The United States is a dream for many to visit, but if you wish your trip to be more enjoyable, then you really need to know a few things before you travel. Like many countries, the United States has different cultural customs that you may not be aware of. Though it may be one of the most popular destinations in the world, it can be a little stressful if you don’t know some of the ways things work. Here list of a few of the things that you should know.
Apply for an ESTA
This is the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. Make sure you have applied for your ESTA before your travel, or you might not be getting on the plane. This is what lets you travel into the United States. Make sure you put in your ESTA application early, in case of any delays.
Sales Tax
In the United States, the price you see on an item is not the full price. Depending on where you are, there is an additional sales tax which averages about 10%. So don’t be too shocked when you buy that $5.00 item and the bill is $5.50.
Tipping
Tipping is widespread in United States but it mainly centers upon the service industry. Restaurants, bars, and taxis are the main places you will be tipping. Do be careful to check the bill in restaurants though as sometimes the gratuity or tip is already added. Tipping is approximately 15% of the bill. It can be less, or more, based on the quality of the service.
Luggage locks
Luggage locks are one of the more frustrating things when you travel to the United States. The TSA has a habit of damaging them or just cutting them off completely, even if they are TSA approved. We advise you to buy some extra TSA approved locks and bring them with you. We sometimes put zip ties on our luggage as well so we know if the bag has been opened.
Cellphones
The United States is one of the only countries to have its own little island of cell phones. Very often a phone you would bring in from the outside will not work in the US. If it does work, the roaming fees are often quite huge. Your best bet is to buy a cheap phone from a local store and pre-pay. A better option if you can use it, is just use the WiFi.
Immigration at the airport
Be extremely nice and polite to immigration at the airport in United States. Something that not many people know is that until you enter the United States past immigration, you have almost no legal rights. They can hold you as long as they want, and pretty much do anything they want, because you are in a legal limbo. Don’t feel too bad though, because this also applies to US citizens. Until you actually enter the country, you are not subject to many of its protections by law. Getting mad or upset will just take you to a hell you do not want to go to. Just as an extra bit of information, they can also explore your laptop or phone, as well as explore your private social accounts. If you have anything private on your devices, it might be wise to remove it.
Taxis
The United States is a car culture. When traveling in the world you will often see taxis everywhere, but not so much in the United States. Of course, you will find many at the airport, but your chance of walking out of a restaurant and waving down a taxi is very slim. New York is an exception to this rule. Our advice is used Uber or Lyft, or to rent a car.
Friendly people
Americans are generally very friendly people that will smile and wish you a great day. Be aware that a lot of that friendliness is surface only. Although some people do try to get to know you better, the majority of people are just being friendly out of custom.
The United States is truly a huge place. There are about 3000 miles between Los Angeles and New York. There is something for everyone there and you can make some truly memorable moments. We hope our few little tips help you, and we wish you a wonderful trip.
