Amounts on price tags in American stores are usually listed without tax, tourist passes will save you a significant amount on entrance fees, and you will need a travel adapter in the USA. Electrical outlets in this country have a different shape compared to those in Europe. This article contains 28 important tips to keep in mind when traveling to the United States.
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Table of Contents
- Apply for ESTA Travel Authorization in Advance
- Watch for Flight Deals to the USA
- How to Save on Accommodation in the USA
- Backup All Your Reservations in the Cloud
- Worried About the Immigration Interview Due to Your English?
- The Right Payment Card Can Save You 3-4% on All Payments
- Activate Roaming and Purchase Mobile Data
- Prepare for Time Zone Differences in the USA
- The U.S. Uses the Imperial Measurement System
- How to Plan Your Stay in the USA
- Don’t Overpack Your Itinerary
- Get Quality Travel Insurance
- Driving in the USA
- How to Travel Cheaply Between U.S. Cities
- Google Maps: Download the Area for Offline Use
- How Tipping Works in the USA
- How to Choose a Good Seat on a Plane
- Check Your Luggage Allowance in Advance
- Use Cable Ties Instead of Locks on Your Suitcase
- Pack the Right Power Adapter for U.S. Outlets
- Don’t Forget to Bring a Power Bank
- Some Foods Are Not Allowed to Be Imported into the USA
- Where to Eat Cheaply in the USA
- Price Tags Do Not Include Sales Tax
- Tourist Passes Can Save You Money
- The Drinking Age in the USA Is 21
- How to Send a Postcard from the USA
- Hitchhiking in the USA Is Prohibited in Some States
Apply for ESTA Travel Authorization in Advance
If you’re traveling to the USA for tourism or business and your stay won’t exceed 90 days, you typically don’t need to apply for a visa.
Citizens of the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program can rely on an ESTA travel authorization.
In short, it’s an online form where, based on the answers you provide, it’s determined whether you’re eligible to travel to the USA. There is a non-refundable application fee of $4.00, and if your travel is approved, you’ll pay an additional $17.00. It’s recommended to complete the ESTA form at least 72 hours before your departure to the USA, although approvals are typically issued within a few minutes.
A valid ESTA travel authorization allows you to board your flight to the USA. However, your entry will ultimately be decided during an interview with an immigration officer. Without a valid ESTA or visa, you won’t be allowed to board the plane.
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Watch for Flight Deals to the USA
Throughout the year, you can find cheap flights to the USA priced below €350$373, including fees and taxes. Cheaper flights are usually available to the East Coast of the United States, while flights to the West Coast tend to be more expensive.
Lower prices often come with certain limitations. Promotions typically apply only to select European airports, with limited travel dates available. The journey may involve multiple layovers, and only carry-on luggage is included in the price. If you wish to check additional luggage, you will need to pay extra. The most attractive deals are often sold out quickly.
Check out all my tips on how to find cheap flights to the USA.
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How to Save on Accommodation in the USA
The USA offers a wide variety of hostels, motels, and hotels at different price ranges and service levels. Accommodation prices are mainly influenced by the quality of the lodging, current availability, season, and other factors.
A bed in a shared hostel room will usually cost you $35 to $40, while a private room in a budget motel typically costs between $55 and $60 per night. For a hotel room, you can expect to pay between $65 and $95. The prices mentioned were last updated in February 2025 and should be used as a general guide. During peak tourist seasons or in popular destinations, prices can be higher.
You can often save on accommodation by booking well in advance, when more options are available, and room occupancy is low. For additional tips, read the article on affordable accommodation in the USA.
You can also explore my recommendations for accommodations with the best value for money in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, and San Francisco. I’ve focused on practical and safe locations where I would feel comfortable staying with my family.
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Backup All Your Reservations in the Cloud
Make sure to back up all your flight tickets, hotel reservations, bus and train tickets, event tickets, and travel insurance agreements.
I recommend uploading these documents, including copies of your passport, into a folder on OneDrive (or use Google Drive, Dropbox, or another cloud service). Share the folder with all trip participants so that everyone has access to the necessary documents in case of complications.
