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Chicago, United States
4 laws, restrictions, and customs in Chicago that travellers often break without knowing — and the fines or consequences that follow.
In the US, restaurant servers, bartenders, taxi drivers, hotel bell staff, and many other service workers earn below minimum wage by law and depend on tips to make a living. A 15–20% tip at restaurants is expected; 18–22% is now standard in cities. Failure to tip is considered rude and sometimes confrontational.
The legal drinking age in all US states is 21. Bars, restaurants, and liquor stores routinely ask for ID and are required to refuse service to anyone who appears under 35. A passport is the most reliable form of ID.
Cannabis is legal for recreational use in some states (California, Colorado, New York, Washington, etc.) but remains a federal crime. Possession in states where it is not legalised can result in arrest. Crossing state lines with cannabis is a federal offence.
Most non-US nationals need either an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation, valid for visa-waiver programme countries) or a visa before travelling to the US. Overstaying your authorised period is tracked and will affect future entry.
