What are the characteristics of Americans? What are the cultural customs in America?

American culture is an extension of European culture in a sense, because American language, population composition, founding spirit and so on all originated from Europe. On the other hand, American culture is different from European culture, because after European immigrants drove away the Indians on the North American continent, they created an amazing and splendid civilization in a barren wilderness. Therefore, in general, American cultural customs and social etiquette have similarities and differences.

Cultural custom is a topic with a wide range and complex content, which involves all aspects of people's social life and communication. Here is a brief introduction to American cultural customs.

(1), American family

The traditional American family is called the "nuclear family". The nuclear family includes husband, wife and children. Today, the average American family has two or three children (or several pets). In some cultures, extended families live together, and even generations live together. In America, it is rare for more than one family to live under one roof.

Americans value the warm welcome when their families come home. Many families practice democratic political governance, everyone in the family has the right to speak, and the concept of fairness widely exists in American families; In addition to awe, children also regard their parents as good friends, and husband and wife often share housework; Children in many families have the right to privacy in their own bedrooms; Children have the responsibility of financial management since childhood. They may have pocket money or go out to work every week. Parents often give their children the freedom to make their own decisions. Preschool children can choose what clothes to wear or what toys to buy, while young people can freely choose their careers and marriage partners.

(2) American marriage

On the issue of marriage, Americans emphasize emotion first: freedom of communication, freedom of spouse selection and freedom of love. Men and women in love generally don't need a matchmaker's introduction, and parents rarely interfere. Emphasizing sexual freedom is the love concept of many Americans. They believe that both men and women don't need to know too much. Beautiful appearance, strong body and sexy temptation are enough to form the foundation of feelings. They attach importance to the marriage contract: before marriage, both men and women go to the law firm to sign a "marriage contract", the main contents of which are the ownership of money after marriage, the sharing of housework and the preconditions for divorce. They also emphasize the freedom of divorce and regard divorce as a happy event. The divorce rate in the whole society is very high.

Traditional American weddings are full of surprises. Generally speaking, their weddings emphasize the characteristics of "new, old, borrowed and blue". The so-called "new" means that the bride must wear a brand-new white dress to show the beginning of a new life; "Old" means that the white gauze on the bride's head must be old (usually used by her mother when she gets married) to show her gratitude to her parents. "Borrowing" means borrowing the bride's handkerchief from his girlfriend to show friendship. "Blue" means that the ribbon worn by the bride must be blue to show that she has won sincere love. Most modern American weddings are held in local courts, and a judge is in charge of the wedding. Newcomers often don't wear dresses, accept gifts and hold wedding banquets. Other weddings are held outdoors in the form of picnics, and only parents, brothers and sisters of both parties can attend. They attach great importance to their wedding anniversary and think that every year is more precious as time goes by. The names of their wedding anniversaries are very interesting: the first year is called paper wedding, the second year is called cotton wedding, followed by leather wedding, wooden wedding, iron wedding, bronze wedding, ceramic wedding, crystal wedding and so on. Since the fifteenth year, there has been a name every five years. They are: enamel wedding, silver wedding, pearl wedding, coral wedding wedding, ruby wedding, sapphire wedding, emerald wedding and diamond wedding. During these festivals, husbands and wives often exchange gifts, praise and thank each other, which makes each other feel gratified.

Step 2 celebrate important festivals

First, Thanksgiving Day. The last Thursday in June is Thanksgiving Day. Thanksgiving Day is an ancient festival created by the American people, and it is also a festival for family reunion. On Thanksgiving Day, the whole country in America is very lively. Dress parades, cultural performances and sports competitions are held everywhere in urban and rural towns, and schools and shops are also on holiday as required. Children also imitate the Indians in those days, wearing strange costumes, painting faces or wearing masks to sing and play the trumpet in the street. There were also many people in the church that day. According to custom, people should pray for gratitude here. Americans have been used to living independently since childhood and going their separate ways. On Thanksgiving Day, they always try to come back from all directions. The whole family sits around, munching delicious turkey and chatting about the past, which makes people feel particularly cordial and warm.

