Are you planning to travel to America for the first time? Then you’re probably looking for some practical tips. How does payment work? What documents do I need? And what is life like there?
America is a fascinating country with diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and world-famous attractions. Planning your first trip through America can seem overwhelming, however, because there is so much to arrange. But don’t worry! With the right tips and information, you can make your trip run smoothly and fully enjoy all the beauty that America has to offer. In this article, we will share some practical tips that can help you with planning and executing your first trip through America. So let’s get started!
| In this blog |
|---|
| Preparation for your trip to America |
| Arrange the right documents |
| Check document requirements for National Parks |
| Book hotels or campgrounds in peak season |
| Order an America the Beautiful Pass |
| Tips for during your flight to America |
| Passport control upon arrival in America |
| Get an internet connection on your phone |
| Tips for when you are in America |
| Learn the traffic rules and signs |
| Paying in America as a credit card country |
| Tipping in America |
| Renting a car: make sure you have a credit card in your name |
Contents
This is what you need to plan in advance
Arrange the right documents: ESTA or Visa
If you plan to travel to America, you may need to apply for an ESTA or visa, depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. An ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is an electronic travel authorization required for residents of countries that fall under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Europe falls under this, for example. An ESTA is probably the best and cheapest option for you.
With an ESTA, you can stay in America for a maximum of 90 days for tourism, business, or transit. Applying for an ESTA is a simple online process that can be completed quickly. The cheapest way is to do this through the US government’s website, but there are also various intermediaries who check your application before it is submitted. If even one letter or number is incorrect on your ESTA form, you won’t be allowed into the country. We spoke to someone on the plane who had entered a 0 (number) and an O (capital letter) incorrectly. Result: missed flight.
However, if you do not qualify for an ESTA or want to stay in America longer than 90 days, you may need to apply for a visa. A visa usually requires a visit to the US embassy or consulate in your country of residence and can take longer to obtain. It is important to start applying for an ESTA or visa in time to ensure your travel plans go smoothly. Make sure you check the right documentation and requirements on the official US government website before submitting your application.
Check if you need documents for certain National Parks
The various national parks in America offer a range of natural areas with unique features. During the summer months, these parks are heavily visited. To manage the visitor flow, some parks have chosen to implement a reservation system. This way, access to the parks can be regulated. So check if the park you want to visit is one of them.
Book hotels or campgrounds in peak season
It is advisable to book your accommodations in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season. America has many accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly motels and vacation homes. By booking your accommodations ahead of time, you avoid disappointments and are guaranteed a place to stay, especially in popular tourist areas. In the major National Parks, you often need to book your hotel or campground a year in advance.
Order an America the Beautiful Pass
Are you going to visit multiple national parks in America? Order the America the Beautiful Pass! With this pass, you have unlimited access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas. Whether you want to hike in the majestic Grand Canyon, enjoy the beautiful waterfalls in Yosemite National Park, or explore the historical monuments in Washington D.C., this pass will save you a lot of money.
With about 3 park visits, you have covered the cost of the pass. The pass is valid for one year after purchase. You are required to sign your signature on it. We have been checked multiple times ourselves. They then look at your signature on your driver’s license or passport. My tip: only put 1 signature on it (there are 2 boxes) and sell it on marketplace after use! I was able to get €25 for mine.
With a bit of luck, you’ll fly over Greenland too and have a magnificent view!
This is what you need to know during your flight
The tips are somewhat related to what you need to arrange in advance. Still, it’s nice to know a few things upon arrival.
Upon arrival in America, you must go through passport control: even if you are transferring
Upon arrival in America, it is important to know that you always have to go through passport control, even if you are just transferring to another flight. Whether the United States is your final destination or just a stopover, the US immigration service requires all travelers to go through passport control. This means you must have your passport and any other required documents ready to show to the immigration officers. It is advisable to allow enough time for passport control, especially if you have a tight connection, to avoid delays or problems.
We were asked what we were here to do, what our relationship was (I was traveling with my girlfriend), and what I had in my bag. Then they take all your fingerprints and you get a stamp in your passport. Tip: always stay together at passport control.
This is what you need to know when you are in America
How to get internet on your phone
You have 4 options for internet on your phone. Make sure you research the coverage in advance: you don’t have equally good coverage everywhere in America as you do in your home country. I chose Vodafone for West America.
