Destination Information

Thanks to the country’s unrivalled entertainment industry, we’ve all already travelled to the United States of America, even if we haven’t actually stood on American soil. Through films, music and popular culture magazines we’ve all had a preview of what life is like in the US of A (whether accurate or not is another story!). We’ve all seen the breathtaking Manhattan skyline, the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon and the unique streetscape of gambling-haven Las Vegas. But there is much more to America than Starbucks and oversized cars. For any kind of holiday, from relaxing by the beach in California to revelling in a Texan rodeo, America is the land of opportunity.

Area
9,826,630 sq km
Comparative area
Slightly larger than China.
States
The United States of America is made up of fifty states.
Internet
http://www.usatourist.com/
http://www.usatourism.ca/
Population
303,187,000
Government
Federal republic
Currency
United States Dollar. $1 = 100 cents.
Country Code
+1
Language
English
Emergency numbers
Police, Fire Brigade and Ambulance, dial 911
Electricity
110 volts/ 60 cycles AC

Short information

Culture – There is nothing in the world like American culture – or how influential it is over the rest of the world. The epicentre for many worldwide industries, American films, music, fashion, literature, architecture, information technology and art are well-known throughout the world. America is particularly famous for its celebrity culture, due to entertainment industry hotspot ‘Hollywood’ being located in Los Angeles, California.

People – With fifty states, the population of America is extremely multi-cultural and diverse. Due to America’s close proximity to Central and South America, a significant proportion of the population are of Latin heritage. African-Americans make up America’s largest minority group with over 12 percent of the population. You’ll find people are worlds apart throughout the states of America – from the glamour of California to the conservative southern states of Louisiana and Texas to the metropolis of New York; each region has different accents, colloquial language and ways of life.

Climate – The American climate varies vastly depends on which state you’ll be visiting, but whether you’re after snow or sunshine, you’ll be able to find both on the one day somewhere in the United States of America! From ice-haven Alaska in the north to sun-worshipper’s paradise Florida in the south, it’s possible to discover arid deserts, snow-capped mountains and everything in between on a visit to America. Choose your season depending on what kind of holiday you’re after, and research your destination thoroughly to be prepared for the weather.

Lifestyle – Americans are known for being extremely patriotic with a love for their country, entertainment and football! Americans are the heaviest viewers of television in the world, and the country virtually comes to a stand-still on ‘Superbowl Sunday’ – the National Football League Final. Baseball, basketball and ice hockey are also extremely popular sports. A very athletic nation, America has won more gold-medals than any other in Olympic history.

Geography – Just like their climate and population, the geography of America is also extremely varied. Mostly located in the Western Hemisphere, the United States of America is the third-largest nation in the world. From the beaches of California to the mountainous peaks of the Rockies – the enormous size of the United States allows for nearly every possible geographical feature.

Natural Resources – Rich in natural resources, America provide coal, copper, uranium, gold, iron, mercury, silver, zinc, petroleum, natural gas and timber for export.

Essentials

Passport - A valid passport or similar acceptable travel document is required of all people wishing to travel to and enter America. Dual nationality is recognised, and American law requires dual nationals to travel with both passports at all times. A return or onward travel itinerary is required. Visit the Department of Foreign Affairs website for more information.

Visa – If you plan on staying in America for 90 days or less, Australians are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). However, if the purpose of your trip is work, study or a stay for longer than 90 days, you must obtain a visa before travelling. All visitors to America must list a forwarding address for the length of their stay. So whether you’ll be with friends or in a hotel, remember to write down the address before you leave to pass onto Customs officials.

Duty Free - Each traveller over 18 years of age can bring into America 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes or 2kg of tobacco duty/tax free. Travellers over the age of 21 can carry 1 quart (1 litre) of alcoholic beverages. For other goods, including those intended as gifts, a duty/tax-free allowance of US$100 per person. People related by birth or marriage living at the same address and travelling together (families) may pool their allowances. These articles must accompany you through Customs and must not be intended for commercial purposes.

Good to know

Time Zones – The United States of America is split into six time zones:

Eastern Standard Time: GMT – 5 (GMT – 4 from second Sunday in March to first Sunday in November). Central Standard Time: GMT – 6 (GMT -5 from second Sunday in March to first Sunday in November). Mountain Standard Time: GMT – 8 (GMT -7 from second Sunday in March to first Sunday in November). Alaska: GMT – 9 (GMT – 8 from second Sunday in March to first Sunday in November).
Hawaii: GMT - 10.

Post Office – Trading hours vary. Check the United States Postal Service website for your nearest post office and when they’re open for business.

Banks – Banks are generally open Monday-Friday 9am-3pm. ATMs are widely available and frequently used by Americans. Traveller’s cheques are widely accepted provided they are in US Dollars.

Tipping – Tipping is common practice in the United States of America, with gratuities often added to the bill automatically in popular areas. A standard tip is 10 – 20 percent of the total bill, unless you’re feeling generous! Tips are generally given to anyone who provides you with a service, so don’t forget taxi drivers, bartenders and door staff.