Interesting and Important Facts About America – Must-Know Guide

America is an exceptionally high-quality tourist destination and a powerhouse of shopping, national parks, and particularly vibrant and modern cities. It boasts an incredible array of natural sites, giant cities, beaches, mountain ranges, and all the fun of the new world.

On this page, we'll share some crucial details you need to know before planning a trip to America and before landing in the land of endless possibilities.

 

Visa – Entry Permit to the USA

Entry to the United States for those who are not American citizens is contingent upon obtaining a visa.

• Citizens of most Western countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program, allowing entry to the USA without a visa for stays up to 90 days (Citizens of countries not in the program must have a visa to enter the US)
• To enter the USA without a visa under this program, you must have a biometric passport. Before traveling, make sure to visit the ESTA system and register
• Registration for each application is individual and must be completed separately for each family member traveling
• Approval and response are typically received within up to three days, so it's important to complete the process as early as possible, and at least four days before travel.
• Keep in mind there are cases of refusal under the Visa Waiver Program, so it’s wise to insure the cancellation of the entire trip ahead of time.
• The registration for the Visa Waiver Program costs approximately $21 (including a $4 fee). If you are refused, only the fee is charged.
• The authorization is valid for up to two years or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner.

For those who wish to travel to the USA for more than 90 days or need a work visa, you must register at the American embassy in your country of residence.

 

Money and Payments

Who doesn't know about dollars? The American currency is one of the strongest in the world, and cash is still commonly used in America.

• Payment in the USA is in the American dollar or the US Dollar. The symbol for the dollar is $
• The dollar is divided into one hundred cents (the Roman term for one hundredth). The single cent is also called a Penny, and its symbol is ¢
• Besides the penny, the commonly used coins are the Nickel (5 cents), the Dime (10 cents), and the Quarter (25 cents). There are also half-dollar and whole dollar coins that are less frequently used
• It's common to pay with single dollar bills (George Washington), 5 dollars (Abraham Lincoln), 10 dollars (Alexander Hamilton), 20 dollars (Andrew Jackson), 50 dollars (Ulysses S. Grant), and 100 dollars (Benjamin Franklin), or with international credit, of course
• American bills are green, hence the money is also called Green, but the most common name for dollars is Bucks
• It's important to know that in America, the price includes an additional local sales tax rate, which varies by state (and sometimes even different counties). Three states have no sales tax at all – Oregon, New Hampshire, and Montana, while others like Louisiana, California, and New York have high taxes (often over 10%). The tax is added at the cashier, so it's worth calculating the total cost ahead of time (our VAT is 17%, just for perspective)
• Unlike Europe, there is no VAT refund in the USA because technically, there is no VAT, only sales tax

Click here for everything you need to know about travel insurance before heading to the USA…

 

How to get to the USA?

• There are direct flights from many places in the world to Denver, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Miami, Toronto, Montreal, Washington, and Philadelphia, but the main gateways are the airports of New York – Kennedy and Newark and LAX in Los Angeles.
• You can easily reach the USA with transfer flights at all major airports in Europe, Asia or South America.
• Throughout the USA and Canada, there are nearly 500 airports considered international. With a transfer in Europe, you can reach almost any airport across the USA, to destinations like Denver, Las Vegas, Seattle, Vancouver (Canada), and more.

Click here for all the information on flights to the USA…

 

Sockets and Electricity

The electrical outlets and home electrical system in the United States is voltage level of 110-127 volts. The sockets in the USA are type A or B.

Bottom line, voltage differences create incompatibility between electrical devices and the power supply, which can damage the devices. Although most personal computers are pre-configured to work with different power supplies, you still need to buy adapters for your personal computer, for example, that will both allow connection to the electricity in the USA and control the amount of current to avoid risking the device.

Even in the reverse situation, adjustments are necessary.

