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USA Survival Guide

Have a fun holiday with our guide to staying safe in the USA. 

 

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1. USA Travel Guide

The USA is a huge and diverse country, home to 50 states each with their own culture and history making it a fascinating destination to explore. 

From biting the Big Apple to rubbing shoulders with celebs in the Hollywood hills, to winning big in Vegas to the soulful sounds of the South, no wonder over 600,000 Australian's visit the USA each year.

No matter what you are after, the US has it all and this guide can hopefully help you make the most of your next trip.

2. The Best Of The USA

Before we go through all the things you might need to be careful of, here are some things that are not to be missed while visiting the United States of America

 

  • Explore National Parks 

    The US has a number of iconic national parks if you’re looking to get back to nature and explore the beautiful outdoors. Head down south to the Grand Canyon or go west and visit the glaciers at Yosemite. There are tons of parks to choose from.
     

  • Visit The Big Apple 

    No trip to the US would be complete without visiting the city that never sleeps. New York City is one of the most popular spots in the US that attracts more tourists than anywhere in the world. Immerse yourself in this vibrant, buzzing city, you won’t be disappointed.

  •  

  • Head To The Beach 

    The US is blessed with a wealth of gorgeous beaches. California, Florida and Hawaii are the number one spots for good surf and warm climate all year round. But don’t forget the east coast, home to some beautiful beaches that are especially gorgeous in the summer.

  • Play At A Theme Park

    America has over 500 theme parks spread across the country! If you’re travelling with children then visiting a theme park can be a fun-filled, exciting experience for the whole family. Check out Orlando, Florida - the Theme Park Capital of the world! 

  • Go On A Road Trip 

    One of the best ways to see a good chunk of the states is to hit the road with your best mates or family. A road trip is like your own personal hop on hop off bus except you get to make the rules. Try a scenic drive on California’s Pacific Highway!

  • Watch A Ball Game

    The start of April means the start of Baseball season. If you get a chance, buy some tickets, drink some beer and grab a hot dog. It doesn’t get more American than that. 
     

 

3. Know Before You Go 

i. Visas & Entry

Before you go booking your holiday to the US make sure you are aware of what you need to get in.

 

If you are an Australian citizen you are required to apply for a visitor visa before entering the US.

For temporary stays Australians will need to apply for a non-immigrant visa category B-2.

To get up-to-date information on entry requirements click here 

 

 

Be careful what you bring into the country too – US customs are very strict and you want to be prepared so there are no issues when entering the country: 

 

Declare all plant and animal products.

 

No more than 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars.

 

Only 1 litre of alcohol if you are over 21, check each state as this can vary.

You can find more information of what you can and can’t bring to the US here.

 

 

iI. Sim Cards & Dialling Home 

 

Calling home won’t be cheap from the US but it won’t be hard to get your hands on a SIM card. The major national operators in the US include: 

T-Mobile - AT&T - Verizon - Sprint.  

 

Calling Australia from the US:

 

011 + 61 + Area Code - Land phone number.

011 + 61 + Mobile phone number.
 

011 – Exit code for dialling International numbers from the US

61 - Country Code of Australia.

For a full list of Australian area codes visit here.

 

Calling the US from Australia: 

 

0011 + 1 + Area Code - Land phone number.

0011 + 1 + Mobile number.
 

0011 - Exit code for Australia, and is needed for making any international calls from Australia.

1 - Country Code of the US

For a full list of US area codes clichere.

 

USA Important Phone Numbers

 

911 is the number for all emergency services including the police, ambulance, fire services and crime. 

 

+61 2 6261 1111 is the number for the Embassy of Australia in the US

 

 

iII. At The Airport 

 

US airport security is extremely tight, so make sure you allow extra time for security checks when departing from the airport. After going through security there are several means of transportation available:

 

Car Rental 

There are tons of car rental companies at your disposal at most airports.

Taxis 

Taxis are available on demand as you exit most airports. Most will have enough room for you to fit in all your luggage and get you safely to your next destination. 

Shuttles

Most airports, especially the bigger ones, will have a shuttle bus service available from the airport that will take you to the city centre.  

Public Transport 

Check that the airport you are flying into will have public transportation from the airport. Not all of them do.

 

 

iV. Money 

 

Money Exchanges 

The United States currency is the US Dollar. The exchange rate between the US and Australian dollar varies greatly, so it's best to keep an eye on it for a few months before travelling to ensure you get a good rate.  

 

What To Do At Money Exchanges

  • Go to an authorized money exchange, they adhere to strict guidelines, ensuring transparency and security in currency exchange transactions.
  • Exchange your money early, you may need some loose change for a taxi or shuttle
  • Make sure you count the money that is given to you before you walk away from the money exchange counter to check that you haven’t been short changed.

