United States

What Can I Expect While in the United States?

The United States of America is a vast country that has an amazing variety of sites to see and experiences to be had.  The USA has everything from some of most metropolitan cities in the world to some of the most remote and vast wildernesses to be explored.

The country consists of 50 states (hence the “united states”) each governed independently but under an overarching federal government.  The countries population is currently at ~330 million people who occupy almost 3 million square miles (7.7M square km) with borders on the north with Canada and in the south with Mexico.

48 of the states are contiguous or occupy the center of the North American continent.  The other two states, Alaska and Hawaii, are separate from the USA mainland.  The Eastern coastline of the USA meets the Atlantic Ocean and the Western coast runs into the Pacific.

What to Know Before You Go

Climate

Given the vastness of the country and the geographical variety, the climate in the United States can vary greatly, depending on the time of the year.  Overall, the climate is considered to be temperate, but there are some significant exceptions.  Alaska provides Artic temperatures and Hawaii and Southern Florida are tropical.  The climate is definitely warmer in the southern states than in the north.  Much of the southeastern portion of the country is warm and humid with sub-tropical or tropical temperatures.  The Northeastern section of the country can have cold and damp winters with significant amounts of snow.  The Southwestern United States can be very hot and arid with desert-like conditions with highs frequently exceeding 100 degrees F or 38 C.

Language

While the United States, does not have an official language, English is most commonly spoken across the country.  Often referred to as “American English” this language is used for nearly all business transactions, official business, as well as for most social conversations.  English used in the US is largely the same as English used in other countries, such as the United Kingdom, with the differences largely being some common words and expressions.  Accents and pronunciation do vary by region across the country.  For example, the tone and pronunciation of certain words and phrases can vary from the East Coast to the southern United States.

Spanish is the 2^nd most common language, used most frequently in the southern states, given their proximity to Mexico.  Many, many other languages are used in the various ethnic neighborhoods across the US, largely based on the country’s history of immigration.

An understanding of the basic English words and phrases will make it much easier to visit the US.  Restaurant menus, grocery stores, weather, news, and information are all generally provided in English.

Time Zones

There are six time zones in play across the United States.  The continental United States (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) has 4 time zones:  Eastern, Central, Mountain and Pacific, each with a one-hour time difference.  The Eastern time zone, which is the furthest east (go figure?) is in the GMT-4 time zone.  Central is GMT-5, Mountain is GMT -6 and the Pacific time zone is in the GMT-7 timeframe.

Alaska is in the Alaska time zone which is GM-8 and Hawaii is in the Hawaii-Aleutian time zone which is GM-10.

It’s important to plan your trip with the time zones in mind.  A trip between cities within the United States can easily involve adjusting to two or more time zones, which can be a bit disorienting if you don’t plan for it properly.

Visa Requirements

A visa may be required for tourists to visit the United States, depending on your citizenship. People traveling to the US for recreational or tourism purposes, or to visit friends, family, or other relatives generally require a visitor visa, also known as a B-2 visa.  This visa is considered to be a “non-immigrant” visa and is valid only for a temporary stay in the country.

More information on visa requirements and the application process can be found at the US Department of State website.

As you plan your trip be sure to investigate and process your visa application well in advance to avoid any potential disruptions or inconveniences.

Currency/Credit Cards/ATMs

The US Dollar (USD) is the official currency in the United States and is accepted for all commercial purposes. Other currencies are not generally accepted at merchants or other commercial outlets.  Many banks will provide currency exchange services as will the various currency exchange outlets that are frequently found in airports and other areas heavily frequented by travelers.  Follow this link for current exchange rates to other currencies.

It’s often best to exchange your local currency into USD at a bank or currency exchange provider before leaving for the US.  You will most often get favorable exchange rates and not have to worry about finding a currency exchange provider while you’re traveling in the US.

Another option is to use the Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) that are widely available throughout the US.  If your debit or credit cards are enabled with one of the commonly used networks, such as Interac, you will be able to withdraw funds, in USD, from a machine.  The use of commonly accepted credit cards also provides a convenient way to deal with foreign currency exchange.

Culture & Social Customs

Holiday traditions in the United States honor many of the traditional Christian occasions such as Christmas and Easter, along with several domestic traditions based on historical events such as Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Martin Luther King Day. Many of these holidays are bank and government holidays that are celebrated with family and friends.

Sporting events and entertainment such as movies, concerts, and live theater are at the center of the American culture.  Hollywood has had a dramatic impact on trends, social norms, and fashion across the country.  The country has several premier professional sports leagues including the National Football League, Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, and the National Hockey League.  Auto racing, in several forms, and soccer (also known as football in other parts of the world) are also hugely popular.

As a general rule, interpersonal communications in the United States are best described as casual and direct.  Introductions also include questions about someone’s personal situation such as “What do you do?”, “Where are you from?”, and “Do you have a family?”.  These questions should be considered to be a way to get to know someone based on facts.

