Top Mistakes Arabs Make in U.S. for the First Time

The first time Arabian visitor will have a wonderful visit to the United States. You observe certain popular sights in movies. You follow the American influencers. You desire everything to be at hand, modern and good. The reality can surprise you.The United States is vast.

According to the world bank, it has area of land of 9.8 million square kilometers and it is the third largest country in the world. Cities are far apart. Costs vary widely. This is not what social rules bring in Riyadh, Dubai, Cairo, or Doha.

You will not get stressed unless you plan in advance. By failing to consider the fact of significant differences you waste time and money. The next guide will enable knowing the most common errors the Arabs made when they visit the U.S. in the first time and how you can avoid them.

Underestimating Travel Time Between Cities

Majority of the tourists believe that the cities in the U.S. are close to each other. You might think that you will afford to go to New York in the morning and drive to Washington in the afternoon without delay. The reality is different.

Washington, D.C. is about 225 miles away to New York City. The trip there and back involves about 4/5 hours in case of a traffic jam.
The U.S. Department of Transportation correlates that traffic jams in such big urban areas as New York and Los Angeles are rated as the worst in the country.
It is easily comparable to the commuting in smaller countries. The U.S. is equally large to Europe. The flight time between New York and Los Angeles is 5 to 6 hours.
It is approximately 2,450 miles. Visitors take in the habit of visiting a large number of cities in one week especially those who are on their first visit.
This is a vacation deal that is providing New York, Orlando, Las Vegas and Los Angeles within ten days. This leads to exhaustion. You spend a lot of your time in airports, not attractions.
Delay of the domestic flights is the other issue. The report by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics indicates that there are delays in flights which are common during peak seasons such as the summer season as well as the holiday season.
One failure can be disastrous to the entire agenda in case you are on a deadline. Time at airport security is also to be considered.
Transportation security Administration proposes two hours and three hours prior to domestic and international flights respectively. This will make your time even more difficult.

How to Plan Realistic Itineraries

Focus on one region per trip. When you get to New York, you must see Northeast. Get to Boston, Washington or Philadelphia. East Coast or West Coast will not be a one week holiday.Compare Google maps and actual road time. Give a minimum of one more hour of time when carrying a heavy traffic.

Less cities and more experiences in the city. An example is spending four days in New York as compared to two rushed days and a flight to another state.

Book time sensitive flights. Avoid tight connections. It is not possible to book a tour at 5 pm in a different city when you arrive at 3pm.You will have a wonderful vacation when you plan. You are left to de stress and even not miss out on attractions that you paid.

Ignoring Local Rules and Etiquette

The cultural differences create confusion. Normal to you back home will be abnormal in the U.S.As an example, the problem of personal space plays an important role in the American culture. People like to talk with each other when they are at a distance.

When the closeness is too high others are discomposed.Another issue is the attitude of population.
Parties are lively and noisy in the majority of the Arab countries. In the U.S., it is possible to draw negative attention due to the loud conversation in a restaurant or a transport.
Queue culture is strict.
Americans line up and desire that everyone should take his or her turn. Cutting queues is taken to be an insult.Smoking rules also differ.
Some cities and states are prohibiting open air smoking.
The law on smoke free applies to the working environment, restaurants, and most of the places to which the general population is exposed in most of the states, as indicated by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.
Strict adherence to the law of traffic. Some cities can give a penalty on crossing the street without a crosswalk or even crossing the street without a crosswalk.Dress codes vary by place.
Despite it being a diverse nation, modest or formal dressing is expected in some places in the U.S. for example in corporate offices, in fine restaurants and religious destinations.
The manner of communication is also different.
Americans have a preference towards being direct. When a human being says no, he or she actually means no.
They may not cushion the rejection as the individuals do in most Arab cultures.

Common Cultural Misunderstandings

One of the misunderstandings that have been made is that of greetings.

The Arab countries are generally very hospitable in terms of handshakes or even cheek kisses with friends. In America, handshakes are short and they do not kiss cheeks except close family members and friends.
The other myth is related to the gender interaction. In America, men and women stand equal opportunities of associating not only in the workplace but also in social centres. Assumptions made should not be based on restrictions unless it is brought to the fore by the other person.
Religious practices are also something that you may be taken aback about. In the United States, freedom of religion is provided in the first amendment of the constitution.
Numerous cities will have churches, mosques, synagogues and temples. When discussing casually, religion is however assumed to be a personal issue.
Humor can also differ. Jokes on political, religious and racial issues can be a sensitive subject. They are not topics to be covered unless you are so familiar with your audience.
It is not that you see and then you make action. Watch how locals behave. They are leading in restaurants, stores and in events as well.

Overpacking or Underpacking

New visitors are also likely to commit packing errors. Majority of them over pack their luggage believing that they will fail to buy what they need in the U.S. Others pack excessively and forget things.The United States has different climates.

According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Arizona and Minnesota experience desert heat and freezing winters respectively in the country.
When you go to New York in January the temperatures are below zero. Snowstorms are possible. In July, in Florida, it can be over 30 degrees C, and damp.
Luggage charges are the second issue. In the United States of America, the majority of the airlines charge on the baggage that is carried.
Carry on restrictions also exist. Transportation security administration limits the amount of liquids that are carried by passengers in carry on baggage to 3.4 ounces in each container.
Electrical sockets are not similar either. The U.S has Type A and Type B 120 V plug. Depending on whether the devices are 220 volt powered, a converter might be needed.
First time visitors are likely to carry excessive formal dressing style.
Most of the places of work in America are predominantly casual in regards to dress.

