North America Local Customs

  House near Canyon Road, Santa Fe
by goodfish
 
  • House near Canyon Road, Santa Fe
      House near Canyon Road, Santa Fe
    by goodfish
  • Art Gallery, Canyon Road, Santa Fe
      Art Gallery, Canyon Road, Santa Fe
    by goodfish
  • glam
      glam
    by machomikemd
  • Bears
      Bears
    by Jim_Eliason
  • Bears
      Bears
    by Jim_Eliason
 

Most Viewed Local Customs in North America

26.

Tipping   New York City

Tipping, New York City

 40 Reviews  Dont worry about tipping when you visit NY, I have read the forum posts of people panicking and confused, if you get a taxi agree a price inc tip, usually about 10 or 12 %, in diners again usually 10... 

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27.

Tipping / Money Matters   Las Vegas

Tipping / Money Matters, Las Vegas

 46 Reviews  like the handgun and the bullet which are inseparable. the modern casino invention of the paper voucher to print your winnings at the slot machines and then you can encash it to it's partner, the... 

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28.

Drinking   New Orleans

Drinking, New Orleans

 25 Reviews  One of the first things I was told when I arrived in New Orleans was the recommendation to be careful with “hurricane” cocktails, because their sweet taste is deceiving, and there is more alcohol in... 

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29.

S.F. Nicknames / Pride   San Francisco

S.F. Nicknames / Pride, San Francisco

 14 Reviews  When you refer to San Francisco as Frisco or San Fran, you're marking yourself as an outsider. No one here calls it that, and those abbreviations grate on our ears. We say San Francisco or The... 

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30.

Tipping   Orlando

Tipping, Orlando

 14 Reviews  tipping at restaurants and bars is an american custom. by law in the united states servers only receive 1/2 of the minimum wage so to make a living they depend on tips. servers basically are outside... 

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31.

Eating & Drinking   Chicago

Eating & Drinking, Chicago

 25 Reviews  Beginning on Thanksgiving Day, and continuing until Christmas Day, there is an old world outdoor German Winter Market in Daley Plaza. It's so much fun, I go there every year, and am always bringing... 

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32.

Tipping   Toronto

Tipping, Toronto

 13 Reviews  Think. Don't listen to ignorant people about tipping. 10% is an insult at a sit down restaurant. Remember, 15% is an average standard tip all over the world, and included in EVERY bill in most... 

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33.

Tipping / Taxes / Restaurants   Los Angeles

Tipping / Taxes / Restaurants, Los Angeles

 14 Reviews  When you are in Los Angeles, either in the city of L.A. or in another part of the county, you'll see several restuarants. On the window of establishments, you will see a letter- either an "A", "B" or... 

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34.

Sunset festival   Key West

Sunset festival, Key West

 9 Reviews  To see the sunset at it's best, you need to be at Mallory Square, where hundreds of tourists gather every night to enjoy the view. Together with the marvellous spectacle, local performers, musicians,... 

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35.

Drugs & alcohol   Vancouver

Drugs & alcohol, Vancouver

 5 Reviews  A clever new nickname for Vancouver that I just heard recently. Let me dispel the rumours somewhat. Yes the laws towards marijuana are somewhat less strict here (and everyelse in Canada) than other... 

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36.

Bilinguism   Montreal

Bilinguism, Montreal

 34 Reviews  I was somewhat worried about communicating in Montreal, especially as most of the signs are in French, but I didn't have a problem at all. We didn't run into anyone who didn't speak english.... 

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37.

Speaking Bostonian   Boston

Speaking Bostonian, Boston

 18 Reviews  Visitors from outside of New England are often confounded by local pronunciations, especially of Massachusetts cities and towns. Here’s a guide that’ll help you sound like a local: City:... 

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38.

Tipping   Cancún

Tipping, Cancún

 12 Reviews  Re: ".. don't tip taxi drivers in Cancun. Of course you should tip them! Just like you would in any other country." This is very wrong. Whilst tipping may be expected in Cancun it is not universal... 

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39.

Dress Code   San Diego

Dress Code, San Diego

 5 Reviews  San Diego is quite the beach culture. These peops are raised on the wet sand and they're not so friendly to outsiders. You stick out like a sore thumb if you're wearing elastic trunks while drinking... 

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40.

