Language: English is the most common language but Spanish is often spoken in south-western states.
Currency: The US Dollar (USD) is the unit of currency and is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards and travelers cheques are widely accepted. Travelers cheques should be taken in US Dollars to avoid hassles. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.
Time: The
USA is divided into six time zones. Eastern Time is GMT -5, Pacific Time is GMT -8, Central Time is GMT -6, Mountain Time is GMT -7,
Alaska is GMT -9, and
Hawaii is GMT -10. Other than
Arizona and Hawaii, all states observe daylight saving time in summer between March and November when clocks go back one hour.
Electricity: 120 volts, 60Hz. Plugs are mainly the two, flat-pin type, though three-pin plugs are also widely used. European appliances without dual-voltage capabilities will require an adapter, which can be purchased in most major departure airports.
Communications: The international country dialing code for the United States is +1. The outgoing code is 011, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the
United Kingdom). The US has numerous area/city codes, which must be dialed before the local number required (e.g. New York
Manhattan, 212, and
Washington DC, 202). Mobile networks cover most of the country, including all urban areas, however unless you have a tri-band phone it is likely your cellular phone from home will not work in the United States. The largest GSM networks are
T-mobile and
Cingular. Internet cafes are prevalent in most towns and cities.
Duty Free: Travelers to the United States who are returning residents of the country do not have to pay duty on articles purchased abroad to the value of $800 provided their stay was longer than 48 hours and their duty-free allowance was not used in the 30-day period prior. For passengers arriving from
Samoa,
Guam and the
U.S. Virgin Islands, a duty-free allowance of $1,200 is allowed. The following items are included in this: 1,000 cigarettes and 100 cigars. Travelers over 21 years are allowed 1 liter of alcoholic beverages; and perfumes, lotions and other goods for personal use. Restrictions may apply to goods from
Cuba,
Iran,
North Korea,
Burma (Myanmar),
Angola,
Liberia and
Sudan. It is prohibited to import Cuban cigars from any country. Travelers to the United States who are non-residents do not have to pay duty on the following items: 100 cigars or 200 cigarettes and gifts to the value of $100 provided their stay in the USA is not less than 72 hours and that the allowance has not been used in the preceding six-month period. Prohibited items for residents and non-residents include: meat or meat products, poultry, narcotics, absinthe, plants, seeds, vegetables, fruits, soil, live insects and other living plants or animal pests. Fish is prohibited unless it carries disease-free certification. Wildlife and animals or their by-products carry restrictions. Dairy products and eggs from specified countries are not allowed. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed without the necessary license and permit.
Tourist OfficeUnited
States Tourist Office: www.usatourist.com
EmergencyEmergencies: 911
Embassies
United States Embassy,
London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7499 9000.
United States Embassy,
Ottawa,
Canada: +1 613 688 5335.
United States Embassy,
Canberra,
Australia: +61 (0)2 6214 5600.
United States Embassy,
Pretoria,
South Africa: +27 (0)12 431 4000.
United States Embassy,
Dublin,
Ireland: +353 (0)1 668 8777.
United States Embassy,
Wellington,
New Zealand: +64 (0)4 462 6000.
British Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 588 6500.
Canadian Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 682 1740.
Australian Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 797 3000.
South
African Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 232 4400.
Irish Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 462 3939.
New
Zealand Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 328 4800.