What to Bring Depending on Season

Check the average temperature of your destination and dress up. It should be reliable weather applications like NOAA or other official weather sources.

Pack in winter going north.

A heavy coat
Gloves and a scarf
Waterproof boots
Thermal layers

In going to southern states summer take.

Light cotton clothing
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Comfortable walking shoes

Always bring a formal attire in the event you want to enjoy nice dinner or hold business meetings. Several suits are not recommended to be overpacked.

You should always carry a prescription of required medicine in your hand bag. Healthcare in the U.S. could be extremely expensive. Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services informed that spending on healthcare on an individual level is one of the highest in the world. It is strongly recommended to have travel insurance.

Insert a universal adapter and confirm compatibility of your devices.

Misjudging Transportation Costs

Transport in the U.S. is somewhat expensive especially when one is taking a taxi or ride sharing services.

The public transport is not always widespread as compared to most of the cities in the Middle East. New York, Chicago and Washington are examples of such cities which have a good public transport. However, even such cities as Los Angeles rely on cars.
Gas prices also differ according to states. The United States energy information administration offers weekly information on the regional disparities.
The cost in leasing a car varies according to locations and time of the year. Airports have high rental rates most of the time compared to downtown.
Parking fees are unforeseen. It is even more costly than 40 dollars a day to park in such cities as New York or San Francisco.
The initial time customers are being presumed that they can walk everywhere. This is effective in certain areas and not in the suburban cities or the far flung cities.

Tips on Public Transport vs Car Rentals

Remaining in New York City, ride the subway. Metropolitan Transportation Authority boasts of one of the largest transit systems in the US. It is effective and connects big attractions.

Renting a car can be considered in case you go to Los Angeles. The distance between attractions is also extensive and the public transport is not covered extensively.

Make a decision after comparing the total expenses. Fuel, insurance, parking and tolls are included in prices of car rentals.
Install domestic travelling applications. The digital tickets and real time update are present in most of the cities.
Do not hire giant SUVs unless there is a necessity to do so. Minor vehicles are less expensive in fuel and parking.
Find out whether or not your hotel is a paid parking place. The daily charges are made in some hotels.
When you plan your transport, you save on money.

Not Planning for Taxes and Tips

The biggest surprise of first time Arab visitors is that the amount they see inscribed in the stores do not have the sales tax.Sales tax varies by state.

Tax foundation has rated the rates of the state sales tax as zero in some states and more than 7 percent in others, not considering the local taxes.

This means that a product that was priced 100 dollars will be priced 107 dollars and more at the counter.

The other significant difference is the tipping culture. Services in the U.S will lean towards the edge.Restaurant servers are also underpaid in base and depend on tips.

The U.S. Department of Labor allows tipped workers to receive a lower minimum wage as long as the workers receive the tips to boost their wages up to the standard minimum wage rate.

Typical tipping standards.

15 to 20 percent in restaurants
15 to 20 percent for taxi drivers
Hotel porter 1 to 2 dollars per bag
Hotel housekeeping 2 to 5 dollars a day

Failure to tip up right may be considered as disrespect.

Restaurants have gratuity to large groups that is automatically added. Do not necessarily put any additional tip without verifying your bill.The tipping is a possible 20 to 30 percent addition of your expected spending in restaurants plus sales tax.

Understanding Tipping Culture in the U.S.

Tipping is the social conventions and service quality. It is not considered charity. It is part of compensation.

Fast food restaurants do not require tipping. In the cafes, tip jars are optional.
It is typically 10 to 20 percent with the services of delivery depending on the distance and weather conditions.
The hairdressers and barbers usually charge 15 to 20 percent.
Where in doubt, ask or consult the reliable travel books such as those of the U.S Travel Association.
Budget for tips daily. When you are going to spend 200 dollars on a meal services, you will have to reserve 30 to 40 dollars on tips.
A visit to the United States is an exciting and prospective trip. You end up experiencing other cultures, landforms and lifestyle. There is a gap between being frustrated and being entertained, and that gap is preparation.
Plan realistic distances. Respect local norms. Pack according to climate. Establish the overall transport costs. Include taxes and tips to your budget. Through this, you will have an easy time in your first experience in the U.S, have fun and enjoy it to a greater level.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do you need to budget every day when visiting the U.S?
The cost to be budgeted is 100 and 300 dollars per day based on the city, hotel category and activities. Major cities cost more. Smaller cities cost less.

Will you require renting a car during your tour?

It depends on the city. Such destinations like New York are reliable in terms of public transport. It is customary in such cities as Los Angeles where it is necessary to rent a car.

Is it final price in the store or shall you pay more at the check out?

Most of the displays have prices that are not inclusive of the sales tax. It will be a little extra that you will spend on checkout depending on the state and city.

What is the right amount of tip in the restaurants?

In full service restaurants, one is expected to tip 15-20 percent of the total bill. Tipping is rather usual and expected.

Do you trust public transportation in the U.S?

It does well in the megacities such as New York, Chicago and Washington. Most other cities have low public transportation.

What should be the packing list of the clothes you would bring to the U.S.?

Seasonally, territory based packing. The winter in the northern states is heavy and requires heavy clothes. During summers when in southern states, light and breathable clothes are required.

Should it be traveller insurance?

Yes. Medical services in the U.S are expensive. Travel insurance will spare you with the unexpected health bills.

What is the cultural behaviour you should be careful of?

Respect personal space. Wait your turn in lines. Follow local laws. Speak politely and directly. These few measures will help you avoid misunderstandings.