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Language: English is the official language.
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 US quart of alcoholic beverages; and perfumes, lotions and other goods for personal use. Restrictions may apply to goods from Cuba, Cambodia, Korea and Vietnam. 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: 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes or 2kg tobacco, or a proportionate mix of these, 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. Imports from or exports to Iran and leather souvenirs imported from Haiti are prohibited. 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: +1 613 238 5335
United States Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6214 5600
United States Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 1048
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
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