 

  • Avoid walking around with large sums of cash in your pocket. Withdraw when you need too or keep the money in a secured locker if you want to avoid withdrawal fees. 
  • Don't allow anyone to distract you during a money exchange or a bank transaction or you may find yourself short changed.
  • Exchange rates fluctuate heavily. so don't be surprised when you exchange your money and you receive a significantly lower or higher amount back. 

 

v. Adventure Activities 

 

The US is home to sandy beaches and mountainous landscapes which means it’s a great destination for water and outdoor activities such as jet skiing, surfing, mountain biking, rock climbing and many more. Always take the right precautions and make sure that you know what activities you’re covered for before you go.  

 

Some Activities That Are Covered

Zip line

Windsurfing

Kayaking

Gorge walking

Yachting

Wake-boarding

Canoeing

Swimming

Abseiling

Some Activities That Are Not Covered

(By Pretty Much Any Insurer Because Of The Risk!):

Base
jumping

Professional
sports

Parachuting

Hang
gliding

Open water sailing

Mountain-eering

Hunting

*Without an Australian licence.
 

4. Is The USA Safe? 

i. Australian Government Travel Warnings

The Aussie Government issue travel warnings for destinations depending on the security issues at hand. You can find them at Smart Traveller.

 

Stats and Facts

The US is a relatively safe place but it does have a higher crime rate than Australia which means you should exercise caution at all times. 

 

Guns are legal in the US which means gun violence is more common than here in Australia but it is unlikely to affect your trip. 

 

Burglary is another very common occurrence with reports of more than 2 million a year. Remember to lock your doors!

 

Larceny/theft is the most common criminal activity in the US with more than 7 million reported cases each year.

 

  • Motor-vehicle theft is another big one. There are more than a million stolen cars in the US every year. Make sure you’re parked in a safe lot if you rent a car while visiting.


 

 

iI. Families In The USA

 

The US is a great place for a family adventure with loads of activities for the whole family to enjoy. Here are a few family friendly tips. 

 

Family Friendly Tips:

Do Your Research

Pick family friendly hotels or holiday parks. This will ensure there are plenty of things to keep the whole family entertained and some will offer kids clubs or crèches.

Book In Advance

Save money on attractions by getting family tickets to places like theme parks and zoos. 

Explore

Visit museums, beaches and national parks with the kids. They will have a great time exploring and many are completely free!

 

Changing Rooms

Baby changing rooms are available in both male and female toilets in all public buildings. 

Be Prepared

Not all restaurants will have high chairs so it’s a good idea to bring a pram.

Budget Wisely  

Childcare does not come cheap in the US. So if you are thinking of hiring a nanny expect to pay. 

 

 

iII. Female Safety

 

The US is a generally pretty safe but just like a lot of places in the world you may take some extra precautions as a female traveller, especially if you are travelling solo. We have put together some extra tips but always follow your instincts and make your own judgements on a situation.

 

  • Try to book taxis in advance and know what licensed taxis look in the states you’re visiting. Avoid getting into unmarked or unofficial vehicles, especially if they approach you.

Make sure to watch your drink on a night out to avoid it being spiked. Never leave it with strangers or people you have just met.

 

When exploring new places, try to stick to busier areas and avoid walking around alone at night. If somewhere doesn’t look or feel right, avoid it.

When travelling home late at night, think about getting a taxi over public transport, especially if you are in a new or unfamiliar area. It may be more expensive but definitely worth the extra money to make sure you’re safe.​​​​​

 

 

iV. Culture And Customs

 

Our American friends on the other side of the world may appear similar to us in some of their culture and customs compared to other countries but there are still a lot of cultural differences. Make sure you are in the know to avoid any embarrassing situations.
 

Top Tip:

Be warned some places add a service charge that can be either discretionary or mandatory (usually for larger parties). So make sure you check your receipt before leaving a big wad of cash for your waiter or waitress.

 

 

Driving

In the US they drive on the other side of the road. This will get confusing if you decide to drive or even when crossing the road. Remember to get in the driver’s seat on the LEFT side.

 

Measurements

Americans do not use the metric system which can cause a bit of confusion. You will most commonly notice this when driving that they use miles instead of kilometres. When telling temperature they use Fahrenheit instead of Celsius. Have your metric converter ready!

 

Language

The terminology and slang (or lack thereof) is very different in the US. For the most part Aussies will have no problem understanding an American, however, American’s may not understand you. Break down your slang for them as they don’t typically abbreviate words as much as us. 

