Tips for Newcomers
If you are new to the USA or just visiting California, here are a few tips that might come in handy.
1. The Golden Rule: Don’t even think about cutting in line!!!
That’s about the biggest NO NO and exposes you immediately as a foreigner!
Americans are the most patient people I’ve ever met. Whether it’s standing in line at the post office or waiting to get seated in a restaurant, it’s never a big deal. So trying to cut the line will definitely not make you friends.
Americans also believe in personal space - so make sure you’re not breathing down somebody’s neck while waiting in line or standing close to them while they’re entering their pin code for payment. That's just common courtesy here.
You might also be surprised that people will excuse themselves for crossing in front of you while you’re looking at an item in a grocery store. I have very much gotten used to this and get upset now when I'm shopping at the Migros or Coop in Switzerland and people are pushing or rudely position themselves right in front of me.
2. How are you?
No need to respond with what’s been happening in your life for the past 24 hours, nobody gives a crap. It’s simply a greeting, misunderstood by many visitors.
The term "Hey, what’s up" or "what’s happening" doesn’t really exist in Switzerland. So for that question it's best to just answer like: "not much, what’s up with you?"
3. Right turn at red light
If you’re sitting at the red light at the right turn lane and are wondering why people are honking at you - it’s probably because you didn’t know that you’re allowed to make a right turn. Before you do so make sure to check for the following:
a) Make sure there’s no sign that says 'NO TURN ON RED' or no turn between certain hours!!!
b) Make a full stop, otherwise you might get fined for running a red light which is very costly $$$.
c) Make sure the intersection is clear of cars and pedestrians before proceeding.
Another important rule to avoid an accident is to always give right of way when making a left turn unless you have a green arrow!
There’s a lot more regarding traffic rules, check out my other Blog entry called Traffic rules!
4. It’s all about tipping:
Please keep in mind that minimum the wage here in California is currently at $10/hr. Wait staff heavily rely on tip as part of their salary, therefore tipping in restaurants is not an option it's a MUST!!!
Yes, I agree sales tax and tip should already be included in all sales items as well as your restaurant bill - but it’s not. No need to get all annoyed about it, that’s just how it is here. If Math is confusing to you, just use this simple rule of thumb. Since the sales tax here in Los Angeles is 9%, use that number on your bill and double it. That comes up to 18% so if you round it up and give an extra dollar or two, you’re good to go and welcome to come back. My rule is to never mess with people who deal with your food… I’m just saying it helps to be generous and to give at least 18% tip. When picking up drinks at a bar, it’s custom to give at least $1 per drink.
If there’s a group of 6 or more the restaurant typically charges an 18% gratuity already on the bill. Make sure you check to avoid paying it twice.
Unless you specifically request a separate check before ordering, it will be all added to one check. When you're splitting the bill make sure not to forget to include tax and tip!
If you’re staying in a hotel, please don’t forget to tip your bellman, valet, room service and the maid. You might never see your maid who scrubs your shower and makes sure your sheets are nicely tucked in but if you leave a few dollars on the bed, you won’t just make her smile but also support somebody who’s working really hard for a living. If you can afford to stay in a nice hotel I’m sure you can afford to tip well.
5. Pay first before pumping gas
If you’re not sure how much it’s going to cost you to fill up your gas tank, just go in and give the clerk a certain cash amount and tell him your pump number. If you’re pumping for less than what you've put down, just return and ask for the change. Since most gas station terminals ask for your ZIP code (Postleitzahl) when using a credit card, I’d recommend to go in if you want to pay with a foreign credit card.
A $$$ saver tip: Try to book your car rental as far in advance as possible. Check out a branch other than the airport. Because of the airport concession fee prices are usually way cheaper in a local branch!
Another hint:
Before pulling into the gas station guessing on which side your gas tank is, check out your dashboard first. Most rental cars have an arrow on either side of the gas pump sign, indicating which side of your car your gas tank is located!
6. No need to weigh fruits or vegetables at the grocery store
It’s something you get used to very quickly as they just weigh your items at the checkout (plus they bag everything for you as well). But forgetting to do so back in Switzerland will not only guarantee you huffing and puffing from the people behind you in line but I can assure you that the lady at the checkout will not be pleased either as she has to get up and walk back to the veggie department and weigh your goods. I wish I could say that it never happened to me before...
7. No smoking
If you’re a smoker I have bad news for you. No, it’s not regarding your health, I’m sure you know better by now. As a smoker you’re often treated as an outcast. Unless you’re in a designated area, your days of smoking on the streets, the beach or sometimes even in your own apartment are numbered.
8. Swiss or Swedish
Switzerland and Sweden might not be the same country but at least they both start with an S! Don’t get upset if you have to explain for the 10th time that you’re from Switzerland and not Sweden. Some Americans might not have the best geography skills but to be fair I couldn’t tell you exactly where Indiana is in relation to South Dakota. Just mention the following key words and you’ll get the big AHA moment:
*Swiss chocolate
* Swiss watches
* Swiss cheese
* Roger Federer
9. Handshake, kisses & hugs
When meeting somebody for the first time it's common to shake their hand but it's not a must. It is proper manners to introduce everybody you're with even they might just briefly meet and not even talk to each other.
In the business world a handshake is appropriate greeting. If you're meeting friends instead of giving 3 greeting kisses on the cheek, here it is a hug. Even guy friends might give a handshake and half a hug :)
10. No alcohol allowed in public
No drinking on the street, beach or any public places unless of course you're in a restaurant or somebody's house. At a street (or block) party there is usually a designated area where they serve alcohol, they usually just call it the beer garden.
You have to be 21 years old to drink or purchase alcohol, 18 years old to buy cigarettes but only 16 years old to get a driver learning permit :)
