United States
Tipping culture is real and so is small talk.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants — it's not optional, it's part of workers' wages.
Strictly Prohibited
Open containers of alcohol in public (parks, sidewalks, cars) — illegal in most states.
Carrying a firearm without state-specific permits — federal offence.
Photographing children in playgrounds, pools, or schools without parental consent can lead to police contact.
Jaywalking is fined in some cities (LA, Honolulu); generally avoided everywhere.
Cannabis is federally illegal — never carry it across state lines or to airports.
Don't enter churches mid-service as a tourist; wait or skip.
Don't skip tipping — it's not optional; servers earn sub-minimum wage.
Don't make jokes about race, religion, or guns with strangers.
Laws to Know
Open containers of alcohol in public are illegal in most states.
Jaywalking can be fined in some cities (LA, NYC less strict).
Drug laws vary by state — cannabis legal in some, federal offence in others.
Photography of children or in schools without permission can lead to confrontation.
Common Immigration & Visa Mistakes
Lying at the interview about prior refusals — permanent ineligibility.
Weak ties to India shown at interview — most common refusal reason.
Not carrying I-20/DS-160 print at port of entry.
Bringing food/plants without declaring on customs form — fines.
Applying for B1/B2 while clearly intending to immigrate — bar.
Overstaying I-94 date even by 1 day — 3-10 year ban.
Penalties for Foreigners
Overstay 180+ days: 3-year re-entry ban.
Overstay 1+ year: 10-year re-entry ban.
Working illegally: deportation + ban.
Open container of alcohol in public: $250-1,000 fine (varies by state).
DUI: $1,000-10,000 + jail + deportation if non-citizen.
Marijuana possession (federal land/airport): up to 1 year + fine.
Public Conduct
Smile at strangers and exchange brief small talk — it's friendly, not weird.
Respect personal space — keep an arm's length distance.
Don't haggle at stores — prices are fixed except at flea markets.
Tipping (Important)
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2/drink at bars, 15-20% for taxis/Uber.
Tip housekeeping $2-5/day and bellhops $1-2 per bag.
Don't skip the tip — servers earn sub-minimum wage assuming tips.
Test what you've learned.
10 quick questions across countries.