United States Travel Guide — Currency, Costs & Culture (2026)

United States uses the US Dollar (USD), symbol: $. Capital city: Washington, D.C.. Region: North America. Primary language: English.

Government & practicalities: Head of state: Donald Trump (President). Government type: Federal Presidential Constitutional Republic. International calling code: +1. Drives on the Right. Power outlets: Type A/B, 120V. Internet domain: .us.

What $100 USD typically buys in United States

• 🍔 8–13 fast food combo meals
• ☕ Around 17 Starbucks coffees
• 🍕 7 slices of NY pizza (approximate)
• 🎬 7 movie theater tickets
• 🚕 7 short Uber/Lyft rides

Daily travel budgets in United States

Budget travelers: $60–100/day (hostels, food trucks, public transit). Mid-range travelers: $150–250/day (mid hotels, restaurants, attractions). Luxury travelers: $400+/day (boutique hotels, fine dining, private tours).

Typical local prices in USD

• Fast food meal: $8–14
• Coffee (café): $4–7
• Beer (bar): $6–9
• Subway/bus ride: $2–3
• Museum entrance: $15–30
• Budget hotel/night: $60–100
• Mid-range hotel/night: $120–200
• Gallon of gas: $3–4

Cultural tips for visitors to United States

• 😊 Americans are generally very friendly — small talk with strangers is common.
• 🤝 A firm handshake is the standard business greeting.
• 🍽️ Portions are large — sharing dishes or taking leftovers home ('doggie bags') is normal.
• 🚗 Outside major cities, a car is often essential to get around.
• 💳 Prices shown do not include sales tax, which varies by state (0–10%).

Tipping customs in United States

Tipping is deeply ingrained in American culture. Standard tip: 18–20% at restaurants, $1–2/drink at bars, $2–5/night for hotel housekeeping, 15–20% for taxi/rideshare.

Useful phrases in English

• How's it going? (How's it goh-ing) — Informal greeting — 'Fine, thanks' is the expected reply.
• Check, please (Check, pleez) — Ask for the restaurant bill.
• To go (To goh) — Takeout — order food to take with you, not eat in.
• Restroom / Bathroom (Rest-room / Bath-room) — The polite term for toilet/WC.

Traditional foods to try in United States

• BBQ (Texas, Carolina styles)
• New York-style pizza
• Clam chowder (New England)
• Lobster roll
• Philly cheesesteak
• Chicago deep-dish pizza
• Tex-Mex
• Apple pie

Major landmarks and attractions in United States

• Statue of Liberty (NYC)
• Grand Canyon (Arizona)
• Yellowstone National Park
• Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco)
• Times Square (NYC)
• Walt Disney World (Florida)
• The National Mall (DC)

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in United States

• Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
• Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming/Montana/Idaho)
• Everglades National Park (Florida)
• Independence Hall (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
• Statue of Liberty (New York)
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Safety information for United States

Safety varies widely by city and neighborhood. Research your specific destination. Healthcare is expensive — travel insurance is strongly recommended. Emergency: call 911.

Visa information for United States

Citizens of 42 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) — including most of Europe, Japan, Australia, and South Korea — allowing 90-day stays without a visa. An ESTA must be registered online before travel ($21 fee). Citizens of other countries need a B-1/B-2 tourist visa from a US em

Emergency numbers in United States

police: 911, ambulance: 911, fire: 911, tourist: 311 (non-emergency city services in most cities)

Disclaimer: Prices are approximate and vary by city, season, and travel style. Exchange rates and costs are for informational purposes only. Always verify visa requirements and safety conditions with official sources before travel. Information current as of 2026.