20 Unusual Travel Warnings For Visiting The USA from Other Countries
Travelers like to know what to expect when visiting other countries, it is always best to be prepared for new customs, languages, laws and more. Have you ever wondered what other countries say to people visiting the United States? Well, you might have a laugh when you read how other countries warn their travelers about visiting the United States (#4 had us cracking a smile)…
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1 DON’T GET RIPPED OFF AT AN ORLANDO GAS STATION (UK)
The British government, in its travel advisories, singles out Orlando, Florida for ripping off tourists. “Petrol stations that do not display the price of fuel usually charge considerably more than the national average for a gallon of fuel. They’re often found close to tourist destinations and airports, and notoriously near to Orlando International Airport.”
2 TAKE CARE OF THE FLOWERS (CHINA)
This tip is actually a nice one; The Chinese government suggests several common rules of etiquette for the U.S., including the following suggestion: “Take good care of flowers and trees, etc.”
3 DO NOT USE GMAIL OR HOTMAIL (AUSTRALIA)
Australia specifically advises it’s business travelers against using Gmail or Hotmail for email. “Use discretion when deciding whether to link to free internet services available in public places to connect to your corporate network. Avoid using web mail services such as Hotmail or Gmail for official business.” We think the theory is as a non US citizen, since these are US based companies, a foreigners email is more likely to be phished, but we aren’t for sure the reason for this one.
4 DO NOT STALK ANYONE (GERMANY)
Ok, we have to admit, reading this one made us laugh! Germany sees fit to advise its citizens against following and harassing others on American soil: “In the U.S., repeatedly following or repeatedly harassing another person, called ‘stalking,’ is punishable by law.” LOL, Thanks for the tip Germany!
5 BEWARE OF GUNS AT NIGHTTIME (CANADA)
Since guns are Canada much more common in the U.S. than in other countries, Canada travel warnings advise that “the possession of firearms and the frequency of violent crime are generally more prevalent in the USA than in Canada. Within large metropolitan areas, violent crime more commonly occurs in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods, particularly from dusk to dawn. Verify official neighborhood crime statistics before planning an outing.” Well, this is a good tip for anywhere you go, local or not.
6 STAY AWAY FROM THE EAST COAST (CHINA)
The Chinese government says that the West Coast of the U.S. is safer than the East Coast: “Overall, the western United States is safer than the eastern portion, and a city is relatively safe during the day compared to at night.”
7 NO, YOU SHOULD REALLY WATCH OUT FOR GUNS (GERMANY)
Here’s what the German government says: “In the USA, it is comparatively easy to obtain possession of guns. If you are the victim of an armed attack, do not try to fight back!”
8 DOORS MIGHT BE CLOSED (RUSSIA)
The Russian government advises “In some parts of the country, especially in derelict areas within the major cities, the majority of people prefer to keep their doors closed and to avoid going out alone at night.”
9 DO NOT INSPIRE ROAD RAGE (CHINA)
The Chinese government wants its citizens to be polite behind the wheel: “Be courteous to other vehicles while driving; unless it is absolutely necessary, avoid using the horn and avoid other behavior that can easily anger other drivers.”
10 DO NOT TALK TO PROSTITUTES (GERMANY)
Germany reminds its citizens that “in many U.S. states, it is a criminal offense to engage in sexual activities with prostitutes. Even talking to a prostitute may be punishable by law.”
11 DON’T PEE IN THE STREET (SWITZERLAND)
Switzerland is careful to note that the U.S. takes a very hard-line stance against nudity, as well it cautions, don’t pee on things: “The legal system can be very different from one state to another and is often inspired by more rigid moral principles than in Switzerland. For example, bathing topless or without a shirt is forbidden (even for children), as is urinating in the street or taking partially naked pictures of children (even at home).”
12 DON’T JOKE ABOUT BOMBS (UK)
Just in case anyone didn’t know, Americans don’t have a sense of humor about terrorism. “Don’t make flippant remarks about bombs or terrorism, especially when passing through US airports,” the UK government warns.
13 TRY TO AVOID BEING NAKED (GERMANY)
The U.S. is not quite as into nude sunbathing as other cultures. Like Switzerland, Germany advises its citizens that “Although the laws in individual states criminalizing nudity as ‘indecent exposure’ are rarely prosecuted and punished, it should definitely be noted that nude bathing, and even changing clothes on the beach, can be construed as indecent exposure and therefore may cause problems. Only at a few beaches is nude bathing permitted or even tolerated.”
14 DON’T CUT IN LINE (CHINA)
The Chinese government sees fit to warn its citizens of the U.S.’s obsession with line order: “In the United States, when many people are lining up for services at some distance away from the window, wait your turn in line. Failing to observe this convention could lead to unnecessary disputes.”
15 THE TAP WATER TASTES GROSS (AUSTRIA)
Austrians are not into the taste of American tap water: “Tap water—while not very tasty (it’s chlorinated)—is usually considered safe to drink.”
16 THE AMERICAN DREAM ISN’T REAL (RUSSIA)
Russia’s travel advisories tell Russians “The ‘American dream’ originates from here, as does another model—the special democratic character of American society with its ‘incredible freedom.’ However, due to the presence of the ‘young aristocracy’—already formed in the 20th century—and the specific model of American society, inequalities in socio-economic status between rich and poor are no lesser than in any other country in the world.”
17 EXPECT TO BE HARASSED IN ARIZONA (MEXICO)
After Arizona passed SB 1070, the Mexican government issued a travel warning for its citizens about traveling, living, or studying in the state. It warned that under the law (which was designed to target undocumented Mexican immigrants), foreigners without the right documentation can be detained. Furthermore, “all Mexican citizens could be bothered or questioned without motive at any moment.”
18 WATCH OUT FOR EXPENSIVE DOCTOR VISITS (AUSTRALIA)
Australia’s government, like many others, strongly recommends preparing with a comprehensive traveler’s insurance plan: “Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveler’s medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs…A visit to a doctor in the United States for even minor complaints can cost several hundred dollars, excluding laboratory tests or medication costs.”
19 DON’T LEAVE TRASH IN YOUR CAR (CANADA)
An article from Canada’s CBC News warns travelers of the legality of civil asset forfeiture—a widespread practice where U.S. police officers confiscate cash during traffic stops—advising that, “if you’re on an American roadway with a full wallet, in the eyes of thousands of cash-hungry cops you’re a rolling ATM.” The correspondent has several tips for Canadians who get pulled over on American roads, including “don’t leave litter on the vehicle floor, especially energy drink cans,” and “try not to wear expensive designer clothes.”
20 PAY YOUR TRAFFIC TICKETS (GERMANY)
Germany urges people to pay their fines for traffic violations: “If you have received a citation (‘Ticket’) for parking, speeding, or something similar: Please pay it!” It begs the question—are traffic tickets optional in Germany?
Hopefully this made you smile, don’t forget to contact a Travel Team Agent at 1-800-788-0829 with any questions about airfare, travel and custom tailor-made vacation packages!!
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