From understanding the tipping culture to transportation, here are some things that can help you prepare for a worry-free trip:
1. Don’t forget to tip
Tipping is the norm in a lot of establishments in America, so not tipping can come across as rude or an expression of bad service. A tip of 20% in bars and restaurants is expected but tipping is standard for most services. Expect to tip taxi drivers, baristas, beauty therapists and hotel porters.
2. Pick your mode of transportation
There's nothing like hitting the open road in America. With sprawling cities and iconic roads like Route 66, cars are king. However, it’s not the only way to get around so it's worth checking what transport is available where you’re going. A lot of resorts offer hotel shuttle services. If you’re hopping around a city, consider ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft. If you fancy a slower way to explore, you could try a railway tour.
3. Make reservations
Don't miss out on popular sights by booking in advance. Theme parks and museums are obvious attractions you can plan in advance, but even some outdoor activities require some forward planning. For example, you need a reservation to hike the Half Dome in Yosemite and to drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. Make sure you check park websites for details before your trip.
4. Purchase travel insurance
Healthcare costs in the USA can be extremely high. All travellers are advised to carry a health insurance policy that covers medical visits. Without insurance, you may be billed the full cost of any care you receive, which can easily run into the thousands of dollars, especially for emergency room visits.
5. Watch out for sales tax
Unlike the UK where the price you see in the shops is the price you pay, in the USA a sales tax is added. A sales tax is a percentage-based fee that is added to the price of the items you buy. For example, if you buy something that’s $10 and the sales tax is 7%, you’ll pay $10.70 when you make your purchase. Each state decides its own sales tax, so make sure you check the rate for your destination.
6. Choose your payment methods wisely
Not all payment methods are accepted everywhere so it’s advisable to take a few options with you. Debit and credit cards are most widely used and cash is handy for small businesses and leaving tips (see point no.1). Mobile payments through Google Pay and Apple Pay are becoming more popular but aren’t accepted everywhere. Some places require a ‘Chip and signature’ card (rather than a chip and PIN) so make sure you have one card that’s compatible with this method of payment.
Get ready for your American adventure by downloading Zing and opening your USD wallet today.
