Most travelers will need either:

• A tourist visa (B-2) — for visitors who are NOT part of the Visa Waiver Program, or

• ESTA authorization — for travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries (valid for stays up to 90 days).

Always check your country’s eligibility on the official U.S. government website, and apply early since processing times vary.

The United States uses the U.S. Dollar (USD).
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx) are widely accepted, even for small purchases. ATMs are available everywhere, but withdrawing from your home bank’s partner institution typically saves fees.

English is the primary language throughout the country.
In some cities, you’ll also find large Spanish-speaking communities, especially in:

• California

• Texas

• Florida

• New York

Most tourism workers, hotel staff, and service industry employees speak English.

The U.S. uses:

• Plug Type A/B

• Voltage: 110–120V

If you’re coming from Europe, Asia, or Australia, you will need a travel adapter.
Some devices may also require a voltage converter—especially hair dryers or straighteners.

These apps make travel smoother:

• Uber / Lyft – Main rideshare apps used for getting around cities.

• Google Maps – Best for transit, driving, and walking directions.

• Apple Maps – Works well on iPhones, especially for walking.

• Yelp – Helps find restaurants, cafes, and local businesses with reviews.

• Airbnb / Booking.com – Accommodation options across the country.

• Transit App – Real-time bus and train information in major cities.

Transportation varies significantly by region:

• Urban areas (NYC, Boston, Chicago, DC): Subways and buses work very well.

• Medium cities (Austin, Denver, Nashville): Rideshare + limited transit.

• Rural/National Park areas: Renting a car is usually essential.

Domestic flights are common for long distances because the country is large.

Tipping is expected in most service situations:

• Restaurants: 18–20%

• Bars: $1–$2 per drink or 15–20%

• Taxis/rideshare: 10–15%

• Hotels: $2–$5 per day for housekeeping

• Hair/nail services: 15–20%

Not tipping is considered rude unless the service was very poor.

Pack based on region and season:

• Northeast & Midwest: Cold winters (heavy coats), hot summers.

• Southwest (Arizona, Nevada): Very hot and dry.

• Pacific Northwest (Seattle, Portland): Mild temps, lots of rain.

• California: Coastal weather varies—bring layers.

• Hawaii: Tropical clothing, reef-safe sunscreen.

Comfortable walking shoes are essential in most cities.

Most travelers use:

• Uber or Lyft

• Airport trains (NYC’s AirTrain, Chicago’s Blue Line, SFO BART, etc.)

• Airport shuttles

• Taxis

• Hotel pickup services

Check your destination-specific FAQ for exact airport transportation options.

Yes — tap water is safe to drink in nearly all U.S. cities.
Exceptions may exist in very rural or well-known affected areas, but hotels will notify you if needed.

Safety for solo female travelers often comes down to:

• Walkable, well-lit neighborhoods

• Reliable transportation (Uber, metro, buses)

• Strong tourism presence

• Low levels of violent crime

• Friendly, English-speaking locals

• Plenty of hostels, hotels, and social activities

All recommended destinations above meet most or all of these factors.