Travel Essentials › United States
Travel Essentials
Plugs: Types A and B, 120 V. Emergency: One number for everything 911. Tipping: Expected: 18-20% in restaurants, 15-20% for taxis and rideshares, and a dollar or two per drink, bag or night of housekeeping. Tap water: Generally safe to drink..
Open The United States Trip Kit
Types A and B, 120 V
| One number for everything | 911 |
Checked 13 Oct 2026 against the official page: gov.uk
Expected: 18-20% in restaurants, 15-20% for taxis and rideshares, and a dollar or two per drink, bag or night of housekeeping.
Checked 13 Oct 2026 against the official page: travelhealthpro.org.uk
Greetings. A firm handshake and direct eye contact are standard in most settings; first names are used quickly, even in business.
Tipping. Tipping is expected, not optional: 18-25% at sit-down restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and 15-20% for taxis/rideshare and salon services.
Personal space and small talk. Americans generally value personal space and casual small talk ('How are you?') as a greeting rather than a real question; directness is common but usually not meant rudely.
The US is generally safe for tourists in the areas most visitors go, though crime rates and safety vary a lot by city and neighborhood; normal urban precautions (avoiding certain neighborhoods at night, watching belongings) apply.
Unlicensed 'taxis' at airports. Use official taxi stands, licensed cabs, or rideshare apps (Uber/Lyft) rather than unsolicited drivers offering rides.
Street vendor counterfeits. 'Deals' on jewelry, perfume or electronics from street vendors are frequently counterfeit; buy from established retailers.
Fake charity or ticket scams. In tourist areas, be cautious of aggressive solicitors for 'charities' or heavily discounted show/attraction tickets sold outside official channels.
Women travelers. Major cities like San Francisco, New York and Seattle are considered welcoming for solo women travelers; use rideshare safety features and avoid isolated areas late at night as anywhere.
Legal · Mostly Safe
The US has federal marriage equality and generally high acceptance in most cities, but protections and social attitudes vary significantly by state, and LGBTQ+ people are statistically more likely to be targeted in hate crimes than other groups, so it's worth checking the climate of the specific state or area you're visiting.
| Coffee (café) | $5.10 (cappuccino) | $5.10 |
| Local bus or metro ride | $2.75-3 | $2.75-3 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | $20-25 (before tip) | $20-25 |
| Hostel bed / budget room (night) | $45-60 | $45-60 |
| Mid-range hotel (night) | $180-220 | $180-220 |
| Daily budget, mid-range traveler | $180-300 | $180-300 |
2026-09
There's no single best time given the country's size: April-October suits most of the country overall, but the Pacific Northwest and Alaska are best in summer, the Southwest is best in spring/fall to avoid extreme heat, and the South/Florida is best in the cooler winter-to-spring months.
United States visa requirements by nationality
Basic English phrases · Basic Spanish phrases · Basic American Sign Language phrases
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