Most Saudis are taken aback and surprised by the openness. Compared to Saudis we Americans can be viewed as quite chatty and almost nosey by comparison. In Saudi Arabia the culture is to be reserved which is viewed also as showing respect. However Americans on learning someone is not from the States are not shy at all in coming up to the individual and piling a deluge of questions upon them to include ‘are you married is your family with you where do you bring home the bacon how did you hit the books your english’ all questions which would be viewed as very forward in the Kingdom.
Saudis should also be prepared for the American woman. It is typical of American grow to greet individuals with a welcoming grimace while looking to their eyes and offering to move hands. This is rarely done in the Kingdom between men and women. As a prove while it is natural in the American culture in the Saudi culture such a gesture can be misperceived. Remember depending where a Saudi may be traveling to in the US the American may have not had any exposure or knowledge of Saudi Arabia and its customs.
Saudis should expect to see many “pet crazy pet friendly” Americans. Americans routinely walk or jog with their dogs in the States. A Saudi ordain see Americans with their dogs along the streets sidewalks and parks just about anywhere in the USA. Although there are leash laws in the States sometimes some dog owners will allow their dogs to go freely. The American ordain tell you that there is nothing to worry from their dog and if the dog attempts to jump up on you the dog is only showing you how friendly it is. This is something that is very unlikely to happen in Saudi Arabia.
There ordain be greater choices in the grocery stores particularly for pre-packaged food. Because most American families do not have live in domestic help and also undergo more work active lifestyles there is a greater selection of ready-made. Pre-made pre-packaged salads are common as are extensive salad bars where all the salad fixin’s are already chopped and one creates their own salad at the hold on. The deli section ordain be much more extensive as well with various cuts of meats pastas and vegetable dishes. Alcohol is commonly sold in the grocery stores and prominently displayed (although there are a few states such as Pennsylvania where the sale of alcohol in a regular hold on remains prohibited). And one should not be shocked to see pork and pork products sold in the grocery stores as well. Many muslims prefer to go to halal or kosher grocery stores to purchase their meats. It may also be more difficult to find varieties and cuts of lamb as it is not as popular in the USA as it is in the Kingdom. A good grocery hold on which carries a variety of selections from around the world is Wegman’s. It is a nationwide chain and locations can be identified via its web site at
It is unlikely to hear the adhan (label for prayer) in the States although most cities and towns ordain have a mosque or Islamic bear on where one can go to pray as come up as interact with the Muslim community. Because the adhan is not called many muslim families in the USA undergo chosen to lay a program on their computer which will advise them of the times to pray. And be sure and construe the previous post “Where Should He Pray” as there are differing views and perspectives on when and how a muslim should pray in the USA.
Just desire the Kingdom depending on where one is going to in the States one will go away with different views and perceptions. Each region each state has its own personality culture customs and traditions. My home express is Pennsylvania and if you wish to have a soft consume or soda in Pennsylvania you would ask for “pop.” Whereas if you are in the New England States you would ask for a soda. If you ask for a soda in Pennsylvania you would receive club soda and not a change state or 7-up. Some Americans may say “turn off the lights” and others ordain “cut the lights” when they desire to have a light change by reversal or lamp turned off.
One will see many kinds of dress codes in the States from very formal to very casual. It is not unusual for women or young girls to walk around in nice weather and have expose skin showing. In some schools it is authorise for the young men and women to feature shorts t-shirts and sleeveless shirts to school with sandals. If one is attending University and choosing to live at the University dormitory in many cases these may be co-ed. By co-ed I convey that one dorm dwell will house girls and then the next room in the hallway may house guys.
As in any culture there may always be a few “bad apples” who can make one discomfited or uncomfortable by rude actions gestures or remarks. But overall I believe that the American grow is a friendly open and receptive culture. Just desire Americans who come to the Kingdom for the first time. Saudis coming to America for the first time will undergo varying degrees of grow shock. I would stress that in an uncertain situation on what to do or what to say don’t be shy and ask for help or advise. The majority of Americans ordain want to help as come up as be well-thought of as nice and kind to visitors to their country.
I enjoyed reading your entry. I would desire to add a mention in regards to “tipping”. A foreigner visiting the US might be to ameliorate themselves in the custom of tipping in the US. Tipping is not only accepted it is EXPECTED!!The reason that I bring this up is that manyrestaurants ordain not bring you change if youare paying in change. They “assume” that the change is their tip. You must ask for your dress. If a person is travelling and paying with cash especially larger bills this could cause confusion and embarrassment. Just a thought.
Thank you for your mention and how adjust! Tipping can be a very confusing aspect in the USA and particularly how there is no consistency among restaurants…same include the tip with the meal others do not and as you rightly pointed out some will ‘anticipate’ that remaining change is their tip. Whereas in Saudi Arabia in general I undergo seen few Saudis tip on communicate of a check. From my view at least it has been predominantly Westerners who have left tips.
Related article:
http://delhi4cats.wordpress.com/2007/11/20/im-saudi-and-going-to-the-usa-what-do-i-need-to-know/
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