Travel guide – United States

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Overview

America was 'discovered' by Columbus in 1492 and for more than 500 years people have travelled here seeking a better life in the 'land of opportunity'. The land was fought over by colonial powers for centuries and finally won its independence from Britain in 1783. Despite the near annihilation of the Native American population, one of the bloodiest civil wars the world had seen, and racism (Native Americans were not granted citizenship until 1924 and racial segregation was the norm until as late as the 1950s), the American people have succeeded in forging one of the worlds most united, democratic and tolerant nations, a fascinating melting-pot of cultures, and the undisputed military and economic heavyweight of the world.

The country is made up of 48 contiguous states of the continental USA, plus the huge state of Alaska, northwest of Canada, and the volcanic islands of Hawaii, 2,000 miles (3,219km) out into the Pacific. There are also the US territories, which include Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Midway Islands and US Virgin Islands. Tourism is focused mainly in the great cities such as New York and Washington, as well as sunshine states such as Florida, California and Hawaii. However the mind-blowing landscapes, found in the wealth of magnificent National Parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone and the Adirondacks, as well as spectacular sights like the Grand Canyon and the Rocky Mountains, are what make the USA so unique. With all this on their doorstep, it's easy to understand why most Americans have never bothered getting a passport.

Health

There are no specific health risks associated with travel within the USA. Medical facilities are excellent, but expensive. Only emergencies are treated without prior payment and treatment can be refused without evidence of insurance or proof of funds. Good medical insurance is essential.

The basics

Time

The USA is divided into six time zones. Eastern Standard Time is GMT -5, and Pacific Standard Time is GMT -8, Alaska is GMT -9, and Hawaii GMT -10. Other than Indiana, Arizona and Hawaii, all states observe daylight saving time in summer.

Electricity

110 volts, 60Hz. Plugs are mainly the two, flat-pin type, though three-pin plugs are also widely used. European appliances without dual-voltage capabilities will require an adapter, which can be purchased in most major departure airports.

Language

English is the official language.

Tipping

A 15% tip is expected by taxi drivers, bartenders, hairdressers and waiters, but don't tip in fast-food or self-service restaurants. In expensive restaurants or for large parties tip 20% of the bill. It is normal to tip staff in hotels. In more expensive accommodation there is sometimes a bed tax, often as high as 15%, and it is worth checking that this is included within the quote.

Safety

Travel within the United States is generally trouble-free, however travellers should be aware that the US shares with the rest of the world an increased threat from terrorist incidents. Security has been heightened particularly at airports. Visitors are cautioned that terrorist attacks in the past have occurred in public areas and there is a risk of being caught up in any future incidents. Travellers should also be alert to the dangers of car and street crime in cities and should use common sense and take basic precautions. Visitors should avoid wearing expensive jewellery and walking in run down areas and try to stick to main highways and use well-lit car parks. Do not sleep in your vehicle on the roadside or in rest areas and avoid leaving luggage on display in cars. If hit from behind while driving, indicate to the other driver to follow you to a public place and call for Police help. Lighters are now officially banned from all domestic and international flights. The ban means that no lighters will be allowed anywhere on the airplane, not even in the baggage hold. Hurricane Katrina: One of the worst and most costly hurricanes ever to hit the United States, Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast on 30 August 2005, causing extensive damage, loss of life and flooding along the coast, particularly in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. The southern Gulf Coast communities were declared Federal Disaster Areas. It is estimated that it will take months for the clean-up operation to take place, particularly in New Orleans.

Customs

Laws vary from state to state, including speed limits, the age of consent and the age at which you may legally buy and consume alcohol, but this is usually 21 years.

Communications

The international country dialling code for the United States is +1. The outgoing code is 011, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom). The US has numerous area codes, which must be dialled before the local number required (e.g. New York Manhattan, 212, and Washington DC, 202). Mobile networks cover most of the country, including all urban areas, however unless you have a tri-band phone it is likely your cellular phone from home will not work in the United States. The largest GSM networks are T-mobile and Cingular. Internet cafes are prevalent in most towns and cities.

Duty Free

Travellers to the United States who are returning residents of the country do not have to pay duty on articles purchased abroad to the value of $800 provided their stay was longer than 48 hours and their duty-free allowance was not used in the 30-day period prior. For passengers arriving from Samoa, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, a duty-free allowance of $1,200 is allowed. The following items are included in this: 1,000 cigarettes or a reasonable amount of tobacco or 100 cigars. Travellers over 21 years are allowed 1 US quart of alcoholic beverages; and perfumes, lotions and other goods for personal use. Restrictions may apply to goods from Cuba, Cambodia, Korea and Vietnam. It is prohibited to import Cuban cigars from any country. Further information may be obtained from the nearest US Consulate. Travellers to the United States who are non-residents do not have to pay duty on the following items: 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes or 2kg tobacco, or a proportionate mix of these. Travellers over 21 years can import 1 US quart of alcoholic beverages. Non-residents may enter the USA with gifts to the value of $100 provided their stay in the USA is not less than 72 hours and that the allowance has not been used in the preceding six-month period. Please note that it is a punishable offence to make false statements to a US customs officer. Prohibited items for residents and non-residents include: meat or meat products, poultry, narcotics, marijuana, dangerous drugs, absinthe (or alcohol containing artemisia absinthium); plants; seeds, vegetables, fruits, soil, live insects, snails and other living plants or animal pests. Fish is prohibited unless it carries disease-free certification. Salmon and trout, including eggs canned, pickled or smoked may only be imported from North America. Imports from or exports to Iran and leather souvenirs imported from Haiti are prohibited. Wildlife and animals or their by-products carry restrictions. All types of lighters and matches are not allowed in luggage, unless properly sealed in an enclosed container. Dairy products and eggs from specified countries are not allowed. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed without the necessary license and permit.

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