So, you’re planning a trip to the USA! Get ready for a journey through a country so vast and diverse it feels like a continent. From the bright lights of New York City to the stunning vistas of the Grand Canyon, the US offers an incredible range of experiences. But let’s be honest, planning a trip here can feel a bit daunting. The key to a smooth adventure is knowing a few essential things before you go. This guide will walk you through the practicalities, from visas to tipping, so you can focus on the fun part: making amazing memories.
Sorting Your Entry: Visas and ESTA
This is the most important step, so let’s tackle it first. Your ability to enter the US depends heavily on your nationality.
If you are a citizen of one of the 40 countries in the Visa Waiver Program (like the UK, Australia, Japan, and most of Europe), you do not need a visa for tourist trips of up to 90 days. Instead, you need an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).
- You must apply for your ESTA online at the official U.S. government website. Beware of third-party sites that charge extra fees for the same service.
- Do this at least 72 hours before you travel, but the sooner, the better. It’s valid for two years.
- You’ll need a biometric passport (the kind with a little chip symbol on the front) that is valid for your entire stay.
If your country is not in the Visa Waiver Program, you will need to apply for a tourist visa (a B-2 visa) at a U.S. embassy or consulate. This process takes longer and involves an interview, so start it months in advance.
A crucial rule for everyone: the US does not offer visa extensions for tourists. Make sure you plan your trip within the 90-day limit.
Money Matters: Cash, Cards, and Tipping
The US is a card-based society. You can use a credit or debit card for almost everything, from huge department stores to tiny food trucks and taxi rides. Contactless payments are also very common.
- Cash: While cards are king, it’s wise to have some US dollars in cash for small purchases, farmer’s markets, or tips. You can get cash from ATMs (known as a ‘cash machine’ or ‘ATM’) upon arrival.
- Tipping: This is a non-negotiable part of American culture. Service workers, especially in restaurants and bars, are paid a lower wage with the expectation that tips will make up the difference.
- Restaurants: Leave 15-20% of the pre-tax bill for your server.
- Bartenders: $1-2 per drink.
- Taxi/Uber Drivers: 10-15%.
- Hotel Housekeeping: $3-5 per night, left in the room.
Getting Around: A Big Country Needs a Plan
The US is enormous. How you get around depends entirely on where you’re going.
Between Cities:
- Flying: For long distances (e.g., New York to Los Angeles), domestic flights are the only practical option.
- Trains: Amtrak is the national rail service. It’s a scenic and comfortable way to travel, but it can be slow and is often more expensive than flying.
- Buses: Companies like Greyhound and Megabus offer the most budget-friendly option for medium-distance travel.
Within Cities:
In major cities like New York, Washington D.C., and Chicago, public transit (subways, buses) is efficient and the best way to get around. In most other cities, including Los Angeles, you will find that having a rental car is essential.
Health and Safety: A Quick Note
Let’s talk about healthcare. The US does not have free public healthcare for visitors. A simple visit to a doctor can cost hundreds of dollars, and a trip to the emergency room can run into the thousands.
You must purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical coverage. Do not skip this. It is the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself from financial ruin in case of a medical emergency.
In terms of personal safety, use the same common sense you would anywhere else. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and keep your valuables secure.
A Few Cultural Pointers
Sales Tax: The prices you see on menus and tags in stores do not include sales tax. Tax is added at the checkout, so be prepared for your final total to be a little higher than you calculated.
Greetings and Service: Americans are generally friendly and informal. A simple “hello” and “thank you” go a long way. Customer service is usually very attentive; don’t be shy about asking for help in a store.
Portion Sizes: Food portions in restaurants are famously large. Don’t feel pressured to finish everything. It is perfectly normal to ask for a “doggy bag” (a container) to take your leftovers home.
A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your US trip is everything you dreamed it would be. By getting the paperwork sorted, understanding the money culture, and planning your transport, you can relax and fully immerse yourself in the American experience.
Wrapping Up Your US Travel Prep
Planning a trip to the United States might seem like a lot to handle with its visa rules, tipping culture, and sheer size. But really, it all boils down to getting a few key things right before you go. Once you’ve secured your ESTA or visa, packed a good travel insurance policy, and wrapped your head around the basics of getting around, you’ve already tackled the biggest hurdles.
The rest is about embracing the adventure. The US is a place of incredible variety, and part of the fun is discovering its unique rhythm for yourself. Remember to be flexible—whether you’re navigating a massive airport, figuring out the subway, or simply deciding which diner to try for breakfast.
Your US Travel Questions, Answered
Here are answers to some of the most common questions we get from travelers planning a trip to the United States.
Do I need a visa to visit the USA?
It depends on your nationality. If you’re from a country in the Visa Waiver Program (like the UK, Australia, or most of Europe), you don’t need a visa for trips under 90 days. Instead, you need an approved ESTA travel authorization. If your country isn’t in the program, you’ll need to apply for a B-2 tourist visa. Always check the official U.S. government website for the most current information.
Is travel insurance really necessary?
Yes, absolutely. Healthcare in the US is extremely expensive for visitors. A simple doctor’s visit can cost hundreds of dollars, and an emergency room visit can run into the thousands. A comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes medical coverage is the most important thing you can buy to protect yourself from a financial crisis.
How much should I tip?
Tipping is a standard part of American culture. In restaurants, leave 15-20% of your pre-tax bill for your server. For bartenders, plan on $1-2 per drink. It’s also customary to tip taxi drivers, ride-share drivers, and hotel housekeeping. It feels strange at first if you’re not used to it, but it’s how service workers make a living.
What’s the best way to get around?
It completely depends on your destination. In major cities like New York, Washington D.C., or Chicago, public transportation is your best bet. For exploring national parks or traveling between smaller cities, you will almost certainly need to rent a car. For covering long distances quickly, like from coast to coast, domestic flights are the way to go.
Why are the prices I see different from what I pay at the register?
This catches many visitors by surprise! The prices displayed on shelves and menus do not include sales tax. Tax is calculated and added at the checkout, so the final amount you pay will be a little higher than the listed price. It varies by state and even by city.