Close US allies have long warned their citizens about the risks of exploring the United States. And while most online advisories rank the US as safe to visit, many also make mention of domestic mass shootings, typically categorized as terrorism — and also warn about the astronomical cost of American health care for visitors whom misfortune befalls.
Sometimes politically pointed, but more often simply pragmatic, each country’s travel advisories are usually published only in the local language. And because they’re designed to keep their own citizens out of trouble, the frankness with which such documents review US security, health, local law and customs can offer a fascinating portrait of America — which Americans themselves may struggle to recognize.
Be aware: Americans own guns
In the French advisory’s “Culture” section, the diplomatic service warns French visitors that “carrying firearms is authorized and common” in several US states. “Visitors must therefore, in all circumstances, keep their calm and sang-froid.”
The cost of US medical care
While medical care in the US is “very good,” Canada reminds citizens that “treatment costs are expensive.”
“Medical treatment is expensive and there are no special arrangements for British visitors,” the UK said. “Some hospitals may ask non-US residents to pay a deposit or ‘good faith’ payment on admittance.”
Germany and France echo this warning, emphasizing American hospital prices and urging travelers to buy special health and repatriation insurance before visiting.
Toplessness and other cultural differences
Germany, which says breastfeeding in public is legal in all US states, cautions German mothers to “refrain from that practice in restaurants and bars, or in less liberal areas,” it says. It similarly warns against topless beachgoing, even for little children.
France, too, cannot help but note American prudishness in its travel advisory, telling travelers that topless swimwear is “forbidden” in the United States for adults and children.
In another cultural warning, the Italian advisory reminds travelers that the late nights they might be used to at home could get them into trouble in US cities, where it says violent crimes are on the rise, particularly in the evening.
“Work and social life end earlier in the United States than it does in Italy, and city centers can empty out between 6 pm and 7 pm,” claims the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
Racism
“We wish to advise all Bahamians traveling to the US but especially to the affected cities to exercise appropriate caution generally,” it warned.
“In particular young males are asked to exercise extreme caution in affected cities in their interactions with the police.”
Crime and some surprisingly specific areas of concern
Italy does not have a full cities-to-beware list, but it does specifically warn about San Francisco for car burglary; Florida for irritating “red algae;” and New York City’s Times Square for counterfeit electronics.