B, Christmas. This is the biggest and most lively festival in America. Every year on February 25th, 65438, the whole country is immersed in a festive atmosphere. Americans have been busy for Christmas since the day after Thanksgiving. Every shop is crowded with people. Businessmen should be eloquent and sell their various commodities, and ordinary people are willing to take this opportunity to abandon the old and update. Christmas Eve is a night of revelry. Americans often hold celebrations all night. People hang presents, colorful flowers and lanterns on small fir trees or small pine trees, and hang a big star on the top of the tree. Adults stood by to admire the Christmas tree, and children even danced around it hand in hand. In public places, the image of Santa Claus can be seen everywhere on New Year cards. Sometimes at home, a person dresses up as Santa Claus and gives gifts to everyone. Americans celebrate Christmas as carnival. Giving gifts and decorating the family are their most important ways to celebrate. Every family has a big bag of gifts. Children hang socks by the fire, hoping that Santa Claus will bring gifts and put them in socks at night. From mid-June to February, 5438, every family will choose a satisfactory Christmas tree in the market and decorate it with colorful colors. Teenagers like to hold parties on Christmas Eve and peaceful night. Many young people in Seeds of Love regard attending the Christmas ball for the first time as a major event in their lives!

Third, Americans socialize.

(1), gift

Generally speaking, Americans don't give gifts casually. Some people often seem a little embarrassed when they receive gifts. This is especially true if they happen to have nothing in return. But when it comes to festivals, birthdays, weddings or visiting patients, gifts are inevitable.

Americans like to give gifts to each other at Christmas. At Christmas, naive children will be in high spirits because they receive all kinds of novel toys, thinking that they are gifts from Santa Claus. Adults often give each other books, stationery, chocolate candy or bonsai. Gifts should be wrapped in floral paper and tied with ribbons. According to American tradition, there is a "White Christmas" a few days before Christmas. People wrap presents with white paper and give them to the poor nearby.

Most visits are flowers and sometimes bonsai. Fragrant flowers bring people the breath of spring, so that patients get spiritual comfort. Traditionally, if you mourn in person, you usually send flowers in a bottle without a business card; If you let the flower shop send it directly, you must attach a business card.

When sending friends on a long trip, gifts are often given. Gifts are usually flowers, snacks, fruits or books and magazines. There is also a business card attached to the gift, wishing him a safe journey.

Besides, Americans think the singular is auspicious. Sometimes it doesn't feel like giving three pears, which is different from China people who pay attention to pairs. When Americans receive gifts, they must immediately open them, enjoy or taste them in front of the giver, and immediately thank the giver.

The gift is beautifully packaged and gorgeous in appearance, but it is not necessarily too expensive inside. Sometimes, when the delicate package with three layers inside and three layers outside is opened, only a few chocolates are exposed.

(2) dating

Americans pay attention to efficiency and plan their time every day. When and what to do are usually arranged in advance. Therefore, they absolutely don't want anyone to visit suddenly and disrupt their plans, except their close relatives and friends. Not only on weekdays, but also on Sundays. American society is a battlefield with fierce competition. After intense work, Americans should enjoy family happiness with their wives and children during the holidays. If outsiders rush in without saying hello, it will be unwelcome. Therefore, if you are visiting an American family, you must make an appointment in advance, otherwise you will be regarded as an uninvited guest or even rejected.

Men and women are more open in the United States, and dating and watching movies for dinner are also common. It's not rude to have warm communication with the opposite sex. Both men and women can take the initiative to invite, usually men are more active. You can pay separately or treat one party. If an American friend says, "Let's have a beer" or "Would you like a cup of coffee? "Don't get me wrong, he will invite you. This situation is usually Dutch. If you are invited to a restaurant, you can suggest tipping after dinner. If the host insists on not letting you, you don't have to force it.

