American customs
In the early days of coming to the United States, nervousness and excitement were inevitable, and they were often eager for good, hoping to integrate into American society as soon as possible. But don't forget that you come from other countries and have very different national conditions and cultures. If anything goes wrong, you don't need to feel particularly depressed. Not being ashamed to ask can help you solve the obstacles of cultural differences, see more, listen more, open your mind, and overcome the initial challenges with an independent, proactive attitude. Retreating or relying on classmates or seniors will only make it even more impossible for you to learn ways to solve problems in a foreign country. Since you have the courage to cross the ocean, you should have the ambition to accept challenges. Make foreign friends, broaden your horizons, and improve your English. The more opportunities you have to solve problems independently, the faster your English will improve. Most Americans are very enthusiastic and understand the situation of poor language communication. If they can ask for advice in a sincere manner, they will rarely refuse in person.
「Excuse me!」It is a very useful opening line, especially if old gentlemen and ladies will be happy to tell you their experiences and tell you the correct usage, because it will rebuild their confidence in contributing to the crowd. In addition, if you encounter grievances in your daily life, especially if the statements sent by banks or credit card companies are incorrect, don't endure it. The United States is a society with clear rights and obligations and customers first. You should express your displeasure as soon as possible and correct their mistakes so as not to cause losses and get angry.
Americans are generally cheerful, sociable, and informal. You don't have to shake hands when you meet for the first time. Sometimes you just smile and say "Hi" or "Hello". When shaking hands, it is customary to hold it tightly, look at each other in the eye, and bow slightly. I think this is a polite behavior. Generally, Americans like to shake hands with women politely. When bidding farewell, he just waved to everyone or said "goodbye" or "see you tomorrow". But if others salute them, they also use corresponding etiquette, such as shaking hands, nodding, hugging, paying attention, etc. In the United States, if guests visit at night, it is considered impolite for the host to receive the guests in pajamas; when invited to visit an old friend's house, small gifts should be prepared; when visiting a friend's house, long-distance calls must be made with the consent of the host, and when leaving, the phone bill must be left.
In the United States, if you want to visit your house, you must first call and make an appointment; business cards are generally not given to others, but only when both parties want to keep in touch; if you want to smoke in front of Americans, you must ask the other party if you mind and cannot do whatever you want.
In the United States, if you want to visit your house, you must first call and make an appointment; business cards are generally not given to others, but only when both parties want to keep in touch; if you want to smoke in front of Americans, you must ask the other party if you mind and cannot do whatever you want.
People are generally happy to entertain guests in their own homes, but are not accustomed to treating guests in restaurants. I don't like steamed and red stewed dishes. I don't like dishes that are too hot and too hot. I prefer less salty taste and avoid salty taste. It's better to be slightly sweet. I like to drink Coca-Cola, beer, ice water, mineral water, whiskey, brandy, etc. I don't like people leaving food on their plates and think it's impolite. Love China's Jiangsu, Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine.
Love white and think white is a symbol of purity; prefer yellow and think it is a symbol of harmony; like blue and red and think it is a symbol of good luck. I like white cats and think that white cats can bring luck to people.
Americans are disgusted by looking at other places when shaking hands. Think this is arrogant and impolite. It is forbidden to give perfume, clothing and cosmetics to women. American women have the habit of putting on makeup, so they do not welcome service staff to send scented towels to wipe their faces.
Never call black people "Negro" in the United States. It is best to use the word "Black". Black people will accept this title calmly. Because Negro mainly refers to black people who are trafficked from Africa to the United States as slaves. This is true when talking to white people, and even more so when talking to black people. Otherwise, black people will feel contempt for him.
Avoid others sticking out their tongue at him. Think this behavior is insulting. They hate bats and regard them as a symbol of vampires and evil gods. Avoid the numbers "13","Friday" and other days. It is forbidden to ask about personal income and property, and it is forbidden to ask about private matters such as women's marriage, age and clothing prices. Black is taboo. Black is believed to be a symbol of solemnity and a color used for funeral. Especially avoid giving cheap gifts with your company logo. Because this is suspected of being obligated to advertise.
◆ Tip issues
Tips must be given to everyone who takes a taxi, eats in a restaurant, or carries luggage by waiters or airport personnel. Although tipping is an act of free assessment of evidence, there is a customary habit, and it is best to inquire about the customs in order to avoid making a fool of himself. Generally speaking, when you go to a restaurant, you can tip about 10 to 15%. There is generally no need to tip when eating in a cafeteria, but if someone pours tea and asks politely about their needs, the tip will be given based on the number of people. Tip for evening meals should be more than during the day. Tipping is an evaluation of the quality of service. Some waiters will be particularly enthusiastic in order to earn more tips and ask assiduously from time to time. Don't care about the waiter's wink, you can tip based on your satisfaction with the restaurant and the waiter. No one will interfere with giving more or less. But remember never to tip with penny. When you leave the penny on the table, even if you tip a lot, you may be misunderstood by the waiter as dissatisfied with the service and a humiliating behavior. Therefore, unless the service is really poor, never put any penny in the tip. Of course, if you pay with a credit card and the tip is rounded up with the meal amount, this is not the case.
When taking a taxi, you can tip the change. As for carrying luggage, it is usually calculated on a per piece basis, and one yuan per piece. When you have too much luggage, you may as well give more to reward them for their labor for serving you. Barbers and beauticians in barbershops also have to tip about 15 to 20%. As for gas station service personnel, hotel counter personnel and movie theater personnel, there is no need to be given. If you are not sure under what circumstances to tip, you should ask a friend in advance.
◆ Establish a good credit history
All bills should be paid on time, and most bills will specify a payment deadline, preferably about a week in advance. If you miss the time, you may not only be fined, but also your credit will be discredited. Bank deposits should also be kept above the amount sufficient to pay bills at all times, and credit will also be affected if they are bounced.
◆ General office hours
Most stores in the United States are open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. or 10 a.m. to around 5:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. Some shops in shopping centers are open until 9 p.m. Sundays will also be open until six o'clock after noon. Generally, companies have holidays on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 to 5. Bank business hours are relatively short, mostly from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Some banks will extend their business hours to 6 p.m. on Fridays, and they will also be open from 9 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Saturday morning. Regardless of company, shopping center, or school, there is generally no lunch break. At school, classes are held as usual at noon. This is difficult for students who are accustomed to taking a nap.
◆ Important American festivals
January 1: New Year
Third Monday in January: Martin Luther King Day
Second Monday in February: Presidents 'Day (commemorates the birthdays of George Washington and President Lincoln)
Last Monday in May: Memorial Day
July 4th: National Day (U.S. Independence Day)
First Monday in September: Labor Day
Second Monday in October: Columbus Day
November 11: Veterans Day
Tuesday after the first Monday in November: Election Day
Fourth Thursday in November: Thanksgiving Day
December 25: Christmas Day