Food
Scenic
Culture
North America
United States
Current status
Safe to travel
Safety
Very safe
The United States is generally manageable for travelers, but safety varies by city, neighborhood, weather, and driving conditions. Check current advice from GOV.UK.
- Use normal big-city caution with phones, bags, rental cars, nightlife areas, and public transport late at night.
- Weather can be extreme, including hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, winter storms, and dangerous heat.
- Driving distances are long, road rules vary by state, and car break-ins can happen at tourist trailheads or viewpoints.
Emergency
911
Entry Information
Entry rules depend heavily on nationality. Check official USAGov visitor information before booking.
- Visa Waiver Program travelers usually need an approved ESTA before travel.
- Other visitors normally need the correct visa before arrival.
- Border officers may ask about accommodation, return travel, funds, and the purpose of your trip.
Vaccination
No recommendations
Regional Weather
Cold
Snow
Off Season
Cold
Snow
Off Season
Cold
Rain
Shoulder
Mild
Rain
Shoulder
Mild
Dry
Peak Season
Hot
Dry
Peak Season
Hot
Dry
Peak Season
Hot
Dry
Peak Season
Mild
Dry
Shoulder
Mild
Rain
Shoulder
Cold
Rain
Off Season
Cold
Snow
Shoulder
Prices
Level 4
Expensive
$$$$
$$$$
Must Know
The US is an expensive destination overall, especially New York, San Francisco, Hawaii, national-park gateways, resort areas, rental cars, and hotels during events.
- Sales tax is usually added at checkout, so shelf and menu prices often rise on the final bill.
- Parking, resort fees, baggage fees, and tips can make the real trip cost much higher than the base price.
Travel Hack
Book rental cars and national-park lodging early, compare domestic flights with driving time, and use supermarkets or fast-casual meals to control daily costs.
Tipping Guide
Restaurants
20%
Cafes
15%
Taxis
15%
Hotels
No tips
Must Know
Tipping is normal in US service settings. Restaurants commonly expect about 18 to 20 percent before tax, unless a service charge is already included.
- Cafes, bars, taxis, rideshares, tours, and delivery apps often prompt for tips.
- Hotel housekeeping, porters, and valet staff usually appreciate small cash tips, but percentage tipping is not needed.
Pro Tip
Card terminals may suggest high tip amounts. Choose a custom amount when the preset options feel too high for counter service.
Currency
US Dollar
USD
Euro Rate
€1 = $1.1
Select currency...
Pro Tip
Cards are widely accepted, but keep a little cash for tips, small vendors, laundromats, tolls, and rural stops.
- Use bank ATMs or credit-union ATMs when possible, and avoid dynamic currency conversion.
- Tax and tip are often added after the listed price, so the final amount can be noticeably higher.
- Some gas pumps, vending machines, or transit machines may be picky with foreign cards.
Traditional Food
Hamburger
Grilled beef patty in a soft bun
Barbecue Ribs
Slow-cooked ribs with smoky barbecue sauce
Apple Pie
Baked apple filling in a flaky crust
Clam Chowder
Creamy clam soup with potatoes and herbs
Pancakes
Fluffy griddle cakes served with maple syrup
Mac and Cheese
Baked pasta in creamy cheese sauce
Hot Dog
Sausage in a bun with classic toppings
Fried Chicken
Crispy seasoned chicken pieces
New York Pizza
Thin pizza slices with tomato and cheese
Buffalo Wings
Spicy chicken wings served with dip
Power
The United States uses 120V electricity at 60Hz.
Type A
Type B
Transport
Direction
Right side
The United States is easiest with a car outside dense city centers, while major cities use a mix of metro, buses, commuter rail, taxis, rideshares, and walking.
- Use Amtrak for intercity rail, but expect limited coverage compared with Europe or Japan.
- Domestic flights are common for long distances; airport security and transfers can add significant time.
- New York, Washington, Chicago, Boston, San Francisco, and a few other cities have useful public transport.
- Road trips are practical, but distances, tolls, parking, weather, and state-by-state rules need planning.
Language
English is the main travel language across the United States, while Spanish is useful in many cities, border states, and tourism areas.
English language level
Good
Official
Common
Useful words and phrases
Hello
Hello
Thanks
Thank you
Please
Please
How much is it?
How much does it cost?
Where is the restroom?
Where is the bathroom?
Can I get the check, please?
The bill, please
I need help
I need help
Where is the rideshare pickup?
Where do Uber or Lyft cars pick up?
