Hilarious foreign travel tips for visiting the US -

The US government issues regular advisories for Americans traveling to other countries to ensure their smooth experience, but other nations are equally as concerned about their citizens traveling to the US. Of course, there are is a wealth of American media that circulates the world, but there are so many nuances to the culture that vary wildly from others, and many things waiting to surprise you. 

Some travelers have taken it upon themselves to share useful tips about what to expect, what to avoid, and how to act in America, and though much of it becomes useless depending on where in America a tourist visits, there are still some gems which say a lot about the difference between cultures.  

Check out the gallery, based on information collected and translated by Mental Floss, to see some of the most outlandish, hilarious, and eye-opening things foreigners warn their people about when visiting America.

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Americans will eat anywhere (Italy) - One Italian blogger warned his readers that Americans will even eat in business meetings, expressing a great deal of frustration.

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Americans laugh really loud (Japan) -

In Japan, women often place their hand over their mouth when they laugh, and it's disgraceful to laugh loudly with an open mouth. In the US however, a wide, unapologetic belly laugh is preferred.

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The tap water tastes bad (Austria) - Austrians are apparently not fans of American water. The Austrian government notes that "Tap water—while not very tasty (it’s chlorinated)—is usually considered safe to drink.”

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They think the accents are cute (Britain) - British travelers shared that Americans can't tell if their accent is of a posh variety or not, as all British accents apparently sound positively charming to them.

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It's not impressive to drink a large amount (Japan and Britain) - In the US, both Japanese and British travelers warn, being able to drink a lot of booze does not give you a sense of superiority. It's instead actually frowned upon for your lack of self-control.

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Avoid half of the country altogether (China) - The government of China issued a warning on its website stating that “Overall, the western United States is safer than the eastern portion.” That rules out NYC, Florida, Washington, D.C., or anything in that region.

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The shower heads are fixed on the wall (France) - It's been called an insult to common sense, and others can't believe that the kitchen sink would have a flexible head but not the shower. 

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Don't just hang up on Americans (Russia) - Russians in the US are also advised not to hang up suddenly, as "Phone etiquette in America usually involves the gradual end of the conversation, confirmation agreements and standard closing remarks."

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Give the flora and fauna some love (China) - This one is a bit of a head-scratcher. What does this even mean? The world may never know. In any case, the People's Republic of China advises that when visiting America one must “Take good care of flowers and trees, etc.”

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Grind people's knuckles upon meeting (France) - The French kiss before and after social encounters, but Americans prefer a firm handshake, which is also a sign of confidence. 

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The food is "flat to the taste" (Japan) - Some Japanese have taken pains to warn their countrymen that the food in America does not have seasonal specialties or secret spices, and relies on sweet, high-fat, high-calorie items.

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Americans don't know much about China - Chinese travelers have been warned to be tolerant towards Americans lack of knowledge on the culture and customs of other countries.

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Prepare to hear pillow-talk in public (Germany) - One site warns German tourists that they will often hear terms of endearment like "sweetheart" in public, which are apparently reserved for the bedroom in Germany.

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Bring something sporty to picnics (Russia) - One site helps Russian visitors navigate the great American picnic: "Everything is the same as ours, only with far less booze," and they love when you bring a sporty thing.

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Don't be honest when they ask "How are you?" (Italy) - An Italian blogger explained that the question is actually just a kind of greeting, and the person asking often expects you to lie. 

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Interchangeable tasteless cheese is everywhere (Australia) - For those in less cosmopolitan parts of the US, Aussies are warned that cheese comes with nearly every meal, but they all usually share an "identical, nothing-y taste."

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American's don't expect gifts (Russia) - Gifts are especially not welcome in business, as they can be seen as a bribe, which is illegal. If you are going to bring a gift, Russians advise that it's something "purely Russian."

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Smile, a lot (Russia) - The US etiquette of smiling all the time warranted a warning for Russians: "be prepared to give a smile not only to friends and acquaintances, but also to all passers-by, in shops, to the staff at the hotel, police on the streets, etc." 

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Drug advertisements (Australia) -

One site actually found the TV ads for drugs (with extremely long lists of side effects read very quickly) significant enough to mention in their travel tips. 

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Skip the small talk (Russia) - While Russians enjoy small talk before getting to the purpose of a phone call, they're advised that Americans generally prefer to get directly to the point.

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Don't urinate in public places (Switzerland) - The Swiss are warned that “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).”

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"See you later" is a lie (Russia) - It should not be taken literally, as it is solely a courtesy and not a promise. 

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Sarcasm is a useful tool in America (Japan) - Japanese travelers have even explained how air quotes work, clearly finding sarcasm useful in communicating with Americans.

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Being friendly is a survival skill, not genuine (Germany) - German blogger Otto Buchenegger warned that while it's important to be friendly to strangers, when someone is friendly to you it has nothing to do with genuine friendship.

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Cashiers are slow (Japan) - Most Americans wait leisurely for service that is apparently "abysmally slow compared to Japan."

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They love to eat and ask for "doggy bags" (France) - The French are surprised with how Americans eat at work, in the car, on the subway, in the elevator, etc. and especially how they're not embarrassed to ask for "doggy bags" to take food home. 

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Americans aren't afraid of making mistakes (Japan) - In Japan, there is great fear of failure and humiliation which can stop people from trying things, but in America people have an optimism and curiosity to try even when they aren't sure they'll succeed.