- Option 1: order a SIM card in your home country (most expensive option)
You can order a SIM card for America from your home country through various providers. As you can guess: they make good money on this too. - Option 2: buy a SIM card at the airport (most expensive option)
You can always buy a SIM card at the airport. Convenient, but you pay top dollar here too. - Option 3: buy a SIM card in a local store (best option)
I walked into a Vodafone store in San Francisco. Here I got an e-SIM that was installed by the staff right away. Guaranteed you walk out of the store with a working connection and you don’t pay top dollar. - Option 4: use wifi (free)
Not ideal for on the road and certainly not the safest option either.
Keep in mind that you will often get calls from random numbers on your American phone number. Unfortunately, this cannot be prevented.
Learn the traffic rules and signs
If you plan to rent a car during your trip through America, it is important to familiarize yourself with the traffic rules and signs. Traffic rules can vary from state to state, so it is important to be aware of the specific rules of the states you are visiting. Make sure you are familiar with the traffic signs and signals to drive safely.
What is different in traffic?
- You can always go straight ahead, even if the stoplight is red.
- You will encounter many stop signs. You must always come to a complete stop. Then the rule applies: first come, first drive.
- Everything is in miles per hour instead of kilometers per hour. You get used to this very quickly.
- Trucks in America drive just as fast as you do in your passenger car. Don’t be surprised if you get passed by a truck.
- Turning left at a stoplight is challenging: the oncoming traffic always has green too, unless indicated otherwise. You must turn left as soon as the road is clear.
- You won’t encounter speed cameras often. For traffic violations, you must be pulled over.
- On highways, you sometimes have fast lanes: this is a paid lane. You also have carpool lanes. You can use these if you have at least 2 people in the car.
Gas up in America: a bit different
At gas stations, you have to pay first, then you can fill up. Did you pump less than you paid for? Then it will be corrected afterwards on your credit card or you will get cash back. Paying with cash? Then you might end up at the cash register twice.
When filling up with gasoline, you may encounter different octane ratings: Regular (Octane 87), Midgrade (Octane 89), and Premium (Octane 91 or 93). Usually, Regular is more than fine for your rental car, unless you have been told otherwise.
America credit card country: how paying in America works
In America, they do everything with the credit card. In many places, you can even only pay with your credit card. Want to save on costs here? I myself have a Revolut credit card. This saves me at least 1.5% per transaction right away. It works exactly the same for the dollar.
In a restaurant, they take your credit card with them
Okay, that sounds scary, but it’s not too bad. In America, it is customary to leave your credit card with the bill. They don’t come to your table with a card reader like you’re used to in Europe. Then they process it with your credit card and bring the bill back to you, with your credit card of course. Here you have to sign your signature and write in the tip. Your total charge, when you give a tip, will then be adjusted a few days later.
Do I have to tip? Absolutely.
Giving a tip is customary in America. It is customary to tip waiters, taxi drivers, hairdressers, and other service providers. A common guideline is to give about 15-20% of the total bill as a tip. We had a fun conversation with a flight attendant on the plane. She wanted to go to the hairdresser in the Netherlands (my home country) and asked if she had to tip. In the Netherlands, we find that very strange at the hairdresser.
All amounts you see are without sales tax
Keep in mind that in America, it is not customary to display amounts including sales tax. Unlike some other countries, such as Europe, where the VAT is already included in the price, in America prices are often shown without tax. This means that the listed prices are exclusive of tax, and tax (sales tax) will be added to the total amount at checkout.
In America, the tax percentage varies by state. That is the main reason why you always see amounts without tax.
So keep in mind that when you go out to eat, you could easily be 25% more out of pocket than the prices you see on the menu. You pay tax and tip afterwards.
Renting a car: make sure your credit card is in your name
Have you rented a car? Make sure the credit card is in your name. A blank credit card will not be accepted. We saw someone in line with a blank credit card disappointedly walk away. That would be such a shame at the beginning of your vacation.
Go ahead and enjoy!
We hope these practical tips help you with planning and enjoying your first trip through America. Don’t forget to make a detailed itinerary, arrange the right documents, book accommodations in advance, and familiarize yourself with the traffic rules. Make sure you have travel insurance and adjust your clothing and gear based on the climate. With the right preparation and information, your first trip through America can be an unforgettable experience. Have fun and enjoy your adventure!
