USA travel Tips

Travelling in the USA is relatively stress-free and the people are generally friendly, welcoming and helpful. Risk of violence and theft is can be high in some major cities but if you take the proper precautions, you should have a safe holiday. Here are some basic tips and situations to be aware of.

• Since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the US government has issued a number of warnings of potential further terrorist attacks in the US. You should expect stringent security checks at airports and public buildings.

• You should be alert to the dangers of car and street crime in cities, especially gun-related crime. Avoid public transportation at night if possible.

• In California, Mount St Helen's Volcano remains active and some surrounding areas are closed to the public. If you plan to travel close to the area, listen to local news reports and follow local advice.

• If staying in a hotel, do not leave your door open or unlocked at any time.

• Avoid wearing expensive jewellery and carrying valuable items in run-down areas.

• Try to stay on main roads and use well-lit car parks when driving. If hit from behind while driving, indicate to the other driver to follow you to a public place and call for police assistance.

• Speed and drink driving limits are lower than in the UK.

• Do not make flippant remarks or jokes about bombs or terrorism, especially when passing through US airports.

• Laws vary from state to state regarding age of consent and the age at which you may legally buy and consume alcohol, but this is usually 21 years. Bring your ID if you want to purchase alcohol or enter a bar or nightclub.

• The continental United States is divided into four time zones: Eastern Standard Time (EST), Central Standard Time (CST), Mountain Standard Time (MST), and Pacific Standard Time (PST).

• Daylight savings time is in effect from 01:00 on the first Sunday in April to 01:00 on the last Sunday in October, except in Arizona, Hawaii, part of Indiana and Puerto Rico. Daylight savings time moves the clock one hour ahead of standard time.

• Sales tax is levied on goods and services by state and local governments;, however, it and is not included in the price tags you'll see on merchandise, so expect to pay more when you get to the register.

• Average tips are as follows: bellhops, at least $1 per bag; maid or chamber staff, $1 to $2 per day; valet parking attendant, $1 every time you get your car; restaurants, bars and nightclubs, tip service staff 15 per cent of the check, tip bartenders 10 per cent. Tipping is not expected in cafeterias and fast-food restaurants.

• Credit cards are the most widely used form of payment in the United States. It is strongly recommended that you bring at least one major credit card. You must have a credit or charge card to rent a car, and hotels and airlines usually require a credit card imprint as a deposit against expenses.

• There are no public toilets or on the streets in most US cities. If possible, avoid the toilets at parks and beaches, which tend to be dirty and possibly unsafe.

Useful travel tips resources

Footprint Guides - USA
Incomparable resource on USA travel from this well-known travel guide publisher.
http://www.footprintguides.com/

See America
Your link to travelling, touring and vactioning in the USA.
http://www.seeamerica.org/

USA Tourism
The premier site for USA tour and travel information, with separate listings for each state, including attractions, lodging and more.
http://www.usatourism.com/

More topics on this site…
USA travel information
USA health and safety
USA maps and geography

Essentials

Visas: Visitors from many EU and other countries (including the UK) do not require visas for stays of three months or less
Season: Year round
Money: US dollar – ATMs widely available, major credit cards readily accepted
Language: English – Spanish in some states
Emergency #: 911

USA