USA facts, travel guide, geography & history
Facts
Government: Federal republic.
Religions: Protestant 52%, Roman Catholic 24%, Mormon 2%, Jewish 1%, Muslim 1%, none 10% (2002).
Population (est.): 300,000,000.
Capital, population (est.): Washington DC, 571,000.
Language: English 82%, Spanish 11% (2000).
Monetary unit: US dollar.
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Travel guide
Climate
The overall climate is temperate, with notable exceptions. Alaska has Arctic tundra, while Hawaii and Florida are tropical. The Great Plains are dry,
flat and grassy, turning into desert in the far West.
Seasons vary dramatically in the northern and mid-western major cities. In a single winter storm, as much as 2 feet (61 cm) of snow can fall, with bitterly
cold temperatures. Summers are typically mild but very humid. However, temperatures over 100°F (38°C) sometimes invade the entire Midwest and Great Plains
region now. Some areas in the northern plains can experience dangerously cold temperatures of -30°F (-34°C) during the winter. Temperatures below 0°F
(-18°C) sometimes reach as far south as Kansas or even Oklahoma.
The climate of the South also varies, but with the extremes coming instead in "the long, hot summer". Humidity and high temperatures make warmer months in
these states good for little but sipping iced tea and plunging into cool bodies of water. But from October through April the weather is glorious, and
nuisance insects subside.
The Great Plains & Midwestern states also experience tornadoes from the late spring to early fall, earlier in the south and later in the north.
States along the Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico, may experience hurricanes between June and November. These intense and dangerous storms frequently
miss the the U.S. mainland, but if one is forecast to hit, do not take the situation lightly. Evacuations are often ordered for areas in the direct path of
the storm and should be heeded.
The Rockies are very cold and snowy. Some regions see over 500 inches (1,200 cm) of snow in a season. Some of the world's most famous ski resorts are
located in Colorado and Utah. Even during the summer, temperatures are cool in the mountains, and snow can fall nearly year-round.
The Southwestern deserts are extremely arid and hot during the summer, with summer temperatures exceeding 100°F (38°C) through most of the summer. This
includes such cities as Las Vegas and Phoenix. Thunderstorms can be expected in the southwest frequently from July through September because of the summer
monsoon that rises from Mexico. Winters in this region are mild, and snow is unusual. Average annual precipitation is less than 10 inches (25 cm).
Cool and damp weather is common in the northwest in areas such as in Seattle or Portland. Rain is most frequent in winter, and snow is rare along the
coastal regions. The Pacific coast rarely sees snow and extremes in temperature are uncommon. Rain falls almost exclusively from late fall through early
spring along the coast, except in Washington, where rain falls year-round.
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Get in
By plane;
Most visitors from outside Canada and Mexico arrive in the United States by plane. While many medium sized inland cities have an international airport,
there are limited flights to most of these and most travelers find themselves entering the U.S. at one of the major entry points along the coasts:
:: From the east; New York City, Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, Washington, DC and Miami are the primary entry points from Europe and other transatlantic points
of departure.
:: From the west; Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, California are the primary entry points for travelers from Asia and other transpacific points of
departure. Several carriers are already offering nonstop flights between South East Asia and New York.
:: From the south; Miami, Florida is the primary entry point from Latin America, primarily South America. Also, Dallas and Houston are major international
waypoints.
Note that the United States requires entry formalities even for international transit, and the current state of international affairs means
that this is not going to change anytime soon. You must have a valid visa to enter the United States if required by your citizenship, even if you are
immediately continuing on a flight to a different country. If your citizenship requires a visa to enter the U.S., avoid transiting through the U.S. unless
you want to spend time and money to obtain a C-1 transit visa. Further, when booking flights to the U.S. note that you will be required to clear customs
and immigration at your first U.S. stop, not at your final destination, even if you have an onward flight. Allow at least 2 hours of stop-over (ideally
more than 3) at your first U.S. stop.
By train;
Amtrak offers international service from Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal into the U.S..
By car;
Roads from Canada and Mexico are too numerous to mention and travelers should consult Yahoo Maps, Mapquest or Google Maps or any other online mapping
service. You will be able to get detailed itineraries from wherever you are to wherever you wish to go. Traffic on American roads travels on the right
hand side.
By boat;
Entering the U.S. by sea, other than on a registered cruise ship, may be difficult. The most common entry points for private boats are Los Angeles and the
surrounding area, Florida, and the Eastern coastal states.
Some passenger ferries exist between Canada and the U.S., notably from the Atlantic Provinces to New England, and from Victoria, British Columbia to
Seattle.
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Get around
By train;
Passenger trains in the United States are surprisingly scarce and relatively expensive. The national rail system, Amtrak (1-800-USA-RAIL), provides service
to many cities, concentrating more on sightseeing tours than efficient intercity travel. They have promotional discounts of 15% for students and seniors,
and a 30-day U.S. Rail Pass for international travelers only. Separate from Amtrak, commuter trains carry passengers to and from the suburbs of major
cities.
Amtrak offers many amenities and services that are lacking from other modes of transport. Amtrak offers many routes that traverse some of America's most
beautiful areas. Travelers with limited time may not find travel by train to be convenient, simply because the country is big, and the "bigness" is
particularly evident in many of the scenic areas. For those with ample time, though, train travel offers an unparalleled view of America's scenic beauty,
without the trouble and long-term discomfort of a rental (hire) car or the hassle of flying.
Travellers choosing Amtrak should be prepared to pad their schedules somewhat. Since Amtrak does not own the rails on which they operate their trains stop
and go at the whim of the freight operators who do own them. In general it's a good idea to pad the schedule by 25% when planning connections with other
trains or other transport modes. In recent years this is especially true for those few Amtrak lines which cross the Canadian border, since customs
officials seem to delight in delaying the train for as long as possible. Expect to wait two hours rather than the advertised 30 minutes.
A major Amtrak line in regular daily use by Americans themselves is the Acela Express line, running between Boston and Washington (D.C.). It stops in New
York, New Haven, Philadelphia and many other cities on the way. This line is electrified, with top speeds of 150 miles per hour (though the average speed
is a fair deal slower). The Acela Express has first class service, but can be quite expensive. Given the difficulty and expense of getting from the center
of some of the major Northeastern cities to their respective airports, trains can sometimes be more convenient than air travel. There are also frequent,
slower regional trains covering the same stations along the Northeast Corridor for lower fares.
