Travel To The USA : You want a hassle-free and easy trip to America. We’ve collected some top tips to help you get there. This will allow you to enjoy your trip.
The United States of America is a popular destination for international travel, even among Americans. Most Americans do not have a passport, and LAX Airport (California), JFK Airport(New York), and MCO Airport, Florida, frequently rank at the top of the most popular domestic airports. There are some rules you should know, regardless of whether you’re an international traveler or a domestic one. This checklist is a must-have before you go. These top tips will help you be prepared before you go.
Before you fly
Table of Contents
1. Check that your passport is valid
Travelers to the USA will need a passport valid for at least six months. Some citizens of certain countries only require proper access for their stay. To find out what rules apply, visit the website of your government.
2. Check your visa status
Travelers to the USA should be familiar with the entry requirements. The visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens from certain countries to travel to the USA for tourist or visitor purposes. It is available for up to 90 days without needing a visa. You must first apply for authorization to travel through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) if you are allowed to enter the country under the VWP.
The VWP requires that you have an e-passport and be a citizen of a member nation. You also need to possess ESTA authorization. It is only possible to visit the US for up to 90 days. Your approval must be obtained at least 72 hours before your flight. You will only have the ability to board your flight if you do. After that, your ESTA will remain valid for two years.
For more information about the member countries and a complete list of ESTA requirements, visit the US Customs and Border Protection ESTA site. Estas are available online for purchase at the cost of US$14. You must pay with a credit card. You will need a visa to enter the US if you are not eligible for the VWP. This could be due to your trip being more than 90 days long, studying, or being a citizen from a non-member nation.
Tipping can be a problem for Travel To The USA.
3. Purchase a TSA-approved lock
It is wise to lock your luggage when you travel – it gives you peace of mind knowing that your belongings will be safe once they are checked in. For safety and security, however, you must follow strict baggage guidelines when traveling Stateside. All checked bags are screened, and TSA inspectors may allow the bag to be opened if it needs to pass a physical inspection. A note will be placed in your luggage to let you know what happened. It is best to use a TSA-approved lock to avoid losing it. They can be opened using a master key. This means that the TSA official does not need to remove your lock.
4. Learn the rules of transit
You will need to clear US Customs if your international flight transits the US, which is typical for flights to Canada and South America. This means you must comply with the US visa requirements, even if your stay is only for a few hours.
It doesn’t matter if you are connecting to a domestic flight in the US; remember that your first port of entry will be where you clear immigration and customs. To allow for customs, immigration, and luggage rechecking, allow at most two to three hours between flights. You should only book with one airline to ensure they are aware of your transit.
In your destination
5. Book your airport transfer
A transfer is an excellent way to travel from the airport to your destination, whether you are a domestic or international tourist. It doesn’t take long for you to realize that the US is car-dependent. 95% of American households have a car. The infrastructure for public transport is only sometimes well-developed. It can also be challenging to navigate the roads and be quite daunting for visitors. This means that airport transfers are the best way to get you to your destination when you arrive in the US. We can help you with that part. Compare and book your transfer here.
6. Your mobile data should be turned off
International visitors should only use their mobile data in the US if they have a plan that allows it. Mobile phone roaming rates can be very high, as is the cost of traveling to other countries. It would help if you made the most of the free WiFi available wherever you are. Check our US airport pages for information about whether free WiFi is available at your destination airports. Or, check your mobile plan to find out if you can buy data bundles for international travel.
A person holding one-dollar bills in a wallet
7. Tips are important
Tipping can be a tricky subject for Travel To The USA. While technically discretionary, 15-20% is a standard in restaurants. Why? The reason? Tipping is also common in the hospitality and service industries. They include bartenders (1-2 dollars per drink), housekeepers (1-3 per night), concierges (depending on the difficulty of the request), valets (1-3 per car), hotel porters (1-2 per bag), doormen (a few bucks if they help you get a taxi), and taxi drivers (10-15%). It’s worth having a stash of dollar bills for tipping. Double-check your account before tipping in restaurants. Some restaurants will automatically add a gratuity. You will need to add the tip amount to your credit card receipt if you pay by credit card.
Your shuttle driver or transfer driver will also be tipped. If there is no service charge, it is standard to tip 10-15% for private transfers. Shared shuttle drivers, however, will typically expect between $2-3 per head.
8. You might be willing to pay more than what you think
Prices Stateside are not always what you see. Most prices are listed without tax, so the prices you see will not include sales tax. When you go to the cash register, expect to be asked for more than you expected. Prices will vary depending on where you visit because different states and cities have different tax rates. A 10% increase would be a safe, but not too cautious, bet. It is also easy to calculate. It is essential to know that resorts will charge a resort fee. This covers the internet, tennis courts, and other extras.
Note on US travel requirements during a pandemic.
Travel requirements and vaccinations for Travel To The USA are constantly changing. It would help if you kept up-to-date with all the latest information. Before you travel, you can check the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for current information about vaccinations, testing, and isolation requirements.
The general advice is to:
You should get a COVID-19 virus test by one day before your trip to the US. Be ready to present your negative results to the airline before you board your flight. You can find information about testing and requirements for documentation here.
You must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. You can fill out a questionnaire to determine whether your vaccination status qualifies.
When indoors, wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth. If possible, keep six feet from other people. Here are some updates to policy and exclusions.
Here are some quick tips
The emergency number in the United States is 911.
Before you travel, make sure you have travel and health insurance. The cost of health care in Thailand is some of the most expensive.
Only a handful of countries still use the Imperial system. Consider the following:
- Height in feet
- Distance in meters
- The temperature in Fahrenheit
- Weight in pounds
- Temperature in Fahrenheit
Generally, bank cards and credit cards are the preferred methods of payment. Before you travel, make sure to call your bank.
The US has six time zones. Make sure you know your destination’s time zone for flights and airport transfers.
Hot tip: Make the most of the USA’s excellent National and State Parks. They are some of the finest in the world.
Book your airport transfer in advance, regardless of whether you are a domestic or international traveler. This will make your trip to the States effortless and stress-free.
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