Tips for visiting the USA
The USA is a huge country with plenty of interesting places to visit. However, there are some major differences between the States and the rest of the world that can make trip planning a little bit difficult. It has over 300 million residents, an area of approximately 9.6 million square kilometers, and 50 states all with very different laws and cultures.
Like many other countries, the USA has sales tax on most items. The States sales tax is not included in the listed price for most items and is added on after the fact. Always keep this in mind when making purchases. Also keep in mind that different states have different sales tax rates ranging from no sales tax to ten percent.
Many visitors from outside the US have trouble with the custom of tipping for services.
In many cases, tipping is mandatory and not simply a gesture of appreciation. Many people in the service industry, particular the restaurant industry, do not get paid minimum wage and rely almost entirely on tips to make a living. Expected tips include; 10%-20% for taxi drivers, 15%-20% for waiters and bartenders, $1-2 per day for hotel housekeepers, 10%-15% for hairdressers or other personal services, $1-2 per bag for hotel bellhops or doormen. While these tips are generally expected, you are in no way obligated to pay them if you receive bad service.
Tipping is also not expected at fast food restaurants or any restaurants where servers do not deliver food to your table.
The US is a very large country and travelling around can be expensive and time consuming. Once you get there, the best method of transportation will vary depending on the distance you need to travel and the amount of time you have available. These cities have subways, buses and taxi services as well as pedestrian walk ways and bike lanes. In other cities, you will need to rent a car to get around. To get to neighbouring states, you can drive, take a train, or take a bus. To travel a long distances, you will need to take a plane or be willing to drive more than a day. Also keep in mind that distance is measured in miles in the US and that cars travel on the right side of the road.
The currency is the Dollar. Most banks will not exchange money for you but US airports do have money exchanging services. It may be a good idea to decide how much money you want to spend during your visit and exchange that amount at the airport to avoid the hassle of finding a place to exchange money during your trip. If you need to exchange money, you can visit any American Express office as well as a number of other places.
Due to the cultural differences between the US and other countries, visiting the US can be a daunting prospect. However, it can also be fun and rewarding.
Following these tips and doing additional research into US customs can make your trip a great success
Like many other countries, the USA has sales tax on most items. The States sales tax is not included in the listed price for most items and is added on after the fact. Always keep this in mind when making purchases. Also keep in mind that different states have different sales tax rates ranging from no sales tax to ten percent.
Many visitors from outside the US have trouble with the custom of tipping for services.
In many cases, tipping is mandatory and not simply a gesture of appreciation. Many people in the service industry, particular the restaurant industry, do not get paid minimum wage and rely almost entirely on tips to make a living. Expected tips include; 10%-20% for taxi drivers, 15%-20% for waiters and bartenders, $1-2 per day for hotel housekeepers, 10%-15% for hairdressers or other personal services, $1-2 per bag for hotel bellhops or doormen. While these tips are generally expected, you are in no way obligated to pay them if you receive bad service.
Tipping is also not expected at fast food restaurants or any restaurants where servers do not deliver food to your table.
The US is a very large country and travelling around can be expensive and time consuming. Once you get there, the best method of transportation will vary depending on the distance you need to travel and the amount of time you have available. These cities have subways, buses and taxi services as well as pedestrian walk ways and bike lanes. In other cities, you will need to rent a car to get around. To get to neighbouring states, you can drive, take a train, or take a bus. To travel a long distances, you will need to take a plane or be willing to drive more than a day. Also keep in mind that distance is measured in miles in the US and that cars travel on the right side of the road.
The currency is the Dollar. Most banks will not exchange money for you but US airports do have money exchanging services. It may be a good idea to decide how much money you want to spend during your visit and exchange that amount at the airport to avoid the hassle of finding a place to exchange money during your trip. If you need to exchange money, you can visit any American Express office as well as a number of other places.
Due to the cultural differences between the US and other countries, visiting the US can be a daunting prospect. However, it can also be fun and rewarding.
Following these tips and doing additional research into US customs can make your trip a great success
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