Electricity: 120 volts, 60Hz. Plugs are mainly the type with two flat pins, though three-pin plugs are also widely used. European appliances without dual-voltage capabilities will require an adapter, which can be purchased in most major departure airports.
Money: The US Dollar (USD) is the unit of currency and is divided into
100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are
widespread and credit cards and travellers cheques are widely
accepted. Travellers cheques should be taken in US Dollars to avoid
hassles. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.
Currency Exchange Rates
US$1.00 =
US$ 1.00
£ 0.65
C$ 1.02
A$ 0.97
R 8.46
€ 0.79
NZ$ 1.26
Note: These rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.
Language: English is the most common language but Spanish is often spoken in south-western states.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK passport holders require a valid passport for travel to the
USA. Under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), most British citizens
do not require a visa for holiday, transit or business purposes
providing their passports are machine-readable, the stay does not
exceed 90 days, a return or onward ticket is held and they check
into the US government ESTA website prior to departure.
Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians do not require a visa, only a valid passport. Visitors
should hold tickets and documents required for return or onward
destination.
Entry requirements for Australians: Australian nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays
of up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program; a valid
machine-readable passport, a return or onward ticket is required if
travelling by sea or air and they must check into the US government
ESTA website prior to departure.
Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans must hold a passport valid at the date of entry;
a visa is also required. Visitors must have return or onward
tickets and the necessary documents for further travel.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a valid passport, but do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days under the US Visa Waiver programme. A machine-readable passport is necessary to qualify for the programme, a return or onward ticket is required and they must check into the US government ESTA website prior to departure.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a valid passport. Irish passport holders
qualify for the visa waiver programme, but a machine-readable
passport (MRP) must be presented to gain visa-free entry to the
country, which allows a stay of up to 90 days. Visitors must have
return or onward tickets, all necessary documents for further
travel and check into the US government ESTA website prior to
departure.
Passport/Visa Note: Visitors entering the country under the Visa Waiver Programme
(VWP) must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a bar
code on the photo page. From 26 October 2006 eligible travellers
under the VWP must include biometrics in their machine-readable
passports if they wish to enter the country without a visa,
containing unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris
details. All new passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 must
contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. Due to
new security measures, all visitors to the USA will have a
photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on
arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the Visa Waiver
Programme. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative
(WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and
Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to
present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or
re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA a valid
passport will be required by immigration authorities. A new
security regulation, in force from 2009, means that all visitors
who do not need a visa under the US visa waiver programme will need
to register online three days before travel. This will allow the US
government to screen all visitors before travel. The new programme
will be mandatory for all visa-free travel from 12 January 2009.
For more information on visa visit: http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html.
It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months
validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your
travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different
rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Travel Health: There are no specific health risks associated with travel within
the USA. Medical facilities are excellent, but expensive. Only
emergencies are treated without prior payment and treatment can be
refused without evidence of insurance or proof of funds. Good
medical insurance is essential.
Tipping: A 15% tip is expected by taxi drivers, bartenders, hairdressers
and waiters, but don't tip in fast-food or self-service
restaurants. In expensive restaurants or for large parties tip 20%
of the bill. It is normal to tip staff staff such as valets and
porters in hotels; this is discretionary although a minimum of $5
is expected. Most services are customarily tipped if the service is
good.
Safety Information: Travel within the United States is generally trouble-free,
however travellers should be aware that the US shares with the rest
of the world an increased threat from terrorist incidents. Security
has been heightened particularly at airports. Restrictions on hand
luggage apply and travellers are advised to check on the latest
situation with airlines in advance. Travellers should also be alert
to the dangers of car and street crime in cities and should use
common sense and take basic precautions. Hurricanes are common
between June and November, putting the southern USA, including the
Gulf Coast and the eastern US, at risk. There is a risk of
wildfires in many dry areas in the US, particularly on the West
Coast from March to November.
Local Customs: Laws vary from state to state, including speed limit, fines and
punishment. The age at which you may legally buy and consume
alcohol is 21 years.
Business: In such a large country, filled with so many diverse groups,
business practices may differ according to each state, however
rarely to any large degree. The East Coast is traditionally more
formal than the West Coast, however in states such as California
dress code and conservative appearance are as common as they would
be in New York. Punctuality is important throughout the country and
it is considered rude to be late for a meeting. Gift-giving is
uncommon as it may be construed as bribery. Appropriate titles (Mr,
Mrs, Ms) are used upon introduction and until otherwise stated.
Americans favour politeness and greetings of 'Hello' and 'How are
you?' are often expressed with sincerity. Business hours may vary
in each state, but an 8am start and 5pm finish Monday to Friday is
the most common with an hour over lunch.
Status and age are not necessarily indicative of seniority, nor
do they carry much weight in themselves. Those doing business in
the States should be mindful of this fact; never make assumptions
about someone's position or rank. Best practice is to be respectful
to all parties. That said, the States upholds a hierarchal business
structure, in which "the boss" is the ultimate decision-maker.
Senior leaders have the power of the last word, and can go against
the grain just as easily as they can follow popular opinion.
Concentrate on winning over this individual, even if the greater
group seems unsupportive. Americans value a direct style of
communication. In this fast-paced, consumer culture "time is
money", and small-talk is viewed as unnecessary and wasteful. Get
to the point quickly, speak about issues in a frank and open
manner, and don't take offence if someone questions or challenges
you outright.
Communications: The international country dialling code for the United States is
+1. The outgoing code is 011, followed by the relevant country code
(e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom). The US has numerous area/city
codes, which must be dialled before the local number required (e.g.
New York Manhattan, 212, and Washington DC, 202). Mobile networks
cover most of the country, including all urban areas, however
unless you have a tri-band phone it is likely your cellular phone
from home will not work in the United States. The largest GSM
networks are T-mobile and Cingular. Internet cafes are prevalent in
most towns and cities.
Duty Free: Travellers to the United States who are returning residents of
the country do not have to pay duty on articles purchased abroad to
the value of $800 provided their stay was longer than 48 hours and
their duty-free allowance was not used in the 30-day period prior.
For passengers arriving from Samoa, Guam and the U.S. Virgin
Islands, a duty-free allowance of $1,200 is allowed. The following
items are included in this: 50 cigarettes and 10 cigars and 150
milliliters (5 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages or 150 milliliters
(5 fl. oz.) of perfume containing alcohol. Restrictions may apply
to goods from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Burma (Myanmar), Angola,
Liberia and Sudan. It is prohibited to import Cuban cigars from any
country. Travellers to the United States who are non-residents do
not have to pay duty on the following items: 50 cigars or 200
cigarettes and gifts to the value of $100 provided their stay in
the USA is not less than 72 hours and that the allowance has not
been used in the preceding six-month period. Prohibited items for
residents and non-residents include: meat or meat products,
poultry, narcotics, absinthe, plants, seeds, vegetables, fruits,
soil, live insects and other living plants or animal pests. Fish is
prohibited unless it carries disease-free certification. Wildlife
and animals or their by-products carry restrictions. Dairy products
and eggs from specified countries are not allowed. Firearms and
ammunition are not allowed without the necessary license and
permit.