All Amtrak trains in the northeast as well as all long-distance trains now require reservations. The only routes that don't require reservations are
Hiawatha trains between Chicago and Milwaukee, and Capital Corridor (Sacramento-Oakland-San Jose), and Pacific Surfliner (San Diego-Las Angeles-Santa
Barbara) Trains in California. During usual American vacation times, some long-distance trains can sell out weeks or even months in advance, so it pays to
book early if you plan on using the long-distance trains. Booking early also results in generally lower fares for all trains since they tend to increase as
trains become fuller.
One major scenic long-distance train route, the California Zephyr, runs from Emeryville in the Bay Area of California to Chicago, via Reno, Salt Lake City
and Denver. The full trip takes around 60 hours, but has incredible views of the Western deserts, the Rocky Mountains, and the Great Plains, things that
you just cannot see if you fly. Many of the sights on this route are simply inaccessible to cars. The trains run only once per day, and they usually sell
out well in advance.
Amtrak also provides reasonably speedy daily round trips between Seattle and Vancouver, Canada and several daily trips between Seattle and Eugene, Oregon
on the Amtrak Cascades line.
Passengers traveling long distances on Amtrak may reserve a seat in coach (Economy class) or pay extra for an upgrade to a private sleeping compartment
(there are no shared rooms), which also includes all meals in the dining car. Amtrak trains in the West feature a lounge car with floor to ceiling windows,
which are perfect for sightseeing.
By car;
America's love affair with the automobile is legendary, and most Americans prefer the convenience of car travel for getting to nearby cities in their state
or region. Besides intercity travel, a car can be necessary even to get around in a single city. Travelers from outside the country may not sufficiently
appreciate the need for an automobile here. Of course in very large cities like New York City or Chicago there are extensive in-city bus and/or train
services and large numbers of cruising taxicabs, but in most medium-sized American cities, particularly in the west and south, cities are very spread out
and public transportation thin. Taxis are often available, but except at airports you may have to phone for one and wait a half-hour or so to be picked up,
and make similar arrangements to return. Even in some very large cities (such as Los Angeles and Atlanta), a private car is your most practical option.
A romantic appeal is attached to the idea of long-distance car travel; many Americans will tell you that you can't see the "real" America except by car.
Given the dearth of public transportation within most American cities, the loss of time traveling between cities by car rather than flying, can be made up
by the convenience of driving around within cities once you arrive. In addition, many of the country's major natural attractions, such as the Grand Canyon,
are almost impossible to get to without an automobile. Just keep in mind that because of the distances, this kind of travel can mean many long days behind
the wheel, so pay attention to the comfort of the car you use.
The United States is covered with a convenient system of U.S. and Interstate highways. Interstates are always freeways (limited access; no grade crossings),
while U.S. Highways may be freeways on some sections and not on others. These roads network between major (and minor) population centers, and can make it
easy to cover long distances – or get to the other side of a large city – quickly. Primary Interstates have one- or two-digit numbers, with odd ones
running north-south (e.g. I-5) and even ones running east-west (e.g. I-80). Three-digit interstate numbers designate shorter, secondary freeways. An odd
first digit signifies a "spur" into or away from a city; an even first digit signifies a "loop" around a large city. The second two digits remain the same
as the primary Interstate that travels nearby. The U.S. Highways are generally older routes that lead through town centers. In many cases, Interstates were
constructed roughly parallel to U.S. Highways to expedite traffic that wishes to bypass the city.
The vast majority of freeways do not charge tolls, but those that do are also known as turnpikes. Tolls are also frequently levied for crossing large
bridges or tunnels.
American drivers tend to drive calmly in residential neighborhoods. Freeways around big cities, however, can become really crowded with a significant
proportion of "hurried" drivers - who will exceed speed limits, pass unsafely, or follow other cars at unsafely close distances. Enforcement of posted
speed limits is somewhat unpredictable. Keeping pace with most local drivers will usually avoid a troublesome situation. Beware of small towns along
otherwise high-speed rural roads; the reduced speed limits found while going through town are taken very seriously.
Traffic signs often depend on the ability to read English, using only words. The country is gradually adopting signs with internationally understood
symbols, usually with English "translations" for locals not yet familiar with them. Signs rarely use metric units; distances and speeds will almost always
be given in miles and miles/hour, without these units specified. (1 mile = 1.6 km).
Renting a car in the U.S. usually runs anywhere from $30 and $100 per day, with some discounts for week-long rentals. The major rental agencies are Hertz
(+1 800 230 4898); Avis (+1 800 230 4898); Thrifty Car Rental; and Dollar Rent A Car. There are no large national discount car rental agencies but in each
city there is usually at least one. The internet or the Yellow Pages are the easiest ways to find them. One widespread chain is Rent-A-Wreck
(+1 800 944 7501). It rents used cars at significantly lower prices. Most rental agencies have downtown offices in major cities as well as offices at
major airports. Not all companies allow picking up a car in one city and dropping it off in another (the ones that do almost always charge extra for the
privilege); check with the rental agency when making your reservations.
Most rental agencies accept an International Driver's Permit only when presented along with a valid driver's license from your country. You may wish to
join some kind of auto club before starting a large American road trip, and having a cell phone is a very good idea. Most rental agencies have some kind of
emergency road service program, but they can have spotty coverage for remote regions. The largest and most popular club in the United States is the
American Automobile Association (1-800-391-4AAA), known as "Triple A". A yearly membership runs about $60. AAA members also get discounts at many hotels,
motels, restaurants and attractions; which may make it worth getting a membership even if you don't drive. Alternatively, Better World Club (1-866-238-1137)
offers similar rates and benefits as AAA with often timelier service and is a more eco-friendly choice (1% of revenue is donated to environmental cleanup
programs).
Gasoline ("gas") is sold by the gallon. The American gallon is smaller than the UK gallon, and equals 3.785 liters. The U.S. octane scale is different from
that used in Europe; a regular gallon of U.S. gasoline is rated at 87 octane, the equivalent of about 92 in Europe.
