There is so much to explore in the United States – whether it's cities, the countryside, well-known tourist attractions or lesser-known places. But, as with any country, there are some things you need to know before visiting the United States.
Here are my top tips for planning a trip to the USA for first-time visitors, including important visa procedures and ESTA applications.
Things to know before visiting the United States
1. Getting around the United States
Americans love their cars. Not only for long road trips, but for everyday travel as well. So, unless you plan to be limited to a city with good public transportation, you may choose to rent a car. Some things to know in advance:
- Some states require that you have International driving license Before you rent a car. In other places, they are not necessary but may be useful, for example, if you get into an accident.
- Car rental agencies may have upper and lower age limits. If this is likely to affect you, check their terms carefully.
- Car rental in the United States Transmissions are almost always automatic.
- The distances between places can be huge – Take this into consideration when planning your itinerary. (If you use satellite navigation or Google Maps, measure distances in hours rather than miles, because speed limits may be lower than you're used to.)
- Road rules It varies slightly from state to state. However, this is a useful summary of Driving regulations.
But what if you don't want to rent a car? Some cities, such as New York or San Francisco, have well-developed public transportation systems, but small towns may be less efficient. Don't expect to be able to walk everywhere either: outside of city centres, you may find that sidewalks and safe road crossings are few. But you can always find a taxi, and Uber is becoming increasingly popular.
To get around the country you can use the famous Greyhound bus Which connects many different cities. However, reviews indicate that it is mostly used for economy rather than comfort! In some parts of the country, it is possible to use trains, but the network is not extensive, and train journeys can be very slow. If you don't want to drive, another alternative is to travel between cities: there are about 500 regional airports.
2. Immigration procedures – visa applications and ESTA
Before visiting the United States, you must make sure you have… Correct input documents. For many visitors, a full visa is not required, and you can obtain one ESTA application instead of. This will be convenient for most leisure travelers.
However, you may need a full visa in certain circumstances:
- If you plan to live or work in the United States
- If your visit will last more than 90 days
- If you have visited or are a national of certain countries.
Read more about ESTA requirements.
3. Tips, taxes and other financial matters
Tipping etiquette It can be a particular minefield for visitors to the United States. In restaurants, you should expect to leave at least 15%, and more for good service. But what gets confusing are all the other situations where you're expected to tip, from hotel housekeeping to the concierge carrying your bags. There's no set answer on when you should tip and how much you should tip, but this is a helpful guide. The one thing everyone agrees on is that tipping is not optional: service employees are often underpaid, and tips are a core part of their income.
Another thing that bothers the unwary traveler: Advertised prices in stores are not necessarily what you pay While. In some places, both sales tax and state tax are added to the final bill (which may surprise you if you've already counted your money…)
Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. However, some automated systems (such as gas stations) require you to enter a US zip code, which means foreign tourists need to find another way to pay. When using a credit card, you may be surprised to find that you have to provide a signature, as chip and PIN are not common in the United States.
4. Personal safety in the United States
Despite what you read in the media, the United States is not a particularly dangerous place for visitors. Of course, there is crime in big cities (as there is anywhere in the world) and you need to take the usual precautions regarding your personal safety and your property. But the vast majority of Americans you meet will be very friendly and polite.
However, you need to think carefully about safety when venturing into the countryside. This can present unfamiliar risks, especially if you are coming from a country with few threats from wildlife or the physical environment. Be prepared for the fact that bears, bison, and other animals roam wild in parts of the country (not necessarily just in national parks). Another factor is the vast distances and isolation of some areas. If you're planning hiking or any other outdoor activity, take a look at the National Parks Service's Wildlife and Outdoor Hazards page.
When driving long distances, carry water with you and make sure your phone is fully charged, and store the rental company's emergency number. The national emergency number in the United States is 911.
5. Don't forget to carry your ID card
You must be prepared to provide identification documents in certain situations:
- When renting a car or taking a domestic flight
- When purchasing a train ticket or traveling by train (ID is not always requested, but I have been refused tickets in the past because I did not have any documents)
- When purchasing alcohol, tobacco, or medicines from shops, or entering licensed places. Again, this is not always required, and requirements vary from state to state. But note that this is not age-related: I am often asked for ID even though I am well above the legal drinking age!
In addition, the police may ask you to prove your identity if you are involved in any type of accident. Your passport is always a valid ID, but if you do not wish to carry your passport with you, any other government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license) is acceptable. You may want to carry a copy of your passport as an extra precaution.
6. The amazing cultural diversity of the United States
But, in the end, don't forget to enjoy your visit to the United States. It is one of the most diverse countries in the world, with an amazing array of cultures and city and countryside landscapes. And do not believe anyone who says that “America has no history” – it does have a history! Even if you ignore thousands of years of pre-colonial history, there has been a lot going on in the 500 years since Columbus discovered the New World…
Useful links for visiting the United States
You've obtained your US visitor visa, and it's time to start booking your trip!
Accommodation + tours
Travel insurance
Personal identification number for visiting the United States
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