American Cultural Tips

Culture Tips- Courtesy of Berlitz.com


Americans typically greet each other with a brief, firm handshake. In a social setting, women may greet other women, or close male friends, with a hug, but men do not hug one another. When taking your leave from a group of people, it is not always necessary to say goodbye or shake hands with each person individually.


Americans generally stand about an arm's length from each other. If you are more comfortable standing closer, don't advance; they will back away and you will be considered rude and/or pushy. If you are more comfortable standing farther away, don't back off; you will be considered standoffish or unresponsive.


You will hear "How are you?" or "How's it going?" as a common greeting. This is generally not an invitation to explain that you've been having back pains or marital problems. A simple "Fine, and you?" is an appropriate response.


Business is a common topic of conversation, even on social occasions. Expect to be asked, "What do you do?" Other topics of conversation are families (children, school, spouse's career, etc.), and sport. Topics such as politics and international issues are not taboo, but they are not often discussed, unless they have a direct impact on the individual.

Compliments are frequently given; learn how to give and receive compliments gracefully.

Americans want to be friends: expect to be invited to peoples' homes. Bring a gift (flowers, wine, etc., nothing too ostentatious), if you're invited for dinner, but a thank you note afterward is not necessary, particularly if there were many others for dinner.


Americans are fond of barbecues, potluck dinners and cocktail parties. At a barbecue, friends and family are invited over and hamburgers, steaks or chicken are grilled. A potluck dinner is where each person attending brings one dish to be shared. Both of these events are informal and generally served buffet-style. A cocktail party is a get-together with drinks and hors d'oeuvres. People are expected to mingle and meet new people.



Meals are often served "family-style" (platters of food are handed around the table), "buffet style" (you serve yourself from a sideboard of dishes and take your plate back to the table), or "cocktail-style" (you serve yourself from dishes set about the room, and eat with your plate on your lap or standing).

Many foods are eaten with the hands (sandwiches and hamburgers, fried/barbecued chicken, French fries, etc.)

When you visit an American's home, you will usually be treated as one of the family. You might be told to "help yourself to whatever is in the refrigerator" and your offers of help with washing up, etc. will be accepted.

Americans love sports; while many are content to be spectators, many participate in sports after work and on weekends. Baseball is the national sport; however, basketball, football, and ice hockey are also popular.


Traditional courtesies accorded to women have faded in recent years, largely as a result of the women's movement to attain equality with men on all levels. Women do not necessarily expect men to open doors for them or give up their seats for them. Do not be offended if a man precedes you through a door; conversely, do not be surprised if a woman opens the door for you!


It is not necessary to dress up to go out in public for everyday purposes. You will see people in everything from sweat suits to business suits in the grocery store. Get-togethers are generally quite casual and shorts or jeans are often acceptable. If you are unsure what is appropriate to wear, ask someone.