In general
Currency
US dollar (USD). Cards (including contactless and phone) are used literally everywhere, even for tiny amounts; cash is rarely needed. Remember that displayed prices are WITHOUT tax, which is added at checkout.
Language
English (Spanish is very common in the south and big cities). No comprehension issues in tourist areas.
Documents / ESTA
Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries (the EU, UK, Australia and others) need no visa for tourism up to 90 days, but the ESTA authorisation is MANDATORY, to be requested online on the official site well before departure (about 21 USD, valid 2 years), with a valid electronic passport. Other nationalities must obtain a visa. Beware of unofficial sites that charge more.
Health / Insurance
No mandatory vaccines, but travel health insurance is ESSENTIAL: in the US care costs astronomical sums and there's no public system for tourists. Take out a policy with high coverage limits before leaving.
e-SIM / Connectivity
An e-SIM or a local data SIM (Airalo, T-Mobile, AT&T) is best: international roaming is expensive. Good coverage in cities and along main roads, weaker in parks and wide-open spaces.
Electricity
120V, 60Hz, type A and B sockets (flat blades). You need an adapter; check that your chargers are multi-voltage (almost all phone and laptop ones are).
Time zone
The country spans several time zones: the East Coast (New York) is UTC-5, the West Coast (California) UTC-8, with others in between. Most states observe daylight saving time.
Climate
Hugely varied by region: the Northeast has four distinct seasons, the Southwest is desert and scorching in summer (Death Valley, canyons), California is mild. Spring and autumn are generally the best times.
Payments and tipping
Card everywhere. Tipping is not optional but an essential part of service workers' income: leave 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, a few dollars for taxis and porters.
Good to know
Driving and car rental
For the big itineraries (West, parks) a car is essential. Your national licence is usually enough, but an International Driving Permit is recommended; to rent you usually need to be at least 21-25 and have a credit card. Distances are huge: plan your legs.
Tipping: how it works
It's the most important social rule for many international visitors: at restaurants leave 15-20% of the total (often suggested on the receipt), and tip bars, taxis, tours and hotel housekeeping too. Not tipping is considered rude.
National parks
To visit several parks, the annual America the Beautiful Pass is worth it, covering entry to all of them. Some parks and attractions (Antelope Canyon, Alcatraz, Statue of Liberty) require timed booking well in advance.
Safety and age limits
Safety varies a lot by area: check on neighbourhoods. For alcohol you must be 21 and are often asked for ID; alcohol is not consumed in the street. Indoors the air conditioning is often very strong: bring a sweater.
Useful numbers
- 911 — Emergencies (police, ambulance, fire)
💡 Two things to do BEFORE you leave: arrange your US travel authorisation (the ESTA for visa-waiver countries, a visa otherwise) and take out health insurance with high coverage (care there is extremely expensive). And remember: the 15-20% tip is not optional.