Dating sometimes has no other meaning, and it doesn't mean that you will become a special partner. So, if you want to invite someone to chat, watch a movie or have dinner together, so as to enhance the friendship between the two sides and have a good time, please take the initiative to invite them generously. If you don't want to date the other person or the other person does something that makes you uncomfortable, you can say "no" politely but definitely. Respecting each other is the basic communication principle and strength. Be punctual for appointments, and it is best to be a few minutes late if you go to dinner; It would be rude if the host arrived early. If you can't keep the appointment on time in an emergency, you must call to explain, and you must never leave someone empty at will.

(3) Go to eat

Americans often say "come to see me at any time", and some invitations are quite sincere, but you should call ahead to confirm the time of your visit, so as not to cause inconvenience to others because of your "anytime". If you receive a formal invitation, if the invitation is printed with "R.S.V.P", be sure to call to let you know whether you will go or not. Invitations to large-scale events are usually only printed with regrets. At this time, you only need to inform if you don't participate. Don't commit to an uncertain date easily; If you can't keep the appointment for a while, please call. If you have any dietary taboos, you can tell me first. Special cultural customs and dietary taboos can be understood and respected. If you are invited to a family party, you can ask the host what gift he needs. Even if the host refuses, you can still bring a bottle of wine or a bunch of flowers, or some small gifts with foreign flavor. Unless otherwise specified, it is not advisable to bring children to general party activities. If the nature of the party is a picnic barbecue, most of them can be attended by the whole family. Don't forget to send a thank-you card or a letter to the host within three or four days after the banquet.

(4) Visit

Be considerate when dating, be punctual when dating, and be polite and natural when visiting. First of all, knock on the door or ring the doorbell, and get the owner's permission before entering the door. Some people have brown felt for shoeshine at the door. You should wipe the dirt off your shoes so as not to stain the owner's carpet. It is impolite for a person wearing a hat to take off his hat and put it in the room after entering the door. If you visit in rainy days, you should pay attention to putting your umbrella and raincoat outdoors. After taking off your coat and overcoat, the host will usually take the initiative to help you take it and hang it up. At this time, you don't have to mention it. After entering the house, be kind to the hostess first, and then to the host. If the host's house is full of guests and friends, then just shake hands with the host and acquaintances and nod to others.

There is no need to be too formal when you are a guest in an American home. If the host asks you to sit down, if you don't sit down immediately to show politeness, it will make the host feel uneasy and think the chair is dirty or inconvenient. When you are a guest, don't read the words on the host's desk, and don't look through the documents at will. Don't tamper with indoor antiques, let alone ask the price of indoor appliances.

Don't smoke easily when you are a guest. If you want to smoke, you should first ask the ladies here if they mind and propose a toast to others. If the host offers you a cigarette, then even if you have a cigarette, accept the host's cigarette and don't refuse to smoke your own. Otherwise, the host will think that you look down on him and feel very unhappy.

When eating in an American family, if you are not familiar with the etiquette of eating western food, then the best way is to pay attention to the hostess's movements, and you won't make mistakes by following her. At the dinner table, America has many habits different from ours. People often find an interesting phenomenon: in order to express the same friendly feelings, people in different countries will have diametrically opposite statements and practices. When people in China treat people to dinner, they often humbly say that the food is not well cooked. Please forgive me. Americans, on the other hand, will say something like "This is my best dish, I hope you like it". Therefore, it is not surprising to be a guest in an American home and hear the host praise the cooking well. You should praise the beauty host's skills. When China's host calls guests, the guests always try their best to make concessions to show politeness. It is indomitable to do so in America. When the host orders for you for the first time, you don't have to be polite, otherwise the hostess will think that you think her food is not ready. At the dinner table, the hostess is the invisible leader. After serving, guests usually wait until the hostess begins to eat. After dinner. The hostess should also lead the guests away.

