Welcome to USA 😊
Welcome to the United States of America, the land of opportunity and home to some of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. From the bright lights of New York City to the sunny beaches of California, there are so many amazing places to discover here.
New York City is the ultimate destination for city lovers, whether you want to take in the breathtaking views from the top of the Empire State Building, shop until you drop on Fifth Avenue, or catch a Broadway show. If nature is more your thing, head to the stunning national parks like Yosemite or Yellowstone, where you can hike, camp, and explore the great outdoors.
And of course, no trip to the USA is complete without a visit to Hollywood, where you can see the stars on the Walk of Fame, take a tour of the studios, and even catch a glimpse of a celebrity or two.
But the USA isn't just famous for its cities and natural beauty - it's also a foodie paradise, with everything from juicy burgers and hot dogs to mouthwatering BBQ and delicious seafood. Don't forget to try some classic American desserts like apple pie or chocolate chip cookies.
So why wait? Come and experience the USA for yourself!
Quick Facts About USA
- Currency: United States Dollar
- Population: 328.2 million
- Languages: English
Money and Finances
The currency in the USA is the United States Dollar (USD). The coins are in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 cents, and 1 dollar. The notes are in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollars.
ATM Network
ATMs are widely available throughout the country, especially in cities and tourist areas. Most ATMs accept international debit and credit cards, but it's always a good idea to check with your bank regarding any fees or restrictions.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are widely accepted in the USA, including Visa, Mastercard, and AMEX. It's generally easy to use credit cards in most establishments, but some places may only accept cash or have a minimum purchase amount for using cards.
Internet and Phones
The average internet speed for uploads and downloads in the USA is quite fast, with an average speed of 180 Mbps. However, there are some reports of government interference in internet use, particularly regarding online surveillance programs.
Phone Plans and SIM Cards
There are several telco companies operating in the USA, including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint. The average cost of a mobile phone plan varies depending on the provider and the package chosen, but it is generally quite expensive compared to other countries. There are no major sim compatibility issues in the USA, as most phones will work with any provider's SIM card.
Dialling to USA
To call the USA from another country, you need to dial +1 followed by the area code and phone number. The area codes used within the country vary depending on the location, but some of the most commonly used codes include 212 (New York City), 310 (Los Angeles), and 312 (Chicago).
Transport Around USA
Air Travel
The USA has a large network of airports, with major international airports in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Other important airports include Miami, Atlanta, and San Francisco.
Train Travel
The inter-city train network in the USA is dominated by Amtrak, with routes connecting major cities throughout the country. Example ticket prices include $49 for a one-way ticket from New York to Washington D.C., and $139 for a one-way ticket from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Journey times vary depending on the route, but can range from a few hours to over a day.
Metro / Local Trains
Many major cities in the USA have local train systems, known as metros. Some examples include the New York Subway, the Chicago 'L', and the Washington D.C. Metro.
Buses
There are many bus companies operating in the USA, with Greyhound being the largest. Example ticket prices include $32 for a one-way ticket from New York to Boston, and $65 for a one-way ticket from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. Journey times can be longer than by train or plane, but can be more affordable.
Rideshare
Rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft operate throughout the USA. Average prices vary depending on the city and time of day.
Driving by Car
Driving in the USA is generally easy, with well-maintained roads and highways. Speed limits vary depending on the state and the type of road, with limits typically ranging between 55 and 75 mph. The USA uses right-hand drive.
Local Customs
In the USA, tipping is a common practice for services like restaurants, hairdressers, and taxis. It is typically expected to tip 15-20% of the total bill. Locals typically greet each other with a handshake or a hug. When speaking with strangers, Americans value direct communication and honesty. In professional settings, titles and last names are commonly used to address each other, while in more casual settings, first names are used. Men and women generally address each other with equal respect.
Health and Diseases
Medical System
The health system in the United States is a mix of public and private providers, with many American citizens relying on private insurance for medical care. Costs for visiting a doctor can vary widely depending on factors such as the type of insurance one has and the severity of the medical issue. A visit to a primary care physician can range from $100 to $200, while a specialist consultation can cost up to $500 or more.
COVID Situation
The United States has had one of the highest numbers of COVID-19 cases in the world, with over 30 million confirmed cases and over 550,000 deaths as of June 2021. The country has a relatively high vaccination rate, with over 50% of the population having received at least one dose of a vaccine. However, as of June 2021, there are still pockets of the country where the virus is spreading and precautions such as mask-wearing and social distancing are advised.
Common Health Risks
The United States generally has a low risk for many tropical diseases such as malaria, but there are still common health risks to be aware of. These can include food poisoning from contaminated food or water, air pollution in some urban areas, and the risk of contracting sexually-transmitted infections such as gonorrhea or syphilis. Additionally, parts of the country may have lower air quality due to wildfires or industrial pollutants.
Laws and Regulations
Alcohol Consumption
The legal drinking age in the USA is 21. Sale, possession, and consumption of alcohol is prohibited for those under 21 years old. Alcohol-related offenses such as DUI (driving under the influence) and public intoxication are punished by fines and/or imprisonment.
Recreational Drugs
Recreational drug use is illegal in the USA, including for soft drugs like cannabis. Possession, sale, and distribution of drugs can lead to heavy fines and imprisonment.
Pre-Marital Relationships
There are no laws in the USA against pre-marital relationships, but some states have laws against cohabitation outside of marriage. Same-sex marriage is legal nationwide after the Supreme Court ruling in 2015.
LGBTQ and Same-Sex
There are no federal laws prohibiting discrimination against LGBTQ individuals in the USA, but there are state and local laws that protect them from discrimination. Same-sex marriage is legal nationwide after the Supreme Court ruling in 2015.
Firearms / Guns
The Second Amendment of the US Constitution protects the right to bear arms, but there are federal and state laws regulating the use of firearms. Background checks, waiting periods, and permits are required for gun ownership, and some types of weapons are banned. The possession of firearms by convicted felons and certain individuals with mental illnesses is also prohibited.
Regions in USA
There are many wonderful regions to visit in USA, browse through each to see what to visit.
321 Popular Travel Destinations in USA