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Avoid Hotmail and Gmail like the plague (Australia) - Australians are warned by the government to "Use discretion when deciding whether to link to free internet services available in public places to connect to your corporate network. Avoid using webmail services such as Hotmail or Gmail for official business."

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Tipping is not a choice (Britain) - In America, you must tip between 10 and 15%. By not tipping enough, Brits warn, "you are not making a grand statement based on superior European principles, you will instead come across as an embarrassing cheapskate."

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Don't provoke road rage (China) - The Chinese government advises those traveling to the USA to “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.”

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Avoid public nudity (Germany) - Germans are warned that showing skin can be construed as indecent exposure, even if it's just topless bathing on the beach.

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Don't cut in line (China) - Chinese citizens are told that "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."

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Prices don't include tax (Australia) - Adding up the amounts on price tags at a store won't tell you how much the final cost will be, Aussies warn, as taxes are added at check-out, when it's harder to put things back.

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The American Dream is a lie (Russia) - The Russian government tells its people that the ideal democratic society the US claims to be is little more than a fantasy due to high economic inequality.

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The American Dream is a lie (Russia) - The national site states that "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.”

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"Dinner plates" are one plate you eat all of your food on (Japan) - The American dinner plate concept is very different compared to the various individual dishes one would get in a typical dinner in Japan.

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You have to pretend kids and pets are cute (France) - One site writes that when you come across a child or pet, "it is mandatory to have a smile or a little 'how cute' tilt to your head ... Even if they are ugly."

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American traffic manners are great (Japan) - Some Japanese people are very impressed by the way people wait their turn and keep to the speed limit.

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There is free time all week long (Japan) - While in Japan people reserve only the weekends for leisure and recreational activities, people in the US make use of their entire week for leisure.

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Pickles (Australia) - A strange tip some Aussies found important was to expect the majority of American meals to come with pickles on the side, whether or not you asked for it or if it was on the menu.

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Pauses in conversation are considered unpleasant (Germany) - Instead, one site suggests, sports are always a good topic, as are effusive compliments—though it adds you should beware of superficial compliments to the opposite sex, as those can be seen as harassment.

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Americans have superiority built in from a young age (Russia) - One site attributes Americans' confidence to the way America's dominant position in the world is taught at an early age.

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Someone is always watching (Russia) - One travel site says Americans are far too law-abiding, but explains that it's because there are hidden cameras on the streets, in shops, in hotels, and so on. 

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Creepy faces of lawyers everywhere (Australia) - Aussies are warned about the enormous roadside billboard ads filled with grinning, creepy faces of lawyers, each boasting a very specific service. 

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You'll hear "inspiring" a lot (France) - The French have been warned about how the American culture celebrates inspiration above all else, from movies and books to even deeming regular people heroes.

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Underage and public drinking are not okay (Italy) - Italy, like many countries, is perplexed by America's rules regarding drinking, and one site warns about having your ID checked everywhere you can drink, and that you can't drink on the street. "You can safely buy a gun and carry it around, but regarding alcohol, no chance."

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Americans put their feet up on things (Russia) - One site explains that at times Americans may put their foot on a nearby chair or table, and that in the culture it's considered an acceptable norm. 

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You can't look the other way when someone needs help (France) - If someone stumbles in the street, the French have been warned that American culture expects you to stop what you're doing and go help. 

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College sport obsession (Australia) - Australians were surprised to see that college sports were a lucrative, stadium-filling American passion, often surpassing support for some major teams. "No, it doesn't make any sense," they wrote, "just run with it."

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They call each other by their first names (China) - When it comes to age and social class, most Americans aren't into formality the same way Chinese are, and they value occupational titles over hereditary family titles.

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Don't flirt with women (Russia) - One Russian site explains that US etiquette prohibits flirting with a woman who is not your partner, and they advise travelers avoid ogling women because they could easily call the cops.

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You should lie if you don't like someone's haircut (China) - A hilarious tip given to Chinese travelers is to sound sincere and compliment Americans, even if what they're presenting looks bad.

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Coffee and cookies, not tea and biscuits (Britain) - Americans don't order tea when they're out and they don't make it at home, one British travel site warns. The culture is way more about coffee, and many prefer a chocolate chip cookie to a biscuit.

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"Ladies first" mindset (China) - Americans generally show particular respect for women in public, and Chinese visitors are advised to let women sit first, to move out of their way, and open doors for them.

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Avoid wearing "hip-hop clothes" (Japan) - Japanese have been told to avoid wearing the typical street-wear popular in Tokyo, as it could associate you with a street gang in rougher areas.

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They like to cushion their "no" (Germany) - One site advises Germans that every negative response is gently cushioned, so there are consequently many ways to say no, including, "I wonder if this is really the best solution?"

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Don't expect much from vending machines (Japan) - A Japanese traveler was astounded that there were only carbonated beverages in the vending machines.

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You're going to need quarters (Australia) - Nearly everything accepts card in America except some essentials like laundry machines and parking meters, so Australian travelers have been advised to keep change on them.

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Words don't mean the same thing (Britain) -

Words like rubber, hard, and pasty have very different meanings in America. Brits are advised to use eraser, tough, and meat pie instead.

See also: You didn't know these customs were offensive in some countries

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