Electricity120 volts, 60Hz. Plugs are mainly the type with two
flat pins, 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. LanguageEnglish is the most common language but Spanish is often
spoken in south-western states. TippingA 15% tip is expected by taxi drivers, bartenders, hairdressers
and waiters, but don't tip in fast-food or self-service
restaurants. In expensive restaurants or for large parties tip 20%
of the bill. It is normal to tip staff staff such as valets and
porters in hotels; this is discretionary although a minimum of $5
is expected. Most services are customarily tipped if the service is
good. Safety InformationTravel within the United States is generally trouble-free,
however travellers should be aware that the US shares with the rest
of the world an increased threat from terrorist incidents. Security
has been heightened particularly at airports. Restrictions on hand
luggage apply and travellers are advised to check on the latest
situation with airlines in advance. Travellers should also be alert
to the dangers of car and street crime in cities and should use
common sense and take basic precautions. Hurricanes are common
between June and November, putting the southern USA, including the
Gulf Coast and the eastern US, at risk. There is a risk of
wildfires in many dry areas in the US, particularly on the West
Coast from March to November. Local CustomsLaws vary from state to state, including speed limit, fines and
punishment. The age at which you may legally buy and consume
alcohol is 21 years. BusinessArray CommunicationsThe international country dialling 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 dialled 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 FreeTravellers 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: 50 cigarettes and 10 cigars and 150
milliliters (5 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages or 150 milliliters
(5 fl. oz.) of perfume containing alcohol. 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. Travellers to the United States who are non-residents do
not have to pay duty on the following items: 50 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.
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