USA Practical Travel Guide

The US Dollar (USD) is one of the world's most widely accepted currencies. Cashless payment is extremely common in the USA — credit and debit cards (especially Visa and Mastercard) are accepted at almost every business including food trucks and small shops. Many places are moving to card-only.

Quick Price Reference

ATMs & Cards

• ATMs are ubiquitous — found in banks, convenience stores, pharmacies, and airports
• Foreign card fees: typically $3–$5/withdrawal plus your bank's international fee
• Use a Wise, Revolut, or Charles Schwab card to avoid foreign transaction fees
• Credit cards are preferred for car rentals and hotel check-in (holds are placed)
• Apple Pay and Google Pay widely accepted, especially in cities
• Notify your bank before traveling to avoid card blocks

Sales Tax

• Prices displayed do NOT include sales tax — tax is added at checkout
• Sales tax varies by state: 0% (Montana, Oregon, New Hampshire) to 10%+ (California, Illinois)
• Restaurant bills show tax separately — tip is calculated on the pre-tax subtotal
• Hotel taxes (occupancy tax) can add 10–18% to your nightly rate

Tipping Culture

Tipping in the USA is not optional — service workers rely on tips as a significant part of their income. Not tipping (or tipping poorly) is considered rude and disrespectful.

• Restaurants: 15–20% of pre-tax bill. 20%+ for excellent service. Automatic gratuity often added for groups of 6+.
• Bars: $1–2 per drink, or 15–20% of tab.
• Taxis / Rideshare: 10–15% (pre-selected in app or manually).
• Hotel Housekeeping: $2–5 per night, left in room daily.
• Hotel Bellhop / Porter: $1–2 per bag.
• Hair Salons / Spas: 15–20%.
• Tour Guides: $10–20 per person for a half-day tour.

English is the primary language throughout the USA. Spanish is widely spoken in the Southwest (Texas, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Florida) and in many major cities. Most tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants cater to English speakers. No foreign language knowledge is needed to travel comfortably in the USA.

The USA has excellent mobile coverage in cities and along major highways. Rural areas and national parks can have limited or no coverage. Major carriers use CDMA and GSM networks — ensure your phone is unlocked and compatible.

Tourist SIM Options

Where to Buy SIMs

• Airport stores: T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon stores at major airports. Convenient but slightly more expensive.
• Walmart/Target: Cheapest prepaid SIMs ($10–$20 for starter kit). Sold near electronics section.
• Carrier stores: Best Buy, Costco, and carrier retail stores in malls and shopping centers.
• Or use an eSIM — activate online before you travel.

Healthcare Costs

Healthcare in the USA is extremely expensive without insurance. A simple emergency room visit can cost $500–$3,000+. Serious injuries or illness can result in bills of $50,000 or more. Travel insurance with medical coverage is essential for visiting the USA.

Common Health Notes

• No vaccinations are required to enter the USA for most nationalities
• Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country
• Pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid) are on nearly every corner in cities
• Over-the-counter medications are widely available without prescription
• Sunscreen is essential — sun is intense, especially in the Southwest and South

Safety Tips

• The USA is generally safe for tourists, but be aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar neighborhoods
• Do not leave valuables visible in parked cars — car break-ins are common in tourist areas
• Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and electronics
• In cities, stick to well-lit, populated areas at night
• Carrying a few hundred dollars in cash as backup is wise — digital payments can fail