If you don’t use any cloud services, you can email the documents to yourself instead.
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Worried About the Immigration Interview Due to Your English?
Upon landing at your first U.S. airport, you will be required to pass through an immigration interview with an officer, who will decide whether you’re allowed entry into the country.
The interview typically lasts only a few minutes, and there’s no need to worry as long as you’re not traveling for illegal purposes (such as unauthorized work) or haven’t previously overstayed your allowed stay on an ESTA.
The interview is generally conducted in English, but you can attend it as a group with other travel companions. If you’re traveling alone and don’t feel confident in your English, you can prepare answers to common questions in advance and present them to the officer if needed.
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The Right Payment Card Can Save You 3-4% on All Payments
Banks and card associations use international exchange rates for transactions between euros, British pounds, other currencies, and U.S. dollars. They add fees and their own margins on top of this rate. Each bank sets its own so-called “spread”, which can even differ between different payment cards within the same bank.
The typical spread ranges from 1-5%. For example, when paying with one card, the conversion rate might be 1 USD = 0.81 GBP, while another card might offer 1 USD = 0.84 GBP. When spending $1,000, choosing the wrong card could cost you 30 British pounds.
I recommend using payment cards such as Revolut or Wise, which typically have margins below 1%. Both accounts are free to open and manage, and you can set them up conveniently through your phone. Although Revolut imposes limits on free transactions, you can gradually purchase U.S. dollars to avoid fees.
Buying dollars incrementally can bring additional savings. You can set a condition in the app to purchase dollars only if the fluctuating exchange rate drops below a certain (more favorable) threshold. For more tips and my experiences with Revolut and Wise, check out the article Paying by Card in the USA.
When paying by card in the USA, you may be confused by the term “credit card”, which is commonly used for both credit and debit cards. In the U.S., credit cards play a significant role, allowing holders to make purchases on credit, which they later repay. In contrast, debit cards only allow spending money directly available in the cardholder’s account.
In most cases, a debit card will be sufficient for your trip to the U.S., although credit cards are frequently required when renting a car.
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Activate Roaming and Purchase Mobile Data
Before your departure, check if your mobile plan has roaming enabled for the USA. You can usually confirm this through your mobile carrier’s app. Without activated roaming, your domestic SIM card will not connect to any network in the U.S. You will have no signal, and your number will be reported as unavailable.
For internet access in the U.S., avoid using your carrier’s roaming data, as it is very expensive. A more affordable option is to buy a U.S. SIM card, which will keep you online at all times. The advantage of having a U.S. number is that you can easily make calls to confirm hotel reservations, for example.
During my trips abroad, I purchase local SIM cards using Airalo. The benefit of this service is that it provides a virtual SIM card (eSIM), so there is no need to physically insert a SIM card into your phone. You can purchase it before departure via the app and activate it upon arrival in the U.S.
Airalo offers several packages varying in price, data volume, and duration of activity. Depending on signal coverage, you can access fast 5G internet, monitor your data usage via the app, and purchase additional data if needed.
I share my experiences with Airalo in the article Airalo 2025 Review – eSIM Prices, Is It Worth It?.
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Prepare for Time Zone Differences in the USA
The United States is divided into six different time zones. On the East Coast, the time is 5 hours behind the UK, while the West Coast is 8 hours behind. You can check the current time in any U.S. city on TimeAndDate.com.
During your first few days in the U.S., you will likely experience jet lag. Your body will be accustomed to your home time zone even though you are physically in a different one. For instance, it may be afternoon in the U.S., but you will feel tired as it will be nighttime back home. Generally, your body requires one day to adjust for each hour of time difference.
I have found that preparing two to three days before departure helps with jet lag. I intentionally go to bed late at night, around 4 or 5 a.m., and wake up in the afternoon if possible. By the time I arrive in the U.S., my body is at least partially adjusted to the local time zone.
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The U.S. Uses the Imperial Measurement System
While Europe (except for the UK) uses the metric system, the U.S. relies on measurements derived from the imperial system for distances, weights, and temperatures.
To quickly convert between units, you can use Google by searching phrases like “25 C to F.” Similarly, you can convert between British pounds and U.S. dollars by searching “10 USD to GBP.”
