USA - USA

USA (United States) is a large country in central and northwestern North America. The country USA also includes many islands. It is one of the world's largest, richest and most powerful countries and mixes densely populated cities with vast areas of low population density and stunning scenery. With its history of immigration since the 17th century, the United States now sees itself as a melting pot for different cultures from around the world. Even a short visit to the country is a study in contrasts.

Planning before the trip

You must have a visa to enter the United States. You apply for this via the internet. You get the answer via e-mail and thus do not need paper (this applies to at least Swedish citizens). It takes quite a long time to go through customs on arrival (at least an hour, but it can take even longer). Everyone must go through, even those in transit.

To bring to the United States

• The United States has strict import regulations, especially with regard to foods of various kinds. A leftover cheese sandwich in your hand luggage can be an expensive affair.
• Tea is available at most motels and in all grocery stores.

To bring with you from the USA

• Outdoor items made in the USA, such as Therm-A-Rest, are a good buy.

Facts about the United States

History

The locals

Climate

The climate varies greatly depending on the location in the United States. On the west coast, the climate is maritime and rich in precipitation. Florida and Hawaii have tropical climates, but most of the United States has temperate climates.

Holidays

• The fourth of July is US National Day and it is celebrated all over the country. Expect all resorts to have some form of stunt. The campsites may be fully booked.
• Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the last Thursday in November. It is celebrated to thank for the first harvest of the year.

Different states also celebrate different holidays, find out what's going where you're going.

Regions

The United States is divided into states:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.), Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, California, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York State, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington (state), West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Cities

The United States has over 10,000 cities and villages. Below is a list of nine of those most worthy of mention.

• Washington The nation's capital, home to the United States' largest, official buildings but also a growing, multicultural place.
• Boston Capital of Massachusetts which has retained much of its colonial charm, but which is still kept young thanks to its many students.
• Chicago - the Midwest, known for its huge skyscrapers.
• Los Angeles Home for Hollywood and the film industry. The city offers mountains, beaches, sunshine and everything else that visitors want to find in California.
• Miami - Miami has some of the best beaches in the country and has a mix of sun-seeking northerners and immigrants from Latin America and the Caribbean who are looking for the opportunity to survive in the United States.
• New Orleans - despite a devastating hurricane, the city is still known for its atmospheric French Quarter and its annual Mardi Gras celebration.
• New York - The largest city in the United States, with world-class food, opportunities to see all kinds of art, one of the most mixed population groups on our planet and many highlights. A symbol of the country but at the same time a very international place.
• San Francisco - one of the cities in the world that does best in photography. The city offers a variety of attractions and is a popular gateway to California coast and Yosemite National Park.
• Seattle - this green and rainy city is known for its trend-setting, cultural scene and the presence of all international giants in the business world.

Getting to the United States

Swedes are covered by the so-called Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and must obtain an electronic approval for each trip to the USA via Electronic System for Travel authorization (ESTA) [1]. ESTA must be applied for at least 72 hours before departure, once approved it is valid for two years.

According to VWP, Swedes can stay 90 days in the US without a visa, if the purpose of the trip is tourism or business.

Relocation in the United States

A convenient way to move around the country is by car. There are several nationwide and well-established car rental companies. The traffic climate in the USA is calm and the roads are of good quality.

Payment

US Dollars (USD)

There are plenty of ATMs, just be careful what fee the banks charge. This can vary a lot, ATMs belonging to the larger banks are usually cheaper.

Accommodation

For outdoor enthusiasts, there are plenty of campsites. They are found mainly in National Forest areas and national parks. In the established guides of campsites, there are detailed descriptions of access to running water, number of tent sites, surfaces, etc. There are plenty of cheap and good motels everywhere. Most motels are open 24 hours a day.

Food and drinks

To see

• The United States has a lot of amazing nature to see. If you are interested in this, the national parks are to be recommended. An annual pass pays off quickly if you are going to visit some parks.

To do

• Drive Route 66, the classic way between Chicago and Los Angeles. An exciting way to see the American Midwest, Great Plains and the southwestern part of the country.

Work

The USA is a popular country to go to to work as an au pair, for example. If you want to work in the United States, it is important to have all the permits required, as insurance and the like do not otherwise apply.

Communication

There are still plenty of payphones in the United States. Buy calling cards at the post office, US Postal Service. The post offices are also located in small towns. The calling cards sold at hotels, gas stations and grocery stores are significantly more expensive to call.

Security

Respect

Problem solver

Other