United States Of America Visitor's Guide
The USA is a wonderful country, with so many fantastic sites and activities for every traveler. The USA has one of the most diverse range of holidays available, from tropical beach holidays through to world-class ski resorts and everything in between- the USA has it all!
With 50 states to choose from, it can be hard work deciding where you want to visit! But once you have made your decision, you can begin researching what you want to see and do once you’re there. This article is a guide to some of the important information you should know before traveling to the USA from abroad.
The USA has six time zones ranging from GMT - 5 on the East Coast of the country through to GMT - 9 in Alaska and GMT - 10 in Hawaii. The country is huge, and many people do not realize this until they get there. The USA has a population of over 300 million people, but despite this there are huge areas that are uninhabited and are still largely untouched and retain their natural beauty.
The largest city in the USA is New York City with a population of over 8.3 million people in 2006. Running closely behind are Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and San Antonio.
The official language is English, although a large minority of Americans are Spanish speaking, and the Spanish culture is a significant part of current day American culture in many areas of the country.
The climate in the USA largely depends on where in the country you are traveling to and at what time of the year. Most of America has four distinct seasons - summer, fall, winter and spring.
If you are planning on buying or bringing over electrical goods to the USA it is important to make sure they have the right voltage for your country. Electricity in USA is 110 volts AC, and 60 Hz. Plugs have two flat pins. If you are traveling from abroad you will need to bring a travel adaptor with you to be able to use your electrical devices in the USA.
Before entering any foreign country, especially the USA, it is important to check the entry requirements before purchasing a ticket. Every person entering the USA must hold a passport, and in most cases a visa. The type of visa you require varies from whatever country you are from - although the USA has arrangements with several countries such as the UK and Australia that make it easy for you to enter the country. You also require a return ticket to enter the USA, unless you are a Canadian resident.
The currency in the USA is the US dollar $. There are 100 cents to every 1 dollar. The notes come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollar notes; and coins are in denominations of $1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, and 1 cents. Most major worldwide credit cards are accepted in the USA, and you shouldn’t have problem accessing ATM’s either. Just to be sure, it is advised that you travel to the USA with some US currency just in case. Most banks in the USA are open from 8.30am until 5pm.
When traveling to the USA from a foreign country you are given a duty free allowance for purchases made either at your home airport, at a US airport or whilst shopping outside airports in the USA. If you are over 21 years of age you are allowed to bring in up to 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 2 kg of smoking tobacco; 1 liter of alcoholic drinks; and gifts and other items to the value of $400. If you exceed this value you may incur a customs duty.
It is illegal to bring prohibited drugs into the USA as well as other dangerous or illegal items, and the customs system at US airports is very strict and there are severe penalties for bringing any prohibited items.
The drinking and gambling age in the USA is 21 years old, and this is strictly enforced.
Once you have arrived in the USA, it is very easy to get around. Between states most people choose to fly, and there are dozens of airlines offering flights to all major USA cities on a regular basis. Another great way to get around is by boat, and along the coastline there are plenty of water transport options. Amtrak is also the largest train system in the USA, and offers long distance trains throughout 45 states in America. This can be a great way to see the country.
I hope this guide has been helpful to introducing you to some of the most important information you need to enjoy your holiday to the USA.
