Discover
essential USA travel information - from visas and weather to culture,
safety, and top attractions. Plan your perfect American adventure
with our expert guide.
Country: United States of America (USA)
Continent / Region: North America
Capital City: Washington, D.C.
Government Type: Federal Presidential Republic
Population: Approx. 335 million
Official Language(s): None at federal level (English predominant)
Percentage of Population Who Speak English: ~95%
Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD)
Time Zone (GMT): Ranges from GMT−5 to GMT−10 (multiple zones)
Driving Side: Right
Electric Plug Type / Voltage: Type A/B – 120V
Adapter Needed: UK travellers require a plug adapter
Emergency Numbers: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Travel Time from the UK (London): 7–11 hours (direct to major hubs)
Best Time/Months to Travel: Varies by region; spring and autumn most popular
Main International Airports:
- Visa Requirements: ESTA needed for most UK travellers
- Visa Needed for UK Citizens: ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)
- Visa Duration / Cost: 90 days; USD $21
- Vaccinations Needed: Routine vaccines recommended
Embassy Information (UK Embassy in the USA):
Average Daily Costs: £70 / £140 / £300+
Tipping Culture: Standard is 15–20% in restaurants; tipping expected
Public Transport Options: Subways, buses, taxis, Amtrak trains, domestic flights
Approx. Cost of Single Fare: USD $2–$3.50 (city transit)
Internet / SIM Availability: Excellent 4G/5G; AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile
Main Climate Type: Ranges from arctic (Alaska) to tropical (Florida/Hawaii)
Average Temperature: Highly variable by region and season
Major Cities: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Miami, San Francisco
Natural Attractions: Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Rocky Mountains, national parks, deserts, coastlines
Popular Destinations: New York City, Florida, California, Las Vegas, Hawaii, Washington D.C.
Main Religions: Predominantly Christianity; diverse multicultural society
Cultural Etiquette / Customs:
Cuisine Highlights: Regional BBQs, burgers, Tex-Mex, Southern cuisine, seafood, international fusion food
Local Festivals:
Famous Landmarks: Statue of Liberty, Golden Gate Bridge, Times Square, Mount Rushmore, Hollywood Sign
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe; varies by city and neighbourhood
Common Scams: Fake tickets, tourist-area pricing scams, unlicensed taxis
Health Risks: Heatwaves in summer, hurricanes (East/South), wildfires (West)
Recommended Clinics: High-quality hospitals nationwide; costs very high
Insurance Recommendation: Strongly essential — medical care is expensive
Internet Speed: Excellent 4G/5G; widespread public Wi-Fi
Useful Phrases:
Must-See Attractions: Times Square, Grand Canyon, Golden Gate Bridge, Yellowstone, Las Vegas Strip, Washington monuments
Unique Experiences: Route 66 road trip, Hawaii volcano tours, Deep South music trails, ski trips in Colorado, national park hiking
Hidden Gems: Sedona red rocks, Outer Banks, Portland, Glacier National Park, Charleston Historic District
Popular Areas to Stay: Manhattan (NYC), Downtown LA, Chicago Loop, Miami Beach, Orlando resorts, San Francisco Union Square
Average Hotel Prices: £80 / £150 / £300+
Book A Hotel: You can book your accommodation right here.
Nightlife Areas: Manhattan, Miami South Beach, Las Vegas Strip, Austin 6th Street
Local Drinks: Craft beer, bourbon, cocktails, Californian wine
Entertainment: Broadway, casinos, sports events, live music, rooftop bars
Car Rental: Common; essential in many areas outside major cities
Domestic Flights: Frequent between all major hubs
Trains: Amtrak routes available; limited coverage compared to Europe
Taxi / Rideshare Costs: Uber/Lyft widely used; fares vary by city
Best Markets: Pike Place Market (Seattle), Chelsea Market (NYC), LA Farmers Market
Popular Souvenirs: Branded apparel, snacks, sports merchandise, Route 66 items
Local SIM Card Providers: AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile
Typical Business Hours: 9 a.m.–9 p.m. (Mon–Sat)
Tap Water Safety: Safe in most cities; varies slightly by region
Local Apps to Download:
Did You Know?
The USA has 63 national parks and more than 400 national park sites, offering some of the world’s most diverse landscapes.