United States travel guide

New York, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco and Las Vegas: plan regional weather, long distances, payments and mobile data before departure.

What to know

Choose an eSIM

USA

USA essentials

Plan by region and check current information before booking.

Five city routes

New York, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco and Las Vegas offer different city experiences. Pick a region rather than rushing across the country.

Travel preparation

Travel documents

Check current entry requirements with the Department of State and CBP for your nationality and travel purpose.

Official entry guidance

Internet and eSIM

Compare local SIM, travel eSIM and roaming. Check supported devices, networks and coverage along your route.

Internet in the USA

Money and payments

The currency is the US dollar (USD). Check foreign-card acceptance, bank fees and the final amount before paying.

Money information

Transport and car rental

Compare flights, trains and road travel. Confirm rental policies and the driving requirements of every state you visit.

Driving in the USA

Weather and seasons

Check the local forecast for each stop. Heat, winter conditions and storms can affect different regions at different times.

Official weather forecasts

Money & payments in the USA

The currency is the US dollar (USD). Check your bank’s conversion and transaction terms. Confirm the final total, applicable taxes and any optional gratuity rather than relying on a fixed quoted price.

Ask your bank whether your card works abroad and review ATM, conversion and overseas transaction terms.

Keep a modest cash backup for places that do not accept your card. Carry only what you need for the day.

Check the currency shown at checkout and compare your bank’s conversion with any offered conversion before accepting.

A practical payment checklist

Save your bank’s contact details and enable transaction alerts.

Separate your backup card and cash from your main wallet.

Do not assume every foreign card or payment app is accepted; confirm directly with the merchant.

New York, the West Coast and Florida

New York is a starting point for museums, neighbourhood walks and urban sightseeing. Plan journeys within the city separately from interstate travel.

Los Angeles is spread out: group activities by area and allow time for traffic. Confirm transport between accommodation, attractions and the airport.

San Francisco suits neighbourhood and waterfront visits. Check the forecast and bring layers rather than assuming all California is warm.

Miami offers a Florida city and coastal stay. Las Vegas can be combined with western routes, but desert excursions require separate planning.

Do not treat all five cities as nearby stops. Choose a coast or region first and compare flights with the time needed for a road trip.

Seasons, distances and preparation

Weather differs greatly by region. Check forecasts and alerts for each stop, including heat, winter travel and tropical weather where relevant.

Leave time for airport transfers and check local time zones. Confirm bookings and schedules in the time zone used by the operator.

Consult official entry guidance before booking; requirements depend on your circumstances. Save passport information, bookings and emergency contacts offline.

Transport, rentals and practical advice

Compare domestic flights, rail routes and intercity buses. Check departure terminals, luggage rules and connection times with each operator.

For a rental car, confirm licence requirements by state and the company’s age, payment, deposit and insurance policies. Check tolls, parking and one-way return conditions.

Prepare a backup payment method, offline maps, a charger and mobile data. Keep cash for situations where your card is not accepted; check the final checkout amount.

USA travel FAQ

Practical answers; use official sources for changing rules.

Can I visit all five cities in one short trip?

Do I need a car everywhere?

Where do I check entry documents?

Are driving rules the same in every state?

Is there one best season for the entire USA?

Can I rely on any foreign bank card?

Will mobile data work on every road trip?

What should I save offline?

Official sources

Check current entry rules, transport requirements and weather before travelling.

Department of State: visitor travel

USAGov: driving as a visitor

National Weather Service

National Park Service: connectivity

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