 

5. Street Smarts - Scams and Crime 

Getting scammed can happen anywhere, but when you’re a tourist in a new city you’re often a prime target for scams. Read up on the scams you need to know about and you should be A-OK!

 

1 Beggars

Beggars are common in the US and you may come across people asking for money. Whether you choose to give them any or not, always do so politely and be wary of those approaching you at night.

 

2 Watch Your Cards 

Credit card theft and fraud can be simple distraction techniques when you are using your card to hidden electric devices that steal your card information. Make sure when using an ATM to always cover your pin.

 

3 Drink Responsibly

The US has much more relaxed alcohol licensing laws than Aus, but you can still get yourself into trouble. The drinking age is higher in the US at 21 and places are often quite strict on IDs for anyone that looks young. Once venues start closing get straight into a licensed taxi and return to where you are staying.   

 

 

4 Keep Your Wits About You

 As with any travel destination there are areas to be avoided as they can be unsafe especially for tourists. Inner cities areas can be dangerous with incidences of muggings and assaults. 

 

5 Ticket Touting

Be wary of event spruikers. There is no guarantee that their tickets are real or that the event they are selling tickets for even exists. If the tickets don’t turn out to be legit by the time you have realised the seller will be long gone along with your money. 

 

6 Telephone Scams 

You’ll receive a text asking you to call a 090 number to claim your prize. This will result in you being kept on hold indefinitely, racking up a huge bill. Sounds silly, but over 1 million people get roped in each year! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Looking After Yourself

Sunburn

If it’s one thing Australians know, it’s hot weather. Depending on where you’re heading to, you may get a nice break from the scorching Aussie sun, however you could still be subject to sunburn and sun stroke, especially between June and August.

How to avoid sunburn:

  • Always wear sunscreen even when it’s overcast.
  • Stay hydrated to avoid heat stroke.
  • Sit or stand in the shaded areas if you can.
  • Avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm

 

Cold Weather

If you’re planning a trip on the East Coast during the winter months (December - February) just remember it can get very cold and chances are it will snow. The roads can be extremely icy and be very hazardous in winter. Take these precautions:

  • If you are driving make sure to drive slowly to avoid a road accident or choose public transport instead. If it’s snowing its worth making sure your car has winter tires.
  • Be aware of black ice. This can be impossible to spot at times, so walk slowly or hold onto railings.
  • Pack warm clothes. It’s all about layering in the winter months and although frost bite is rare, if it’s cold enough and you have exposed skin you are at risk.
  • Temperatures usually start to drop significantly when the sun is going down. If you can, avoid going outside when it’s dark and it’s below 0 degrees. Otherwise, pile on the layers.

 

Tap water

Tap water in the US is generally clean and safe to drink.

 

7. Mother Nature

i. Weather

The US is a huge country which means the weather will vary depending on where you are going and at what time of the year. The seasons in the US are summer (June-August), fall (September-November), winter (December-February) and spring (March-May). 

 

  • The East Coast will experience all four seasons. It’s hot and sunny in the summer, and cold in the winter. 

 

  • The Southern states are typically hot and humid in the summer and winter is mild.

 

 

  • On the West Coast it’s usually warm all year round however, summer is significantly hotter than the winter. 

 

  • Northern/North-east states will experience warm, comfortable summers and cold winters often with heavy snow and sub-freezing temperatures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

iI. Natural Disaster’s

 

The US is known to experience a range of natural disasters like hurricanes, tornados, floods, blizzards, earthquakes and storms. Be sure to check the forecast before you leave as you will not want to get stuck in any of those weather conditions.  

 

1 Hurricanes:

  • Hurricane season strikes during the months of June to October and occur on the Pacific, Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coastal regions of the US.
  • The direction of a hurricane can change with little warning.
  • Familiarise yourself with evacuation plans if you are staying at a hotel, resort or cruise ship.
  • If you’re travelling during hurricane season be sure to stay up-to-date with weather conditions.

 

 

2 Earthquakes:

  • Earthquakes happen quite often and can occur in all US states throughout the year. Alaska and California experience the brunt of most earthquakes.
  • If an earthquake occurs and you are indoors, drop to the floor and cover your head and neck with your arms to prevent items falling on you.
  • If you are outside find a safe place to shelter yourself until it’s over.
  • Learn about the states emergency plans beforehand so you are prepared in the event of a quake.

 

3 Floods:

  • Flooding happens after several days of heavy rainfall during spring, summer and fall seasons in the coastal and inland regions of the US.
  • If there is any chance of flooding or flooding, move to higher ground immediately.
  • Avoid walking or driving through flood water and remain in your safe place.
  • If you decide to travel during the rainy season, stay up-to-date with the weather and have a raincoat handy.