American society is often driven based on time pressures.  Work lives and related schedules often demand a significant portion of a person’s time.  Adding family commitments, a desire for entertainment time, and often long commutes in busy cities often leaves American’s with very little time, which further adds to the desire for directness and fact-based conversations.

Discussions involving race, religion, politics, or sex are often not welcomed unless you have a long-standing and close relationship with the others.  While many Americans still smoke, the number is declining and the social acceptability of smoking has dramatically increased.  Smoking is generally welcome only outdoors and in specifically designated areas.

Food Customs

The food culture in the United States is generally based on the notion of “eating out”, in other words dining in restaurants or fast food locations. Given America’s general youth as a country (~245 years) and the fact that the nation was largely founded on immigration, a wide variety of ethnic food variations are available.  It is not uncommon for cities to have districts dedicated to a particular cultural food orientation, such as Italian, Mexican, or Chinese. While the cuisine in the United States has great variety and many ethnic options, there are a few well-known “classics” that are worth trying as you travel across America.  Some of these vary by region and some are widely available pretty much anywhere in the States.

Hot Dogs – Very similar to German sausage, and it’s sometimes called a “frankfurter” or just a “frank”, the hot dog on a bun has become a classic American food.  There are many variations including those served with chili, called a “chili-dog” or a “Coney dog” and a “corn-dog” which is a hot dog, covered with cornmeal and deep-fried.

Apple Pie – The expression “American as apple pie” pretty much tells the story behind this traditional American dessert.  While the fruit pie is common across the world the apple pie has taken on a very unique place in American food culture.  The flakey crust, the sweetness of the apples, and the cinnamon flavoring make it a good match to be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream after a holiday or everyday meal.

Barbequed Ribs – Barbecuing food is one of the most common American traditions that has evolved into an entire sub-culture within culinary America.  There are barbeque or BBQ contests, festivals, and celebrations each year in many locations across the country.  Pork ribs, cooked on a charcoal or gas grill with sweet or spicy sauce is an absolute favorite among BBQ fans.  Eaten with your fingers, and a bit messy to be honest, this American staple is an excellent casual food often eaten when entertaining family for friends.

Texas Barbeque – A special genre of barbequed food, found primarily in the southern United States and particularly in the state of Texas, this type of BBQ is a staple in the region.  Beef is the most common meat used in Texas BBQ, but pork, chicken, and sausage are also often found on your plate.  Meat is often smoked for hours if not days and is served covered with the cook’s variation of a sauce.  Often served with coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread, Texas BBQ on a combination plate.  a visit to the southern United States would not be complete without a plate of “good ole Texas BBQ”.

Biscuits & Gravy – Also a southern US tradition, biscuits and gravy are favorite comfort foods.  Traditionally made with a lot of butter the biscuits are served with country gravy made with drippings from meat for flavor.  Today you can find many varieties of biscuits and gravy, each with its own unique combination of ingredients.

Grits – Anyone raised in the Southern United States probably grew up eating and loving grits.  For those of us who are not from that area, you might actually wonder what it is.  Grits, which are essentially a porridge similar to Italian polenta, is made from ground corn, can be served as a breakfast, lunch, or at dinner.  The name comes originally from the old-English word “grytt” which means “course meal”.

Deep Dish Pizza – While pizza is certainly not unique to the United States, the deep-dish style of pizza has evolved into a specific American variation.  Common in the mid-western states, and made famous in cities such as Chicago, the deep-dish pizza is a restaurant favorite.  Baked in a pan that provides a high outer crust, often 1” or more, and made with plentiful amounts of cheese and tomato sauce, the deep-dish pizza is a very full meal.  Often made with pepperoni, sausage, and a variety of vegetables included, this unique style of pizza is a must if you are in the area.

Tips/Bargaining

Support staff in restaurants, foodservice outlets, and other service industry providers in the United States generally rely on tips and gratuities, in addition to their wages, to earn a viable living. While not an obligation, tips based on the total amount on a bill are generally expected and appreciated.  The general range for tips, assuming you’re satisfied with the service provided, are between 10% and 25%, with 15% largely being the norm.  This includes service providers that you might encounter during a vacation such as tour guides, vehicle valets, etc.

If you are visiting a restaurant in a larger group, often 8 or more, be sure to check your bill or ask your server to determine if the tip is included in the total on the bill.  It is a common, but not a universal practice, to automatically include the tip in the charges on the bill for larger groups.  It can get expensive if you miss this fact and add an additional tip to the bill when one has already been included.

Transportation

The United States is s geographically very large country and transportation within the country often requires a vehicle.  Many of the larger cities provide public transportation systems including subways, buses, or trolleys.  Ridesharing services such as Uber or Lyft are commonly available in most cities and many of the smaller towns or communities.  Travel in more rural or remote areas most likely will require a vehicle, either rented or provided by a tour company or the like.