It is not advisable to stay in an American home for too long, so as not to delay the host's time too much. But don't leave immediately after dinner, talk to the host for a while, and then thank you and leave. If the husband and wife go to other people's homes together, the wife should stand up and leave first. At a more formal banquet, if there are many guests, wait for the senior guests or important female guests to leave first and then leave. If a guest needs to leave first, he should ask the host's forgiveness before leaving.

If you don't know the host very well, you should call the host to express your thanks after the visit, or write a "thank you" note to the host, which will be more considerate in manners.

(5) etiquette

1, JuGongLi, is the etiquette between subordinates to superiors or peers. When bowing, take off your hat, hold the center of the brim with your right hand, take it off, droop your left hand, lean forward about 15 degrees, look at the recipient and say hello at the same time. Shaking hands is a common etiquette all over the world. Originated in Europe, it originally meant no weapons and no mercy. When shaking hands, guests should hold out their hands before shaking hands. Generally, gloves are not worn when shaking hands, but distinguished people and ladies can wear gloves. Don't cross when saluting, and don't shake hands with women too tightly.

2, nodding ceremony, is the etiquette between peers or peers. If you meet on the road, you can do it on the trip. When meeting officers, superiors and elders, you can't nod, you can only bow and bow.

3. Raise your hand and pay attention to the ceremony, which is military etiquette. When saluting, raise your right hand, keep your fingers straight and level, touch the right side of the brim with your fingertips, palms slightly outward, arms at shoulder height, eyes on the recipient, and then put down your hand after the other person returns the gift.

Kissing hands is the etiquette of the upper class in Europe and America. When meeting a noble woman or lady, if the woman reaches out and makes a drooping gesture first, she will gently raise her palm and kiss. If the woman does not reach out, she can't kiss her hand.

5, kissing ceremony, is a kind of etiquette that superiors show affection and caress to subordinates, elders show affection to younger generations or friends, and couples. Usually kissing each other's face or forehead. When you are happy, happy or sad, you usually kiss to express love or comfort.

6. Hugging ceremony is a kind of etiquette to express intimate feelings between acquaintances and friends in Europe and America. Hugging each other when meeting or saying goodbye shows intimacy and affection. Hugging ceremony is usually accompanied by kissing ceremony.

(6) Address

Most Americans don't like to address themselves as Mr., Mrs. or Ms. because they think it's too serious. American men, women and children like to be called by their first names and think it is a symbol of kindness and friendliness. When people meet for the first time, they often introduce each other with their first and last names, for example, "My name is Mary? Smith ",then the other party can call her" Mary "or" Miss Smith "at will. It is common for people to address each other by their surnames at the beginning of a conversation and change their names later. Sometimes you just meet an American and don't know what to call him. You can just call him Mr. or Ms., and the other person will soon understand your mind. Tell him enthusiastically, "My name is James? Wilson, please call me James "or" Don't call me Mrs Smith, just call me Sally ".

Indeed, Americans, regardless of their position or age, always try to call each other by their first names to shorten the distance between them; An American publication once conducted a survey on 150 industrial and commercial address, and found that 85% people only call themselves by their first names. Americans seldom use formal titles to address others. Official titles are generally only used for judges, senior government officials, military officers, doctors, professors and senior religious figures. For example: Judge Harry, Senator Smith, General Clark, Dr. Brown, Professor Green, Bishop White, etc. It is worth noting that Americans never use administrative titles such as directors, managers and principals to address others.

(7) Polite expressions

Many people who have been to the United States have the impression that Americans have a sweet mouth and are never stingy with nice words, which often makes listeners feel comfortable; Indeed, in America, "please", "thank you" and "sorry" can be seen everywhere. In the United States, no matter who gets help from others, they will say "thank you", even if the president treats them. In shopping malls, salespeople always smile. When customers come in, they will take the initiative to meet them and ask, "Can I help you?" When customers pay, they will smile and thank you, and finally they will send you away with a thank-you letter; Similarly, customers will repeatedly thank them for receiving the goods.

