united states 

Population:  330 million 

Number of States:  50 States and the District of Columbia 

Territories include: American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands. 

Capital: Washington D.C. 

Climate: Varied depending on destination.  Best times to visit the USA

Summer: June – August

Fall: September – November

Winter: December – Feb

Spring: March – May 

Language: English 

Currency: American dollars (USD). ATMs and credit cards are used widely. 

Passport, visa and entry info: Your citizenship will determine whether or not you need a visa to enter. 

First – see if you are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program to obtain approved travel Authorization before coming to the USA. Must have approval minimum 72 hours before arrival. Check the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for the list of countries who can use this system. $4.00 service charge. $10.00 for waiver if approved. 

If you don’t qualify for electronic travel authorization, you will need to apply for a visa. 

For first-time travelers to the United States, upon entry, a photo and digital fingerprints will be taken. 

Tipping: Restaurants, bars, cafes 15% – 20 %, taxis 15% – 20%