With the American dollar at an all-time low, many Europeans may be inclined to visit. That's great. Your Euros or other currencies are welcome in the USA, and you will find that they purchase a lot.
But you should take certain precautions during your visit. On this web page I have listed some of the things you must do to make sure your visit is safe and enjoyable.
2. If driving, obey all traffic signs. If you are ever stopped by a traffic policeman (who will have blue flashing lights on his car), again keep your hands in full view at all time. If he asks for your driver's license, registration, etc., explain that you must get them from the glove box or from wherever they are kept. Then move slowly and cautiously. If the policeman asks if he can search your car, politely say no. A simple traffic stop does not justify a search of your person or your vehicle.
3. Beware of unmarked police cars. Sometimes legitimate police used unmarked police cars to catch speeders or other traffic violators. The unmarked car will have flashing blue lights (usually in the grillework) plus a siren. The officer should be in full uniform. If he is in civilian clothes, you may ask that a marked car be sent to your location. Women driving alone are especially vulnerable when persons in civilian clothes claim to be policemen and ask you to get out of your car or to follow some other instruction. If he refuses to call for a marked car, you may drive carefully to any well-lit store, such as a gas station or a convenience store and ask the attendant to call 911.
4. Keep a throw-away wallet. American men keep their wallets in their rear left pockets. Visitors to the USA should keep a throw-away wallet with only a couple of dollars in it plus some old, useless identification such as a library card. Keep your real money, credit card and other valuables in front pockets only. If you are threatened by a mugger on the street, give him your throw-away wallet and immediately leave the scene, if necessary by walking into a busy street. The mugger wants your wallet, not your life. Same for women. Keep only junk in your purse or backpack and your valuables in front pockets of your jeans.
5. Travel in groups. Always go out with others, not alone. Also, even though you are in small groups, stay in well-lit areas. Take cabs, buses or metrorail whenever possible.
6. Remember that you are subject to American laws. You may be able to smoke hash or mj in Amsterdam, but don't try it in the USA. Claiming you are a foreigner won't help. The courts in the USA say ignorance of the law is no excuse. Similarly, many American cities are strict about jaywalking (crossing in the middle of the street or against the light). You will get a ticket if you try it. Also, being sent to jail will ruin your vacation.
7. Avoid rough areas in the cities. Washington, D. C., is divided into four geographic quadrants--NE, NW, SE and SW. NW and SW are reasonably safe, but the same cannot be said for NE or SE. People who live in SE ("southeast") literally hear gunfire almost every night. Don't go there. In Chicago, avoid certain sections on the south side of the city. In Los Angeles, avoid Watts and the area called "South Central." Always check with your hotel clerk to find out which areas to avoid. They know.
8. Guard valuables at the beach. If you have a rental car and you are visiting the beach, always take your money and credit cards with you. Never leave them in the car or in your hotel. I recommend that you leave a window down on your rental car and put a sign on the dashboard that reads NO VALUABLES IN THIS CAR. If you don't I can absolutely guarantee that a thief will break a window and look under the seat, in the trunk, etc., to find your valuables. Then you will lose your money and credit cards plus you will have to pay for a new window. In Hawaii, thieves use crowbars to pop open the trunks ("boots" to you Brits) to steal items in broad daylight.
9. Tipping. At sit-down restaurants, always tip 15%, or up to 20% if the service was especially good. Tip hotel porters $2 per bag. Cabbies get 10%.
10. Finally, ask for help if you need it. Americans are always ready to assist visitors from other countries, even though they may not speak your native language.