The United States of America
City Specific Information:
The dollar ($) is the currency used in the the United States of America. In everyday conversation, dollars are also referred to as "bucks". Dollar bills come in denominations of $1, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 ($2 are very rare) and US coins (100 cents to the dollar) come in pennies (1¢), nickels (5¢), dimes (10¢) and quarters (25¢). You may also see half-dollar (50¢) and dollar ($1) coins.
Tipping
Tipping is standard practice across America. In city restaurants, tipping 15% of the bill is expected; less is OK in an informal diner, while top-end restaurants expect 20%. Bartenders expect $1 per drink. Taxi drivers and hairdressers expect 10% to 15%. Skycaps at airports and porters at nice hotels expect $1 a bag or so. It’s polite to leave a few dollars for the hotel maid, especially if you spend several nights.
ATMs
You can rely on your debit cards and credit cards in most shops, and you can withdraw cash from ATMs (also called ‘cash machines’) at most banks, and in shopping centers, airports, and grocery stores.
Credit cards
Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards are the most widely accepted cards. You will most likely need a credit card to rent a car or make phone reservations for flights and hotels. It is a good idea to keep a copy of your credit card numbers separate and contact the company immediately if your card gets lost or stolen.
American Express 1-800-528-4800 www.americanexpress.com
Diners Club 1-800-234-6377 www.dinersclub.com
Discover 1-800-347-2683 www.discovercard.com
MasterCard 1-800-622-7747 www.mastercard.com
Visa 1-800-847-2911 www.visa.com
Taxes
Sales tax varies by state and county; check out state sales taxes at Sales Tax Clearinghouse. Hotel taxes vary by city.
Travellers cheques
Travellers cheques have been replaced by the common use of debit cards and credit cards but they still offer protection from theft and so are safer than carrying lots of cash. If you prefer to travel with Travellers cheques keep in mind that they will not be accepted for purchases if they are in a foreign currency so they wil need to be exchanged prior to use.
You will not need any special vaccines but you should be up-to-date on routine immunizations to travel to the US.
Insurance
It’s essential to purchase travel health insurance or supplemental insurance if your regular policy doesn’t cover you when you’re abroad as health care in the US can be prohibitively expensive. Find out in advance if your insurance plan will make payments directly to providers or reimburse you later for overseas health expenditures.
Bring any medications you may need in their original containers, clearly labeled. A signed, dated letter from your physician that describes all medical conditions and medications, including generic names, is also a good idea.
If you have a medical emergency, go to the nearest hospital emergency room. You can call the hospital to ask for a referral to a local physician if your problem is not urgent. You should avoid for-profit clinics, which tend to perform large numbers of expensive tests, even for minor illnesses.
Pharmacies are everywhere, but some medications that are available over-the-counter in your home country require a prescription in the USA, and/or may be very expensive. It is best to bring any medications you may need while traveling. Pack them in their original containers, clearly labeled and it is a good idea to bring a signed, dated letter from your physician that describes all pertinent medical conditions and medications, including generic names.
Helpful health links:
WHO International Travel and Health
Women’s Health and Contraception
MDtravelhealth.com Worldwide recommendations