Despite increasing petroleum prices worldwide and some increases in gas taxes, the American consumer-voter's attachment to his automobile, combined with
abundant domestic oil reserves and relatively low taxes on gasoline, has kept retail fuel prices much lower than in many parts of the world. Prices
fluctuate by region and season, generally ranging from around $2.00 to $3.50/gallon ($0.50 to $0.90/liter) in recent years.
By bus;
Intercity bus travel in the United States is widespread, but is not available everywhere. Many patrons use bus travel when other modes aren't readily
available, as buses often connect many smaller towns with regional cities. The disadvantaged and elderly may use these bus lines, as automobile travel
proves arduous or unaffordable for some. It's commonly considered a "lower class" way to travel, but is generally dependable and safe.
:: Greyhound Bus Lines (+1 800 229 9424) has the predominant share of American bus travel. Their North American Discovery Pass allows unlimited travel for
ranges of 4 to 60 days, but you might want to try riding one or two buses first before locking yourself in to an exclusively-bus American journey.
:: Megabus offers inexpensive daily bus service in the Midwest from their hub in Chicago to Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Kansas City, St. Louis, Ann Arbor,
Detroit, Toledo, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Louisville.
:: Jefferson Bus Lines (+1 800 767 5333) is another option, with service from Minnesota to Texas, including, but not limited to, South Dakota, Wisconsin,
and Winnipeg, Canada.
For bus service between large East Coast cities (particularly Washington (D.C.), New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston), travelers can purchase deeply
discounted (below Greyhound prices) tickets from a number of small operators, typically called "Chinatown bus" operators, because they usually enter and
depart from the Chinatown area of the cities they serve. These type of services are also beginning to appear on the West Coast.
By thumb;
A long history of hitchhiking comes out of the U.S., with record of automobile hitchhikers as early as 1911. Today, hitchhiking is nowhere near as common,
but there are some people who still attempt short or cross-country trips. The laws related to hitchhiking in the U.S. are most covered by the Uniform
Vehicle Code (UVC), adopted with changes in wording by individual states. In general, it is legal to hitchhike throughout the majority of the country,
if not standing within the boundaries of a highway (usually marked by a solid white line at the shoulder of the road) and if not on an Interstate highway
prohibiting pedestrians.
In many states Interstate highways do not allow foot traffic, so hitchhikers must use the entrance ramps. In a few states it is allowed or tolerated
(unless on a toll road). Oklahoma, Texas and Oregon are a few states that do allow pedestrians on the highway shoulder, although not in some metropolitan
areas. Oklahoma allows foot traffic on all free interstates, but not toll roads) and Texas only bans it on toll roads - and on free Interstates within the
city of El Paso. Oregon only bans it in the three counties that make up the tri-met transit district (Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington (Metro Portland).
Missouri only bans it within Kansas City and St. Louis city limits.
Hitchhiking has become much less popular due to increasing worries of the possible dangers.
International travelers to the U.S. should avoid this practice unless they have either a particularly strong sense of social adventure or extremely little
money. Even many Americans themselves would only feel comfortable "thumbing a ride" if they had a good knowledge of the locale.
By Motorcycle;
The thrill and exhilaration of cross country travel are magnified when you go by motorcycle. Harley Davidson is the preeminent American motorcycle brand
and Harley operates a motorcycle rental program for those licensed and capable of handling a full weight motorcycle. For those unexperienced with
motorcycles, Harley and other dealerships offer classes for beginners. Wearing a helmet, although not required in all states, is always a good idea.
American enthusiasm towards motorcycles has led to a motorcycling subculture. Motorcycle Clubs are exclusive clubs for members dedicated to riding a
particular brand of motorcycle within a highly structured club hierarchy. Riding Clubs may or may not be organized around a specific brand of bikes and
offer open membership to anyone interested in riding. Motorcycle Rallies, such as the famous one in Sturgis, South Dakota, are huge gatherings of
motorcyclists from around the country. Many motorcyclists are not afiliated with any club and opt to ride independently or with friends. However you choose
to ride, and whatever brand of bike you prefer, motorcycling can be a thrilling way to see the country.
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Language
The U.S. has no official language at the federal level, but English is by far the standard for everyday use. Several states have declared their official
state language as English. Some states have declared Spanish an official language as well, providing services in both languages. Visitors from Commonwealth
countries may get some funny looks when using certain expressions peculiar to their dialect, and may themselves be surprised by certain American English
expressions, but they should otherwise get along fine. A degree of romance is attached to the accents of non-North-American anglophones, and people may be
friendlier to you because of yours.
Americans seldom speak languages other than English, unless they are from an immigrant community; visitors are generally expected to speak and understand
English. Even popular tourist sites might have signs and information only available in English, or perhaps one or two other languages, usually Spanish or
French, though this is improving as international tourism increases.
There is something of a "standard" flat accent (native to the Midwest), popularized in th 20th century by radio, TV and movies. But in the South and Texas,
in New England, in New York City, and in the upper Midwest you'll find regional accents and dialects are more common. There is also an "African American
Vernacular" dialect spoken in urban communities across the country. Many Americans of whatever accent will try to approximate a "TV news" accent if they
realize you have trouble understanding them, but people with strong accents unfamiliar overseas may be difficult for non-native English speakers to
understand.
In many parts of the U.S., such as California, the Southwest, Texas, Florida, Illinois, and New York, Spanish is the first language of a large minority of
residents, mostly immigrants from Mexico or Latin America. Although it's rare to be in areas where no one speaks English, a good handle on Spanish can
make communications easier in some areas. In addition to English and Spanish, French is spoken in rural areas near the border with Canadian Quebec, in
some areas of Louisiana, and by immigrants from West Africa and Haiti. Hawaiian is the native language of Hawaii and in the various Chinatowns in major
cities, Chinese is common. Smaller immigrant groups also sometimes form their own pockets of shared language, including Russian, Italian, Greek, Arabic,
Tagalog, and Vietnamese. Chicago, for instance, is home to the second largest Polish-speaking population in the world, behind Warsaw. Another pocket
comprises a group that has been in the country for generations, the Amish, who live in Pennsylvania and Ohio and speak a variety of German, and some Native
Americans speak their respective native languages, especially on reservations in the west.
