Are you ready for a trip to the United States? Whatever your destination, here are ten things to do before you leave:
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Electronic Passport
The valid passport to travel to the USA with the Visa Waiver Program is the electronic one. It has a 9-digit numbering, including 2 letters and 7 numbers, and contains fingerprints. An electronic passport without fingerprints is also fine, as long as it has not expired and is valid until you return.
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What To Pack
A road map should not be missing in your suitcase if you are traveling on the road, a photocopy of your travel documents, a fan if you go to the South-West, a raincoat for the coastal areas, a hat and sunglasses, sweaters for the northern areas, a mini dictionary and a power bank to help the battery of smartphones and tablets.
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Health Insurance
Health care in the USA is very expensive because there is no National Health System like in Italy. Do not forget to take out a USA travel health insurance such as Travel Nonstop USA & Canada by Europ
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Assistance
Health assistance with no limits of maximum limits, bearing all necessary costs, medical expenses up to 1 million euros, interpreter available, and an operations center active 24 hours a day.
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Medicines
It is always better to start with an aid kit and the respective indications for use, bringing with you any medicines that you take routinely and prescribed by your doctor. Don’t forget an insect bite kit.
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ESTA Authorization
Those traveling to the USA without a visa must apply for the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), which is valid for 2 years and costs $ 14. It is advisable to request it at least 72 hours before departure.
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Money And Credit Cards
The credit card is the most popular payment method in the USA. Prepaid and debit cards are also accepted, but the credit card is more reliable. In case of loss of the latter, you can collect a replacement on site. For convenience, also carry a small amount of cash.
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Electric Socket Adapter
In the USA there are two types of electrical sockets similar to each other: type A and type B, the first with two flat contacts and the second with a third cylindrical. Before leaving, buy an adapter for 110V voltage and 60Hz frequency electrical sockets.
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The Guide
On the market, you will find a wide range of guides for the United States. More practical is certainly a specific guide dedicated to your destination or at least to the planned itinerary. We also suggest consulting the sites of local tourism bodies to keep you updated on seasonal offers.
10.Telephone Operator And Data Roaming
Before leaving, contact your telephone operator to understand the costs of telephone calls and data roaming, which in the United States can really be high. If you stay for a long time, consider buying an American sim with one of the main operators. To activate it, a copy of your passport and the address where you reside in the USA will be sufficient.
Tips
Tipping in the United States is not a matter of bon ton but is mandatory on any service provided. To avoid bad figures, calculate on average 15-20% of the total value to be paid.
