United States travel guide

Getting there

Major international gateways include New York JFK, Los Angeles, Chicago O'Hare, Atlanta, Miami and San Francisco. Land borders connect to Canada and Mexico.

Best time to visit: Apr–Jun and Sep–Oct – mild weather in most regions.

Tougher months: No bad time – but summer is very hot in the southwest and humid in the south, and winter brings snow to the north.

Weather by month in New York City

• 4°J●●
• 6°F●●
• 10°M●●
• 17°A●●
• 22°M●●
• 27°J●●
• 29°J●●
• 28°A●●
• 24°S●●
• 18°O●●
• 12°N●●
• 6°D●●

Average daytime highs in °C; dots show how rainy the month is (one dot dry, three dots wet).

Time zone: America/Adak, America/Anchorage, America/Boise, America/Chicago. Compare with your local time.

Visas: in our passport dataset, 4 of 198 other passports can enter United States without arranging a visa first (visa-free or visa on arrival), 42 need an e-visa or electronic authorisation, and 152 need a visa in advance. Check your passport.

Background: Visa policy of the United States (Wikipedia).

Source and more: United States travel facts on RoamSun

Stay

Most trips to United States are based around New York City, Grand Canyon National Park or San Francisco. Pick a base for your main interest, then add day trips rather than moving hotels every night.

Typical daily budget: about US$80–120 for a backpacker and US$200–350 mid-range, per person.

Source: RoamSun United States page · Browse hotel guides

Connect

Plug types: A, B. Voltage: 120 V. Check your own devices on the plug and currency checker.

Calling code: +1.

Mobile data: read the travel eSIM setup guide before you fly so the plan is installed and ready on landing.

Source: Advinne eSIM guide · RoamSun

Do

• New York City (Northeast · city): World-class museums, Broadway, diverse neighbourhoods and iconic skyline.
• Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona · nature): A vast canyon of colourful rock carved by the Colorado River.
• San Francisco (California · city): Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars and nearby wine country.
• Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming · nature): Geysers, wildlife and dramatic landscapes.
• New Orleans (Louisiana · music & food): Jazz, Creole cuisine and a unique cultural heritage.
• Washington, D.C. (Mid-Atlantic · capital): Monuments, museums and American history.
• Hawaii (Pacific · islands): Beaches, volcanoes and Polynesian culture.
• Utah's national parks (Southwest · canyons): Zion, Arches and Bryce Canyon offer surreal red-rock landscapes.

Things to do

• See the Grand Canyon. Watch the sun paint layers of red rock in one of the world's great natural wonders.
• Explore New York City. Walk Central Park, ride the subway and gaze at the skyline from the Brooklyn Bridge.
• Drive the Pacific Coast Highway. Follow cliffs, beaches and redwoods along California's coast.
• Visit Yellowstone. See geysers, hot springs and bison roam in America's first national park.
• Hear jazz in New Orleans. Feel the music on Frenchmen Street and taste Creole and Cajun food.
• Tour Washington, D.C.. Explore free museums of the Smithsonian and iconic monuments.
• Hike in Yosemite. Marvel at granite cliffs, waterfalls and giant sequoias.
• Experience Las Vegas. See dazzling lights and shows in the desert.

Source: full United States guide on RoamSun

Eat and drink

• Burger – grilled beef in a bun
• Barbecue – slow-smoked meats, best in Texas and the South
• New York pizza – large, thin, foldable slices
• Clam chowder – creamy seafood soup from New England

Source: RoamSun United States guide

Money and safety

Currency: US dollar (USD). Currency and plug checker.

Tipping: 18–20% in restaurants; tips are expected.

Emergency numbers: 911 police, fire & ambulance.

• The currency is the US dollar.
• Cards are accepted almost everywhere, and ATMs are common.
• The US is generally safe, but crime rates vary by city and neighbourhood.
• In national parks, follow wildlife rules and keep a safe distance from animals.

Source: RoamSun United States facts