Overview
America was stumbled upon 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
ingrained 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 neighbouring 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
the US Virgin Islands. Tourism is focused mainly in the great
cities such as New York and Washington, as well as sunshine states
such as California, Florida and Hawaii where millions of tourists
congregate each year to enjoy the fine beaches, natural wonders and
man-made attractions such as Disneyland, Universal Studios and
Hollywood. Too many miss out on the mind-blowing landscapes of the
interior which can 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.
With all this on their doorstep, it's easy to understand why most
Americans have never bothered getting a passport.
Travelling & Entry requirements
Visitors entering the country under the Visa Waiver
Programme (VWP) must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that
has a bar code on the photo page. From 26 October 2006 eligible
travellers under the VWP must include biometrics in their
machine-readable passports if they wish to enter the country
without a visa, containing unique personal data such as
fingerprints or iris details. All new passports issued on or after
26 October 2005 must contain a digital photo image in order to
travel visa-free. Due to new security measures, all visitors to the
USA will have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless
scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the
Visa Waiver Programme. All travellers arriving or departing by air
between the USA and Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, Bermuda, and
Central and South America are required to present a valid passport
(date extended to 30 September 2007 providing hold proof of
passport application and an official photo ID). From 1 January
2008, this will include all travel by land and sea as
well.
Language: English is the official language.
Irish citizens:
Irish nationals require a valid passport. Irish passport
holders qualify for the visa waiver programme, but a
machine-readable passport (MRP) must be presented to gain visa-free
entry to the country, which allows a stay of up to 90 days.
Visitors must have return or onward tickets and all necessary
documents for further travel.
Embassy: Irish Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 462 3939
UK citizens:
UK passport holders require a valid passport for travel to the
USA. Under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), most British citizens
do not require a visa for holiday, transit or business purposes
providing their passports are machine-readable, the stay does not
exceed 90 days and a return or onward ticket is held. Note: Holders
of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British
Protected Person, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British
Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do require
a visa.
Embassy: British Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 588 6500
Currency
The US Dollar (USD) is the unit of currency and is divided
into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs
are widespread and credit cards and travellers cheques are widely
accepted. Travellers cheques should be taken in US Dollars to avoid
hassles. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.
Currency Exchange Rates
US$ 1 =
EUR € 0.74
resp. GBP £ 0.50 (UK Pounds)
Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.
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. Following the counter
terrorist operation in the UK on 10 August 2006, the terror alert
status on all flights was raised, particularly on those originating
in the UK. Restrictions on hand luggage apply and travellers are
advised to check on the latest situation with airlines in advance.
Travellers should also be alert to the dangers of car and street
crime in cities and should use common sense and take basic
precautions. Forecasting teams in the USA have predicted an
increase in hurricane activity in the Atlantic for 2007, between
June and November, putting the southern USA, including the Gulf
Coast and the eastern US, at higher risk than usual.
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.
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.
Duties
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, a reasonable amount of tobacco and 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.
Useful Information
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.
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/city 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.
Business
In such a large country, filled with so many diverse
groups, business practices may differ according to each state,
however rarely to any large degree. The East Coast is traditionally
more formal than the West Coast, however in states such as
California dress code and conservative appearance are as common as
they would be in New York. Punctuality is important throughout the
country and it is considered rude to be late for a meeting.
Gift-giving is uncommon as it may be construed as bribery.
Appropriate titles (Mr, Mrs, Ms) are used upon introduction and
until otherwise stated. Americans favour politeness and greetings
of 'Hello' and 'How are you?' are often expressed with sincerity.
Business hours may vary in each state, but an 8am start and 5pm
finish Monday to Friday is the most common with an hour over
lunch.