📏 Conversions Between Metric and Imperial Units
- 1 foot = 12 inches = 30.5 cm
- 1 yard = 3 feet = 91.5 cm
- 1 mile = 1,609 meters
- 1 ounce = 16 drams = 28.35 grams
- 1 pound = 16 ounces = 453.59 grams
- 0 °C = 32 °F
- 10 °C = 50 °F
- 20 °C = 68 °F
- 30 °C = 86 °F
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How to Plan Your Stay in the USA
Although I’ve come to appreciate spontaneous experiences more in recent years, I still plan every trip abroad in detail. I focus mainly on places, attractions, and experiences available in the area.
I would be disappointed to miss a once-in-a-lifetime experience simply because I didn’t verify that such a place existed nearby or check its opening hours. When Barack Obama was President of the United States, I had the chance to attend a filming of “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and saw his guest spot alongside Justin Timberlake.
It’s worthwhile to check the dates of sports events, concerts, and notable attractions in advance. If something piques your interest, adjust your itinerary accordingly.
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Don’t Overpack Your Itinerary
When visiting the USA for the first time, many tourists aim to see as much as possible during a single trip:
Many travelers want to visit iconic locations like New York, Niagara Falls, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
However, overpacked itineraries can lead to stress when delays arise. For example, even a month-long road trip through the western USA might require compromises. Endless hours of driving can be exhausting, and you may encounter unexpected attractions or other challenges along the way.
I find it helpful to categorize all stops, attractions, and destinations in my itinerary using a traffic light system. Ideally, each day’s schedule should include all three categories:
🟢 I mark must-see locations in green. These are places we’ve been eager to visit, have tickets for, or are essential to our overall plans.
🟡 Yellow marks locations we’d like to visit but can skip if we fall behind schedule.
🔴 Red marks bonus destinations that we’ll explore only if we have extra time. These often include cafes, scenic viewpoints, or quirky attractions.
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Get Quality Travel Insurance
Healthcare in the USA is extremely expensive.
For example, treatment for acute appendicitis in a U.S. hospital can cost $26,500, treating a broken leg costs around $8,000, and a single day of hospitalization costs approximately $2,883. Medical expenses vary significantly depending on the location and facility, but without travel insurance, hospitals will hold you responsible for the full amount.
The average cost of medical treatment for tourists covered by travel insurance is about $8,225.
Therefore, make sure to purchase comprehensive travel insurance before departing. Although insurance for the USA tends to be more expensive due to high medical costs, prioritize the coverage and payout limits over the price. For medical expenses, I recommend choosing a policy with a minimum coverage of $200,000. From personal experience, I also advise selecting a policy with sufficient coverage for lost or stolen luggage. A few years ago, when my expensive mobile phone was stolen in Buenos Aires, my insurance reimbursed me fully.
For more tips and insights, check out the article on travel insurance for the USA.
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Driving in the USA
If you’re traveling around the USA, you’ll likely need to rent a car. The distances between attractions are vast, and public transportation is often slow and unreliable. One of the few exceptions is New York City, where having a car can be more of a hassle than a convenience.
The best approach is to compare offers from several car rental agencies in your chosen location. I’ve written a detailed article on car rentals in the USA, covering insurance options, money-saving tips, what to watch out for at the rental desk, and a trick for getting a free upgrade.
In 99% of cases, a standard driver’s license is sufficient to drive in the USA. However, I still recommend obtaining an international driver’s permit before your trip. While you probably won’t need it, some police officers or rental companies may insist on it. A friend of mine was once denied a rental car in Hawaii because he didn’t have one.
Driving in the USA is mostly similar to Europe, but there are a few differences. For example, traffic lights are positioned after intersections, you can often turn right on red, and speed limits are generally lower than in Europe. At intersections without lights, the vehicle that arrives first has the right of way. If vehicles arrive simultaneously, the one to the right goes first.
Most cars in the USA have automatic transmissions. If you’re unfamiliar with them, I suggest reading the article on driving an automatic car. Additionally, fuel names differ, and some gas stations have specific procedures for refueling in the USA.
