Visiting information
Every Dutchie has a first time visiting the US. There are a few things that will turn out very convenient to learn here when you haven't been to Houston before.
In the list underneath we've tried to give some convenient tips in different categories for when y'all are out here.
Transportation
Maybe y'all haven't heard, but Houston traffic can be really bad. To get the latest information look here:
Transportation
When y'all not willing to deal with traffic, you can use the public transport:
FIFA
They organize it, so they will have some useful insights:
Traveling
If y'all want to come here from outside the US, y'all will need some sort of Visa of at least an ESTA:
Traveling
There may be an emergency. Dutch people can find some information for them here:
Traveling
The USA has different states. You should realize that all these states have different rules. Please check how this affects the laws about drugs and alcohol.
Also note that it is not allowed to photograph or film any military installations and bases.
Lastly, there are situations in which people from the LHBTIQ+ community where regulations may differ from what you are used to in Europe.
Please check this link about all mentioned above and more:
https://www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl/reisadvies/verenigde-staten-van-amerika
Climate
Just like everywhere else, there are a lot of stinging insects like mosquito's:
https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/about/about-mosquito-bites.html
Climate
Houston can be quite hot, especially in June, July, August and September. Luckily this is when the World Cup is held here. So please read this information, it can save your life!
https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/3431_WKSITEPOSTER_EN.pdf
Behavior
- You've just been at a bar or even at the stadium and watched the game. Now you're happy because the Dutch have won. A few beers later you want to take a piss outside the pub on your way home: DON'T!!
This is not just socially not acceptable, it is also a misdemeanor. In some cases it will even be seen as a sexual offense!
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- You are preparing for a match at your hotel or apartment, drinking a nice beer and eating some Bitterballen. When you leave your place, please leave the drinks behind. In the US it is prohibited to drink in public and they are more serious about that than we're used to in The Netherlands!