United States: The American nation-continent

Tip

Cultures vary from country to country. It's best to find out what is customary in the country you are about to visit. In the United States, tipping is not at all anecdotal, unlike in France. There are even services rendered by professionals who are paid only with a tip. This is particularly true of waiters and waitresses, who receive no pay - or very little - in addition to what they are given at the end of the meal or after a drink. It's so strange for us that we can forget about the tip or simply feel that we don't have to give it. In this case, the employee will not be paid for the service provided. And you will be frowned upon.

There is no formal rule, but it is customary to consider a tip to be at least 15% of the amount of the bill. This also applies to other professions, but for these it is very difficult, as a foreigner, to know whether the employee is being paid or not. So we apply the rules of precaution and common sense. However, you should be aware that when an employee is paid by tip only (this is legal in the United States, depending on the profession), his or her employer generally informs the customers who will be using his or her service.

If the service is paid for by the provider, then the tip for the employee is between 15% and 20% of the mandatory amount to be paid. This is the case for guides, tour leaders (rafting, hiking, horse riding, etc.), masseurs, spa and wellness staff, including beauticians and hairdressers, and taxi drivers.

You should also know that the minimum wage in the USA is currently $7.25 per hour. This gives you an idea of the minimum you'll need to leave if you don't have any other information. But a $20 note will always be welcome.

You should also leave a minimum of $1 for baggage handlers and porters, a barman for a drink ordered on its own or a taxi for a short journey. 10% for a café or fast-food restaurant.

In restaurants, it is common to be greeted by senior citizens, as many Americans do not have a pension and are obliged to work all their lives. In some cases, they work well into old age. For them, the tip is more than precious. Think about it.

Finally, since we're in a restaurant, it's customary to wait at the entrance, where there's usually a hostess or host, or a small desk, waiting for you. You will then be seated. This practice has become widespread in France. It increases the number of staff and therefore the tips. Oh, and don't forget the valet! They're often students who only get the tip you give them. Besides, it's in the best interests of your bodywork.

Finally, you should know that police authority is not trifled with in the United States. The officers are generally extremely courteous, but you absolutely must stay within the law and not break any rules. Be courteous yourself.

Safety

You shouldn't be reckless when travelling, especially if you're new to a destination.

Danger can come from nature, but also from your inexperience, or even your carelessness if you are too caught up in the euphoria of the trip. Be aware, for example, that in national parks, precipice areas are not necessarily signposted or protected by railings or even a rope, as the authorities are keen to preserve the landscape. This is not without danger, so be careful and warn your children.

As far as wildlife is concerned, bears in California do not attack humans, but are used to collecting rubbish. It's not impossible that you'll have a strange encounter, in the evening or at night. Above all, don't obstruct the animal and call 911 quickly.

In the arid areas of Utah, California and Nevada, there are venomous snakes of the rattlesnake type that dispense a potentially fatal haemotoxic venom. They can be recognised by their V-shaped viper head. Be careful, as its immobility and the colour of its livery allow it to blend into its environment of sienna and sand. It will not hesitate to attack.

As good things never come alone, you should also be aware that these deserts are also home to fearsome scorpions. At Skull Valley, in Tooele County, it's not uncommon to come across signs warning you of this type of danger.

If you're ever in Alaska, a territory that has no border with the rest of the country, you'll need to take precautions because a trip there deserves to be prepared. There are wolves hunting in packs, and going into this territory unarmed is foolhardy.

The Kodiak region is home to the bear of the same name, which is genuinely dangerous to humans, and the region's mosquitoes, which are quite large (unlike those found in Europe) and attack in swarms of thousands, also represent a real danger.

If you're ever in the Californian desert, be aware that it can be swelteringly hot. So be sure to bring hats, light clothing and plenty of water.

Formalities for entering the United States

As a French citizen, you are automatically exempt from visa requirements (except if you are travelling for work), and must apply on the Internet for and obtain authorisation to travel to the USA (ESTA) at least 72 hours before departure. Do this as early as possible.

However, an electronic or biometric passport will be required for all family members, including infants.

Otherwise, you will need to obtain a visa.

Vaccination requirements and health risks:

As far as COVID is concerned, adults must still be vaccinated according to a complete vaccination schedule. This obligation is not about to end, as mortality in the USA represents 1% of people under the age of 45, and 1 million Americans died during the pandemic. PLEASE NOTE: not all vaccines are accepted in the USA.

For more information, see the link below.

There are no other vaccination requirements for travelling to the USA. You should be aware, however, that rabies is rife, particularly in California, Alabama, South Carolina and Minnesota. If you need to spend some time in the wild, you can get vaccinated, subject to the necessary waiting periods. Rabies is transmitted by mammals.

The plague is also endemic to the West. Transmitted by fleas, the plague mainly affects rodents, particularly prairie dogs. But it also affects mammals and other domestic animals. Cases of transmission to humans are confirmed every year in the USA.

So make sure that your children in the countryside do not touch mammals.

What to eat

Sometimes caricatured abroad and limited to fast-food restaurants, American cuisine is in fact extremely varied. Visiting a typical diner is a tasty experience, as is discovering the latest experimental trends in nouvelle cuisine. The United States offers a wide range of influences: Asian, Mexican, French, Italian... But of course, American cuisine is synonymous with hamburgers, French fries, coleslaw, Caesar Salad and Cobb Salad.

Another institution is breakfast. Often hearty, it offers unbeatable value for money. On the menu: pancakes, doughnuts, muffins, French toast, bagels, granola, scrambled eggs, chips... all washed down with a long coffee (often tasteless for us French). At the weekend, don't break the brunch tradition (a mix of breakfast and lunch). It is eaten later than breakfast and also serves as a midday meal. It is served in many restaurants.