Seattle Weather   Seattle

Seattle Weather, Seattle

 13 Reviews  They say it rains a lot in Seattle! That's so true! We got used to it already except that our drivers don't. So be careful driving! So, when you come to Seattle, choose the right season then you... 

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41.

Talking Hawaiian   Honolulu

Talking Hawaiian, Honolulu

 10 Reviews  Ok so this tip isn't exactly about how to speak "Hawaiian" itself, but more like what to expect when hearing locals talk. I myself DON'T speak "pidgin", but i know enough words to be able to... 

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42.

Philly Facts   Philadelphia

Philly Facts, Philadelphia

 14 Reviews  I know Philly has a bit of a rough-around-the edges, blue collar reputation, but as long as you're not an opposing team at a professional sporting event, the locals are really friendly! They don't... 

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43.

Beaches/South Beach/Art Deco District   Miami

Beaches/South Beach/Art Deco District, Miami

 17 Reviews  For an entire week in January, Miami's Art deco festival celebrates it's design inspiration. Includes historic walks, jazz music, plenty of artwork and dining. Auctions, memorabilia and unique items... 

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44.

Driving / Roads   Houston

Driving / Roads, Houston

 9 Reviews  Having lived in houston most of my life, you are not going to be shot if you cut someone off or honk. I honk at people all the time, no one has ever waved a gun at me. this is apparently a common... 

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45.

Tipping   Puerto Vallarta

Tipping, Puerto Vallarta

 7 Reviews  Even when "all gratuities included" at a resort (and I laugh), think twice about not tipping. If you like waiting 10-20 minutes to be noticed for a drink that's fine.. but tipping 1.00usd a round gets... 

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46.

Native Animals   Playa del Carmen

Native Animals, Playa del Carmen

 3 Reviews  We've seen the large band of coatis on both of our trips to Riu Tequila, in 2009 they were hanging out near the pool and near some of the rooms near the pool waiting for someone to take pity on them... 

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47.

Tejano Culture and Music   San Antonio

Tejano Culture and Music, San Antonio

 4 Reviews  One of the unique things about San Antonio is the wedding culture of the town. On several occasions, we ran into wedding parties getting their bridal pictures taken in various city locations. Obvious... 

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48.

Local food and drinks   Quebec

Local food and drinks, Quebec

 26 Reviews  Through our trip to the provences of Quebec and New Brunswick we would stop at a restaurant and see the mysterious word "Poutine" on the menu. Finally I was brave enough to ask, "What the heck IS... 

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49.

Internet Cafe   Fort Lauderdale

Internet Cafe, Fort Lauderdale

 2 Reviews  Internet Acess is very important when we travel. Princess has an internet Cafe as well as many areas aboard the ship with wireless access. Internet plan pricing: $0.75 a minute (no plan) Plan 1: $175... 

 See All 21 Local Customs in Fort Lauderdale

50.

Neighborhoods   Atlanta

Neighborhoods, Atlanta

 18 Reviews  A common concern expressed by several VT members and verified by my time walking around in certain areas needs to be addressed. There are some VERY bad neighborhoods in Atlanta. Do NOT walk alone,... 

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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

We are generally pretty...

by Probot

We are generally pretty friendly people here in the U.S. We are much more casual about life in general than I think people are in other countries. Drinking ages vary from state to state, but 21 seems to be the most popular. Our freeway system is excellent, but traffic is atrocious in the big cities. You will find that smoking is generally frowned upon here in California (no smoking in any indoor arenas, restaurants, etc.) but don't worry, we won't hold it against you (even though we may glare at you for blowing smoke in our general direction!). We are a culturally diverse country which might come as a shock to some visitors, but it enhances our country in that we have so many different types of food and events to enjoy especially during the summer months. Please remember that in California especially, we have more people in our state (currently hovering around 35 million I believe) than...

Ask a local where they might...

by hansash

Ask a local where they might stay...But, wait ask someone else too! That first person could be a dummy!Ask a honest taxi driver...Find a Big Grocery store in town to do your food shopping unless you want to spend a fortune at a mini-mart on junk!!! Smile and be freindly and honest!! Hide your $$$ in two places on your body! Take advantage of people offering a place to stay..if you feel comfortable with them! We have alot of great people here who are really trusting and KIND!

It would be handy to know a...

by venusdmoon72

It would be handy to know a little bit of Spanish, there is a high Spanish influence there, I was lucky because Italian is close enough and so there were times when I went to little stalls/swap meets, I could understand if someone was a little 'dodgy' or not.

