Blend In Like A Local

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hey y'all, and welcome to All Things Miami, your ultimate
visitor's guide to the Magic City. From sizzling beaches to
world famous nightlife, five star restaurants to street side cafecitos,
we cover everything that makes Miami unforgettable. We'll show you
how to blend in like a local explorer, hidden gems,
and experience the city's rich culture, energy and flavor. Whether

(00:22):
you're here for the glam, the sun, or the vibes,
We've got the insider scoop to make your trip absolutely
epic out of your trip to Miami or any other
big city. And that is a local customs and etiquette,
because that can be different from city to city or
destination to destination. So knowing some basics about etiquette and

(00:47):
some of the local customs, particularly in a place like Miami,
can absolutely be huge. It can save you some embarrassment,
some stress, and you actually, you know, if you follow
these simple things, you'll just look like you're on top
of the game and you might even be a local.
So that's cool. Anyway, As we all know, Miami is

(01:12):
a melting pot of cultures that boasts a vibrant and
social landscape that blends Latin American flair with American dynamism.
Understanding local customs and etiquette is key to immersing yourself
fully and respectfully in this unique environment. This episode, we're

(01:33):
going to equip you with the knowledge that you need
to navigate social situations with confidence and grace, ensharing a
truly enriching Miami experience. So let's begin with something really simple,
dress codes. While Miami is known for its relaxed atmosphere,
particularly in beachside areas, dressing appropriately demonstrates respect and good judgment.

(02:00):
Think of Miami's dress as a spectrum. So on the beach,
swimwear is perfectly acceptable, but remember to always have a
cover up readily available for walking to and from the
beach or visiting nearby establishments. Many beachside restaurants and bars,
while casual, still maintain a certain standard, so avoid overtly

(02:23):
revealing clothing, thinking shorts and a T shirt or a sundress.
When venturing into more upscale areas like South Beaches, Art
Deco District or Coconut Grows trendy boutiques, a more polished
approach is recommended. For dinners at finer restaurants, consider smart

(02:43):
casual attire think khakis or Chino's with a collared shirt
for men and style of sundress or skirt and blouse
for women. Observing the dress of locals and in particular
area is always a good gauge of what considers appropriate.
I'm not telling you how to dress, okay, but you
also don't want to be that person or you don't

(03:06):
want to be that family. You know what I'm talking about.
So have an idea, even though you're on vacation, show
a little class, you know, show the class that you
brought with you and that you're going to take home
with you. So living in a tourist area myself, it
is actually appreciated. Now, we're not going to make anybody
leave because they show up in flip flops in a

(03:27):
baying suit. But you know, it's also may not make
everybody completely happy and comfortable. So just kind of remember that.
Another thing when you talk about is tips, and I'm
you know, I'm big above. I had a short time
in food and BEV but you know, this is how
these people make a living, so I don't forget that.

(03:49):
So tipping is another crucial aspect of Miami social etiquette.
While tipping isn't mandatory everywhere. It's deeply ingrained custom demonstrate
demonstrating appreciation for good service and restaurant A tip of
fifteen to twenty percent is customary. And again, all right,
we're talking about good service. We're not talking about McDonald's

(04:11):
or anything not that you can't get good service at McDonald's.
So depending on the level of service received, for exceptional service,
a higher tip is always appreciated. For bartenders, a dollar
or two per drink, it's the standard tip. Taxi drivers
typically received fifteen to twenty percent tip, while for ride

(04:33):
shares like Uber or Lyft, rounding up the fare, we're
adding a small percentage as common practice. And you can
do that on the app right, and you don't have
to do it right. Then you can do it once
you get to your destination. You look back, Oh that
guy was great. We had a great conversation. He got
me here quick. You know, here's five bucks, here's seven bucks.

