Welcome. Here you will find lots of great information and tips on visiting the USA. While you’ll find many of the things you already love, and discover new ones, there are a few things that are different here. Being prepared early and knowing what to expect will help you ease into the USA way of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you are building USA travel packages, seeking marketing resources or looking to connect with destinations across the country, we are here to help. Here you will find answers to some common questions from our travel trade partners. We hope these are useful but if you cannot find what you are looking for, please reach out to the Global Trade team directly.


  • You should consider national holidays and other cultural celebrations when planning your trip. It is important to remember that U.S. schools, government offices and most businesses are closed on these days, so many attractions, museums and events may be busier or closed as a result. Airfare is often more expensive around holidays. Below is a list of the major U.S. national holidays:

    – New Year’s Day: Jan. 1
    – Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Third Monday in January
    – Presidents’ Day: Third Monday in February
    – Memorial Day: Last Monday in May
    – Juneteenth: June 19
    – Independence Day: July 4
    – Labor Day: First Monday in September
    – Columbus Day: Second Monday in October
    – Veterans Day: Nov. 11
    – Thanksgiving: Fourth Thursday in November
    – Christmas Day: Dec. 25

    There are also many other unofficial holidays and special annual events in the U.S., which can make for fun and exciting travel experiences. While most businesses remain open, some services might be limited and travel could be more expensive.

    –Super Bowl Sunday: Typically the first Sunday of February, this annual American football game decides which professional team is the winner of the National Football League.
    – Valentine’s Day: Feb. 14 is a day dedicated to celebrating love and loved ones.
    – St. Patrick’s Day: March 17 is a celebration of Irish culture, with many sporting green and enjoying Irish music, food and drink.
    – Halloween: Oct. 31 is commonly celebrated by children who dress in costumes and receive candy or other treats by going door-to-door to people’s houses. Adults celebrate by dressing up and attending parties.
    – Spring Break: In March or April, students receive a week of vacation. Beach and ski destinations are usually more crowded around this time.
    – Summer Break: June to August, when most schools are out of session.

  • In the U.S., time is read on a 12-hour clock with a.m. (before noon) and p.m. (after noon). If you are told 8 o’clock, it could mean 08:00 or 20:00. Make sure to ask Americans to specify a.m. or p.m., as most of them are not accustomed to a 24-hour clock.

    Time Zones
    The United States and its territories operate under the following nine time zones (only four of which apply to the continental U.S.):

    – Atlantic Time (AST) – Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands
    – Eastern Standard Time (EST)
    – Central Standard Time (CST)
    – Mountain Standard Time (MST)
    – Pacific Standard Time (PST)
    – Alaska Standard Time (AKST)
    – Hawaii-Aleutian Time (HAST)
    – Samoa Standard Time (SST) – American Samoa, Midway Islands
    – Chamorro Standard Time (ChST) – Guam, Northern Mariana Islands

    Daylight Saving Time
    The United States utilizes daylight saving time. The adage “spring forward, fall back” applies to daylight saving time. Clocks are set ahead one hour on the second Sunday in March and turned back one hour on the first Sunday of November. Arizona, Hawaii and the territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands do not follow daylight saving time. 

    Business Hours  
    Business hours vary greatly across the U.S. Big cities tend to have longer or even 24-hour business openings, while small towns have more limited service hours and increased closures during off-peak times. It is always helpful to check operating hours in advance. Here are some general business hours in the United States:

    Banks:
    – Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
    – Friday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
    – Saturday: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
    – Sunday: Closed
    – ATM open 24 hours

    Post Offices:
    – Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
    – Saturday: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

    Shopping Malls: 
    – Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
    – Sunday: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 

    Supermarkets:
    – Daily: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
    – Some open 24 hours

    Convenience Stores:
    – Open: 24 hours or until 12 a.m.; sells food, drinks, toiletries and other necessities

    Beauty Salons:
    – Tuesday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
    – Sunday-Monday: usually closed 

    Bars: 
    – Daily: 5 p.m.-2 a.m., depending on location

  • Units of Measurement
    The U.S. uses the Fahrenheit scale (°F), rather than Centigrade scale (°C), to measure temperature. For weights and measures, the U.S. uses the customary measurement system.

