Saily eSIM for United States
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3,665 mi away
£1 US$1.32
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Weather & climate
Weather in United States
United States
28°
Overcast
Wed
16°
28°
Thu
17°
33°
Fri
20°
32°
Sat
20°
26°
Sun
19°
31°
Mon
21°
31°
Tue
20°
36°
SPF level in United States
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for United States
What British travellers need to know
You must have either a valid US visa or an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) prior to travel.
Your passport only needs to be valid for the length of your planned stay in the US.
If you are not eligible for an ESTA, you must apply for a US visa as travelling on an ESTA when ineligible can lead to detention and deportation.
You may not be eligible for an ESTA if you have been arrested, have a criminal record, have been refused admission or deported from the US, or have previously overstayed under an ESTA.
Your ESTA authorisation must contain the required selfie photograph and you should check your ESTA account before travelling to ensure it remains valid.
Good to know:
You must be able to present a letter of consent from one or both parents if you are a child travelling alone, with only one parent, or with someone who is not a parent or guardian.
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of the US and you must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Safety in United States
Tips when travelling
United States is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Always carry your passport showing you have permission to enter or remain in the US.
The national legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 21 across the US.
Do not leave passports in rental cars, especially not in the boot.
Avoid leaving any items on display in your car.
Take care in unfamiliar areas and try not to walk through quieter areas alone, especially at night.
Bonus tips:
When hiring a car, companies often have stricter requirements like a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age, and holding an International Driving Permit.
Check weather conditions before a long car journey, particularly in mountainous, isolated or desert areas where services may be limited.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in United States
A UK driving license is valid for a short-term visit. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, but not always required.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h (75 mph) is common, but limits vary by state.
Urban speed limit
40-50 km/h (25-30 mph) is typical in residential areas.
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Remember: United States drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in United States
As a visitor to the United States, you are responsible for any medical costs you incur. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) and European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are not valid in the USA. It is essential to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including hospital stays and emergency medical evacuation.
No vaccinations required
Medical care in the United States is of a high standard but can be very expensive. Ensure you have adequate travel insurance, including health coverage, before you travel. Check the CDC and NHS websites for up-to-date health advice.
Cards & payments
Very High
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 800-847-2911 (toll-free)
Tipping in United States
Tipping is customary in the United States for various service industries. It's a significant part of service workers' income.
Restaurant
15-20% of the pre-tax bill for good service.
Bar/Café
$1-2 per drink or 15-20% of the total bill.
Taxi
15-20% of the fare.
Hotel Porter
$1-2 per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
$2-5 per night, left daily.
Tour Guide
10-15% of the tour cost.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile customers. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in the United States. Roaming charges can be high, so consider purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival.
Local SIM
10GB for 30 USD (~£24)
Network coverage
5G, 4G LTE, 3G
Electrical in United States
Voltage
120V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
High. Free Wi-Fi is commonly available in cafes, restaurants, hotels, and public spaces.
Average speed
100 Mbps
Internet access is widely available in the United States. Wi-Fi is readily accessible in most urban areas and tourist destinations. Mobile data is also reliable.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
911
Save 911 in your phone before travelling.
Calling United States
Country code
+1
To call the British Embassy in Washington, dial 00 1 202 588 7800.
The country code for the United States is 1. When calling from the UK, you'll need to dial the exit code (00), then the country code (1), followed by the area code and the local number. Mobile phone coverage is generally very good throughout the US.
Languages in United States
English(primary)
Spanish
UK Embassy
British Embassy Washington
3100 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Entry requirements
21 days ago
Health
- Entry restrictions are now in place for travellers who were recently in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan, due to Ebola.
Customs
- You may be asked to provide a selfie photograph for your ESTA; existing authorisations without one may need to be replaced.
Airports in United States
Beaches in United States
Frequently asked questions
British citizens can usually enter the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). You must apply for authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before your trip. However, if you plan to work, study, or stay longer than 90 days, you will need a visa.
Be wary of unsolicited calls asking for money or personal information, especially those claiming to be from the IRS or other government agencies. Avoid street vendors selling counterfeit goods, and always protect your credit card information when making transactions. Be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true, as they often are.
Tap water in most cities and towns in the United States is generally safe to drink. However, it's always a good idea to check local advisories, especially in older buildings where lead pipes may still be present. Bottled water is also readily available if you prefer.
The best time to visit the United States depends on which region you plan to visit. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures in many areas. Summer is ideal for beach vacations and national park visits, while winter is great for skiing. Consider avoiding peak tourist seasons for lower prices and fewer crowds.
Tipping is customary in the United States for service industry workers. It's standard to tip 15-20% at restaurants, bars, and for taxi services. Hotel staff, such as bellhops and housekeepers, are also typically tipped. Not tipping can be considered rude.
Americans tend to be direct and informal in their communication style. Customer service is usually emphasized, and businesses expect promptness. Be prepared for large portion sizes when dining out. Familiarize yourself with local customs and laws, particularly regarding alcohol consumption and public behavior.
The United States has a well-developed transportation infrastructure. Major cities have comprehensive public transportation systems; however, renting a car is often the most convenient way to explore the country, especially for visiting national parks and more rural areas. Domestic flights are common for longer distances.
The United States uses Type A and Type B electrical outlets with a voltage of 120V and a frequency of 60Hz. Visitors from the UK will need a plug adapter and possibly a voltage converter to use their electronic devices.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.