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How to Travel Cheaply Between U.S. Cities
When traveling between cities in the U.S., you can take advantage of budget airlines like Southwest, JetBlue, Allegiant Air, Spirit, and Frontier. Their networks cover many destinations, and ticket prices are generally affordable. Some airlines even allow free checked baggage.
Traveling by train in the U.S. is typically expensive.
An alternative is bus travel, which is less comfortable for long trips than flying. Major bus operators include Greyhound, Megabus, and FlixBus.
Buses from all three companies offer relatively comfortable seats, free Wi-Fi, and power outlets. Bus travel often attracts people from diverse backgrounds, providing unique travel experiences.
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Google Maps: Download the Area for Offline Use
If you use Google Maps for navigation, I recommend downloading the visited area for offline use. While driving, you’ll be able to continue using navigation without consuming your limited data plan.
Offline maps are also useful for navigating the New York City subway. I recommend downloading a schematic map of subway lines to your phone as an image, with Wikipedia being a good source.
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How Tipping Works in the USA
Employees in restaurants, cafes, and some other positions in the United States typically earn only the minimum wage, with the rest of their compensation coming from tips.
Tips, also known as “tipping”, are standard in the U.S. Restaurants generally expect tips between 15–25% of the bill, while taxi drivers are tipped 10–20%. In fast-food establishments, tipping is generally not expected. Some restaurants include tips as a line item on the bill, labeled as “Service Charge”, “Tip”, or “Gratuity.”
For additional advice, check out the article Tipping in the USA – The Best Guide for Diners, Hotels & Taxis.
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How to Choose a Good Seat on a Plane
The best seat on a plane is typically in the exit row, where the emergency exit is located. Passengers seated in this row are responsible for opening the door in the event of an emergency. Therefore, they must have the strength to open the door, understand the crew’s instructions in English, and follow them.
In recent years, airlines have begun charging extra for seats near emergency exits. If you’re checking in at the airport counter, you can try requesting one of these seats.
For restful sleep during the flight, I recommend seats at the back of the plane. If the flight isn’t fully booked, you might have empty seats next to you where you can lie down. For a quicker exit through immigration, opt for seats near the front of the plane so you can leave the aircraft faster after landing.
You can find reviews of airplane seats on different airlines at SeatGuru.com.
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Check Your Luggage Allowance in Advance
A common rule for budget flights to the U.S. is that they only include one carry-on bag. This means you can only bring a backpack or small bag onboard. Checked luggage is available for an additional fee.
Verify the luggage allowance when purchasing your ticket. If checked luggage is included, the weight typically ranges from 44 lb to 51 lb. Specific conditions vary by airline.
I now travel exclusively with a carry-on, as it allows for quicker check-in and departure at both the origin and destination airports. However, if you plan to buy souvenirs or affordable branded clothing in the U.S., make sure to leave enough space in your luggage.
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Use Cable Ties Instead of Locks on Your Suitcase
The American Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has the right to open and inspect your luggage at airports.
Random luggage inspections are conducted to ensure that no prohibited items are being brought into the U.S. During my trips, TSA officers have selected my suitcase for inspection several times. In each case, they left an informational notice inside the luggage. My belongings were left organized, and the inspections were conducted with care and respect.
TSA officers have the authority to cut locks if necessary. To avoid damage, you can use a “TSA Approved” lock that can be opened without being destroyed.
A cheaper alternative is to use nylon cable ties instead of a lock. Once you arrive, you can easily cut them off. If you leave extra ties inside your luggage, TSA officers may reseal your suitcase.
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Pack the Right Power Adapter for U.S. Outlets
When traveling to the U.S., you’ll need a power adapter, as plugs used in the UK won’t fit into American outlets. The standard in the United States is type A or type B outlets with a voltage of 110V.
Type A plugs have two flat pins and are typically used for phone chargers and other small electronics. Type B plugs have an additional round grounding pin and are often used for laptop chargers. Outlets for both types of plugs are compatible with each other.
Make sure to buy or borrow a travel adapter in advance, as they can be expensive at airports. You can find U.S. plug adapters in most electronics stores, though adapters with grounding pins tend to be more expensive.