Tip Photo
from the book The...

by tmmcgrath

from the book The Photographer' Bible by Bruce Pinkard a section named 'Image Management >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<we are dominated by visual concepts *faced with visual stimuli we seek pattern *we then seek concepts* we are primarily aware of change* movement is change *contrast is change *asymmetry is change *variable intensity is change *pattern is imposed by the viewer, then grouped together *we seek evidence of pattern *constancy is sought by...

Tip Photo
Memory You have to begin to...

by tmmcgrath

Memory You have to begin to lose your memory, if only in bits and pieces, to realize that memory is what makes ourlives. Life without memory is no life at all, just as an intelligence without the possibility of expression is notreally an intelligence. Our memory is our coherence, our reason, our feeling, even our action. Without it, weare nothing. Luis Buñuel (1900-1983), Spanish filmmaker. My Last Sigh, ch. 1 (1983)

Tip Photo
ping...ping...ping.............

by tmmcgrath

ping...ping...ping.......... ...........ECHOES...the Floyd.........Overhead the albatross Hangs motionless upon the air And deep beneath the rolling waves In labyrinths of coral caves An echo of a distant time Comes willowing across the sand And everything is green and submarine. And no one called us to the land And no one knows the where's or why's. Something stirs and something tries Starts to climb toward the light. Strangers passing in the street By chance two separate glances meet And I am you and what I see is me. And do I take you by the hand And lead you through the land And help me understand The best I can. And no one called us to the land And no one crosses there alive. No one speaks and no one tries No one flies around the sun.... Almost everyday you fall Upon my waking eyes, Inviting and inciting me To rise. And through the window in the wall Come streaming in on sunlight...

Tip Photo
One of the most impressive...

by Tolik

One of the most impressive treasures, the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida, houses the world ‘s largest collection of original works by the renowned surrealist. The museum opened in 1982, 40 years after Ohio businessman Reynolds Morse first met the young artist and began collecting his works. In addition to 95 original oil paintings, the museum has more than 100 watercolors and drawings, along with 1,300grafics.

Tip Photo
I can only give tips here for...

by Aragina

I can only give tips here for Canada and the USA.Be nice to Immigration official, Policeman , Traffic warden and waiters. They can make your life hell.Thew poeple in the US and Canada are usually helpful and pleasent natured.

Most Americans are patriotic....

by coast2coast

Most Americans are patriotic. Don't mock that. It is enough to say thanks, no need to say Thanks very much as in UK. U nearly always get good service, so don't be mean with tips at restaurants etc. Don't insult the flag .

Beach bums...surfer dudes and...

by emankinen

Beach bums...surfer dudes and dudettes...when you encounter this crowd...usually in Southern California..try not to stare or act like you are really surprised at the way they dress, behave, and the lack of modesty some possess. Those of you who have been to So. CA..know what I mean!

Top 3 Hotels in North America

Casablanca Hotel  New York City

 1 Review and 1901 Opinions  This is a Hotel /Bed and Breakfast. It is a oasis in the middle of Times Square. It is quiet inside... 

 Hotels in New York City

Argonaut Hotel - A Kimpton Hotel  San Francisco

 4 Reviews and 1844 Opinions  There's no doubt this hotel, provides a level of luxury and convenience, that many travellers will... 

 Hotels in San Francisco

Four Seasons Las Vegas  Las Vegas

 8 Reviews and 1181 Opinions  Definitely one of the best hotels in Las Vegas where I found everything what I want. The hotel is at... 

 Hotels in Las Vegas

The Place

 

Questions and Answers

IndianPacific profile photo

Q:  Are there, like in many European countries, limits for the amount of cash you can legally bring with you in and out of the... 

milliturtle profile photo

A: For Canada, if you bring in more than $10,000 CAD (or equivalent in other currency) you will need to declare it to customs but there is no limit. There is a box on the... 

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North America Members Meetings

Mar 16, 2012 
St Patrick's Weekend Meet.
Aug 11, 2012 
2012 VT Seattle Meet: Bremerton and Return
Aug 11, 2012 
2012 VT Seattle Meet: Opening Registration
Aug 11, 2012 
2012 VT Seattle Meet: Ferry Trip to Bremerton

see all North America member meetings