For a Brazilian, the first trip to the United States is a mix of excitement and sheer terror. From the moment you step off the plane, everything feels foreign—the language, the customs, even the way people walk. But beyond the obvious culture shock, there are specific, almost irrational fears that haunt every Brazilian traveler. Let’s dive into the things that make our hearts race and our palms sweat when visiting the land of opportunity.
The Tip, Please!
If you think a 10% service charge is more than enough for good service, you might want to rethink that attitude if you travel to the United States. That’s because tips aren’t always automatically added to the bill there, and even when they are, it’s customary to tip your server. The only time this doesn’t happen is when the service is truly terrible. Otherwise, Americans are taught from a young age to tip. And here’s the thing: tips are usually generous, so get your wallet ready and open up.
Oh, and one more detail: tips are often expected to be around 15-20% of the total bill. So, don’t be shy—tip well, and you’ll be seen as a polite and considerate guest.