Four Things To Consider When Travelling To America

*This is a collaborative post on things to consider when travelling to America

Even among Americans, the United States of America is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world; the majority of the US population does not have a passport, and LAX Airport (California), JFK Airport (New York), and MCO Airport (Florida) frequently rank among the most popular domestic airports. However, whether you’re travelling internationally or domestically, there are a few laws that even the most experienced travellers can’t seem to figure out. Our best travel advice can help you prepare for your trip.

Check Your Passport

Most visitors to the United States will need a passport that is valid for at least six months. Citizens of certain nations, on the other hand, just require a passport that is valid for the duration of their trip. To find out what rules apply to you, go to the government website for your country of residency.

Know What Visa You Need

It is critical for visitors to the United States to be aware of the entry procedures. The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) permits citizens of specified nations to visit the United States for up to 90 days without requiring a visa. If you are eligible to visit the nation under the VWP, you must apply for authorization using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization before travelling (ESTA). If you are travelling from outside the states you need to apply for an ESTA before you travel.

Understand Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is an infamous minefield for visitors to the United States, with the age-old narrative of “do I, don’t I, is it already included?” Although theoretically discretionary, it is an unspoken rule in restaurants that 15-20% gratuity is anticipated. What is the explanation for this? Because the minimum wage in the United States is so low, many workers rely on gratuities to supplement their income. Tips are widespread in other service and hospitality industries. This includes bartenders, housekeepers, concierges, valets, hotel porters, doormen, and taxi drivers, so stocking up on dollar bills is a good idea. If you’re in a restaurant, double-check your bill before tipping, as some restaurants include a gratuity by default. If you’re paying with a credit card, make a note of the tip amount on the receipt. Then add it to the total.

You May Have To Pay More Than You Think

When it comes to costs, what you see isn’t always what you receive. Most prices are provided without tax in the United States, thus the price tags you see will not contain sales tax. Expect to be asked for more money than you expected to pay at the cash register. Because different towns and states have varying tax rates, prices vary depending on where you go. It’s a safe (though too cautious) bet to assume a 10% increase, and it’s simple to compute. If you’re staying at a resort, be aware that you’ll almost always be charged a resort fee. This cover things like pools, tennis courts, internet, and other ‘extras,’ which are fees not included in the listed rate.

This short guide should help you to get prepared for a trip to America. Do you have any other tips that you could share in the comments below?