USA Travel guide

Check out our USA travel guide which is jam-packed full of all the travel information you could hope for before you go, including fast facts, when it’s best to go, sample prices, events and attractions.  You can even check out what other travellers had to say about America.  Read on…

Botox, Britney, burgers and Barack…what springs to mind?  The United States of America.  Mass media has brought the States to the world in the form of movies, songs, food and drink, dance and even the lingo but a visit to the US will fill you with so much more.  With 50 states to choose from there is enough here to keep any kind of traveller happy – from the awe-inspiring grand canyon, to the hustle and bustle of New York, or the bright lights and crazy nights of Las Vegas.

Fast facts

Population 

301,130,000 

Languages spoken 

82% of the population speak English. The remaining speak Spanish, other Indo-European languages, Asian, Pacific Island languages and other.

Currency 

Name: Dollar
Code: USD
Symbol: $ 

Electricity 

The electrical current in the USA is 120 V, with a cycle of 60 Hz. You will need a converter if you have appliances that don’t accept this voltage. 

Time Zone 

6 time zones:
Eastern Standard time (GMT - 5)
Central time (GMT - 6)
Mountain Time (GMT - 7)
Pacific Time (GMT - 8)
Hawaiian Time (GMT – 10)
Alaskan Time (GMT – 9) 

Daylight Saving Time begins for most of the United States on the second Sunday of March and reverts back to standard time on the first Sunday in November.  Daylight saving time is not observed in Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands or the state of Arizona

Country dialling code 

+1 

Measurements & weights 

The US is best described as a ‘soft metric’ country, meaning it supports the metric system but not exclusively.  

USA culture

The history & society of USA

Discover more about the history and culture of  the USA.
Find out more

Currency

USA currency

Check out a few sample prices and the USA exchange rate.
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Health & safety

USA health & safety

Travel insurance is essential in the USA. Learn more about the USA's health services.
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Travel

Travel to & around USA

Read our useful guide on getting to and travelling around the USA.
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Attractions

Attractions in USA

Don't miss these places to see and visit out when you go sightseeing around the USA.
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USA climate

Weather conditions

Get more information on climate across the USA to prepare for your trip.
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Visas

USA visa requirements

Find out requirements for USA visas and immigration.
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Hints & tips

USA travel hints & tips

Read our handy Do's and Don'ts before you embark on your USA adventure.
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Local speak

Speak like an American

Wanna fit in with the locals? Get a few of these phrases under your belt!
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Travel reviews

USA traveller reviews

Research your trip to the USA by reading reviews from travellers who have been there!
Find out more

*The small print
We’ve tried to make this destination guide as accurate as possible but please double check the essentials like visas, health and safety, airport information etc with the relevant authorities before you travel.  STA Travel takes no responsibility for loss, injury or inconvenience caused as a result of this guide.  All prices listed are in the currency of the destination, unless otherwise stated.

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