United States of America Travel Information
Money / Currency Safety advice Visas Health
Electricity Public Holidays Climate
US Dollar (US$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of US$1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.
Credit cards are widely accepted
Only some banks can exchange cash, so takingUS Dollars is preferable
Bank Hours are generally from 09:00 to 17:00
Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. The visa allows a foreign citizen, to travel to the United States port-of entry and request permission of the U.S. immigration inspector to enter the U.S. The "visitor" visa is a nonimmigrant visa for persons desiring to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1) and for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2).
Department of State Visa Website
Travel Visa requirements
Medical insurance is strongly advised. Only emergency cases are treated without prior payment and treatment will often be refused without evidence of insurance or a deposit. All receipts must be kept in order to make a claim. Medical facilities are generally of an extremely high standard. Many medications available over the counter in other countries require a prescription in the US. Those visiting the USA for long periods with school-age children should be aware that school entry requirements include proof of immunisation against diphtheria, measles, poliomyelitis and rubella throughout the USA, and schools in many states also require immunisation against tetanus, pertussis and mumps.
World Health Organisation
Check regional area for specific weather details.
World weather Information service
110 volts AC, 60Hz. Plugs are of the flat two-pin type. European electrical appliances not fitted with dual-voltage capabilities will require a plug adaptor, which is best purchased before arrival in the USA.
| New Year's Day | January 1 |
| Martin Luther King Day | third Monday in January |
| Washington's Birthday | third Monday in February |
| Memorial Day | last Monday in May |
| Independence Day | July 4 |
| Labor Day | first Monday in September |
| Columbus Day | second Monday in October |
| Veterans Day | November 11 |
| Thanksgiving Day | fourth Thursday in November |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
In 1971, the dates of many federal holidays were officially moved to the nearest Monday by then-President Richard Nixon. There are five holidays which are not necessarily celebrated on Mondays: Thanksgiving Day, Veterans Day, New Year's Day, Independence Day and Christmas Day. When New Year's Day, Independence Day, or Christmas Day falls on a Sunday, the next day is also a holiday. When one of these holidays falls on a Saturday, the previous day is also a holiday. Federal government offices, including the post office, are always closed on all federal holidays. Schools and businesses close on major holidays like Independence Day and Christmas Day but may not always be closed, for example, on President's Day or Veterans Day.