Americans are always polite to each other, not only between husband and wife, but also when talking to children, they use "please" and "thank you". In this way, children naturally develop a good habit of being polite.

Americans are also used to saying "I'm sorry" to others. When there is a small friction between people, saying "I'm sorry" can often make bad feelings disappear; Even if you encounter some trivial things, such as asking for directions, walking past other people's seats in the theater and so on. Americans will apologize repeatedly; Americans think it is impolite to burp in public, or sneeze or cough when talking to others. In this case, they will say "I'm sorry" and ask for forgiveness.

(8) Ladies are preferred

What is the status of American women in social and political life, not to mention here. But in social situations, they always get special treatment; Respecting women is a traditional custom in European and American countries, which is influenced by the chivalry of medieval Europe from a historical perspective. From a religious point of view, it is out of respect for the virgin Mary.

According to American custom, in social occasions, men should be modest and love women everywhere; When walking, men should walk on the side near the road; When seated, please ask the woman to sit down first; Get on and off the elevator and let the woman walk in front; When entering the door, the man should open the door and invite the woman to come forward; But when you get off the bus and go downstairs, the man should walk in front to take care of the lady; When entering restaurants and theaters, men can walk in front and find good seats for women; When eating, ask the woman to order first; When greeting women, men should stand up, women don't have to stand up, just sit and nod; When men and women shake hands, men must take off their gloves, but women don't have to; A woman's things fall on the ground, and a man should help her pick them up whether he knows them or not.

In short, when American men contact women in social communication, on the one hand, they respect women in everything, on the other hand, they should appear as protectors everywhere to show their status.

(9) Social taboos

1, never hitchhike.

Don't hitchhike when traveling in the United States, which is caused by the security situation in the United States. In America, cases of being robbed of money or humiliated by hitchhikers are common. Some gangsters will take the initiative to stop and politely ask for a ride when they see a woman coming by the roadside. If you mistakenly think that he means well, it is tantamount to sending a sheep into the tiger's mouth. In this case, it is best to refuse coldly and don't make any more mistakes. Not only that, people who ask for a ride should not easily agree, because some gangsters, including young girls, wait for a ride after getting on the bus and cheat money by threatening.

You'd better not take the subway at night.

The subway in new york is extremely messy, and it becomes a gathering place for triad members at night. Drug addicts, thieves, hooligans and drug dealers gather here, and the whole atmosphere is chilling; If you don't care about this, the police in new york will not sympathize with you after the accident, and may even blame you: "Taking the subway at night doesn't mean swimming in the water where crocodiles gather? If something goes wrong, the responsibility lies with yourself. "

3. Don't call black people "Negro"

Negro means "black" in English. Especially a black man sold from Africa to the United States as a slave; So don't call black people "Negro" in America, especially when talking to white people. Otherwise, the black man will feel your contempt for him; When it comes to black people, it is best to use the word "black", and black people will accept this title frankly.

You can't just say "I'm sorry"

"I'm sorry" and "I'm sorry" both have the meaning of "I'm sorry" and "I'm sorry", but the tone of "I'm sorry" is heavier, which means admitting one's fault or mistake; If you say it easily for politeness, you will often be caught by the other party; It's not your responsibility to investigate. At that time, there will only be "dumb people eating coptis", because the sentence "I'm sorry" has admitted that I was wrong. How can I change my mind?

Modesty is not a virtue.

China regards modesty as a virtue, while Americans regard modesty as a synonym for hypocrisy. If a fluent English speaker apologizes that he doesn't speak English well and then speaks fluent English, Americans will think that he lied and is a hypocritical person. Therefore, when dealing with the United States, you should boldly say your abilities, one is one, ten is ten, and you don't have to be modest and polite, otherwise it will be counterproductive.