    The following are a few helpful conversions from metric to the U.S. measurement system: 
    – 1 mile = 1.6 kilometers 
    – 1 yard (3 feet) = 0.91 meter
    – 1 foot = 0.3 meter
    – 1 inch = 25.4 millimeters 
    – 1 pound = 0.45 kilograms
    – 1 ounce = 28.3 grams
    – 1 gallon = 3.79 liters
    – 32°Fahrenheit = 0°Celsius
    – 75°Fahrenheit = 24°Celsius
     
    Electricity

    Currents and electric outlets are standardized and operate on 110/120 volts in the United States, so international visitors may need a voltage converter to operate their appliances if they operate on 220/240 Volts.

    Using the right converter will protect your electrical appliances from damage. Hair dryers and curling irons generally use a more powerful converter, but many hotels have hair dryers available to use. Laptop computers, razors, cameras and other electronic devices usually have built-in converters. If you are planning an extended stay, consider purchasing an inexpensive appliance to use. 

    Adapter plugs allow you to plug your devices into U.S. outlets. Converters and sets of adapter plugs are available at most travel/luggage stores, large stores like Walmart and Target, and electronic stores. Many hotels and accommodations are also adding USB ports for charging devices, which is a convenient way to charge many of your devices without an adapter or converter.

  • Navigating taxes can be tricky in the USA, especially if you are used to having the tax included in a listed price. Sales taxes are not included in the price of goods or services in the U.S. This might seem strange to visitors, but that’s because sales tax rates across the country vary greatly. Here is a quick guide to taxes in the USA, but don’t be afraid to ask about specific charges when you receive a bill.

    Sales Tax
    The amount of sales tax on goods and services varies from state to state. Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon do not charge sales tax, which make them popular states for shopping. Some states, including New Jersey, Minnesota and Pennsylvania, don’t levy sales tax on clothing. Some states have a price limit on exempt clothing and often exclude accessories, sporting goods and ornamental clothing. State sales tax ranges from nearly 3 to 7.5 percent nationally. However, counties and cities can levy additional sales taxes. So if you are making a large purchase, it pays to ask about the sales tax in advance. (It will also be printed on your sales receipt.) 

    When you are securing a service you might also be charged a tax. Services like hotel rooms and rental cars are also typically taxed at higher rates that vary from state to state and from city to city.
    To see the sales tax rate of a particular state, see tax rates. Please note the tax rates table does not include city or county sales taxes. 

    Tax Refunds
    The U.S. Government does not refund sales tax to international visitors. Sales tax charged in the U.S. is paid to individual states, not the federal government. If you are making a major purchase, such as a car, and you intend to export the item, you will want to contact the taxation authority in the state where you will be making the purchase. The state tax authority will be able to inform you of its criteria for refunding any sales tax paid. Some states like Louisiana and Texas offer tax-free shopping for international visitors.

  • The United States takes great pride in its diversity of cuisines, including those specific to the region and fusions of several regions and cultures.

    Tap Water
    Tap water is available free of charge at most USA restaurants and public places. Protected by federal law, water in the United States is safe to drink. Americans enjoy one of the safest water supplies in the world.

    Dietary Restrictions
    Restaurants in the USA are typically very accommodating of special diets and custom meals for religious and other reasons. You may request vegetarian, vegan, gluten- or dairy-free foods, but often these items are marked on the menu. Diners with food allergies or dietary restrictions should request special care with the preparation of their meals. It is important to notify the restaurant of any food allergies.

    Meal Times & Etiquette
    The U.S. food scene is as diverse as its establishments. From 24-hour diners to five-star restaurants, there are options to suit everyone’s wants and needs. Here are some tips to help you navigate U.S. dining customs and options.

