expected), and a blend of fast-food convenience alongside food that comes fresh from farms.
Typical meal schedule
Most Americans eat three meals a day: a breakfast that might include cold cereal, toast, or eggs; a light lunch often eaten “on-the-go” between 12-2pm; and dinner (sometimes called “supper”), the largest meal, typically eaten between 5:30-7:00pm.
Portion size and substitutes
American restaurants typically serve larger portions than many international visitors expect. It’s perfectly acceptable to request a “to-go box” or “doggy bag” to take leftovers home. Restaurants have also become increasingly aware of dietary needs, and you can often request vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free substitutes — especially in more urban areas.
Paying the bill
When dining out with Americans, it’s common for everyone to pay for their own meal (known as “going Dutch”) or to split the bill equally among everyone eating. The Splitwise app is a great tool for divvying up expenses between friends during your travels, whether it’s money spent on food or otherwise. Unlike in some cultures where the host or eldest person is expected to pay, Americans often prefer to maintain financial independence even in social settings.
Strong tripping culture
One of the most important and expected aspects of dining etiquette in America is tipping — typically 15-20% of the pre-tax bill. Some people find it easier to calculate the tip amount by doubling the tax. Not only is tipping a crucial sign of respect for servers, they typically receive lower wages and rely on tips as a big part of their income.
Convenience plus quality
People in the U.S. like things that are quick and personal, and this shows in how they eat. Many busy Americans use meal kit services like HelloFresh and Blue Apron. These companies send you ingredients and recipes so you can cook at home without going to the grocery store.
You’ll also see many people using food delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats to order restaurant food to their homes. More restaurants now use eco-friendly packaging and local ingredients.
This mix of convenience, personal choice, and technology shows important American values. Americans like things that save time and let them choose exactly what they want. You’ll see this everywhere during your visit to America.
Helpful tips for daily life
Beyond social customs, there are practical things you need to know to navigate daily life in America smoothly. These tips will help you get around, stay safe, and handle everyday situations during your visit.
Transportation
America has a huge car culture in most places except major cities. Depending on where you’re staying, you may be surprised by America’s lack of public transportation and your need to take taxis or rideshares upon arrival. Plan accordingly by downloading rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft before you arrive, or consider renting a car if you’ll be exploring beyond big cities.
Common laws and safety tips
There are a few basic laws in America you should be aware of since they might be quite different from what you’re used to. The drinking age is 21 throughout the U.S. and is strictly enforced. Smoking laws vary by state and city, but smoking is not allowed in most indoor public places. Always carry some form of identification. When driving, always wear your seatbelt, avoid unnecessary horn honking, never text while driving, and remember to stop for school buses with extended stop signs.
Technology and connectivity
Free Wi-Fi is widely available in cafes, hotels, and many public spaces. Most Americans use smartphones for navigation, social connections, and payments. Consider getting a local SIM card or an international data plan for your stay.
Healthcare
The U.S. healthcare system is primarily private and can be very expensive. Check out these affordable options for international students. Travel insurance with medical coverage is highly recommended. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are common and sell over-the-counter medications.
How American Culture is Changing
American culture is changing and has changed a lot in recent years, from social norms and communication styles to payment systems and lifestyle attitudes.
Mix of many cultures
The United States is increasingly diverse, with growing multicultural influences reshaping American identity. This ethnic mix includes European, Middle Eastern, African-American, Asian, and Latin American populations, which continues to evolve through cultural exchange and demographic shifts. This diversity means you’ll encounter varied perspectives, foods, and traditions across the country. Although you’re likely to encounter very different viewpoints, Americans generally discourage the open discussion of sensitive topics, such as politics and religion.
Digital transformation
American society has rapidly embraced digital technology, with significant impacts on social interactions. Remote work, social media, and digital payment systems have become widely available. Cash is increasingly uncommon in many urban areas, with credit cards and mobile payment apps like Venmo, Cash App, and Apple Pay being the preferred methods of payment.
Work-life balance
In the United States, Americans have always valued ambition and career success. They often brag about working long hours or all the jobs they have for extra money. However, Americans are starting to care more about having time for themselves and their families. For many years, Americans worked very long hours and thought this was good. Now, more people believe it’s important to have time away from work and to take care of their mental health. These new priorities have led many companies to offer work from home options, mental health days, and wellness programs that were rare just a few years ago.
Independence
The ability to take care of yourself is valued highly in the U.S. and may be the biggest cultural difference to those visiting from other countries. Many American kids and teenagers leave home for long periods of time, often for summer camps or travel. Upon graduating secondary school, many Americans choose colleges and universities outside of and often far from their hometowns. College students generally live on their own or in residence halls with other students while at school for two to four years and many move away from their childhood homes after graduation. After 17 or 18 years, most Americans no longer live at home with their families. They also do their own shopping, laundry, cooking, and pursue careers or studies on their own.
Financial independence
Young adults are generally expected to become financially independent from their parents after completing their education. This is different from many other cultures where living with your family after school is much more common. While family members in America might help each other in times of need, financial dependence between adult family members is not preferred. Impress your parents with your financial independence and get into the American with budgeting apps like Monefy — ideal for international travel as it supports multiple currencies.
Mini countries within a country
America is huge, and different parts of the country can feel like different countries. The way people talk, dress, eat, and interact can be very different depending on where you visit. What’s normal in one place might seem strange in another, so stay flexible and observe how locals behave.
For example, in the Northeast (New York, Boston area), people are fast-paced and direct. They walk quickly, speak directly, and rely on public transportation instead of cars. But in the South (Georgia, Texas, Florida area), people move at a slower pace and are very polite, saying “yes ma’am” and “yes sir.” They’re famous for barbecue, fried chicken, and sweet tea, with strong church communities and family traditions.
In the Midwest (Chicago, Detroit area), people are friendly, practical, and helpful. You’ll find comfort foods like deep-dish pizza and cheese, and experience all four seasons with hot summers and cold winters.
On the West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington), however, people are relaxed and enjoy more consistent warm weather. Thus, they enjoy hiking and surfing, dress casually even at work, and eat fresh, healthy food with Asian and Mexican influences—also enjoyed by people in the Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico).
Experience it for Yourself!
As you can see, American culture today is characterized by diversity, informality, technological improvements, and at times, strong individualistic viewpoints. In any culture—and especially in the U.S. where individuality is valued so highly—the norms outlined above are simply generalizations that many choose not to follow. Approach each interaction with openness, curiosity, and respect, and you’ll quickly discover the beautiful variety and richness America has to offer.
We hope this guide improves your adventure in the United States, but of course there is no better way to learn than through first-hand experience. Check out one of our cultural exchange programs to begin your American journey and let us know what observations you’d add to the list. Safe travels!
References:
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- Gillespie, L. (2024, July 3). “The latest rules of tipping: How much to tip in 2024.” Bankrate.
- Layton, R. (2025, March 4). “Wi-Fi guide for international students.” Allconnect.
- Rebuffet, C. (2023, July 17). “Mastering American small talk: Tips for non-native professionals.”
- International Student Insurance. “International Student Insurance | Student Health and Travel Insurance Plans.” International Student Insurance.
- Career Services, Central Washington University. “Assertive vs. Aggressive: How to Be Clear and Confident Without Crossing the Line.” CWU Career Services Blog, March 4, 2025
- U.S. News. “7 Mental Health Tips for International Students.” Best Global Universities, December 18, 2023
- Zolve. (n.d.). “Top budgeting apps for international students and expats: Your financial lifeline abroad.” Zolve.
