practical tips for travellers
alcoholic beverages
Drinking & driving don't go together, we all know that! But have you ever heard about taking your own bottle of wine into a restaurant? Get to know all the do's and don'ts! Read this.
american road signs
Once you know how to drive, you won't ever forget it. Maybe ... but in the USA, they "talk" a different road sign language. Just click here to get a quick driving lesson.
average temperatures in the USA
Alaska is cold and Texas is hot. No doubt about that! But what should you pack if you go visit some old friends in Minnesota? You wouldn't know? Have a look at this chart!
consumer taxes or VAT- Sales Tax in the United States
There is no national tax system in the United States such as V.A.T. Instead, sales taxes are assessed individually by state and city, and each state has complete autonomy in administering its taxes usually varying between 06% and 15%.
Louisiana is the only state which provides a refund for sales tax for international visitors for goods purchased at participating stores, and in several other states no sales tax is charged if the visitor does not take direct possession of items purchased but has them shipped directly out of the state. You may wish to get in touch with one of the tax offices in whatever state you made your purchase.
currency
Just in case you wouldn't know: the legal tender in the United States is the U.S. Dollar. But Americans not only pay with dollars, so-called plastic money is widely accepted and so are traveler checks. All you ever wanted to know about the famous "Green Bill" is in here.
dates to remember
Of course you remember your wedding anniversary and your birthday. But you might also want to know that the 4th of July is Independence Day (not only a movie!) Click here: it might prevent you to plan a shopping day when all malls are closed!
distance calculator
Want to know how far two destinations are from one another? Use our distance calculator to get a better feel for distances in the United States.
electricity & electrical appliances
If you shave with your Grand Dad's antique razor blades: no need to read this. But if the brightness of your smile is the result of an electric toothbrush you should really go through every single line of this section.
Immigration & customs
We know: this is not a very motivating subject to read about, you would rather learn everything about Fisherman's Wharf or Lady Liberty. But if there's one section that should be read before you go, then this is the one.
medical care, vaccinations & insurance
Planning your trip to the United States will probably not include hospitalization. Be sure that potential medical expenses are properly covered before you leave your home. Read this section attentively.
safety
Bay Watch, Miami Vice, Chips, and more recently, Superman, Spiderman and the likes? Their common goal: your safety. But this is all Hollywood fiction. Why don't you take a couple of "real" tips about safe behavior?
shopping
Gentlemen, if shopping is not your cup of tea, you could skip this section, but you might very well face financial disaster if you don't go along! Ladies, this is just for you?all you ever wanted to know about shopping.
size conversions
Size does matter. Don't pop in a store and ask for sweater size "40 ", it would fit you like a nightgown from rent-a-tent! Just make a print of our size converter and take it along. You will use it everyday.
telephone
Are you a telephone addict? Then welcome to paradise! Wherever you look, there is always a 'phone in sight?so make sure you know how to reach Belgium, click here?
the physically challenged traveler
It is difficult for you to read or to move around? Don't worry, the United States are probably one of the easiest country to visit. Have a look and see how easy they made it for you.
time differences
Avoid headaches trying to figure out why your friend in Alaska is having breakfast while you are having lunch in Detroit. Have a look as it can get very complicated in some regions.
tipping
When the hotel bellboy stands long in front of your door, it is probably not because he enjoys your company. When the waitress keeps asking if you are ok, then it is probably not because she thinks you are cute?Tipping is a US tradition you must read about.
travelling around
Of course you did not fly across the Atlantic Ocean only to sip a dry martini in the bar on the corner of the street. You want to move around! By air, rail, bus, mobile home, car, and motorbike, you name it; you'll find it here. Oh! And if you want to go on foot, then visit our shopping section, where you'll find a couple good shoes stores.
useful addresses
Everyone likes to discovering good and useful addresses? Maybe you'd rather not pay a visit to your Consulate in the US, for it may mean that something nasty has happened on your trip, but they'd surely be happy to assist you when possible.
weight & measures
When we talk in meters, they speak in feet. We weigh in grams, they in ounces. How much is a gallon? And how hot is 100? Fahrenheit! Click here, it'll make it a little easier...
where to eat
No, Americans do not only eat hamburgers with fries and a coke! Why not trying a hot dog or a slice of pizza? We're only pulling your leg? there's a wide variety of cuisines available throughout the country, you'd be surprised at what you'll discover?
where to stay
Looking for a hotel in Washington DC or for a camping site in Colorado? From as basic & economical as you may want, to as extravagant & luxurious as you could possibly imagine, whatever your choice of accommodation is, you will find it right here! Just click and?sleep!