Compared to some western countries, Americans tend to be very politically natured. It may be surprising to some that many radio and TV stations spend most
of the day broadcasting political talk shows. Some Americans may have strong feelings about local politics, and passionate support or opposition to U.S.
foreign policy, and it is wise to be courteous when talking about politics in general with Americans.
Usually they will extend the same courtesy to you.
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Buy
The official U.S. currency is the United States dollar (symbol: $), divided into 100 cents (¢). Conversion rates vary daily and are available online .
Foreign currencies are almost never accepted. Canadian currency is sometimes accepted at larger stores within 100 miles of the border, but discounted for
the exchange rate. Watch for stores that really want Canadian shoppers and will accept at par. Often, a few Canadian coins (especially pennies) won't be
noticed, but less so the further south you go.
Common American bills are for $1, $5, $10 and $20, with $2, $50 and $100 bills considerably less common. All bills are the same size. All $1, $2, $5,
and $100 bills, and older $10, $20, and $50 bills are greenish and printed with black and green ink. Newer versions of the $10, $20, and $50 bills
incorporate different gradations of color in the paper and additional colors of ink. You will currently find up to three different designs of some bills in
circulation.
The standard coins are the penny (1¢, copper color), the nickel (5¢, silver color), the dime (10¢, silver color) and the quarter (25¢, silver color). Note
that the size of American coins does not necessarily correspond to their relative value: the dime is the smallest coin, followed by the penny, nickel and
quarter. Large 50¢ and $1 coins are very uncommon. $1 coins (silver or gold) slightly larger than a quarter have been introduced, but are not widely used
beyond being accepted and given as change by newer vending machines. Pennies will not be accepted by vending machines.
Currency exchange centers are rare outside the downtowns of major coastal and border cities, and international airports. You are best to bring dollars with
you from your home country. Most automated teller machines (ATMs) can handle foreign bank cards or credit cards bearing Visa/Plus or MasterCard/Cirrus
logo; note, however, that many ATMs charge fees of about $1.50 for use with cards issued by other banks (often waived for cards issued outside of the U.S.,
but banks in one's home country may charge their own fees). Smaller ATMs found in restaurants etc. often charge higher fees. Many banks can also provide
currency exchange services, though certainly not for large amounts of money.
Major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are widely used and accepted, even for transactions worth only a few dollars. In fact, in some cases, it
may be the only way to make a transaction — although for purchases less than a few dollars you may get some strange looks in smaller stores. Other cards
such as American Express and Discover are also accepted, but not as widely. Almost all sit-down restaurants, hotels, and shops will accept credit cards.
Authorization is made by signing a sales slip or sometimes a computer pad. When making large purchases, it is fairly typical for the shop to ask for
picture identification, but no additional security precautions are taken, so guard your cards carefully. Shops may also be suspicious of foreign cards and
demand identification.
Gas station pumps, selected public transportation vending machines, and some other types of automated vending machines often have credit/debit card
readers. Note, however, that some automated vending machines accepting credit cards ask for the Zip code of the US billing address for the card, which
effectively prevents them from accepting foreign cards. For gas stations, it would be advisable to check first with the station attendant inside.
Most states have a sales tax, ranging from 2.9% to nearly 10% of the retail price; 4-6% is typical. Sales tax is almost never included in posted prices
(except for gasoline, and in most states, alcoholic beverages consumed on-premises), but instead will be calculated and added to the total when you pay.
Groceries and a variety of other "necessities" are usually exempt, but almost any other retail transaction – including restaurant meals – will have sales
tax added to the total. Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon have no sales tax. Regional price variations, indirect hotel and business
taxes, etc. will usually have more impact on a traveler's wallet than the savings of seeking out a low-sales-tax or no-sales-tax destination.
Major retail. America is the birthplace of the shopping mall, and suburbs in particular have miles and miles of strip malls, or long rows of small shops
with shared parking lots, usually built along a high-capacity road (the "strip"). Large cities still maintain central shopping districts that can be
navigated on public transport, but pedestrian-friendly shopping streets are uncommon and usually small.
Garage Sales. On weekends, it is not uncommon to find families selling no longer needed household items in their driveway, garage, or yard. If you see a
driveway full of stuff on a Saturday, it's likely a garage sale. Check it out; one person's trash may just be your treasure. Bargaining is expected and
encouraged.
Flea Markets. Flea markets (called "swap meets" in Western states) have dozens if not hundreds of vendors selling all kinds of usually inexpensive
merchandise. Some flea markets are highly specialized and aimed at collectors of a particular sort; others just sell all types of items. Again,
bargaining is expected.
Auctions. Americans did not invent the auction but may well have perfected it. The fast paced, sing-song cadence of a country auctioneer, selling anything
from farm animals to estate furniture, is a special experience, even if you have no intention of buying.
Unless you live in Europe or Japan, the United States is generally expensive, but there are ways to limit the damage. A barebones budget for camping,
hostels, and cooking your food could be $30-50/day, and you can double that if you stay at motels and eat at cheap cafes. Add on a rental car and hotel
accommodation and you'll be looking at $150/day and up. There are regional variations too: large cities like New York and Los Angeles are expensive,
while prices go down in the countryside.
If you intend to visit any of the National Parks Service sites, such as the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone National Park, it is worth considering the purchase
of a National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. This costs $80 and gives access to almost all of the federally administered parks and recreation
areas for one year. Considering the price of admission to many parks is at least $20 each, if you visit more than a few of them, the pass will be the
cheaper solution.
Many hotels and motels offer discounts for members of certain organizations which anyone can join, such as the American Automobile Association. If you're a
member, it's worth asking at check in.
The United States is very big on tipping. While Americans themselves often debate correct levels and exactly who deserves to be tipped, generally accepted
standard rates are:
:: Full-service restaurants: 15-20%.
:: Taxi drivers, hairdressers, other personal services: 10-15%.
:: Bartenders: $1 per drink if inexpensive or 15% of total.
:: Bellhops: $1-2 per bag ($3-5 minimum regardless).
