Travel Documents/Visa
- Valid passport
- Visa - A United States embassy or consulate in your home country is the best place to get complete and accurate information about visas. You can also visit http://travel.state.gov/visa for complete visa details.
Lugguage
- All airlines have size and weight restrictions regarding check-in luggage. Fees are usually incurred for checking in more than two bags or for having bags that weigh more than 50 lbs. and/or exceed 62 linear inches (length + width + height).
- On international flights, airlines such as Delta and American allow two checked bags, per passenger at no extra charge, though there are some exceptions. Check with the airline before packing.
- Carry-on restrictions tend to be the same worldwide. Two personal items are the norm, and items in excess of 45 inches (length + width + height) are too large.
- Security personnel may open wrapped items for inspection. It’s best to leave gifts unwrapped during travel.
U.S. Customs Service
- Declare "duty free items," even if purchased in "duty-free" stores.
- Do not attempt to bring unauthorized fruits, meats, and dairy products into the United States without first checking whether they are permitted.
- Know the difference between prohibited merchandise (such as ivory, tortoise shell products, absinthe, and counterfeit items) and restricted merchandise.
- Do not attempt to return with Cuban cigars, unless they were purchased in Cuba while on authorized travel.
- Know the rules governing the $800 exemption on goods brought back from abroad.
- By law, Customs officers have the authority to conduct enforcement examinations without a warrant, ranging from a single luggage examination up to and possibly including a personal search.
Tipping in U.S.
Standard tipping rules apply for around 15% for good service. Tipping is so common that in some situation you can consider a tip mandatory.
- Tour Guide: $5/day
- Tour Driver: $5/day
- Waiters: 15% of bill before tax
- Taxi Drivers: 10% for a taxi fare should be acceptable
- Airport Skycap: $1-2 per bag
- Room Service: 15% of the bill
Electric Power
Electric power is standardized in all states across the U.S. It is set at 110 Volts and 60 cycles. If you bring any electrical appliance to the U.S., you may need an adaptor to fit the US electrical receptacles. You may also need a converter to change the voltage from 220 volts to 110 volts.
Telephone
- US telephone numbers are typically 10 digits long and consist of a 3-digit area code, and a 7-digit number. When dialing a number outside the local area code, you must first dial 1.
- To place an international call, dial: <011> + country code + city code +number.
- Dial 911 for emergencies requiring the police, the fire department or medical assistance. You can report from any telephone including cell phones. This is normally a free call from any pay telephone.