10 Things in the US That Tourists Assume Are Illegal (But Aren’t)

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10 Things in the US That Tourists Assume Are Illegal (But Aren’t)

Some things just seem like they should be against the law, but in the U.S., there are quite a few things that surprise visitors. If you’re traveling from another country, you might assume that certain actions would get you in trouble, but here, they’re perfectly fine. From walking around with an open beer in some places to buying fireworks any time of year, there are a lot of things that feel like they should be illegal but aren’t.

Some of these might seem shocking, some might seem strange, and others might just make you shake your head. Either way, if you’re visiting the U.S., you might want to know about these things ahead of time!

1. Drinking in Public (in Some Places, Like Vegas)

In most places in the U.S., walking down the street with an open beer or cocktail will absolutely get you in trouble. But in a few cities, it’s totally fine. Las Vegas is the best-known example. On the Strip, you can carry your drink around without any issues. In fact, bars and casinos even serve drinks in plastic cups so people can take them to go.

New Orleans is another place where public drinking is legal, especially in the French Quarter. As long as your drink isn’t in a glass container, you won’t have a problem. There are even drive-thru daiquiri shops (though there are rules about drinking while driving).

That said, just because you can drink in public in some places doesn’t mean you can do it everywhere. Most U.S. cities and towns have strict open-container laws, meaning you can’t just walk into a park or down the sidewalk with a beer. If you’re not sure, it’s best to check the local laws before you pop open a bottle.

2. Owning a Gun Without Much Hassle

In many countries, owning a gun is a long and complicated process. In the U.S., though, it’s often surprisingly easy. In most states, you don’t need a special license or registration to own a firearm. You just go to a gun store, pass a background check (which usually takes just a few minutes), and walk out with a gun.

Some states have stricter rules, like waiting periods or mandatory training, but in others, it’s almost as easy as buying a fishing rod. Private sales between individuals often don’t require background checks at all, which can surprise visitors from places where gun ownership is tightly controlled.

Of course, gun laws vary by state, and there are still federal restrictions on certain types of firearms. But overall, compared to many other countries, the process of getting a gun in the U.S. is much simpler than a lot of people expect.

3. Open Carrying a Firearm in Several States

If you’re visiting from another country, seeing someone walking around with a gun on their hip might be shocking. But in many U.S. states, it’s completely legal to openly carry a firearm in public. Some states require a permit, but in others, you don’t need any special permission at all.

Open carry laws vary widely depending on where you are. Some states allow it everywhere, while others have restrictions in certain places, like government buildings or schools. And while it’s legal in many places, that doesn’t mean it’s common. In some areas, you might never see someone openly carrying a gun, while in others, it’s not unusual at all.

For visitors from countries with strict gun laws, open carry can be one of the most surprising things about the U.S. If you’re traveling to a state where it’s legal, don’t be alarmed—it’s just part of the culture in certain places.

4. Buying Booze at a Pharmacy

In a lot of countries, pharmacies are strictly for medicine and health products. In the U.S., though, you can often buy alcohol right alongside your cough syrup and toothpaste. Big pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens sell beer, wine, and even hard liquor in some states.

This might sound strange if you’re used to alcohol being sold only in specialty stores or under strict government control. But in much of the U.S., it’s just another convenience for customers. Some states still have strict laws about where alcohol can be sold, but in places with looser rules, grabbing a bottle of wine from the pharmacy on your way home is totally normal.

That said, the selection at pharmacies isn’t usually great. If you’re looking for something specific, you might still need to go to a liquor store. But if you just need a quick six-pack, your local Walgreens might have what you need.

5. Right Turn on Red (in Most Places)

If you’re visiting the U.S. and driving, you might be surprised to see cars turning right at a red light. In most places, this is completely legal as long as you stop first and make sure there’s no oncoming traffic.

This law is meant to keep traffic moving, and most American drivers don’t even think twice about it. However, there are some places where right turns on red are not allowed, like New York City. If you’re not sure, look for a sign that says “No Turn on Red.”

For visitors from countries where this isn’t allowed, it can be a little nerve-wracking at first. But once you get used to it, it’s actually pretty convenient. Just be sure to check for pedestrians before making your turn!

6. People Wearing Pajamas in Public

In many places, wearing pajamas outside the house would be considered weird, if not outright inappropriate. But in the U.S., it’s surprisingly common. You’ll see people in pajama pants at grocery stores, airports, and even restaurants.

Some people do it because they’re running a quick errand and don’t feel like changing. Others just find it comfortable and don’t care what anyone thinks. While certain places, like nice restaurants, still expect people to dress up a little, casual spots rarely enforce any kind of dress code.

So if you’re visiting the U.S. and see someone in SpongeBob pajama pants at the mall, don’t be shocked—it’s just part of the laid-back American attitude toward fashion.

7. Advertising Prescription Drugs on TV

In the U.S., you’ll see commercials for prescription medications all the time. These ads usually feature happy people enjoying life while a cheerful voice lists off a long list of possible side effects.

This is unusual because most countries don’t allow direct advertising of prescription drugs to consumers. In the U.S., though, pharmaceutical companies can market their products just like any other business. The idea is that patients can ask their doctors about medications they’ve seen on TV.

It might seem strange if you’re not used to it, but in the U.S., it’s just another part of watching TV.

8. Buying Fireworks Year-Round in Some States

In many countries, fireworks are only sold around big holidays. In some U.S. states, though, you can buy them any time of year.

Of course, fireworks laws vary by state. Some states ban them completely, while others allow them with very few restrictions. If you’re somewhere that sells fireworks year-round, don’t be surprised if you hear them going off randomly in the middle of the year.

9. Gas Stations Selling Hard Liquor

In some states, gas stations don’t just sell beer and wine—they also sell whiskey, vodka, and other hard liquor. This can be surprising if you’re used to alcohol only being sold in specialty stores.

Not every state allows this, but in places where it’s legal, it’s completely normal to grab a bottle of liquor while filling up your tank.

10. College Students Taking Out $100K in Loans Without a Second Thought

College tuition in the U.S. is shockingly expensive, and students regularly take out massive loans to pay for it. Unlike many other countries where education is heavily subsidized, American students often graduate with huge amounts of debt.

For visitors from places with free or low-cost higher education, this can be one of the biggest cultural shocks. Many students sign up for loans without fully understanding how much they’ll owe later. It’s one of the few financial decisions that young people can make with almost no restrictions.