 

4 Tornadoes:

  • Typically the southern states experience the most tornadoes of all the US states, especially Florida, but they do occur in most states.
  • Stay alert to weather warnings as tornadoes are unpredictable and can start very quickly.
  • Danger signs include dark skies, hail and low-lying clouds.
  • If there is a tornado warning take shelter as soon as possible as most injuries occur from flying debris.

 

*For more information on how to prepare and plan for natural disasters in the US click here.

 

iII. Beaches

 

There are plenty of amazing beaches all over the US. Be aware of the risks whenever you enter the water. 

 

Flags At The Beach 

Be aware of flags that are posted up at the beach you are going to. They are there for a reason and if you want to have a fun and safe time at the beach you need to understand what the flags mean. 

 

Red Flags 

When red flags are posted up it means you should not enter the water. This means there are strong currents and rip tides that can be very dangerous. 

 

Yellow Flags  

This flag means the water conditions are rough but are not life-threatening and can be entered with extreme caution.  

 

Green Flags

This means that the threat of danger is minimal and indicates that it is safe to swim in the water. Exercising caution is still required.

 

Blue And Purple Flags

When you see blue and purple flags it means that potentially dangerous marine life such as sharks or jellyfish have been spotted and to either stay out of the water or swim with caution and keep an eye out.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. What To Do In An Emergency 

i. What Do I Do If I Lose My Passport?

Your passport is your ticket to ride so try not to lose it down the back of a couch, or leave it in the back of a taxi. Follow these handy steps if you do lose your passport. 

 

 

Look In The Last Place You Left It!

Seems simple right? But sometimes your passport may have been left at the last place you stayed so call the hotel.

 

Report It To The Government ASAP

If you are unable to find it after searching far and wide (or you know for a fact it was stolen) then you need to report it to the government.

 

Prepare Documents To Get A New Passport

Things you will need to do to get a replacement passport include: an application form, photos and possibly booking an interview.

 

 

Report To The Police Within 24 Hours

Of it occurring. Ensure you get a police report documenting the loss or theft. You will need this report to make a travel insurance claim.


 

Call Your Travel Insurance Company

To report the claim as soon as you can. That way you can confirm cover and seek advice.

 

Important Contacts

Embassy of Australia
+61 2 6261 1111

 

Australian Passport Information Service
131 232

 

 

iI. What To Do If I Have A Medical Emergency?

 

If something serious happens and you find yourself severely sick or injured you’re going to need to get to a hospital, and fast. Always make yourself aware of your nearest hospital, just in case.

Australia and the US do not have a reciprocal healthcare agreement which means that you can’t use their health services, hospitals or GP services unless you pay.

If you are prescribed medicine you will also need to pay for it at a pharmacy. 

 

Important Contacts

Emergency 
911

 

Local Directory Enquiries
411

 

Local Operator Assistance
0

 

Major Hospitals

John Hopkins Hospital
+1 410 955 5000

 

North-Western Memorial Hospital
+1 312 926 2000

 

Cleveland Clinic
+1 216 444 2200

 

Ronald Reagan University Of California Los Angeles Medical Centre +1 310 825 9111
 

University Of California San Francisco Medical Centre
+1 415 476 1000

 

Massachusetts General
Hospital
+1 617 726 2000

 

 

 

iII. What To Do If You're Robbed Overseas

 

 

Keep Your Cool

Don’t panic (and don’t fight back if you are aware of the robbery). Your camera isn’t worth as much as your life so best not to risk it.

 

Get Help

Contact your embassy or high commission office to get assistance if needed, such as if you have troubles with the local police.

 

Report Stolen Keys

Report stolen keys to your hotel. Replacement keys and locks may need to be arranged.

 

Cancel Cards

Cancel all credit cards and report them stolen to your bank.

 

 

Go To The Police

Find the nearest police station and report the incident, and obtain a police report within 24 hours.

 

Organise A Money Transfer

If all your cash and access to money was stolen you can arrange for a money transfer from someone back home.

 

Speak To 1Cover

If you need to replace items such as your beloved camera speak to your insurance company to find out what is covered.

 

Stay Positive

Last but not least stay positive. Theft can happen to even the savviest of travellers.

 

 

Get a Quote for the USA 

Whether you’re off to the beaches in Hawaii or Florida, the big cities of Chicago and New York, or the many wildlife reserves and National Parks, we hope you have a fun and enjoyable trip to the US! If something goes wrong, rest assured, at 1Cover, we've got you covered.

 

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