United States of America Local Customs

TRAVEL ADVICE

Visa Requirements

Residents of many countries may enter the US without a visa for stays of up to 90 days..

Travel Health

America is a modern country and is relatively free from endemic diseases. Medical..

Local Currency

The USA uses the US dollar as it's unit of currency. It is divided into 100 cent units...

Weather

The United States covers a very large area and has some very diverse geography and so the..

Local Customs

In general Americans are very friendly and welcoming of tourists and visitors. It is said..

Languages

English is the language spoken throughout the United States and almost everyone in the..

Transport Options

International airports are found in all the major cities in the USA and are serviced by a..

Local Food

In a country as large as the United States it is inevitable that the variety of available..

Local Timezones

The timezones in the USA range from GMT - 4 in the north east to GMT -10 in Hawaii. New..

Dutyfree Limits

Visitor to the USA are allowed to import the following articles for personal use free of..

states of United States of America

Hawaii

Hawaii is the newest state of the United States of America and an icon famous around the world. The state is located in..

San Francisco Information

San Francisco is a unique city famous for Hollywood-style car chases, clanging cable cars, beautiful Victorian-styled..

Honolulu Information

Home to the State Capitol, Honolulu is the vibrant epicenter of Hawaii. Here you’ll find everything from historic..

Las Vegas Information

Like a blanket of jewels glittering in the desert, the neon-lit playground of Las Vegas sparkles with the promise of..

Waikiki Information

Located on the south shore of Honolulu, the world-famous neighborhood of Waikiki was once a playground for Hawaiian..

Downtown Hilo Information

Downtown Hilo is Hawaii Island’s biggest small town featuring centuries-old wooden storefronts — many of which are..

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Information

Watch the landscape change before your very eyes at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Located 30 miles southwest of Hilo..

Boston Information

Famous for its academic institutions and pivotal role in the American Revolution, Boston is the capital city of..

North Shore Information

If there is such a thing as a perfect wave, you’ll likely find it on Oahu’s North Shore. The big, glassy winter..

INDEX OF ALL states AND LOCATIONS

Local Customs

In general Americans are very friendly and welcoming of tourists and visitors. It is said to be the most multicultural country in the world and so attitudes are generally very tolerant overall. Americans typically will greet with a firm handshake. Racial jokes are not acceptable and visitors should be mindful that racial sensitivities are still quite prevalent in some parts of the country.

Tipping is very common throughout the states and is considered almost compulsory in some situations. In general the following guidelines apply: Restaurants and taxi drivers, tip around 15%; Bartenders and bell hops,1 or 2 dollars per drink or bag; Hotel housekeepers and doormen $1-2 per service (eg per day for room cleaning or per door opening or assistance with cabs etc). Don't worry about tipping at fast food restaurants, however it is appropriate in cafes and buffets if staff attend to you to clean tables or bring drinks.

Bartering is not generally done in the US and the price paid is the displayed price.

Most people in the USA are christians predominantly of the protestant variety, Roman Catholics are the next most prevalent group with minority groups of Jewish, Mormon and Muslims.

Highlights of United States of America

Hawaii

Hawaii is the newest state of the United States of America and an icon famous around the world. The state is located in..

San Francisco Information

San Francisco is a unique city famous for Hollywood-style car chases, clanging cable cars, beautiful Victorian-styled..

Honolulu Information

Home to the State Capitol, Honolulu is the vibrant epicenter of Hawaii. Here you’ll find everything from historic..

Las Vegas Information

Like a blanket of jewels glittering in the desert, the neon-lit playground of Las Vegas sparkles with the promise of..

Waikiki Information

Located on the south shore of Honolulu, the world-famous neighborhood of Waikiki was once a playground for Hawaiian..

Downtown Hilo Information

Downtown Hilo is Hawaii Island’s biggest small town featuring centuries-old wooden storefronts — many of which are..

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Information

Watch the landscape change before your very eyes at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Located 30 miles southwest of Hilo..

Boston Information

Famous for its academic institutions and pivotal role in the American Revolution, Boston is the capital city of..

North Shore Information

If there is such a thing as a perfect wave, you’ll likely find it on Oahu’s North Shore. The big, glassy winter..

INDEX OF ALL LOCATIONS