Essential Things to Know Before Traveling to the United States

 

CAPITAL Washington, D.C.

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE None at the federal level (English is the de facto national language and predominant in most states; Spanish is widely spoken in many areas, especially the Southwest and Florida)

RELIGION The United States is a secular country with no official religion and strong constitutional protection of religious freedom. Christianity is the largest affiliation (around 63-70% of the population, including Protestant ~40-45%, Catholic ~20%, and other Christian groups). Significant minorities include non-religious/agnostic/atheist (~25-30%), Jewish (~2%), Muslim (~1-2%), Hindu, Buddhist, and others. Religious diversity is a hallmark, especially in urban areas. Modest dress is expected at places of worship (churches, synagogues, mosques, temples).

PASSPORTS A valid passport is required (valid for the duration of your stay; 6 months beyond departure recommended by many airlines and immigration).

Most nationalities require either a visitor visa or an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA):

• Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries (including UK, EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Chile, etc.—38 countries as of 2026): Apply for ESTA online (esta.cbp.dhs.gov, USD$21 fee, valid 2 years or until passport expires, allows stays up to 90 days for tourism/business). ESTA is required for air/sea entry; not needed for land entry from Canada/Mexico in some cases.
• Visa-required nationalities: Apply for B-1/B-2 visitor visa at a U.S. embassy/consulate (process can take weeks/months). U.S. citizens do not need visas for short visits. Always check the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection (cbp.gov) or ESTA website for your nationality and the latest rules. Proof of onward/return ticket, sufficient funds, and ties to home country may be requested. Entry is never guaranteed—CBP officers make the final decision.

ELECTRICITY Standard voltage is 120V at 60Hz. Power sockets are types A and B (two flat parallel pins, with or without grounding pin).

Travelers from 220-240V countries (Europe, Asia, Australia) will need a voltage converter/step-down transformer for non-dual-voltage appliances. A power adapter is required for non-North American plugs. Most modern electronics (phones, laptops, cameras) are dual-voltage (100-240V) and only need an adapter.

CURRENCY INFORMATION The national currency is the United States Dollar (USD or $). Notes: $1, $2 (rare), $5, $10, $20, $50, $100; coins: 1¢ (penny), 5¢ (nickel), 10¢ (dime), 25¢ (quarter), $1.

Credit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover are widely accepted almost everywhere (hotels, restaurants, shops, gas stations). Carry one or two cards; inform your bank of travel to avoid blocks.

ATM: ATMs are extremely widespread (banks, convenience stores, malls). International cards (Visa/Mastercard/Cirrus/Maestro) work; fees often apply (USD$2-5 per withdrawal + your home bank fee). Withdraw larger amounts to minimize fees.

Currency Exchange: Available at banks, airports, and major hotels (banks usually best rates). Many places accept foreign currency (especially CAD, EUR), but change in USD.

CLOTHING Casual is the norm almost everywhere. Summers hot/humid in many areas (25-40°C/77-104°F)—light, breathable clothing. Winters very cold in north/central (down to -20°C/-4°F or lower)—warm coat, boots, gloves, hat. Milder on coasts (California, Florida). Rain gear useful in Pacific Northwest/Atlantic coast. Modest attire for religious sites; swimwear fine at beaches/pools. Comfortable walking shoes essential for cities and national parks.

COMMUNICATION & EMAIL Telephone Emergency: 911. International country code: +1.

Mobile Phones Excellent coverage in cities and populated areas; good along highways; limited in remote national parks/wilderness. U.S. uses GSM (850/1900MHz), CDMA, and 5G; most unlocked international phones work on GSM networks. Roaming very expensive. Buy local prepaid SIM (T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Mint Mobile) at airport or stores—affordable data plans (tourist SIMs/eSIMs widely available).

Internet Wi-Fi widespread and free in hotels, cafés, airports, malls, restaurants, and many public spaces. Mobile data fast and affordable with local SIM.

WEATHER & CLIMATE Extremely diverse: tropical in Hawaii/Florida, desert in Southwest, arctic in Alaska, temperate in Pacific Northwest, humid subtropical in Southeast, continental in Midwest/Northeast.

Best time overall: Varies by region—spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) often ideal for most areas (mild weather, fewer crowds). Summer (June-August) peak for beaches/national parks; winter (December-February) for skiing (Rockies, Northeast) or warm escapes (Florida, California, Hawaii). Check regional forecasts (e.g., avoid hurricane season June-November in Southeast).

MEAL COSTS (approximate, in USD) Basic lunchtime menu (with drink) in business district: $15-25 Combo meal in fast food: $8-15 Boneless chicken breast (500g): ~$5-9 1 liter milk: ~$1-1.50

Costs vary widely—budget in rural areas, expensive in major cities (NYC, San Francisco).

FOOD & DRINKS Specialties:

• Hamburger/cheeseburger
• Hot dogs
• Pizza (New York/Chicago styles)
• Barbecue (ribs, brisket—Texas, Carolina, Kansas City styles)
• Clam chowder (New England)
• Apple pie
• Tex-Mex (tacos, burritos)
• Lobster rolls (Maine)
• Regional: Philly cheesesteak, Southern fried chicken, California sushi

National drinks: Craft beer (thousands of microbreweries), bourbon (Kentucky), Coca-Cola, iced tea, craft cocktails.

SUGGESTED TIPPING SCALE Tipping is customary and expected (servers earn below minimum wage in many states, relying on tips).

• Restaurant Server: 15-20% of pre-tax bill (18-22% common in cities for good service).
• Café/Counter Service: Round up or $1-2 if table service.
• Bartender: $1-2 per drink or 15-20%.
• Taxis/Rideshare: 15-20% or round up.
• Hotel Staff (bellhop): $1-2 per bag.
• Housekeeping: $3-5 per day.
• Guides/Drivers: $5-10 per person per day if excellent.

Cash preferred for small tips; many add tip on credit card.

HEALTH & MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS & GUIDELINES No mandatory vaccinations for most travelers; recommend routine (measles, hepatitis A/B, tetanus). Tap water safe in cities; bottled in some rural areas. Healthcare excellent but extremely expensive for non-residents—travel insurance mandatory. Pharmacies widespread.

TRAVEL INSURANCE Highly recommended—your home health plan almost never covers U.S. medical costs fully (bills can be tens/hundreds of thousands). Review policies for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and activities (national parks, skiing, adventure sports). Some credit cards provide limited coverage, but verify adequacy.