›You are here

Home›Destinations›North America›United States›United States FAQ

United States FAQ

Is tipping customary in the US?

Tipping is very much a part of the culture in the US. Tips are expected at restaurants, cafes and diners, as well as by taxi drivers, valet attendants, porters and hotel maids. People working the service industry generally receive the minimum wage, which is quite low and therefore rely upon tips as a major source of their income. In general, leave 15% of the bill at places serving food, $1 to bar tenders and a few dollars for hotel staff who provide a personal service like carrying bags or cleaning your room.

What is the internet access like in the US?

Internet access is excellent in the US, and internet cafes and Wi-Fi hot spots are easily found in most cities and major towns.

Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in the US?

Mobile phone coverage is excellent in most parts of the US although coverage may be patchy in remote, mountainous areas like national parks and canyons. Ensure global roaming is activated before you arrive.

What are the toilets like in the US?

Western-style flushable toilets are the norm in the US.

What will it cost for a…?

Cup of coffee = US$1.50-2
Hotdog from street cart = US$2-3
Newspaper = US$0.50-$2
Cinema admission = US$10-12

Can I drink the water in the US?

Drinking water from taps in the US is considered safe unless otherwise marked. For environmental reasons, try to use a refillable water bottle rather than buying bottled water.

Are credit cards accepted widely in the US?

Major credit cards are widely accepted by stores in the US. Smaller cafes and shops may not accept credit cards, so ensure you carry enough cash to cover small purchases.

What is ATM access like in the US?

ATMs are common in the US, so finding one won't be a problem in most towns and cities.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling in the US?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What public holidays are celebrated in the US?

Jan 1 New Year's Day
Jan 21 Martin Luther King Day
Feb 18 Presidents Day
May 27 Memorial Day
Jul 4 Independence Day
Sep 2 Labor Day
Oct 14 Columbus Day
Nov 11 Veterans Day
Nov 28 Thanksgiving Day
Dec 25 Christmas Day

Please note these dates are for 2013. For a current list of public holidays in the US go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/united-states-america/public-holidays

Do I need a visa to travel to United States?

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay.

We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.

  • Entrance requirements to the USA have changed in recent years so please read the following instructions carefully, even if you have travelled to the USA before.

    Many countries now operate under a visa waiver program (meaning a visa isn't required) however you still need to obtain an authorisation which confirms that you have been approved to travel. This authorisation must be obtained in advance of travel.

    Many citizens from Visa Waiver Program countries can travel to the USA without a visa for a 90 day stay, if they meet certain requirements. Travellers from all Visa Waiver Program countries must present a machine-readable passport (which meets US requirements) at the port of entry to enter without a visa, otherwise a US visa is required. Canada doesn't require a visa for many foreign nationals however you should check to see if this applies to your country. You can get further information from the US Department of State and the Canadian government websites:
    - http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors.html
    - http://canadainternational.gc.ca

    Also please note, all travellers from Visa Waiver Program countries must obtain an electronic travel authorization prior to their flight from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov

    All ESTA registration applications or renewals require a US$14.00 fee paid by credit or debit card. You should apply for your visa waiver authorisation at least 1 week prior to travel to avoid any last minute delays. You will require your passport details and your address in the US (you can use the starting point hotel/hostel address).
  • USA TOURIST VISA:
    Australia: No - ESTA required
    Belgium: No - ESTA required
    Canada: No - not required
    Germany: No - ESTA required
    Ireland: No - ESTA required
    Netherlands: No - ESTA required
    New Zealand: No - ESTA required
    South Africa: Yes - in advance
    Switzerland: No - ESTA required
    UK: No - ESTA required
  • IMPORTANT:
    If you are refused boarding or denied admission at the US port of entry you will still be subject to Grand American Adventures cancellation charges in accordance with the terms of our contract with you.
  • Die Einreisebestimmungen haben sich in den letzten Jahren verändert. Deswegen sollten Sie sich, auch wenn Sie bereits in die USA gereist sind, die folgenden Anweisungen sorgfältig durchlesen.

    Reisende aus vielen Ländern sind zwar vom Visumserfordernis befreit. Dennoch ist eine Erlaubnis notwendig, die bescheinigt, dass man eine Reisegenehmigung besitzt. Diese Erlaubnis muss vor Antritt der Reise erteilt werden.

    Bürger aus Ländern, die vom Visumserfordernis befreit wurden, können sich in den USA ohne Visum 90 Tage aufhalten, sofern sie bestimmte Voraussetzungen erfüllen. Bei Einreise muss ein elektronisch lesbarer Reisepass vorgelegt werden, der den US Voraussetzungen entspricht. Wer über keinen solchen Reisepass verfügt, muss ein US Visum beantragen. In Kanada gilt für viele Staatsangehörigkeiten kein Visumserfordernis. Bitte schauen Sie nach, ob diese Befreiung auch für Ihre gilt. Weitere Informationen erhalten Sie bei den Internetauftritten des US Außenministeriums und der Kanadischen Regierung.
    - http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors.html
    - http://canadainternational.gc.ca

    Bitte beachten Sie, dass alle Reisende, die vom Visumserfordernis befreit sind, vor Einreise in die USA im Besitz einer elektronischen Reiseerlaubnis sein müssen (Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov).

    Alle ESTA Anträge oder Aktualisierungen kosten USD14, die mit Kreditkarte zu bezahlen sind. Die Beantragung der elektronischen Reiseerlaubnis sollten Sie mindestens 1 Woche vor Reiseantritt einreichen, um Verzögerungen in letzter Minute zu vermeiden. Benötigt werden Ihre Passdaten und Ihre Adresse in den USA. Hierbei können Sie die erste Hoteladresse angeben.

    USA TOURISTENVISUM:
    Australien: Nein – ESTA erforderlich
    Belgien: Nein – ESTA erforderlich
    Kanada: Nein – ESTA erforderlich
    Deutschland: Nein – ESTA erforderlich
    Irland: Nein – ESTA erforderlich
    Niederlande: Nein – ESTA erforderlich
    Neuseeland: Nein – ESTA erforderlich
    Südafrika: Ja – im Voraus
    Schweiz: Nein – ESTA erforderlich
    Großbritannien: Nein – ESTA erforderlich

Shortlist

No trips.

United States at a glance

  • 65
  • Washington DC
  • 313.2 million
  • English
  • USD
  • (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
  • Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin), Type B (American 3-pin)
  • +1

Subscribe to Newsletters


Inspiration straight to your inbox with travel tips, specials, travellers' experiences and a trip to win in every edition!
  • brochure request