Step 6 say hello to strangers

On the road, in the elevator, or in the corridor, you will often meet people coming face to face and meet their eyes. It is an American habit to say hello with eyes at this time. We shouldn't look away at once, or turn our faces to one side and pretend not to see them. Only those who are not pleasing to the eye and disdain to do so. Walking on the street in the early morning in the United States, if you meet people passing by, you will habitually say "good morning"; Of course, in a street with many pedestrians, you don't have to say hello to all the people passing by.

7. Topics in the dialogue

Attend American parties, don't just talk about the topics you care about and are good at. Talking about topics that are only familiar to you will embarrass others and produce a sense of disgust. Talking about personal business matters and showing off will also make others think that you are narrow-minded and know nothing but your own affairs. In conversation, we should look for topics of common interest; Doctors can talk about literature, scientists can talk about music, and educators can tell stories about travel, which makes the whole party full of relaxed atmosphere. It should be noted that Christians regard suicide as a sin. In the United States, the topic of "suicide" is unpopular, so it is better to say less whenever and wherever.

8. Don't forget to say hello to the children.

Americans pay attention to the equality between adults and children. When they are guests in American homes, their children will definitely come out to meet the guests and say hello. At this time, don't just focus on adults and ignore children. That will definitely make their parents unhappy. Say hello to children by shaking hands or kissing their faces. If a child kisses you, you must also kiss his face.

9. Same sex can't dance together.

Same-sex people can't dance together, which is one of the social etiquette recognized by the United States. Dancing with the same sex, others will definitely cast a reproachful look, or think they are gay. Therefore, even if you can't find a partner of the opposite sex, you must never dance with the same sex.

10, don't take off your shoes in front of others.

In America, if you take off your shoes or go barefoot in front of others, you will be considered a rude savage. Only in the bedroom, or between men and women in love, can you take off your shoes; If women take off their shoes in front of men, it means "you can do whatever you want"; Men take off their shoes; Will be despised as barefoot natives in the jungle. It is impolite for men and women to pull down their socks and garters in front of others; If your shoelaces are loose, you should go to a place where no one is there to tie them.

1 1, women can't drink alone.

Women should not drink alone, if they drink alone or several women drink together. Are regarded as "women and other men"; Women who are not familiar with this situation may be harassed by offering their own men.

12, don't stick out your tongue in front of others.

Americans think sticking out your tongue in front of others is an unsightly and impolite behavior, which gives people a feeling of vulgarity and indecent, and can even be interpreted as looking down on others. Children can stick out their tongues when they make mistakes, which makes them look innocent and lovely. Adults must not do this.

13, don't laugh casually.

Smiling can bring friendship. But on some occasions, a smile often represents a commitment to something. Especially women, it is best not to smile for no reason, because ambiguous smiles are sometimes mistaken for "ridicule" and sometimes mistaken for "default", which causes great misunderstanding.

14. Bend over when passing in front of the seat.

When passing in front of others in a narrow place, such as a cinema, you must say "I'm sorry"; At this time, the posture of Americans is to turn their backs on the person sitting, bow their heads and bend over. This is different from the habit of entering Europe. Europeans must face the person sitting and bend over.

15, don't get drunk at the party.

It is the etiquette observed by Europeans and Americans to drink moderately at the banquet and always maintain a gentle manner. At American banquets, it is rare to see people who are drunk as mud. Even if you drink too much, you should stick to the end of the banquet and go back to your room before you can fall down. If you get drunk and make trouble on the spot, you will attract everyone's contempt.

16, don't give gifts indiscriminately.

Gifts must be meaningful, such as friends' birthdays and colleagues' weddings, which can be sent as tokens of heart; But you can't give gifts on the track, so that the other party will not only be grateful, but also suspect that you have other plans; When you don't know what gift is appropriate, you can send flowers, be a guest or attend a banquet. Flowers are always suitable, and perfumes and bogey are also popular.

17, don't eat garlic before going out.

Americans are generally very sensitive to smells, especially the smell of garlic. If you have eaten garlic before going out, you'd better brush your teeth and rinse your mouth. Otherwise, the smell of garlic will definitely make you unhappy.