 

Car Rental

• If traveling outside of New York City, it's essential to rent a car to explore the various parts of this vast country.
• It is better not to rent a car during your stay in New York; instead, pick up the car as you leave the city and return it before you enter Manhattan again.
• When comparing different offers – compare the price of the entire package – not just the car itself, but also all add-ons like insurance, an additional driver, unlimited mileage, etc.
• When booking, if you're planning to cross beyond Greece's borders with the car, inform the rental company. Even if you're unsure – still mention Canada and Mexico (subject to the rental company's restrictions).
• International Driver's License – Have a printed international driver's license ready in advance. It can be obtained at one of the Memsi branches or authorized optical stores.
• International Credit Card – The intended car rental driver must carry an international credit card (meaning one that can be used overseas), preferably a card in their name. This is really crucial for rental, and quite a few travelers have been stuck without the ability to pick up the car because they didn’t follow this guideline! (The booking itself can be done on another credit card, but it's best to avoid complications and use the driver’s card).
• Comfort Tip – Go for a bigger vehicle than you think you need, because sometimes you'll get a smaller one than ordered, and you'll probably have a lot of luggage.
• Download offline navigation apps in advance for your phone (or a GPS device) – but only those that allow navigation without constant internet connection (here are some suggestions…), it will save you hours of errors and map searching. If you don't have this option, you can rent a GPS from the rental company, but it's very expensive, not always available, and often already built-in in the car for free.
• If you're relying on a personal device – remember to install the maps of the USA and neighboring countries before your flight, and in any case, it's wise to buy a good paper road map as a backup.

Click here for all the info on car rentals in the USA + useful tips and significant discounts…

 

Spoken Languages

The spoken language in the USA is English. There are very few places in the USA and Canada where you can't get by with basic English.

• There are quite a few Spanish speakers in the southern states of the USA, mainly in California, Louisiana, and New Mexico (mostly immigrants from Mexico and all of Central and South America) and in Florida (mostly Cuban immigrants and from the Caribbean)
• In Louisiana, there are a few French speakers
• A trip to the USA often includes a hop over to neighboring Canada. Additionally, just as there are many Mexicans in the USA, there are also many Canadians. Canada as a whole is considered bilingual, both English and French. Quebec Province is French-speaking, but you can easily get by with English. Quite noticeably, Canadian English differs from American English
• Across the U.S. are millions of immigrants from all over the world

Click here for the complete guide on communication and browsing during your trip in the USA…

 

Map of United States Regions / States

 

American Culture

The USA is a vast country and, along with the time zones and climate zones, it boasts cultural regions with unique characteristics. Each American cultural region has a center or capital that embodies it best, and the culture is an integral part of city trips.

The most unique cultural regions in the USA are:

• Wild West and Cowboys – The Wild West sprawls across the frontier region from the Midwest up to the Rocky Mountains. The culture is characterized by American cowboys, rodeos, and a direct connection with the land. This culture is very prevalent in Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota, and of course, Texas.
• Amish Country – The heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country is the city of Lancaster in Pennsylvania, not far from Philadelphia. The Amish are a religious group that rejects modernity and militarism, making them quite a curiosity (and therefore a big tourist attraction).
• Country Music Land – A significant musical culture based in Tennessee, in cities like Nashville and Memphis. Country music is unique to the western slopes of the Appalachian Mountains, and the plains of the North “South.” The music features distinctive sounds and is associated with American icons such as Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and others
• Mormon Country – The Mormons are a sect from the Bible Belt (Pennsylvania and upstate New York) who moved westward in the 19th century and settled in the state of Utah. The base of the Mormons is the city of Salt Lake City
• New England – The six states of New England are a unique cultural destination in America. It is a region of incredible beauty, enchanting autumn leaves, and plenty of seafood and lobsters
• Texas – Texas and the Wild West pretty much overlap, but Texas stands completely on its own with Texan food and culture, complete with a twangy accent (and steaks!!!!)
• The Deep South – The American South is an expansive area reaching north from West Palm Beach in Florida up to Virginia, encompassing the Confederacy states. The heart of the Deep South includes Mississippi and Alabama. Southern culture has its own unique cuisine and a whole culture centered around American rednecks.
• Creole Culture – New Orleans is a unique cultural destination where Creole culture (originally from Quebec) or Cajun culture is widespread. It's also the city of the jazz world.
• California Dreaming – California has been setting global fashion trends since the mid-20th century. Its main influence is the film industry in Hollywood located in Los Angeles. The state is associated with the beatnik and hippie cultures that peaked during the Summer of Love in San Francisco. Even today, California stands apart from the rest of the USA with its own sounds and ideology
• Land of Tornadoes – The extreme events of tornadoes are associated with what is known as Tornado Alley, a stretch that includes pretty much all of the Great Plains. Kansas is often associated with Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, but the entire American heartland also experiences (from spring months) the frightening thunderstorms that can escalate into tornado whirlwinds (unlike the hurricanes in Florida and the Gulf of Mexico)