Unless a vehicle trip is part of your plan, travel across multiple states or from coast to coast across the country generally requires air travel.  For example, travel from the east to the west coast is about 3,000 miles or 4,500 kilometers, which will require many days of driving.  The US has airports in all large cities and domestic travel is generally a convenient way to get from one location to another.

Bus and train transportation is also available and can be less costly than air travel, however, both require significantly more time and are often less convenient when planning a trip.

Food & Water Safety

While food and water available in the US are generally safe, it is wise to exercise the typical travel precautions when dining or snacking while you’re on vacation.  Drinking water is generally of good quality in urban areas and in most facilities in rural spots.  Bottled water is widely available for those that prefer to be more cautious.  Restaurant provided food is generally safe, but be sure to inquire about ingredients and preparations if you have allergies, sensitivities, or dietary restrictions.

As always, be sure to exercise caution should you chose to eat street food.  Food trucks and other temporary food service providers have become common and very popular in many areas in the country.  Avoiding raw or undercooked meat, poultry and seafood is always a good idea.  It’s also very wise to avoid food that is uncovered, not cooled in a refrigerator or on ice, or food that sits out in the heat for any length of time.

Also, don’t drink water from natural sources such as rivers, lakes or streams, avoid ingesting water from swimming pools, hot tubs, or other bathing facilities, be sure to thoroughly wash unpeeled fruits and vegetables, and be sure to wash or sanitize your hands before and after eating.

Electricity

The electrical grid in the United States is standardized on a 120 V power running on a 60 Hz frequency.   A vast majority of devices or small appliances that you might travel with are compatible with this electrical power source.

Electric outlets in the US are based on the “Type A” or “Type B” configurations.  These plugs are shaped as described in the image below.

Be sure to plan ahead and bring the necessary outlet adapters and/or power converters necessary to use the devices and appliances that you plan to travel with.  More information related to electrical requirements to consider while traveling can be found in our “Shedding Light on Electricity” post

1. New York, NY

The most populated city in the United States, New York provides visitors with vibrant city life with a great food scene, a world-class theatre district, and many famous landmarks. A visit would not be complete without a stop at the National September 11^th Memorial Museum.

2. Miami, FL

Located in Southern Florida, Miami provides a tropical climate for its residents and visitors to enjoy. The Miami culture and food scenes are heavily influenced by its proximity to the Caribbean and Latin American neighbors.  A thriving nightlife, several professional sports teams, an active music scene, and diverse ethnic food all provide visitors with a rich experience that is unique among American cities.

3. Los Angeles, CA

Perhaps most famous for being the home to Hollywood and the epicenter of the American movie industry, Los Angeles provides visitors with a Mediterranean-like costal climate and many entertainment options. Also home to several professional sports teams and large universities, LA is diverse in culture, cuisine, and entertainment options.

4. Chicago, IL

Known at the “windy city”, not for the prevailing weather but rather for the long-windedness of its politicians, Chicago is a Midwest metropolis on the shores of Lake Michigan. Chicago is famous for its waterfront city, nightlife including a robust jazz music scene, and the “Michigan Mile” shopping district.

5. Boston, MA

Boston, located on the eastern coast of the United States, provides visitors with a rich historical perspective along with a unique culture and entertainment experience. Boston was the home to several of the key events that lead to the American Revolution and the founding of the United States.  For more information on Boston, please see our blog post – The Beauty of Boston.

6. San Francisco, CA

San Francisco is famous for the hilly city streets, the Golden Gate Bridge, it’s Chinatown district, and the Fisherman’s Wharf. The region is also home to the Silicon Valley tech district and not far from the Napa Valley wine region.

7. San Diego, CA

San Diego is a somewhat smaller city at the southernmost border between California and Tijuana, Mexico. Known for it’s ocean-side climate, beach regions, and for the US Naval bases in the area, San Diego provides visitors with a rich mix of Southwestern and Mexican culture.

8. Washington, DC

Formerly called the District of Columbia, Washington is the capital of the United States and home to numerous US government operations. It is also home to the Smithsonian Institute museums, which houses one of the world’s largest collection of historical and scientific artifacts.  There are many sites to see including the National Mall, many of the museums, and tours of several government buildings.  Washington also boasts teams from each of the US’s professional sports leagues and a rich theatre and performing arts scene.

9. New Orleans, LA

Also known as the “Big Easy” or “NOLA” (short for New Orleans Louisiana) the New Orleans culture can best be described as an eclectic mix of French, Spanish, African, and Native American traditions. The city is famous for its Creole cuisine, the French Quarter, its jazz music scene, and of course the Mardi Gras celebrations on Bourbon Street.

10. Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas defines glitz and glam for the rest of the world.  Stunning casinos, numerous headliner quality shows, and uninhibited culture set up Vegas as a fun-filled city to visit.  Vegas bills itself as the “Entertainment Capital of the World” and is a popular location for the creation of many films, television programs, and music videos.

1. Austin, TX

Austin is a smaller, but rapidly growing, generally liberal city with a lively music scene and college town atmosphere. The city of Austin’s official slogan, “Keep Austin Weird” really does describe the community vibe.  Home to South by Southwest, one the largest music festivals in the world, along with a Formula One race, and several film festivals each year, Austin has a vibrant arts scene and a very outdoors friendly climate.

2. Santa Barbara, CA

Located on the southern California coast, Santa Barbara is located between the Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Home to many resorts and Airbnb rentals, Santa Barbara is a quaint and walkable town with good restaurants and beautiful weather.

3. Orlando, FL

Orlando is most famous for being the home to the Walt Disney World Resort (LINK) and to several Major League Baseball teams spring training facilities.  In addition to the Disney theme parks, Orlando is also home to a thriving film and entertainment sector.  Universal Studios and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are at the center of this industry.

4. Nashville, TN

Nashville is most well known for its country music-driven culture and is largely considered to be the center of the country music industry in the United States. Home to famous venues such as the Grand ‘Ol Opry, Nashville is widely known as “Music City”.  Nashville’s culture revolves around a large and vibrant university community.  Home to numerous universities and their related facilities, Nashville presents a fun and lively vibe, particularly in the downtown entertainment and arts district.

5. Detroit, MI

Long known as the center of the auto manufacturing industry in the United States, Detroit is a city that is in full renaissance. With a growing theatre and sports district in the downtown area and with an exciting collection of eclectic restaurants, Detroit has a lot to offer visitors.  All of the major professional sports leagues have a team located in Detroit.  Detroit is also famous as the home to the Motown music dynasty and continues to have a thriving music scene today.

6. Denver, CO

Known as the “mile high city” because of it’s altitude, Denver is located in the High Plains region of the Rocky Mountain range. Denver has many nationally recognized museums and has a wide variety of restaurants, bars, clubs, and art galleries.  It’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains provides a great environment for outdoor sports enthusiasts year-round.

7. San Diego, CA

San Diego is a somewhat smaller city at the southernmost border between California and Tijuana, Mexico. Known for it’s ocean-side climate, beach regions, and for the US Naval bases in the area, San Diego provides visitors with a rich mix of Southwestern and Mexican culture.

Grand Canyon

One of the world’s greatest wonders, the Grand Canyon has a majesty and a natural beauty that is difficult to describe and must be seen to be truly appreciated.

The Coasts

Both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts provide natural scenic beauty and are home to some of the greatest cities in the United States. From Washington to California on the west and from Maine to southern Florida on the east, there is much to see and do along America’s great ocean coastline.

The Great Lakes

The Great Lakes border eight states and two Canadian provinces. These five lakes make up the largest freshwater system in the world and provide for water sports, fishing, and some of the most beautiful natural scenery to be found in the country.

National Parks

The United States has an extensive network of 62 national parks that are essentially protected areas reserved for wildlife and visitors to enjoy. These parks are scattered across 29 of the 50 states and include famous locations such as Yellowstone National Park and the Redwood National Forest in California.

The Rocky Mountains

Located in Western North America and shared with Canada, the Rocky Mountains are a major mountain range stretching 3,000 miles (4,800 km) from north to south. The Rockies provide majestic scenery and are home to a wide variety of wildlife and outdoor sporting activities.

Beaches

The United States is home to some of the world’s best beaches. From Hawaii to Southern Florida and including the beaches on the Great Lakes, visitors to the US seeking some downtime on the beach can certainly find something to their liking.

Food Scenes

The United States is a relatively young and large country founded largely on immigration for other nations. Immigrants have brought their traditional cuisines, which have in many cases, been adapted and modified to create American versions of many favorites.  Nearly every US city or town will have a variety of restaurants with many available food types, including something for pretty much any palette.

Entertainment, Music & Theater

Entertainment of all types is central to the culture in the United States. From Disney parks on both the west and east coasts, to Hollywood in California, Las Vegas, Nashville, New Orleans, and Detroit, the music and entertainment available to those visiting the United Statis is practically unlimited.

Sports Scene

Sports, both professional and amateur, are also an essential component of the American cultural scene and a significant part of daily life. Major League Baseball is considered to be the county’s national pastime, and American Football is a national obsession.  College football and other sporting events can often draw crowds in excess of 100,000 spectators each weekend.  Most major cities have multiple professional sports teams, often in each of the various leagues.  Bars often fill up with spectators cheering for their hometown favorites while enjoying a drink or two.