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
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  • Bears
      Bears
    by Jim_Eliason
  • Bears
      Bears
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Most Viewed Local Customs in North America

101.

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... 

 See All 521 Local Customs in New York City

102.

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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103.

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... 

 See All 212 Local Customs in New Orleans

104.

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... 

 See All 335 Local Customs in San Francisco

105.

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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106.

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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107.

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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108.

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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109.

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,... 

 See All 82 Local Customs in Key West

110.

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... 

 See All 127 Local Customs in Vancouver

111.

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.... 

 See All 224 Local Customs in Montreal

112.

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:... 

 See All 126 Local Customs in Boston

113.

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... 

 See All 48 Local Customs in Cancún

114.

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... 

 See All 124 Local Customs in San Diego

115.

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... 

 See All 121 Local Customs in Seattle

116.

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... 

 See All 82 Local Customs in Honolulu

117.

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... 

 See All 68 Local Customs in Philadelphia

118.

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... 

 See All 57 Local Customs in Miami

119.

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... 

 See All 37 Local Customs in Houston

120.

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... 

 See All 47 Local Customs in Puerto Vallarta

121.

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... 

 See All 18 Local Customs in Playa del Carmen

122.

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... 

 See All 43 Local Customs in San Antonio

123.

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... 

 See All 86 Local Customs in Quebec

124.

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

125.

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

Customs Crossing for Canada & USA

by coolpanda87

coming soon...

Melting Pots

by acemj

The USA is known as a melting pot of cultures and races, but it's not just in the States. Canada is also a culturally diverse country. Toronto, in fact, is among the most diverse cities in the world.

Tip Photo
I think it was 10per cent tip...

by aveloy

I think it was 10per cent tip when I was there. Everyone says hi to you shop keepers are so helpful and friendly

Say Hello to evryone...people...

by explorer1

Say Hello to evryone...people in America are real Nice people...NO exceptions!!!!

You must see the Missions in...

by Pretender257

You must see the Missions in San Antonio.Take a nice walk along the river walk, which is more of a canal, lined with shops, bars and resturants.

While dining in any...

by J.Chiapetta

While dining in any southeastern resturant or diner, never let them hear you say, 'Professional Wrestling is soooo fake!' Trust me, 'Them is fightin' words!'

Keep an open mind. The U.S....

by djhazmatt

Keep an open mind. The U.S. has all kinds of people and on the most part we live in harmony.

Try any food that you can....

by forensics1

Try any food that you can. America is known for its cultural varities. Please be open and adventurous. Have FUN

The best thing I can say is...

by CubsIn4

The best thing I can say is don't come with any specific expectations. This incredibly diverse continent has been influenced by cultures from around the globe. So come and enjoy the diversity!

Learn some Spanish if you want...

by bohemioeside

Learn some Spanish if you want to try to eat in taquerias; you might make a habit out of studying the language.

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