Click here for trip planning in the USA and professional consultation…

 

6 Time Zones

The USA is divided into six time zones, four of which are in what is called the Continental USA:

• Eastern Time Zone (The Atlantic Coast from New York and New England to Florida including Michigan and Indiana) – Five hours behind GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
• Central Time Zone (The Midwest and Great Plains – Chicago, Louisiana, Texas, and more) – Six hours behind GMT
• Mountain Time Zone (The Rocky Mountains and Colorado Plateau – Colorado, Montana, Arizona, and more) – Seven hours behind GMT
• Pacific Time Zone (The Pacific Coast – California, Oregon, Washington, as well as Nevada and Las Vegas) – Eight hours behind GMT

There are also separate time zones for Alaska (9 hours behind GMT) and Hawaii (10 hours behind GMT ).

 

Climate Zones (Where and When to Travel in the USA?)

The climate in America is crucial for planning your trip, and almost every destination in the USA has a season that's nearly impossible to travel in (except California, which always boasts perfect weather).

• Summer is the perfect season to explore the North, and winter is especially enjoyable in the southern USA
• Generally speaking, the North freezes in winter, and the South becomes unbearably hot and sweaty in summer

The main tourist seasons are divided by geography and climate:

• Florida and the Southern USA – Fall to Spring (it's hot and sweaty in summer, yet people still flock there endlessly)
• California – Perfect weather all year round
• The National Parks of the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada (Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Yosemite, Crater Lake, and more) – Spring to Fall (Winter is freezing and harsh)
• The National Parks of the Colorado Plateau (Grand Canyon, Arches, Zion, Bryce Canyon, and more) – Fall and Spring (Summer is extremely hot and Winter can be cold to freezing)
• New York City and the entire Northeast – Spring to Fall (Winter is freezing)
• New England – The fall foliage is dreamy, and you can visit from spring (Winter is very cold and harsh)
• Hawaii – All year round (Vacation from Spring to Fall)
• Alaska – Summer only

Important tips for when to travel in the USA

The winter trip to New York, Canada, Chicago, Seattle, the Rocky Mountains, and more is almost impossible during winter and includes snow and very low temperatures.

The national parks of the Colorado Basin, Florida, Louisiana, and more are sizzling during the summer days. In the deserts, the average temperatures are over 40 degrees, and in Florida and Louisiana, the humidity almost hits a hundred. Since there's air conditioning everywhere, you can still have a fun trip, but be aware that it's extremely hot outside (hurricane and tornado season runs from spring to fall, so stay alert!).

Autumn in the USA is dreamy in some places, especially in New England and Canada. The red and yellow foliage is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Spring in America is wonderful almost everywhere. Generally, the temperatures are very comfortable throughout most of America, nature is in full bloom, and it's just delightful to go out and catch some fresh air.

 

Food in American Culture

America is a food empire, known for both its inherently American fast food and its very high-quality local cuisine that's especially affordable. Nationwide chains are split between quick-prep food, which usually isn't the healthiest, and really good but somewhat generic restaurants. The advantage of these nationwide chains is their consistent standard, which is quite popular among tourists who prefer no surprises.

American fast food relies on a multitude of massive international American chains specializing in a specific type of food:

• Burgers – McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, and more
• Pizza – Domino's, Papa John's, and more
• Chicken – KFC, Popeyes, Chick-fil-A, and more
• Sandwiches – Subway, Quiznos, Arby's, and more
• Mexican – Taco Bell, Chipotle, and more
• Chinese – Panda Express, and more
• Coffee – Starbucks, and more
• Donuts – Dunkin' Donuts, Krispy Kreme, and more
• Ice Cream – Baskin Robbins, Dairy Queen, and more

America also boasts giant restaurant chains like Olive Garden, Denny's, Applebee's, Red Lobster, Outback Steakhouse, Chili's, and more. These are full-fledged restaurants with table service and strict standards to maintain consistent quality across the U.S.