(04:54):
That goes a long way with those guys, It really does.
And they work hard. Believe me. Hotel staff, including bell
hops and housekeeping and concierge, always appreciates tips for their services.
So this is what I always do. I always have
an envelope with me, or I asked for one at
the front desk, and I'll put you know, I don't

(05:14):
have a lot of cash on hand ever, but you know,
if I find a ten dollar bill or even a
twenty dollars bill, if I've been there for four or
five days, I put in an envelope and I just
put housekeeping, put a little smiley face, and I'm good.
There are some hotels that I go to regularly, or
at least used to for business, and I was there

(05:37):
for four or five days once or twice a month,
and you know, by the third or fourth time, they
knew who I was, and my room was amazingly clean,
and they treated me with absolute respect. And part of
that had to do with the fact that I was
respecting them by always leaving them some kind of a

(05:59):
tip to appreciate what they do for me and keeping
my room very, very clean. And that's why I did
a lot of my work. So it's been a lot
to me and it's been a lot to them. So
that's mutual respect. It's a win win. I always remember
that while tipping is expected, it should reflect the quality
of service received. Don't feel pressured to tip excessively if
you're not satisfied. Social interactions in Miami are generally warm

(06:24):
and welcoming. While the pace of life can be fast,
especially in the urban core, locals often appreciate a friendly
demeanor and a willingness to engage in conversation. However, it's
important to remember that not everyone is comfortable with not
comfortable with immediate close interaction. Observe the body language of

(06:45):
the person that you are interacting with and adjust your
approach is needed. In other words, it's all about perception.
Maintaining eye contact during conversation is considered polite, demonstrating attentiveness
and respect. Handshakes are common greeting, although in more casual
settings a simple hello will suffice. You know, so that's

(07:10):
my kids right. Language is also a significant aspect of
Miami's cultural setting. While English is widely spoken, Spanish is
equally prevalent, particularly in Little Havana and other neighborhoods with
strong Latin American influences. Attempting a few basic Spanish phrases

(07:31):
such as ola or gracias poor for war, is often
appreciated and demonstrates cultural sensitivity. Even a simple buenisdis or
when as part is I think I did. That can
go a long way and fostering a positive interaction. Don't
be discouraged if your Spanish is not perfect. The effort

(07:54):
itself speaks volumes because you know their English probably isn't perfect,
so you're meeting halfway. Navigating Miami's diverse cultural landscape requires
sensitivity and awareness. Miami is a city brimming with people
from various backgrounds, each with their own unique customs and beliefs.
Respecting individual differences as paramount, avoid making broad generalizations or

(08:18):
stereotypes about any group, and be mindful of your language
and behavior. Open mindedness and a willingness to learn and
adapt are vital to ensure a positive and respectful exchange
with those that you meet. I mean, listen, you should
be doing this at home too, write. I mean, I
can't tell you how many times when I was when

(08:40):
my kids were little, and we'd be in a casual
restaurant there'd be a group of let's just say college
age kids, sometimes a little bit older than that, and
their language was absolutely disgusting. Really is what it was.
And this is coming from an ex football player. I've
been around the language my entire life. I understand it,

(09:02):
I get it. I have used some of it sometimes
when I need to make a point. But I'm also
aware of my surroundings and these people were not. So
I'm that guy, you know, that's going to get up
and I'm going to go over to your table or
your booth and I'm going to let you know it's
not appreciated, and I'm going to do it very nicely

(09:24):
the first time and just kind of let you know,
to be aware of what's around you. And I don't
want my kids hearing that, and it makes my whole
family very uncomfortable. Five percent of the time, it was
handled right then and not a problem. A couple of times,
you know, it took a couple more trips over there,
and you know the big guy had to get a

(09:45):
little a little testy, so to speak. Right either way,
it was handled. So public transportation, let's talk about that.
Public transport is relatively efficient in Miami, but navigating it
can sometimes be challenging. It's important to be aware of

(10:07):
your surroundings and take necessary precautions against petty theft, especially
in crowded areas. Always keep your valuable secure and avoid
displaying excessive amounts of cash or expensive jewelry. If you
feel uncomfortable in a particular situation, it's always best to
remove yourself from it. Look chances are this isn't going

(10:27):
to happen. Take a few precautions. Just be aware, Be
conscious of that. It's a possibility, you know, and you're
probably not going to be an issue as long as
you're aware of it, you know. I mean again, it's
perception about that. Traffic in Miami can be unpredictable, especially

(10:52):
during peak hours. If driving, be prepared for congestion and
allow extra time for your journeys. Driving to offensively and
following traffic laws are essential, just like they should be
for you at home. Patience is a virtue at a
long sermon this morning on patients, especially when navigating the