:: Hotel doorman: $1 per bag (if they assist), $1 for calling a cab.
:: Shuttle bus drivers: $2-5 (optional).
:: Private car & limousine drivers: 15-20%.
:: Housekeeping in hotels: $1-2 per day for long stays or $5 minimum for very short stays (optional).
:: Food delivery (pizza, etc.): $2-5, possibly more for very large orders.
The important one here is restaurants. Theoretically, tipping waiters is optional, but in practice you should always leave a tip. Tips are often the
majority of a waiter's income, and the rest of the service staff may depend on their share of the tip as well. If you receive exceptionally poor service
and the manager does not correct the problem when you bring it to their attention, a deliberately small tip (one or two coins) will express your
displeasure more clearly than leaving no tip at all.
Tips are normally left as cash at the table when you leave (there is no need to hand it over personally or wait until it's collected), but if paying by
credit card you can instead add it directly to the charge slip when you sign it. For larger parties (sometimes over 6, almost always over 10) it is common
for "gratuity" of 18% or so to be added to the bill and included in the total. In this case, an extra tip is not necessary. This will be stated somewhere
on the menu, but you should also review the bill carefully before paying to determine whether or not the tip is already included.
Tipping is not expected at restaurants (such as fast-food chains) where patrons stand at a counter to place their order and receive their food. Some such
restaurants may have a "tip jar" by the cash register, which may be used at the customer's discretion in appreciation of good service. Some tipping at a
cafeteria or buffet is expected since the wait staff often clears the table for you and provides refills of drinks and such.
Unlike in other countries, certain individuals are not customarily tipped. Doctors and dentists, for example, do not accept tips. Additionally, one should
NEVER try to offer any kind of tip to a government employee of any kind, especially police officers; this could be construed as attempted bribery
(a felony offense) and might cause serious legal problems.
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Eat
The variety of restaurants throughout the US is remarkable. One thing that a traveler from Europe or Latin America will notice is that many restaurants do
not serve alcohol. Another is the sheer number and variety of fast food and chain restaurants. Most open early in the morning and stay open late at night;
a few are open 24 hours a day. A third remarkable fact is the size of the portions generally served by U.S. restaurants. Although the trend has moderated
in recent years, portions have grown surprisingly large over the past two or three decades.
Fast food restaurants such as McDonald's and Burger King are ubiquitous. But the variety of this type of restaurant in the US is astounding: pizza,
Chinese food, Mexican food, fish, chicken, barbecued meat, and ice-cream only begin to touch on it. Alcoholic beverages are not served in these
restaurants; "soda" (often called "pop" in the Midwest through the Northwest, or generically "coke" in the South) or other soft drinks are standard.
The quality of the food varies, but because of the strictly limited menu, it is generally good. Also the restaurants are usually clean and bright, and
the service is limited but friendly.
Take-out food is very common in larger cities, for food that may take a little longer to prepare than a fast-food place can accommodate. Place an order by
phone and then drive to the restaurant to pick it up and take it away. Many places will also deliver. Pizza is easier to get delivered than by visiting a
restaurant.
Chain sit-down restaurants are a step up in quality and price from fast food, although those with discerning palates will probably still be disappointed.
They may specialize in a particular cuisine such as seafood or a particular nationality, though some serve a large variety of foods. Some are well-known
for the breakfast meal alone, such as the International House of Pancakes (IHOP) which serves breakfast all day. A few of the larger chain restaurants
include Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Applebees and T.G.I. Friday's, to name a few. These restaurants generally serve alcoholic beverages, though not
always.
Very large cities in America are like large cities anywhere, and one may select from inexpensive neighborhood eateries to extravagantly expensive
full-service restaurants with extensive wine lists and prices to match. In most medium sized cities and suburbs, you will also find a wide variety of
restaurants of all classes. In "up-scale" restaurants, rules for men to wear jackets and ties, while once de rigueur, are becoming more relaxed, but you
should check first if there is any doubt.
The diner is a typically American, popular kind of restaurant. They are usually individually run, 24-hour establishments found along the major roadways,
but also in large cities and suburban areas. They offer a huge variety of large-portion meals that often include soup or salad, bread, beverage and
dessert. They are usually very popular among the locals for breakfast; some serve breakfast all day. Diner chains include Denny's and Norm's, but there are
many non-chain diners. Cost is comparable to a chain restaurant.
No compendium of American restaurants would be complete without mentioning the truck stop. You will only encounter these places if you are taking an
intercity auto or bus trip. They are located on interstate highways and they cater to truckers, usually having a separate area for diesel fuel, areas for
parking "big rigs", and shower facilities for truckers who sleep in their cabs. These fabled restaurants serve what passes on the road for "plain home
cooking": hot roast beef sandwiches, meatloaf, fried chicken, and of course the ubiquitous burger and fries. A general gauge of how good the food is at a
given truck-stop is to note how many truckers have stopped there to eat.
Some bars double as restaurants open late at night. Note, however, that bars may be off-limits to those under 21 or unable to show photo ID proving they
are not, and this may include the dining area.
American restaurants serve soft drinks with a liberal supply of ice to keep them cold (and fill the glass). Asking for no ice in your drink is acceptable,
and the drink will still probably be fairly cool. If you ask for water, it will usually be chilled and served with ice, unless you request otherwise.
In many restaurants, soft drinks will be refilled for you at no extra charge.
Barbeque, BBQ, or barbecue is a delicious American specialty. At its best, it's beef brisket, ribs, or pork shoulder wood smoked slowly for hours.
The brisket and ribs are usually sliced thin, and the pork shoulder can be shredded into a dish known as pulled pork. Sauce of varying spiciness may be
served on the dish, or provided on the side. Various parts of the US have unique styles of barbeque. The big regions are Kansas City, Texas, Tennessee, and
North Carolina, however, barbeque of some variety is generally available throughout the country. Barbeque restaurants differ from many other restaurants in
that the best food is often served at very casual establishments. A typical barbeque restaurant may have plastic dinnerware, picnic tables, and serve
sandwiches on cheap white bread. Barbeque found on the menu at a fancy chain or non-specialty restaurant is likely to be less authentic.
