(For a temporary stay in the United States.)
Traveling to the U.S. as an international student? Visit our "International Student Travel" page.
How to Apply for a U.S. Visitor VisaOne thing Americans highly value: their personal space! When chatting, it's best to stand several feet away (and refrain from touching people you don't know well).
Upon initially meeting someone, a firm handshake is typically preferred.
Common Greetings
Welcome Topics of Conversation
Work, sports, travel, food, music, movies, and books.
Topics to Avoid
Unless you know someone very well, it's best to avoid topics of politics, religion, and other controversial subjects and to avoid making ethnic, religious, or sexual jokes.
Common Gestures
Navigating an unfamiliar transportation system can be a daunting task. Here are some of your best options for hassle-free transit:
Bus/Subway/Metro/Streetcar System
Larger cities typically offer a bus system (and sometimes a subway or metro system). One trip typically costs $2-$3.
Passes can be purchased at the vending machines located inside the terminal (or you may be able to purchase online).
Train
Amtrak is the sole intercity passenger railroad operating to over 500 destinations. Tickets vary by seat and distance and can be purchased one way or round trip online, by phone, onboard, or at a kiosk.
Taxi
Taxis can be flagged down or requested by phone. They charge a metered fee that's typically payable by cash or card (it's customary to tip 15%). Popular mobile-app-based alternatives include Uber and Lyft.
Bike
Many large cities also offer bike rental or bikeshare programs. Be sure to use bike-specific trails or specified bike lanes and to obey all traffic signals.
Here are just a few basic concepts to keep in mind as you travel throughout the United States:
Currency
Phone System
Electrical Outlets
Follow these tips to navigate cultural differences with ease:
Safety should always be a top priority— especially when you're traveling an unfamiliar country.
To prepare for your visit to the U.S., read up on the culture and always practice the following safety tips:
(Yes, you should.)
Did you know that your domestic health insurance plan may not cover you once you leave your home country?
An unexpected illness or injury incurred in the U.S. could cost you more than you think if you don't have adequate coverage.
You can learn more about travel medical insurance coverage here.
By combining important medical benefits with key travel-related services, travel medical insurance offers you valuable financial protection and travel assistance for your trip abroad.
It could mean the difference between a trip ruined by unforeseen illness or injury and a trip with access to quality coverage and care if the unexpected strikes.
Read about how the costs are calculated here.
As a result, travelers without applicable healthcare coverage are exposed to these high costs.
According to healthcare.gov, a broken leg can cost up to $7,500 to fix in the United States. And the cost of a 3-day hospital stay? Around $30,000.
Many travel medical insurance policies include travel assistance services in addition to the medical benefits.
For example, an Atlas Travel policy features the following travel benefits:
For more details, see the Atlas Travel series webpage.
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