Traveling to the USA: best tips

Last Update: January 30, 2025 / 16:16:15 GMT/Zulu time

Bookmark this article

If you are planning an unforgettable trip to the United States, be prepared for unexpected surprises. The US is a country that cannot be fully prepared for, and you will remember your first visit there forever as well as all future visits. Be sociable. In the US, it's important to find common ground with everyone, because even electronic devices can fail, and locals usually know the best ways around. Americans are known for their love of talking and helping in difficult situations. This and other tips from this article will make your trip more enjoyable. And if you want to be sure you’ll never get lost, consider getting eSIM USA by eSimPlus. Check out an affordable USA eSIM data plan to prepare for your trip to keep in touch with everyone and anywhere.

Accomodation

Hollywood has accustomed us to the idea of romance in roadside motels, but let's leave this idea to the conscience of American movie directors. After all, motels are not attractive places, neither in terms of price nor quality. Living in the United States is quite expensive, but with the right skills, you can stay at hotels that are both budget-friendly and nice. Be sure to sign up for loyalty programs with major hotel chains, as dynamic pricing that depends on the number of tourists will allow you to find cheap rooms even at the Hilton. If hotels are too expensive for you, don't hesitate to consider staying in a hostel; it has its own advantages, such as a kitchen, allowing you to cook and save money.

Food and shopping

Discounters are becoming more and more popular in the country, and people read information about discounts and promotions in stores more carefully than weather forecasts. The cheapest stores include Aldi, Lidl, and Costco. Walmart, a popular mega-retailer, is also inexpensive. It is worth familiarizing yourself with the possibility of obtaining discount store cards and taking advantage of promotions, as they are often offered. Users particularly praise Costco for selling a ready-made half-meter pizza for $9.99 and hot dogs for only $1.50.

When traveling, it's always good to know where to find groceries, medicine, and other essential items. For example, a pharmacy is a great place to go if you need a bottle of water, some band-aids, or a travel guide. Pharmacies in the United States have everything you need!

Entertainment

For fans of musicals, there is a great tip on how to get tickets to expensive shows at a reasonable price. Every morning, early in the day, starting at 7 o'clock, a huge line forms outside the doors of famous Broadway theaters as people try to buy tickets for just $30. This is an excellent deal, considering that tickets usually cost $80 or more. The only downside is that you need to get there early to secure a seat as the number of available tickets is limited.

What is more, it is possible to purchase tickets for a variety of cultural events at a significant discount, including those of the highest caliber. Consider searching for discounted concert tickets and musical performances in New York using the TodayTix application. Other options include New York Show Tickets, BroadwayBox, Playbill, TheaterMania and GoldStar.

Every month, many American museums hold open days when visitors can visit cultural institutions for free. This is a great opportunity to explore these places, but it should be noted that this doesn't apply to museums in Washington State. After all, admission is always free!

Finances

In the United States, people often pay with cards. However, there are scammers who may try to steal your money. To protect yourself, you should get a separate card just for travel and put only some of your funds on it. Also, it's better to have several cards from different banks. For hotel reservations and car rentals, it is best to use credit cards as well. Hotels may charge extra fees for payment, so be aware of that. Some car rental companies do not accept debit cards, but credit cards are usually fine too.

In most countries, value-added tax (VAT) is already included in the price of a product. However, in America, a different type of tax called sales tax has been introduced instead. Unlike VAT, sales tax is not included in the official price tag. Instead, the amount of tax depends on the specific state where the product was purchased. Residents of Delaware, Montana, Alaska, Oregon, and New Hampshire have the most favorable situation, as they pay exactly what is indicated on the price tag for their purchases. However, residents of other states may face additional fees, such as other taxes or fees, which can exceed 10% of the original cost of the product collectively.

Tips

In America, it is customary to leave a tip for waiters in restaurants, hotel staff, taxi drivers, and hairdressers. The standard amount of a tip in a restaurant is usually around 20% of the bill. Leaving a 10% tip for European-style service may be seen as an insult as it indicates you were not satisfied with the service. Before paying, check your receipt to see if a tip has already been added, as some establishments may include tips in the total bill.

Traveling across America will surely change you and leave you with a lot of memories. Perhaps you will find your favorite city in New York or be enchanted by the cozy cafés of San Francisco. You may meet amazing people and learn a lot about the country.

Incident Facts

Classification
Blog

© AeroInside

Subscribe

Read unlimited articles and receive our daily update briefing. Gain better insights into what is happening in commercial aviation safety.

Send tip

Support AeroInside by sending a small tip amount.

Newest articles

Subscribe today

Are you researching aviation incidents? Get access to AeroInside Insights, unlimited read access and receive the daily newsletter.

Pick your plan and subscribe

Partner

ELITE Logo

ELITE Simulation Solutions is a leading global provider of Flight Simulation Training Devices, IFR training software as well as flight controls and related services. Find out more.

SafetyScan Pro

SafetyScan Pro provides streamlined access to thousands of aviation accident reports. Tailored for your safety management efforts. Book your demo today

AeroInside Blog
Popular aircraft
Airbus A320
Boeing 737-800
Boeing 737-800 MAX
Popular airlines
American Airlines
United
Delta
Air Canada
Lufthansa
British Airways