At a Glance
The USA is a huge country to explore, with 50 states to choose from, flanked by two oceans and covering an incredibly varied terrain. Vast plains, snow-covered mountain ranges, forested rolling hills, deserts, strange rock formations, soaring skyscrapers, stunning coastlines, impressive national parks and a thriving cultural scene; the USA has it all, plus some.

Visas
For citizens of the current Visa Waiver Countries, travel for temporary business or pleasure for 90 days or less, do not require a Visa. A compliant passport and an approved travel authorization via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is required to enter the United States.

An approved ESTA is generally valid for two years, or until the passport expires, and allows multiple entries into the U.S.

Currency
U.S. currency comes in coins and bills. Keep 25¢ pieces (quarters) on hand for parking meters, buses and subways. If you can help it, don’t pay for low-cost items with larger than a $20 bill – shopkeepers may be unable – or unwilling – to make change.

Taxes
The U.S. doesn’t have a national sales tax comparable to the value-added tax (VAT) or goods and services tax (GST) found in other countries. Instead, individual U.S. states and localities set their own rates of taxation.

Thus, the sales tax you may be required to pay depends on where you are and even what you’re buying. Keep in mind that sales tax is never included on a price tag. Since sales tax isn’t collected on a national level, you can’t obtain a refund on departure.

Shopping
Many tourists visiting the USA on vacation enjoy shopping for bargains. American whiskey, fashion jeans, children's clothing, plush bath towels and fine bed linens are all popular items for shoppers from other countries. You can find many bargains in the US if you know where to shop and how to take advantage of the competitive sales.

Tipping
Tipping is customary for service industry professionals: waiters, bartenders, taxi drivers, hairdressers, hotel porters and chambermaids, coatroom attendants, parking valets and airport skycaps. Tips are an important part of their income. The tipping custom in the U.S. is 15 percent of the total bill – 20 percent or more for exceptional service. Tip coatroom attendants $1 per garment; hotel porters and airport skycaps at least $1 per bag; and hotel chambermaids $3-5 a day.

Dress
Dress is generally casual; business dress is sometimes required in high-end restaurants and private clubs, but less frequently than even a few years ago. Nevertheless, if you are attending a special event, it’s probably best to risk being overdressed, rather than too casual. Small gifts are appreciated if you are visiting someone in their home.

Public Health
The World Health Organisation provides information for travellers and also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while travelling overseas. We also recommend visiting the Commonwealth Government website: www.smartraveller.gov.au

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive insurance cover that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.

Weather
Due to the immense size and spread of topology in the US the climate is incredibly varied. If there is a "general" climate then it is temperate, but it is also tropical in Florida and Hawaii, arctic in Alaska, arid in the Great

Basin of the southwest and semi-arid in the Great Plains to the west of the Mississippi River.

The temperature range runs between the extremes of 57 degrees C during the summer months in California's Death Valley to -62 degrees C in Alaska, with every other shade in between.

Driving
If you drive in the USA, remember that each of the 50 states has its own set of traffic laws and regulations. Fortunately, most of the laws are the same, but some states have slightly different rules. The speed limit in most states is now 65 miles per hour (about 110 km/hr) except where signs indicate slower speeds.

Medical
Medical facilities can be found in all hospitals as well as urgent care clinics. Hospitals emergency rooms and urgent care clinics do not require appointments, though in non-life threatening situations, it may be helpful to call ahead. Health care is superior in the US but it can be very expensive because there is no universal health care. Traveller’s health insurance should be purchased prior to travel to the U.S. in case of an emergency. Prescription medication should be brought from home and carried in its original, labelled container. The nationwide emergency phone number for police, fire and ambulance is 911.

Essential Items to Pack

• Small sunblock
• Small umbrella (one that will fit in your suitcase)
• Raincoat
• Hand sanitizer (about 50 or 100 ml)
• Anti-bacterial wipes – useful at all times
• Sun hat
• Comfortable Walking Shoes
• Small torch
• Warm clothing