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Travel in the United States: the complete practical guide

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Ideal for: CouplesFamiliesSoloRoad trip

The Brooklyn Bridge and the skyscrapers of Lower Manhattan
Contents

In short: New York, California and the great national parks are dream destinations. Before you go, apply for your ESTA (if your country is in the Visa Waiver Program) and get travel insurance: medical costs are very high. On the spot, allow for sales tax and tips.

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When to go to the United States

  • Spring and autumn: the best time for New York and the East Coast cities.
  • Summer: national park and road trip season, but very hot in the deserts.
  • All year round: Southern California and Florida stay mild even in winter.

Entry requirements

  • Visa Waiver Program countries: no visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days, but an ESTA authorisation is required before departure, with a biometric passport. It is valid for two years (or until the passport expires). Apply on the official website well before you leave.
  • Other travellers: a visa from the US embassy.

Check your situation on official websites before you go.

Arriving in the United States

  • New York (JFK): AirTrain then LIRR train to Penn Station, about 50 minutes.
  • San Francisco (SFO): BART regional rail reaches downtown in about 30 minutes.
  • Los Angeles (LAX): taxi, ride-hailing, shuttles or public transport with a connection; traffic is heavy.

Getting around the United States

  • Flying is fastest between the coasts and major cities.
  • A car is essential for national parks and road trips (the California coast, the American West).
  • In the cities, New York’s subway runs day and night; in San Francisco, BART and cable cars; in Los Angeles, a car is still more practical.

Money, internet and practicalities

  • Currency: the US dollar. Cards are accepted almost everywhere.
  • Tax and tipping: displayed prices often exclude sales tax; in restaurants, a tip of 15 to 20% is customary.
  • Insurance: medical costs are very high: travel insurance is strongly recommended.
  • Internet: a travel eSIM avoids roaming charges.
  • Electricity: type A/B sockets at 110 volts; bring an adapter.

What to see in the United States

  • New York: Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge and the great museums.
  • Los Angeles: Hollywood, Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica and the Getty Center.
  • San Francisco: the Golden Gate, Alcatraz and the cable cars.
  • The national parks: the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Zion, Yellowstone.
  • And also: Las Vegas, Miami, Washington, Chicago, New Orleans.

Suggested itineraries

7 days: New York, taking time for the neighbourhoods and museums.

14 days (the American West): San Francisco, Yosemite, the coastal road to Los Angeles, then Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon, by car.

Where to stay in the United States

Our New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco pages present the best areas for your travel style. Accommodation is expensive in the big cities: book early.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa for the United States?

Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries (including most EU countries and the UK) do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days, but must obtain an ESTA authorisation before departure, with a biometric passport. The ESTA is valid for two years (or until the passport expires). Other travellers need a visa.

Do I need travel insurance for the United States?

It is not mandatory, but strongly recommended: medical costs are very high in the United States, and a hospital stay can be extremely expensive without insurance.

How do I get from JFK airport to Manhattan?

The AirTrain links JFK with Jamaica station, from where the LIRR train reaches Penn Station: allow about 50 minutes in total. The AirTrain and subway are cheaper but slower.

Should I tip in the United States?

Yes, it is customary: in restaurants, people usually leave 15 to 20% of the bill. Displayed prices also often exclude sales tax, which is added when you pay.

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