(11:12):
city's often challenging road network. Furthermore, remember that pedestrians have
the right of way and it's always courteous to yield
to them, and it's also the law. While Miami enjoys
a warm and welcoming atmosphere, it's wise to stay alert
to your surroundings as petty theft can occur. Avoid walking
alone in poorly lit areas at night, and never leave

(11:36):
valuables unattended, be aware of your surroundings and crowded tourist spots,
and avoid flashing expensive jewelryr lord sums of cash. Reporting
any incident to the local authorities promptly is very recommended.
Respecting the natural environment is crucial, especially given Miami's proximity
to the oceans and it's less natural areas. So, I mean,

(11:59):
what's the we always say, you know, leave no trace,
you know, leave no trace behind, put your trash away.
I mean it's simple things like that. Don't let bags
of chips blow away on the beach, you know, don't
leave your cups around and expect somebody else to clean it.
And for God's sake, if you're still at the point

(12:23):
and you haven't gotten with it where you smoke, don't
just throw your cigarette butts down, because that you could
end up getting your butt kicked over something like that.
I mean, don't do that. Don't do that where I'm from.
I'm going to tell you that right now. I'm in
my soapbox already. Anyway, many beaches have designated areas for smoking,

(12:45):
so it's important to hear to these regulations. Respecting the
natural beauty of the area is an important aspect of
responsible tourism. I mean, you want to you want to
fit in as much as you can, and you want
to be able to come back. You don't. You don't. Again,
we say this all the time. You don't want to
be that guy, and you don't want to be those people,

(13:06):
and you don't want to be that family. You know,
we used to joke about it when we so we
were traveling. We're a family of five, and my brother
and sister in law's family of five, so when we
travel together, there's ten, all right, So in the airport
we were that family. You know what I'm saying. If
there's a line somewhere an amusement park, we're that family

(13:28):
that's always together and always have some sort of little
issue with a child doing something. But it wasn't a
bad those people. It was just, you know, we're that
huge group of people where those people we're that family.
So I know, you know, you still feel a little
uncomfortable because you know it's a little bit annoying to
the people around you, but you know we're doing the

(13:50):
best we can and we did it as respectfully as possible. Finally,
remember that adapting to Miami's rhythm takes time well, you
might encounter situations that differ from your own cultural norms.
Patience and an open mind are key embrace the city's
unique blend of cultures and embrace the unexpected. It's all

(14:11):
part of the Miami experience. By demonstrating cultural sensitivity and respect,
you'll not only enhance your own personal experience, but also
contribute to more positive, enjoyable environment for everyone. And you'll
find out that you will get a lot of respect back.
Your journey through Miami will be made even richer by

(14:32):
an understanding of the local customs and etiquette, making your
escape truly memorable. The warmth and vibrancy of Miami's culture
will be amplified if your approach, if you approach it
with respect and understanding. By incorporating these tips into your
travel plans, you are setting yourself up for a memorable

(14:52):
and enriching experience in this diverse and exciting city. I mean,
come out. We all want to go to Miami. We
all love Miami. There's so much to do there. Whether
you want to go you know, hardcore and fast, or
if you just want to take it easy, It'll be
laid back it's all there for you, and it's nice
and more almost all year round. So listen, playing ahead,
it's time to start making those reservations, and thanks for

(15:14):
joining us. So that's going to be a wrap for
this episode of All Things Miami, where I hope you're
feeling the heat in all the best ways, ready to
dive into the sites, sounds, and flavors that make this
city so iconic. Whether you're strolling through wind Wood, logging on,
lounging or logging, we're gonna be logs left on South Beach,

(15:36):
lounging on South Peach, or dancing the night away and Brickel.
I'm just losing it right now. I guess I'm just
thinking about wanting to be and dag on Miami, because
believe me, I'll be eating that up. There's always something
exciting around the corner in Miami. Be sure to subscribe,
leave us a review. Maybe not on this one, because

(15:58):
I totally botched a bunch of works on this one.
Bear with me, give me some forgiveness please, and share
the show with your fellow travelers. You can laugh at
me a little bit. Got a favorite Miami spot or
story we'd love to hear it, we'd love to include
it in on our podcast. So until we see you
next time, go soak up some son and God bless