Must knows for your trip to the USA
Getting there in the first place. The USA has different rules about entry which makes it more to think about than when travelling between European countries. Unless you already have a valid visa you'll most likely need an ESTA. Don't worry, it's nice and simple, here's everything you need to know.
Currency. The currency in the USA is the US Dollar. This is a nice easy currency to exchange and if you keep an eye on the rates you can normally get quite a good deal.
Plugs. Type A and Type B plugs are the standards across the US. They're similar in design with the two flat parallel pins. The difference is that type B has an extra grounding pin. All this means your British plugs won't work and you'll need an adapter, make sure to get a good quality one. Also important to note, some travel plug adapters are not suitable for any electrical will need an earth connection, info on this here.
Important note about electricals. USA plug sockets supply electricity at 120V and 60hz instead of the 240V and 50hz we use in the UK. All this means for you is that you'll need to check whether your plugged electricals are dual voltage rated. If your electrical has ‘INPUT: 110-240V’ written on it or it's power supply, you're fine to plug it in as normal. If it doesn't, you'll need to use that electrical alongside a voltage transformer or converter, there's info on all this here.
Vaccinations or jabs beforehand. These guidelines are always changing, the .Gov site has useful, up to date information.
Time difference. The USA spans six different time zones which means the exact time difference will depend on where you go. All zones are minus GMT time though so wherever you go, you'll always be a few or more hours behind the UK.
How to get around
The USA was made for dream road trips, driving is THE way to get around the US. If you do decide against a car for your trip, train services and public transport links in popular areas are normally more than enough to get around well enough.
Useful links and resources
- Learn about and apply for your ESTA.
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USA Tourist Board: The official website for the American National Tourist Office – a useful resource for planning your trip to the USA.
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Know Before You Go: Travel advice for USA from the FCO.
- USA travel advice from .GOV
USA trip money saving tips
Tip and tax. Unlike the UK, VAT is not added to the prices of products shown on the shelves. This actual rate of this tax varies from state to state but it's useful to bear this in mind, the total at the till won't be just the sum of the shelf prices. Along these lines, it's customary to tip waiters and other serving staff, more info here.
People came here from every corner of the globe in pursuit of the ‘American Dream’, which has created a fascinating mix of cultures and traditions. So as well as the sights, there are also plenty of events and traditions to enjoy during your visit.
Things to see and do
- Do the Ellis Island Tour in New York. Between 1892 and 1954 this immigration depot processed the greatest tide of humanity in US history; nearly 12 million people.
- If you are fascinated by the destructive force of hurricanes, there are now companies that can now take you to the eye of the storm.
- Take a drive through the desert from Las Vegas to LA.
- Visit Graceland; nobody can pass through Memphis without visiting the home of Elvis.
- Go and see a Broadway Musical in New York.
- Go up the Mississippi River on a paddle steamer.
- Partake in a tour of the Civil War Battlefields.
- Grab some Chinese food in the country’s second-largest Chinatown in San Francisco.
- Take the Alcatraz Tour. Once America's maximum-security prison, this grim fortress is set on a bleak rocky island in San Francisco Bay.
- Do a walking tour of the Grand Canyon or get a helicopter flight over the canyon. Most tours operate out of Las Vegas.
- Hang out at Venice Beach in LA, sit outside a café and watch the rollerbladers, bodybuilders, street entertainers, skateboarders and joggers.
- Stay at one of the many hotels along the ‘strip’ and gamble in the Casinos in Las Vegas.
- Go to a baseball or basketball game.
- Visit the Yellowstone National Park to see its steaming fluorescent hot springs and geysers, sheer canyons and meadows filled with wildflowers.
- Drive along Highway 1, the rugged Big Sur coastline pounded by Pacific waves between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Festivals and events
- The Sundance Film Festival is one of the most famous of its kind, held annually in Utah. (January)
- The Super Bowl held in Tampa Bay, Florida is America’s sporting event of the year. (February)
- Groundhog Day involves a groundhog predicting the weather for the rest of winter. (February)
- The World Rodeo Championships are a ten-day event in Las Vegas. (March - April)
- The US Masters is arguably the world's greatest golf tournament, held on one of America's most challenging and picturesque courses, the Augusta National in Georgia. (April)
- Independence Day festivities involve marching parades, music and fireworks. The capital Washington DC is the best place to be. (July)
- The Thanksgiving Day Parade celebrates this holiday with a three-hour parade through New York. (November)
Tipping etiquette
There may be a service charge included in your bill, especially for large parties. It is better to leave cash tips given directly to the person you wish to tip. Sometimes when you tip using your credit card they will add an income tax to the tip.
Wages are generally low as tips are expected to supplement income. Generally, it is expected of you to tip 15-20% of the bill.
Some restaurants, especially in large cities such as New York, will add a gratuity onto the bill even for smaller parties, therefore, it is advisable to check your bill. In buffet restaurants, a tip of 10%-15% of the bill is expected.
There is normally a tip jar in fast food restaurants however it is not customary to leave a tip in the establishments.
When tipping bartenders, give $1-$2 per drink or 10%-15% of the total bill.
Housekeeping staff members at your hotel will expect tips in the region of $2-$3 per night or $5 in a more expensive, formal hotel. It is better to leave a tip each day. Hotel porters should be tipped $1-$2 per bag.
It is expected of you to tip both taxi drivers and tour guides. For taxi drivers, 10%-15% of the fare is acceptable whereas for tour guides you should tip 15%-20%.
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