Travel tips
16/04/2014 23:41
Business Hours
Banks are generally open Monday to Friday 09:00-15:00, with some banks open on Saturday. Shopping schedules vary . The malls are open late 7 days a week. Small businesses tend to close early and Sundays.
Currency
U.S. Dollars (U.S. $) = 100 cents. Bills come in the amounts of $ 100, 50 , 20, 10 , 5, 2 and 1. Coins come in quantities of 50, 25 , 10, 5 and 1 cents and $ 1 .
Hotels , as a rule, change currency, only a few major banks will exchange currency, so it is advisable to bring U.S. Dollars or Traveler's checks in U.S. dollars when it arrives. ATMs are everywhere and the Cirrus and Star Links cards can be used to draw dollars from ATMs with the symbols of these tarjetas.No no limit on the import or export of local or foreign currency . However, over $ 10,000 or equivalent amounts, including foreign currency, travelers checks, money transfer and debit vouchers , must be registered with the U.S. Customs form 4790 . Failure to do so will be committing civil offense and that includes criminal forfeiture money .
Credit & Debit Cards
Major credit and debit cards are accepted in USA, including American Express , Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. Tourists are advised to carry at least one credit card of the main ce , as it is normal to ask for payment in advance to rent a car or pay for a hotel room , even when the final payment is not made with the card.
Travellers Cheques
They are accepted in most hotels, shops and restaurants , provided they are travelers checks estadounidenses.Los dollars expended in other quantities are not accepted and few banks the change. In most cases to use travelers checks or need to change one or two identifications (passport , credit card , driving license ) may also be requested.
Customs
These things must be imported by senior tourists 21 years without paying any tax : 200 cigarettes , 50 cigars or 2 kilos of snuff or proportional amounts of each ; 0.95 liters of alcohol, gifts or over $ 100 American goods .
Note:
Objects should not be gift-wrapped , as they must be available for inspection . The alcohol limit is the national maximum allowed ; some states allow less and if you arrive in the States will have to pay excess or excess leave
Electricity
110 volts AC , 60Hz . The plug is flat with two pins. European appliances with no possibility of dual voltage must use an adapter and a transformer can buy better before coming to USA . The TV system is NTSC I / II and is not compatible with PAL and SECAM systems used in Asia and Europe , however the cassettes can be converted .
Health
The United States have excellent health and hygiene standards. While you need to make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance , standard medical care are among the most expensive in the world. No vaccinations are required when visiting the United States, unless they come from an area with yellow fever , then you will be required to be vaccinated and a certificate of vacunación.Todos eating places should have high standards of hygiene by law, so it is very safe even at street stalls . Tap water is drinkable in some areas, bottled water is recommended and is available in all areas .
Language
The official language is English, with a significant number of citizens who speak Spanish .
Security
Most visitors to the U.S. will have no problems , although tourists should use some common sense when the streets and avoid carrying valuables in crowded areas and on public transport . In large cities, using public transport at night, as the bus or subway is not advised. The police are heavily armed and will usually help if you encounter any problem. Call 911 if you see any problema.Se advises tourists to contact the State Department website for the latest advice about : https://travel.state.gov/travel
Social Conventions
Due to the wide variety of ethnic groups in the U.S. there are a lot of customs that inhabit the country together . In big cities , people with the same ethnic background living in the same community.The handshake is the normal way of greeting . In an informal and relaxed atmosphere is the norm . Americans are known for their candor and sympathy with turistas.Los are valued gifts like flowers , wine or chocolate, if invited to a private home. As a rule the attire should be casual . In fancy restaurants , hotels and clubs must wear a suit and tie or dress largo.Fumar is becoming unpopular in the U.S. and is often considered offensive; permission is paramount to all present before lighting a cigarette. Smoking is prohibited on public transport and is often restricted or completely banned in public buildings. There will be a signal normally banning smoking in places that can not be , being normal in most of the restaurants have smoking and non-smoking. Smoking is prohibited in all restaurants in California (Los Angeles, San Francisco , San Diego etc . ) And in New York.
Taxes / Tips
Waiters wait for standard 15 or 20 percent of the account tip, like taxi drivers and hairdressers. You should be aware that there is a charge covered by admission to listing, which is not a tip for the service. The hotel porters usually expect a dollar a bag that lleve.Los sales taxes are applied in most states and is not included in the object tag. Taxes are between 3% and 15%, depending on the state. Some states, like New Jersey have no sales tax.
Phone
International calls are available.
Country Code: 1
Emergencies: 911
The following prefixes indicate that calls are free (no charge): 800, 855.866, 877 and 888.
Phone numbers with the prefix 900 are typically more expensive, charging anywhere from $ 1 to $ 50 per minute.
Time
The United States is divided into six time zones :
Eastern Standard Time : GMT - 5
Central Standard Time : GMT - 6
Mountain Standard Time : GMT - 7
Pacific Standard Time : GMT - 8
Alaska : GMT - 9
Hawaii: GMT - 10
Daylight Saving Time (DST ) is used in most of the States in the summer. From the first Sunday in April until the last Sunday in October , clocks are put forward one hour normally , changing at 02:00 local time. Hawaii is the only exception where DST is applied.
Visas
Passports must be valid at least for a minimum of 3 to 6 months ( depending on nationality ) from entering the country .
EU nationals need to fill out an application form for a visa at least 72 hours before you plan to travel to the U.S. You may have to prove you have funds and their airline ticket. Canadians also need a passport to enter the EE.UU.Las visa rules can be very strict and often change. So please ask for information at your local embassy or visit American www.usembassy.com for current visa information.