With a rich tradition of immigration, America has a wide variety of ethnic foods; everything from Ethiopian cuisine to Laotian food is available in major cities with large immigrant populations.
Chinese food is widely available, though a traveler from China might find it quite "Americanized". Japanese sushi, Vietnamese, and Thai food have also been
adapted for the American market in recent years. Fusion cuisine combines Asian ingredients and techniques with more traditional American presentation.
Indian food outlets are available in most US cities and towns.
Mexican food is very popular, but again in a localized version. Combining in various ways beans, rice, cheese, and spiced beef or chicken with round
flatbread loaves called tortillas, dishes are usually topped with spicy salsa, sour cream, and an avocado mix called guacamole. Small authentic Mexican
taquerias can be found easily in the Southwest, and increasingly in cities throughout the country.
Vegetarian food is easy to come by in big urban areas. Most big cities and college towns have vegetarian restaurants serving exclusively or primarily
vegetarian dishes. In smaller towns you may need to check the menu at several restaurants before finding a vegetarian main course, or else make up a meal
out of side dishes. Meat-free breakfast foods such as pancakes or eggs are readily available at diners.
People on low-fat or low-calorie diets should be fairly well-served in the U.S., as there has been a continuing trend in calorie consciousness since the
1970s. Even fast-food restaurants have "light" specials, and can provide charts of calorie and fat counts on request.
For the backpacker or those on very restricted budgets, American supermarkets offer an almost infinite variety of pre-packaged/pre-processed foods that are
either ready or almost ready for consumption, e.g. breakfast cereal, ramen noodles, canned soups, etc.
It is usually inappropriate to join a table already occupied by other diners, even if it has unused seats; Americans prefer this degree of privacy when
they eat. Exceptions are cafeteria-style eateries with long tables, and at crowded informal eateries and cafes you may have success asking a stranger if
you can share the table they're sitting at. Striking up a conversation in this situation may be unwelcome, however.
Table manners, while varying greatly, are typically European influenced. Slurping or making other noises while eating are considered rude in most
restaurants, as well as loud conversation (including phone calls). It is fairly common to wait until everybody at your table has been served before eating.
Except in fast food restaurants, it is common to keep your napkin on your lap. Offense isn't taken if you don't finish your meal, and most restaurants will
package the remainder to take with you, or provide a box for you to do this yourself (sometimes euphemistically called a "doggy bag", implying that the
leftovers are for your pet). Some restaurants offer an "all-you-can-eat" buffet or other service; taking home portions from such a meal is either not
allowed, or carries an additional fee.
Many fast food items (sandwiches, burgers, pizza, tacos, etc) are designed to be eaten by hand.
Drink;
Drinking customs in America are as varied as the backgrounds of its many people. In some rural areas, alcohol is mostly served in restaurants rather than
dedicated drinking establishments, but in urban settings you will find numerous bars and nightclubs where food is either nonexistent or rudimentary. In
very large cities, of course, drinking places run the gamut from tough local "shot and a beer" bars to upscale "martini bars".
While most American beer drinkers prefer light lagers – until the 1990s this was the only kind commonly sold – a wide variety of beers are now available
all over the U.S. It is not too unusual to find a bar serving a hundred or more different kinds of beer, both bottled and "draft", though most will have
perhaps a dozen or three, with a half dozen "on tap". Microbreweries – some of which have grown to be moderately large and/or purchased by one of the major
breweries – make every kind of beer in much smaller quantities with traditional methods. Most microbrews are distributed regionally; bartenders will know
the local brands. Some brew pubs make their own beer in-house, and generally only serve the house brand.
Wine in the U.S. is also a contrast between low-quality commercial fare versus extremely high-quality product. California wines are some of the best in the
world, and are available on most wine lists in the country. These are labeled by the grape (merlot, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay) rather than the
regional appellation, although wine producers are trying to give names like Napa Valley some more clout on the market. Imports are widely available in
better stores and establishments. Many other U.S. regions have also undertaken winemaking, with varying levels of success and respect. Sparkling wines such
as champagne and prosecco are available by the bottle in up-scale restaurants, but are rarely served by the glass as they often are in western Europe. The
wines served in most bars in America are unremarkable, but wine bars are becoming more common in urban areas.
Hard alcohol is usually drunk with mixers, but also served "on the rocks" or "straight up" on request. Their increasing popularity has caused a long term
trend toward drinking light-colored and more "mixable" liquors, especially vodka, and away from the more traditional darker liquors such as whiskey and
bourbon that older drinkers favor.
Nightclubs in America run the usual gamut of various music scenes, from discos with top-40 dance tunes to obscure clubs serving tiny slices of obscure
musical genres. Country music dance clubs, or honky tonks, are laid fairly thick in the South and West, especially in rural areas and away from the coasts,
but one or two can be found in almost any city. Also, gay/lesbian nightclubs exist in nearly every medium- to large-sized city.
While it is common for Americans to drink alcohol, there are some often-peculiar legal restrictions leftover from the country's experiment with Prohibition
in the 1920s Although laws regulating alcohol sales and possession vary by state and county, the drinking age is 21 throughout the U.S. except in Puerto
Rico. Enforcement varies, but if you're under 30 you should definitely be prepared to show photo ID when buying alcohol in a store or entering a bar
(which often refuse admittance to "minors" under 21). A foreign passport or other credible ID will probably be accepted, but many waiters have never seen
one, and it may not even be legally valid for buying alcohol in some places. Selling alcohol is typically prohibited after a certain hour, usually 2 AM.
In some states, most stores can only sell beer and wine; hard liquor is sold at dedicated liquor stores. Several "dry counties" – mostly in southern
states – ban some or all types of alcohol in public establishments; private clubs (with nominal membership fees) are often set up to get around this.
Sunday sales are restricted in some areas.
