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Tips for Europeans Visiting America

AC, Money Exchange and Tipping Habits in the US

Dec 25, 2008 Inka Piegsa-Quischotte

Visiting America is exciting. The experience shouldn't be marred for Europeans by suffering from excessive AC, lacking the right change and not knowing how to tip.

America is the land of air condition. Of course, Europeas know about AC and, particularly in warm countries like Spain and Italy, use it, but not to the extent Americans do.

Air Condition

AC is used everywhere in America and usually turned on full blast, even if the outside temperature doesn't justify it. It has been said, that the US is the only country where one needs to put on a cardigan to go inside rather than out of the door.

Nothing is worse than trying to enjoy a lovely dinner, dressed in a sleeveless or low cut dress and freezing until the cutlery rattles. It's best to be aware of the habit in advance and to always carry a light cardigan, shawl or stole just in case. Living with AC is an acquired habit and Americans are used to it, but for Europeans it can be difficult to adjust.

Growing consciousness about energy saving and environment protection may eventually change the habit in America, but in the meantime there is no need to suffer.

Prices and Tipping

Price tags in shops in Europe include VAT and sales tax. Not so in America. Sales tax is added on at the check out and the amount varies from state to state. Europeans shoud be aware of that and not show their ignorance by disputing what they are charged.

Tipping is an essential feature of American service culture. Whereas tipping in Europe is mostly a 'thank you' gesture and not obligatory, it's a must in America. Taxi drivers are tipped 10% at least, valets parking cars are tipped between $1 and $5. The price for a visit to the hairdresser may increase considerably. The dresser is tipped as well as the washer, the manicure and everybody else who is involved in the process.

Some restaurants, mainly those frequented by foreign tourists, have taken to add service charge to the bill, but even so, an additional tip is expected. Generally speaking, each and every person who provides any kind of service expects a tip.

Money Exchange and Exact Fares

Unlike Europe, American banks do not exchange foreign currencies. Specialised, authorized establishments take care of that, or else any American Express office is a good alternative.

When coming to America and bringing cash, it's important to make sure not to have bills in big denominations. $100 bills are sometimes regarded with suspicion. In addition, many shops do not have change, as most purchses are paid for by credit card.

Moreover, when using public transport, it's important to have the exact fare. No change is given. There are also no ticket counters or vending machines which give change like the ones used in the London or Paris subway.

By observing and remembering certain idiosyncrasies of American life, the visit will be so much more enjoyable and problem free.

The copyright of the article Tips for Europeans Visiting America in NE U.S. Travel is owned by Inka Piegsa-Quischotte. Permission to republish Tips for Europeans Visiting America in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.