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Don’t Forget to Bring a Power Bank
Phones drain quickly when used for continuous navigation, photos, and videos. While most cars have USB charging ports, you may still find yourself with a dead phone during camping trips in national parks or all-day excursions.
For these situations, I recommend having at least one power bank among your group, capable of charging phones, headphones, or smartwatches. Some power banks can even charge laptops. Choose models with a capacity of at least 20,000 mAh.
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Some Foods Are Not Allowed to Be Imported into the USA
The import of certain foods into the USA is prohibited. Before entering the country, you will need to fill out a customs declaration, and your luggage will be inspected. If any prohibited foods are found, they will be confiscated.
US customs regulations ban the import of most meat and dairy products, processed meats, fruits, or vegetables. A detailed overview can be found in the article Bringing Food to the USA for Personal Use – What Is Allowed?.
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Where to Eat Cheaply in the USA
For quick and inexpensive dining in the USA, fast food is the simplest option. The selection of restaurants is extensive, offering choices from various cuisines.
Fast food chains specializing in burgers include McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Five Guys, Jack in the Box, In-N-Out Burger, and White Castle.
For sandwiches, you can visit Subway or Jimmy John’s. Chicken-focused meals are available at KFC, El Pollo Loco, and Chick-fil-A. You can find pizza at Domino’s Pizza or Pizza Hut.
Mexican cuisine is featured at Taco Bell and Chipotle Mexican Grill, while sweet treats are offered by Dunkin’ Donuts and Krispy Kreme.
In most restaurants, a meal including fries and a drink will cost you around $10.00 to $15.00, depending on the meal you choose. Portion sizes in American fast-food restaurants are typically larger than those in Europe. All menus usually display calorie counts and fat content.
A standard feature in fast-food restaurants is the refillable cup, allowing you to refill your drink as much as you like. In addition to traditional sugary sodas, plain water or unsweetened tea is often available.
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Price Tags Do Not Include Sales Tax
In American stores, price tags typically show the price without sales tax, which is added at the register. The sales tax rate varies between states and even cities. For example, states like Delaware, New Hampshire, and Oregon have no state sales tax.
Food prices and the cost of other goods may increase by up to 10% due to added tax. In some US states, you can request a sales tax refund if you meet the requirements.
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Tourist Passes Can Save You Money
If you plan to visit US national parks, consider purchasing the America the Beautiful Annual Pass when you visit your first park. This plastic card, priced at $80, grants your entire vehicle unlimited access to all national parks for 12 months without additional entrance fees.
For packed schedules in major cities, you can save hundreds of dollars on attraction entry fees by purchasing one of the available tourist passes. The more attractions you visit during the pass’s validity, the more you save.
Popular passes such as The New York Pass and CityPASS New York (what’s the difference?) include access to several skyscrapers and popular attractions. Similar options include the Go City Pass Las Vegas.
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The Drinking Age in the USA Is 21
Alcoholic beverages are only legal in the USA for individuals aged 21 and over. Those under 21 are not allowed to purchase, import, or possess alcohol. This rule is strictly enforced in stores, bars, and other venues.
Most cities prohibit drinking alcohol in public or carrying open containers. In some cases, people get around this by concealing bottles, such as beer, in paper bags. Nearly all US states ban open containers of alcohol inside vehicles.
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How to Send a Postcard from the USA
Postcards can still be purchased in most American souvenir shops or visitor centers and are usually beautifully designed. The postage for a postcard sent via First-Class Mail International is $1.65 (updated February 2, 2025) and is valid for delivery to 180 countries.
Written postcards can be placed in the blue USPS mailboxes. If multiple mailbox colors are present, some may be designated for specific types of mail. Postcards are typically delivered within two weeks.
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Hitchhiking in the USA Is Prohibited in Some States
Hitchhiking regulations vary by state in the USA. In most states, hitchhiking along the roadside is allowed with few restrictions. However, on the East Coast, hitchhiking is often only permitted off the road, such as on grassy areas.
In states like Delaware, Idaho, Nevada, New Jersey, and Utah, hitchhiking is illegal.
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