💱 Currency
US Dollar (USD). Coins include 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢; bills come in $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100. Card is preferred, but small bills help for tipping and local transit.
🗣️ Language
English is the de facto language. Spanish is also widely spoken in many regions.
🕒 Time Zone & DST
Spans six time zones. Daylight Saving Time is observed in most states from March to November.
🔌 Plugs
Type A & B plugs. Voltage is 120V, so a converter may be needed if you’re coming from higher-voltage countries.
💰 Tipping Culture
Tipping is standard: 15–20% at restaurants, $1–2 per bag for hotel staff, and 10–15% for taxis or rideshares.
🏧 ATM Access
Widely available. Most major international cards are accepted. Fees may apply—use machines at banks when possible.
🚨 Emergency Information
Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies.
🔗 Embassy Info
🛂 Visa Requirements
💉 Vaccine Requirements
✈️ Major Airports
Top hubs include JFK (New York), LAX (Los Angeles), ATL (Atlanta), ORD (Chicago), and DFW (Dallas–Fort Worth).
🍽️ Food to Try
It really depends where you land. In California, we’re always chasing a good burrito. In New York? Grab a bagel or a slice. Hit the Midwest and go for BBQ—or risk regret. The USA’s menu is basically a culinary road trip.
📍 Must-See Spot
Niagara Falls. It’s one of those places that’s bigger, louder, and wetter than expected—in the best way possible. Don’t skip the boat ride unless you dislike joy (or mist).
🏞️ Our Favorite Location
Zion National Park. Towering red rock cliffs, peaceful hikes, and that unbeatable moment when the canyon opens up and makes you feel tiny in the best way.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall are safe bets for most places. Summers can be hot and crowded, winters unpredictable—unless you’re into skiing or snowstorms.
🚌 Transportation Tip
Major cities have solid metro or bus systems. Elsewhere, plan on renting a car. Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are easy to use but can add up fast.
🚰 Water Safety Info
Tap water is safe across the country unless noted otherwise (usually in very rural areas). Bring a reusable bottle and fill up freely.
📶 Wi-Fi & Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi is common in cafes, hotels, and even parks. For longer stays, consider a local SIM or eSIM with a data plan. Google Maps works great even offline.
🚻 Bathroom Availability
Public restrooms are usually available in parks, malls, and fast food chains. Some places may require a purchase or code.
🤝 Cultural Custom Tip
Small talk is big here. A “how are you?” doesn’t always mean they want your life story, but not replying at all might come off rude.
🤯 Fun Fact
The USA is home to more than 12,000 McDonald’s, but also more than 400 national parks. Balance is everything.
Safety varies by city, but general common sense goes a long way. Stick to well-lit areas at night and always lock your car. Scams can include fake event tickets, overpriced street vendors, or the occasional “tourist tax” in touristy zones.
Americans value personal space, casual friendliness, and speed—of service, walking, and Wi-Fi. Don’t cut lines, don’t assume everyone wants a hug, and avoid debating politics unless you’re fully prepared.
911 covers all emergencies. Weather? Depends where you are. It could be snowing in Montana while Florida feels like a sauna.
English is spoken nearly everywhere, but some signage or menus in cities like Miami or LA might include Spanish. No translation app needed unless you’re diving into local slang.
The U.S. is great for families, solo travelers, and everyone in between—if you can swing the transportation costs. Flights and trains add up fast, so road trips are often the best way to explore. You can usually find some free/low cost fun wherever you are, with a little bit of research. There’s incredible food in every region, and no two states feel the same. We grew up here—but we’re still discovering places that feel brand new.