There are also quite a few chains that characterize certain geographic regions, such as Carl's Jr., In-N-Out Burger, Steak ‘n Shake, Papa Murphy's, and more. These fast-food chains are a bit more unique, giving you the feeling of something special, though you won't find them on every corner.

There is also excellent ready-made food available in the giant supermarket chains like Trader Joe's, Walmart, Costco, etc.

 

Holidays, Festivals, and Special Events

In America, there is a variety of holidays and special nationwide days (alongside important regional events). The special events are broken down into two main religious holidays:

• Christmas – December 24th (Christmas Eve) to December 26th (Boxing Day)
• Easter – The dates are determined by the first Sunday after the full moon following the spring equinox (March 21st)

Special days based on religious or traditional events:

• New Year's Eve – The last day of the year, December 31st
• Valentine's Day – February 14th
• St. Patrick's Day – March 17th
• Memorial Day – Monday between May 25th and 31st
• Independence Day – July 4th
• Labor Day – Monday between September 1st and 7th
• Thanksgiving – Thursday between November 22nd and 28th
• Halloween – October 31st

On these days, there is usually time off from work, and special events are held all over the USA.

Sundays are generally also days off (similar to our Sabbath), only everything is open (opening hours vary).

 

Personal Security and Tips for a Relaxing Trip

America is a country of order and chaos combined. The American experiment aims to organize chaos with a series of laws. Sometimes it succeeds, and sometimes it fails completely, resulting in areas that are quite dangerous.

Generally speaking, America is not the safest country in the world, and there are quite a few areas you should avoid. They can sometimes be near popular tourist attractions (large parts of New York and even Harlem in Manhattan, parts of almost every big city's downtown, etc.).

In recent years, the situation in some U.S. cities has worsened, exacerbated by COVID-19 and the 2020 riots. City centers that were considered friendly have become a bit grim, especially in the more liberal cities. Downtown San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, and even Manhattan have become less safe, with many homeless people on the streets and quite a bit of crime, which also stems from a lenient legal network towards certain populations based on affirmative action.

There are a few rules to follow to stay out of trouble:

• Know exactly where you intend to go and plan your trip in advance, especially when visiting big cities
• Use common sense and a bit of intuition, and avoid places that seem intimidating or unsafe
• Not sure? Ask at the hotel where (and when) it is advisable or not advisable to wander
• Stay on busy streets. Walk where other tourists go
• Don't engage with those who don't look right to you

 

Legal System

The USA is extremely law-abiding.  We might find American rigidity hard to grasp, but America operates by the book, so it's crucial to follow the rules.

Most encounters foreigners have with the law in America relate to traffic regulations. If a police officer stops you for a traffic violation, accept the fine because the chances of getting out of it are quite low.

• When driving in the USA, it's very important to stick to the speed limits and obey traffic laws.
• It's also crucial to have the appropriate licenses and not to be caught off guard by the police.
• The American rigidity can sometimes lead to encounters with the police over minor issues, so please stay organized with documents and don't break traffic laws.

If you're stopped in the USA, you're entitled to legal representation and to maintain the right to remain silent (though this might come with a price, it's advisable to await legal counsel before speaking in an investigation). We're all familiar with the Miranda warning (“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in court…”), which every officer is obliged to recite during an arrest. The entire protocol is anchored in the rights of detainees.

 

What is the USA, really?

The United States of America is a federal union of 50 states, each operating autonomously. The federal capital of the USA is Washington D.C.. Each state has its own judicial system, local police (sheriff at the community level, state police at the state level, and the FBI at the federal level).

The federal level is based on the American Constitution, and any state that ratified it and became part of the union effectively relinquished some of its powers.

The USA was founded by 13 original states that rebelled against British rule in 1776. Its first President was George Washington, who was inaugurated in New York and resided in the first capital, Philadelphia. About twenty years after the Declaration of Independence, Washington, the federal capital, was built on the border of Virginia and Maryland, in the District of Columbia.

Over the years, more territories that were under Spanish (and Mexican) and French control joined until the union stretched from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific Ocean. In 1861, the Civil War broke out, nearly tearing the union apart between the Yankees (the North) and the Confederacy (the South). In 1959, the states of Hawaii and Alaska joined the union, completing the 50 states.