18, don't pay for others.

China people's habit is that when several friends go out together, they always scramble to pay for tickets and tickets. But if you do this to Americans, you won't get their thanks. This will make Americans feel indebted. Psychological discomfort; When Americans go out together, they always go Dutch, including fare, meal and tip.

19, after going to the toilet

China people's habit is to close the door behind them, and it's best to close the toilet when no one is around. Americans are used to opening the toilet door a little, indicating that there is no one inside; If the lock is tight, it means that someone is inside and others have to wait outside.

20, the meaning of gestures

When the United States introduces itself, use your fingertips. If you point to your chest according to your own habits, you will often make them confused and unable to understand. When calling someone over, our habit is to wave, which seems to Americans. It is precisely "goodbye"; They point their fingers at themselves and greet people, and then gently shake them with their middle and index fingers two or three times. Americans have many gesture habits, such as using the index finger and thumb to form a circle, and the other three fingers reaching up to make an "OK" gesture, indicating "good" and "agreement".

Fourth, others.

1, tip Tips should be given for taxis, restaurants, waiters or airport personnel to carry luggage. Generally speaking, when eating in a restaurant, the tip is about 10% to 15%. Generally speaking, there is no need to tip when eating in the canteen, but if someone pours tea and asks politely about the demand, you can tip according to the number of people. You need to tip more at dinner than during the day. Tipping is an evaluation of service quality. Some waiters are very enthusiastic and ask questions from time to time in order to earn more tips. No matter what the waiter thinks, you can tip according to your satisfaction with the restaurant and the waiter. No one will interfere if you give more or less. But remember never to tip penny. When pennies are left on the table, even if you give a lot of tips, it is likely to be misunderstood by the waiter as dissatisfied with the service, which is a humiliating act. Therefore, unless the service is really poor, you must never put a penny in the tip, unless, of course, you pay with a credit card and add the tip to the meal.

The amount of tips varies from person to person. In big cities, if the tip paid by customers accounts for 15% of the total cost, it means that they are satisfied with the service; If it accounts for 20%, the service is excellent. In other places, tipping usually accounts for 15% of the cost. Customers have to tip 25 cents for breakfast in a small coffee shop; Stay in a high-end hotel and pay the cleaning lady $2 a day; In airports, railway stations and bus stations where unified charges are implemented, customers have to pay porters 35 cents for each piece of luggage; Women spend the most in barbershops, and hairdressers who wash their hair, have their hair cut and have their hair permed have to pay a tip, which is about/kloc-0.5% to 20%. Taxi drivers also ask for tips. If the fare is lower than 1.5 yuan, they can pay 25 cents, otherwise they will have to pay more. As for gas station service personnel, hotel counter staff and cinema attendants, they are not needed. If you are not sure under what circumstances you should tip, you should ask your friends in advance.

There are many ways to tip: customers can put tips under tea plates and wine glasses; You can also put the tip in the waiter's hand; Or when you pay, just put away the whole ticket you got back. No change, just a tip.

2. Establish a good credit record. All kinds of bills should be paid on time, and the deadline for payment will be indicated on the bill, preferably one week in advance. If you are late, you will not only be fined, but also lose your credit. Bank deposits should also be kept above the amount sufficient to pay bills at any time, and if they are refunded, their credit will also be affected.

3. General office hours. Most stores in the United States are open from Monday to Saturday at 9: 30 am or 10: 00 to 5: 00 pm or around 6: 00 pm. Some shops in the shopping center are open until 9 pm. Sunday will also be open from noon to six. Generally, companies work from nine to five and have holidays on Saturday and Sunday. The business hours of banks are relatively short, mostly from 9 am to 3 pm from Monday to Friday. Some banks will extend their business hours until 6 pm on Friday and 9 am on Saturday to 12. No matter the company number, shopping center or school, there is generally no lunch break. At school, classes are held as usual at noon. This is more difficult for students who are used to taking a nap.