Most towns ban drinking in public (other than in bars and restaurants of course), with varying degrees of enforcement. Almost all communities have some
sort of ban on "drunk and disorderly" behavior. Drunk driving comes under fairly harsh scrutiny, with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08% considered "Under the
Influence" and many states considering 0.05% "Impaired". Drunk driving checkpoints are fairly common during major "party" events, and although privacy
advocates have carved out exceptions, if a police officer asks a driver to submit to a blood-alcohol test or perform a test of sobriety, you generally may
not refuse. Penalties for DUI ("driving under the influence") can include hefty fines and a night or two in jail. It is also usually against the law to
have an open container of alcohol within reach of the driver. Some states have "open bottle" laws which can levy huge fines for an open container in a
vehicle, sometimes $100 per container.
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Sleep
By far the most common form of lodging in rural United States and along many Interstates is the motel. Providing inexpensive rooms ($30-$85 per night as of
2006) to automotive travellers, most motels are clean and reasonable with a limited array of amenities: telephone, TV, bed, bathroom. Motel 6 (+1
800 466-8356) is a national chain with reasonable rates ($30-$70, depending on the city). Super 8 Motels (+1 800 800-8000) provides reasonable
accommodations throughout the country as well. Reservations are typically unnecessary, which is convenient since you don't have to arbitrarily interrupt a
long road trip; you can simply drive until you're tired then find a room.
Business or extended-stay hotels are increasingly available across the country. They can be found in smaller towns across the midwest or in coastal urban
areas. Generally they are more expensive than motels, but not as expensive as full-scale hotels, with prices around $70 to $170. While the hotels may
appear to be the size of a motel, they may offer amenities from larger hotels. Examples include the Marriott's chain of Courtyard by Marriott,
Fairfield Inns, and Residence Inns; Hampton Inn; or Holiday Inn's Holiday Inn Express. Some of the hotels are for long term stays directed at business
travelers or families, as they might feature kitchens in most rooms, afternoon social events (generally by a pool), and generally serve continental
breakfast.
Hotels are available in most cities and usually offer more services and amenities than motels. Rooms usually run about $80-$200 per night, but very large,
glamorous, and expensive hotels can be found in most major cities, offering luxury suites larger than some houses. An affordable and nationwide set of
hotel brands exist such as Amerisuites, Hawthorn, Days Inn (+1 800 329-7466), and Microtel, all boasting the amenities and services of an expensive hotel
at budget to reasonable rates.AmericInn offers very nice but reasonable lodging for families and business travelers alike throughout the 50 states.
In many rural areas, especially on the coasts and in New England, bed and breakfast (B&B) lodging can be found. Usually in converted houses or buildings
with less than a dozen units, B&Bs feature a more homey lodging experience, with complimentary breakfast served (of varying quality and complexity).
Bed and breakfasts range from about $50 to $200 per night, with some places being much steeper. They can be a nice break from the impersonality of chain
hotels and motels. Unlike Europe, most American bed and breakfasts are unmarked; one must make a reservation beforehand and receive directions there.
The two best-known hotel guides covering the U.S. are the American Automobile Association (AAA) guides, available to members and affiliated auto clubs
worldwide at local AAA offices; and the Mobil Travel Guide, available at bookstores. There are several websites booking hotels online; be aware that
many of these sites add a small commission to the room rate, so it may be cheaper to book directly through the hotel. On the other hand, some hotels
charge more for "drop-in" business than reserved rooms or rooms acquired through agents and brokers, so it's worth checking both.
There are also youth hostels across the U.S. Most are affiliated with the American Youth Hostel organization (a Hostelling International member). Quality
of hostels varies widely, but at $8-$24 per night, the prices are unbeatable. Despite the name, AYH membership is open to people of any age.
Non-AYH hostels are also available, particularly in larger cities. Be aware that hostels are clustered in more touristy locations, do not assume
that all mid sized towns will have a hostel.
Camping can also be a very affordable lodging option, especially with good weather. The downside of camping is that most campgrounds are outside urban
regions, so it's not much of an option for trips to big cities. There is a huge network of National Parks (+1 800 365-2267), with most states and many
counties having their own park systems, too. Most state and national campgrounds are of excellent quality, with beautiful natural environments. Expect to
pay $8-$20 per car on entry. Kampgrounds of America (KOA) has a chain of commercial campground franchises across the country, of significantly less charm
than their public-sector equivalents, but with hookups for recreational vehicles and amenities such as laundromats. Countless independently owned private
campgrounds vary in character.
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Cope
Electricity. Italy uses 220V, 50HZ. The plugs are special for Italy. The grounding hole does not work with other systems. The two other holes are too
narrow to be used with some plugs. An adapter to convert other plugs to Italian outlets costs €0.80 in supermarkets in Italy.
Internet Access. The Italian government has recently passed a law requiring all public-access internet points to keep records of web sites viewed by
customers, and even the customer's ID. Accessing e-mail service has been also forbidden. However, if you bring your own laptop you should be able to check
e-mail, but not avoid ID recording. Hotels providing Internet access are not required to record ID's if the connection is provided in the guests room,
meanwhile if the connection is offered in the main public hall then ID's are required. Publicly available wireless access is forbidden unless the provider
has a special government license. This has caused only major phone-like companies to be able to afford that, so wireless access is generally expensive.
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Stay safe
Like most things in the US, crime varies greatly depending on the area. Larger cities have higher crime rates, as might be expected. Outside of major
cities and urban areas, however, crime rates are usually lower. As always, common sense goes a long way: do not go out alone at night, avoid high-crime
areas, be wary of strangers, and do not draw attention to yourself. Carrying large quantities of cash is generally also not a good idea; tourists are
sometimes targeted by thieves since they are more likely to be carrying cash with them. Credit cards are much safer and widely accepted.
When in cities, be ready for strangers who will approach, tell a tale of woe (often involving a car in need of refueling or some other scenario requiring a
modest amount of money), and then request several dollars. In the majority of cases the tale is untrue, and they pose no threat, so don't feel any
obligation to part with your cash. A polite "Sorry, I can't help" will usually be sufficient; a firm "No" and walking away will almost always work.
During any emergency, dialing 911 at any telephone will connect you to an area call center for all the emergency services in the area (police, fire,
ambulance, etc). Calls to 911 are free from payphones and any mobile phone capable of operating with local carriers. Dispatchers will send appropriate
personnel to deal with accidents, serious sickness, criminal, or any other emergency situations. Unless you are calling from a mobile phone, the 911 call
center can almost always trace your call to locate you; with mobile phones location technology is less accurate and reliable. Abuse of the 911 program for
non-emergency purposes can result in a heavy fine; only use this service for true emergencies. Some cities have a 311 number for situations which are not
of immediate danger.
