PERSONAL SAFETY

Big cities in the United States can be dangerous if you are not careful. Don't panic! If you observe a few simple rules you can avoid most dangers.

• Avoid using public toilets as much as possible.
• If you have to use them, be alert, especially if the toilet is empty.
• Don't let others know that you are carrying a lot of cash. You can get mugged for as little as $50.
• Avoid dark, lonely places if you do not have car.
• Find out from friends which areas of town to avoid.

STREET SMARTS

The two things that seem to worry many Indian visitors to the US are crime and a fear of contracting the AIDS virus. While there is no denying that the crime rate in major American cities is extremely high and the spread of the AIDS disease continues unabated, steps can be taken to make sure that you cut down the risks of bring mugged, and getting AIDS.

Mugging
The best precautions that one can take against `mugged' or becoming an unsuspecting victim of robbery in the US have to do with using simple common sense.

• In large cities, avoid traveling alone after dark in subways, downtown districts, parks, empty streets and decaying neighborhoods. Any area that looks seedy, is littered with trash and broken bottles and has idle people hanging around street corners, is probably unsafe.
• When in and around airports, train and bus terminals and entrances to subway stations, or on empty pavements and staircases always avoid standing around and looking lost.
• Avoid keeping your wallet in your back pocket and don't keep more than $15 or $20 on you, at any time.
• Always keep an eye on your luggage at airports and stations and do not leave bags unattended, even for a few minutes.
• Be sure not to pick a fight with anyone on a street, especially in shady, downtown areas.
• Be careful of beggars and homeless people. Ignore them as far as possible.

AIDS
As far as the fear of contracting AIDS goes, you will find that ignorance About U.S.A the disease and the manner in which it is spread, has gone a long way towards creating worldwide panic even among those for whom the risk may be minimal.

Current medical research and the US Surgeon General's reports show that AIDS is transmitted, in virtually all cases,

• through sexual intercourse with infected persons,
• infected blood transfusions (now rare, because the blood supply in the US is tested for AIDS)
• through injections from infected needles (usually among drug addicts who share needles. US medical facilities never use the same needle twice).

Once in the US you can, if interested, obtain more information About U.S.A prevention against AIDS from several state and federal agencies in the country.

LITTERING

In the US, littering is considered a serious offense that is punishable by law. In India, we don't pay much attention to this, and we litter without a thought. All restaurants, fastfood joints, malls and buildings have garbage bins, even sidewalks have them. Be very careful, because you may be heavily fined or even imprisoned if caught.

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

While most of the world now follows the metric system, the United States, in everyday life still follows the old British system of weights and measures. So, distances are measured in yards and miles, weight in ounces and pounds, volume in quarts and gallons and area in square feet and acres.

ELECTRICAL FITTINGS

Electrical outlets in the US provide power at 110 volts/60 hertz. Indian voltage is 220, so you will need to buy a transformer if you are taking any electrical appliance of non-American manufacture (hair dryer, electric shaver, etc.), with you. You will also need an adapter to change the shape of your plug as American plugs usually have just two flat, parallel pins. These are available in any hardware store.

Another thing to remember and be careful About U.S.A is that in the US, the plug points don't have switches, once you plug something in, it is on.

WEATHER

People in the US always talk About U.S.A the weather, and this is a good way to start a conversation. But large parts of the country also experience climatic conditions that are very extreme, and it is a good idea to take some interest in what your local weatherman has to say. If you are still in India, we advise you to use the site to know weather conditions at your destination, so that you can be prepared with the right kind of clothing.

Another thing to remember is that in the US, temperature is referred to in terms of Fahrenheit, and not Celsius. (1 degree Celsius = 1.6 Fahrenheit)

LANGUAGE

The English used in India, and the English used in America are different. Click here for a list of common words and phrases and what they are called in America.

Nonverbals: Nonverbals, the 'silent' or 'body' language, form an important part of first impressions you create. The first few minutes in any interaction are vital. That's all it takes to make up your mind About U.S.A someone.

• Nonverbals include your posture, gestures, body movements, and facial expressions. Make sure that your nonverbals and what you are saying are in agreement.
• You convey messages all the time through your nonverbals and if you're not aware, you can give a wrong impression. Fiddling with your tie or shuffling loose change in your pocket is distracting and makes you seem nervous.
• Be aware of what you are doing, and with practice, you will be able to project a positive image.