cultures: U.S. * china * india * Mid east * Philippines
Meeting someone
When meeting someone for the first time, it is customary to shake hands, both for men and for women. Hugs are only exchanged between close friends. Kissing is not common, and men never kiss other men.
Americans will usually introduce themselves by their first name and last name (such as "Hello, I’m John Smith"), or, if the setting is very casual, by their first name only ("Hi, I’m John"). The common response when someone is introduced to you is "Pleased to meet you." Unless someone is introduced to you with their title and last name (such as Mister Smith or Miss Johnson), you should address them by their first name. Americans normally address everyone they meet in a social or business setting by their first name.
However, you should always address your college professors by their title and last name (such as Professor Jones), unless they ask you to do otherwise.
Speaking on the telephone
Americans normally answer the telephone by simply saying "Hello." If you are calling a business, the person answering the phone will give the name of the business and usually their own name as well. If the person you would like to speak to has answered the phone, you should say hello and state your name. If not, you should ask for that person politely: "May I please speak with Andrew Brown?"
The majority of Americans have answering machines in their homes. Also, the majority of businesses have voice mail accounts for their employees. When leaving a message, state your name clearly and leave a telephone number where you can be reached. Telephone messages should be brief and to the point.
Eating out
All restaurants in America accept cash for payment, and most (even some fast food restaurants) also accept credit cards. A few restaurants also accept ATM cards for payment. You will rarely find a restaurant that accepts checks.
It is common to have to wait for a table at a popular restaurant. There are many popular restaurants that do not accept reservations, or will only accept reservations for large parties (for example, six or more people). At these restaurants, the wait can be very long on a weekend night.
Tipping – If a waiter or waitress serves you at a table, then by law their pay is smaller, and a large part of that person’s pay comes from a tip, an additional payment made on the final bill. A tip of about 15% of the total bill is considered normal, and tells the waitress/waiter that you found their service good. A lower or higher tip would send a different message, such as if they were slow, or did a special favor, or had to clean up a particularly messy table. Some restaurants charge an automatic 15% tip for groups of people larger than a certain number, such as larger than 10 people.
Holidays (See “U.S. Life”)
Philippines
When meeting someone for the first time, it is customary to shake hands, both for men and for women. Hugs are only exchanged between close friends. Kissing is not common, and men never kiss other men.
Americans will usually introduce themselves by their first name and last name (such as "Hello, I’m John Smith"), or, if the setting is very casual, by their first name only ("Hi, I’m John"). The common response when someone is introduced to you is "Pleased to meet you." Unless someone is introduced to you with their title and last name (such as Mister Smith or Miss Johnson), you should address them by their first name. Americans normally address everyone they meet in a social or business setting by their first name.
However, you should always address your college professors by their title and last name (such as Professor Jones), unless they ask you to do otherwise.
Speaking on the telephone
Americans normally answer the telephone by simply saying "Hello." If you are calling a business, the person answering the phone will give the name of the business and usually their own name as well. If the person you would like to speak to has answered the phone, you should say hello and state your name. If not, you should ask for that person politely: "May I please speak with Andrew Brown?"
The majority of Americans have answering machines in their homes. Also, the majority of businesses have voice mail accounts for their employees. When leaving a message, state your name clearly and leave a telephone number where you can be reached. Telephone messages should be brief and to the point.
Eating out
All restaurants in America accept cash for payment, and most (even some fast food restaurants) also accept credit cards. A few restaurants also accept ATM cards for payment. You will rarely find a restaurant that accepts checks.
It is common to have to wait for a table at a popular restaurant. There are many popular restaurants that do not accept reservations, or will only accept reservations for large parties (for example, six or more people). At these restaurants, the wait can be very long on a weekend night.
Tipping – If a waiter or waitress serves you at a table, then by law their pay is smaller, and a large part of that person’s pay comes from a tip, an additional payment made on the final bill. A tip of about 15% of the total bill is considered normal, and tells the waitress/waiter that you found their service good. A lower or higher tip would send a different message, such as if they were slow, or did a special favor, or had to clean up a particularly messy table. Some restaurants charge an automatic 15% tip for groups of people larger than a certain number, such as larger than 10 people.
Holidays (See “U.S. Life”)
Philippines