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Respect
The United States Declaration of Independence states, "All men are created equal." Most Americans believe in equality and outward displays of racism are
considered disrespectful and offensive.
That said, the nation's long history of racist policies and attitudes are a heritage that it continues to struggle with. Even such simple matters as
terminology are in flux, and can lead to awkwardness. A foreigner's innocent use of the "wrong" name for a racial group isn't likely to seriously offend,
but it's safest to avoid referring to race altogether, or to ask the person to whom you're speaking what the appropriate term is. Note: even people from
the same community and race will often have widely divergent views on the topic. Before offering your thoughts on the subject, be sure to listen to the
locals. Also to note that ethnic/national origin stereotypes are very common in the US media, so if some American brings up a stereotype (especially a
negative one) on your race/place of origin it's best to avoid the person as some of these stereotypes are hardly contested. Although they are ethnic
jokes on such stereotypes, especially by comedians they are meant to be taken lightly not offensive.
Religion can be a tricky conversation topic that you might prefer to avoid; most locals try to. Religious beliefs here are usually considered a very
personal part of one's identity, and deprecating remarks may well cause offense. Despite the increasing variety of faiths practiced here, many individuals
will be unaccustomed to having their beliefs directly challenged. However, some common faiths (e.g. LDS "Mormon", Jehovah's Witnesses, and Evangelical
churches) encourage their members to approach strangers in an effort to promote their beliefs. If you are not interested, politely decline and go about
your business or change the topic. If you have an interest in religion, accepting an invitation can give you a unique glimpse into the local culture and
the varied worship styles. Be mindful, however, that their primary interest is to persuade you to accept their message, rather than listen or debate.
The war in Iraq has caused many debates and intense political discussion within America, with some deeply divided views. Join in the discussion if you
wish, but be mindful that many Americans have a close family member or friend deployed in the region, or have served in the military themselves, and that
nearly everyone will have strong feelings on the issue.
Interpersonal space, for Americans, is very important. Invading a person's "bubble" of space will cause most Americans to become extremely uncomfortable or
to feel threatened, especially if you are a stranger. Unless you're on a crowded bus or subway, avoid touching or standing close to other people, even
in friendly conversation. Touching has a high sexual connotation, and is seen as a come-on. The size of the personal space "bubble" generally varies
geographically, increasing as one moves west. On the west coast (California in particular), that "bubble" may even extend to include one's automobile.
It is generally not appropriate to discuss sexual issues of any kind with Americans, especially older and elderly individuals. Younger Americans,
especially those in high schools and on university campuses, tend to be more inclined to talk about sexual issues. Those who are comfortable doing so will
let you know by bringing it up themselves.
Other common taboos apply in America: avoid public nudity, including on beaches (exceptions to this can be found at specifically designated nude beaches
and resorts). Urination in public areas is also illegal, although this is rarely enforced. Knowing when to use foul language here is a cultural skill that
the locals develop over a lifetime; it depends on audience, setting, and situation. The consequences of an ill-considered "cuss" are almost uniformly
minor, but may keep you from making a cultural connection. Err on the side of prudence. It is usually not a good idea to use inappropriate language in
front of youth, teachers, adult and elderly Americans or members of the clergy. The rules almost certainly vary from your home country's, and keep in
mind that rap lyrics and Tarantino films are not representative of American cultural norms.
Avoid smoking in public areas, or around large groups of people, especially children. Many Americans consider this an offensive and unhealthy habit, and
local laws restricting where you may smoke are rapidly becoming common. For example, many states forbid smoking in public buildings, and in Arizona,
Colorado, California, Connecticut, Ohio, Washington, New York, and some other cities, you are not permitted to smoke in bars.
Generally speaking, Americans are quite approachable and you may be surprised at their eagerness to engage in conversation, even with complete strangers,
for instance about the weather or your country of origin. Some Americans will quite enjoy hearing all about your native land. These sudden casual chats are
a form of politeness reflecting the relaxed social attitude shared by many Americans, and should be responded to with equally casual, easy conversation.
Do not become too personal or political as this will usually be seen as rude. Expect these little chats even from store clerks or other personnel,
especially if you and they are the same age. This is something not usually seen in other western countries and can actually be rather enjoyable.
Conversely however many Americans, especially those who have never ventured abroad themselves, can be rather insular in their knowledge of life outside the
United States. Be prepared for some who ask you about your country of origin to revert to stereotypes they have seen in movies and television or to ask
you if you know a particular person from your homeland who may live hundreds or even thousands of miles away from you. This is not meant in either a
rude or condescending manner and is an expression of genuine interest. If you feel you must correct them try to do so in a polite manner and most
Americans will be gracious. Many Americans also hold deep felt strong connections with the land that their ancestors hailed from. Don't be surprised to
find a local whose family have lived in America for two hundred years to claim they are for example Irish, Italian, Greek, or Chinese when they cannot
speak the language and have never even been there. Again this is not meant as insulting or belittling your nationality and is expressed as a genuine
feeling of connection to that country.
Immigration is also a touchy topic amongst American people. Many have deep feelings about both sides of the topic. In general Americans are very-pro legal
immigration, however illegal immigration (particularly from Mexico) has become a hot discussion topic.
The events of September 11, 2001, in which close to 3,000 Americans died, is still bitterly fresh in peoples minds, especially so for those who lost
friends or loved ones. It is essential to approach this topic with the utmost respect. The same goes with the issue of terrorism and the debate over
terrorist vs. freedom fighter.
Americans generally expect their guests to be polite but casual, and providing good conversation is generally regarded as more important than strict
adherence to manners. Do not, as a foreigner, criticize the politics and policies of the United States unless you consider yourself well-informed and are
certain your host will be understanding. Stories about your country of origin and your impressions of the United States are generally well-received.
Adopted from and read more at:
wikitravel.org/en/USA
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Geography
If you are interested in this country's geography, please take a look
here.
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History
If you are interested in this country's history, please take a look
here.
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