    Meal Times
    In the U.S., dining times often revolve around work schedules and social or professional commitments. As such, dining times vary, whether you are eating in a restaurant or private dinner at home. Here are typical dining times in the U.S.:

    – Breakfast: 7 to 10 a.m.
    – Brunch: A combination of breakfast and lunch typically served on weekends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    – Lunch: 11:30 to 1:30 p.m.
    – Happy Hour: Many bars and restaurants offer reduced prices on drinks and appetizers from 5 to 6 p.m. for professionals who gather after work
    – Dinner: 5:30 to 8 p.m.

    Dining Etiquette
    While some restaurants offer a casual setting and expect diners to wear casual attire, more upscale ones may require formal attire. Check with the restaurant in advance if you are unsure of its dress code.
    Some restaurants may require reservations. You can make reservations by phone, in person or sometimes via a restaurant’s website or websites like OpenTable and Yelp.

    Tipping
    Tipping is a common practice throughout the United States, especially at restaurants. Tipping practices vary throughout the United States, but always remember that many service employees rely on tips for much of their income and appreciate being acknowledged for their hard work.

    Here are few tipping suggestions:

    – Dining: 15-20 percent for a sit-down meal or 10 percent for a buffet
    – Gratuity: Some restaurants may add a gratuity or service charge automatically with parties of six or more (this is usually noted on the menu or on your check).
    – Bartenders: $1 per drink or 15-20 percent of tab
    – Hotel bell staff: $1-$2 per bag
    – Cab drivers: 10-18 percent of fare
    – Shuttle drivers: $1-$2 a bag
    – Hotel maid: $2-$5 per night
    – Parking valet: $3-$5 when picking up car
    – Tour guides: 10-20 percent, depending on their service
    – Spa treatments, hairdressers, manicurists: 10-20 percent

  • To ensure a safe and stress-free trip, make sure you are in compliance with local drug and alcohol laws while traveling in the USA. The following is a brief guide.

    Alcohol
    The minimum drinking age in the U.S. is 21. Those under 21 are prohibited from purchasing, consuming or possessing alcoholic beverages. Servers are required to ask for identification of those who appear to be younger than 21 years. To prove you are 21 or older, you must show government-issued identification such as a driver’s license or passport. You will not be served alcohol without the original valid ID (no photocopies). Even if you are not ordering alcohol, many bars and clubs will deny access to anyone under the age of 21. Both underage drinkers and the ones who provided the alcohol can be criminally charged.
    Laws regarding the purchase and sale of alcohol and public drinking – on beaches, streets, parks and sidewalks — vary throughout the U.S. The days and times alcohol sales are permitted, as well as the types of stores that sell alcohol, also vary from place to place. Check the areas you plan to visit regarding local regulations.

    Statutes governing driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) are strictly enforced in the U.S. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a crime in all states, although specific laws and penalties vary from state to state.

    Smoking
    The legal age for purchasing cigarettes is 18 in most states. Hawaii is the first state to increase the legal age for purchasing tobacco products to 21.

    There is a federal ban on smoking cigarettes or cigars on all domestic flights and in all federal buildings. Many states and local municipalities also have smoking bans in public places such as workplaces, movie theaters, shopping centers, restaurants and bars, while others do not regulate smoking at all. “No smoking” signs should clearly mark areas where smoking is prohibited.
    Smoking in restaurants and public places is becoming increasingly restricted in the United States. A majority of states and the District of Columbia have passed comprehensive smoke-free laws, covering virtually all public places, including restaurants, bars, hotel lobbies and public restrooms.

    Vaping
    Effective August 8, 2016, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declared electronic cigarettes under the same regulation as tobacco products. This FDA rule includes the ban of e-cigarette purchases by individuals under 18 years of age. In addition to federal regulation, states can also enforce their own regulations, specifically in regards to indoor use. While some states may not have established vaping laws, please remember to check with a member of staff before you start vaping in or near any public establishment.

    Drugs
    Possession of controlled dangerous substances or drugs is illegal in the USA. The use and possession of marijuana remains a federal crime.