U.S.A

toptraveller - Sunday, March 30, 2008 - 22:03

Empire State BuildingAn economic and military superpower, the United States of America is also a popular tourist destination. The country is comprised of California and 49 other states.

The culture of the country revolves around the car. No wonder most visitors chose to embark on a road trip of some sorts. On these journeys they also come into contact with the fast food and motel nation, that makes travel so convenient.

Things to Do

Going on a Road Trip is probably the single most fun thing here
Visit California
Hike into Grand Canyon and out in just one day
Go Celebrity hunting in Los Angeles, Malibu and Pasadena
Visit New England in Fall
Visit a real Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Silo in Arizona
See a Baseball game and wonder what the fascination is all about
Go House-boating on Lake Powell

Passports and Visa

-Valid passport required (regardless of age)
-Current Visa Requirements for Tourists/ Visitors:
-Canadian visitors usually do not require a visa (subject to exceptions)
- "Visa Waiver" Plan (Form I-94):
Foreign nationals from some countries can enter the US without a visa, but only under limited conditions and for a limited period of time
-Always check for current requirements in advance when planning a trip to the US

Public Holidays

- Banks and other public services, e.g. the postal service, are closed on the following days:
- January 1st (New Year's Day)
- 3rd Monday in January (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
- 3rd Monday in February (Presidents' Day)
- Last weekend in May (Memorial Day)
- July 4th (Independence Day)
- 1st Monday in September (Labor Day)
- 2nd weekend in October (Columbus Day)
- November 11th (Veterans' Day)
- 4th Thursday in November (Thanksgiving Day)
- December 25th (Christmas Day)

Animals, Plants, Water

- Never feed any animals
- Bears: Do not leave any food out
- Snakes and scorpions: Carry a snakebite or first aid kit with you in snake country. If bitten, seek
medical assistance immediately
- Poison ivy and poison oak are found in the US.
- Never drink water found in the wild before treating it (purification tablets) or at least boiling it

Emergencies

- The nationwide emergency number for all medical, police, and fire emergencies is 9-1-1

Custom Allowances and Duty-Free

- Everyone entering the US must complete a customs declaration
- Forbidden Goods: meat products, seeds, and plants, also Cuban cigars
- When leaving the US, you may not export meat products, seeds, plants or fruits
- You may export duty-free: 200 cigarettes/person over 18 and 0.2 gallons or 1 liter of alcohol/person over 21
- List of restricted Items

Six Different Time Zones

- The US is divided into six different time zones
- Familiarize yourself if necessary, especially for connecting flights in different time zones
- From East to West (mainland): Eastern Time (New York), Central Time (Chicago), Mountain Time
(Denver), and Pacific Time (San Francisco), 'Alaskan' Time, and 'Hawaiian' Time
- Time changes in one hour increments from zone to zone

ATMs

- Confirm with your bank that international withdrawals are permitted and that card is compatible
- Most US ATMs charge a fee
- Exchange rates are better than those for traveler's checks or foreign money

Traveler's Checks

- Can be cashed at a bank (need a passport)
- American Express and Thomas Cook traveler's checks are usually accepted

Exchange of Foreign Money

- Possible at international airports and in tourist areas, e.g. Manhattan, but you may encounter
unfavorable exchange rates

Driving in the US

- You must be at least 25 years old to rent a car
- You can normally use your driver's license from your home country
- If your insurance at home does not cover rentals in the US, it may be wise to add insurance
- Make yourself familiar with the traffic rules
- Gas stations usually require for you to pay first, and then pump
(Tips to save Gas and Money)