So, you’re off to the United States. Land of liberty, supersized snacks and more state laws than you’ll ever fully understand. You’re probably dreaming of NYC skylines, road trips down Route 66 or spotting a celebrity while pretending not to care. But hold your horses (or should we say your passport) because there’s more to America than stars, stripes and bottomless coffee refills.
The US is vast, diverse and delightfully odd in the best way. From tipping etiquette to portion sizes that could feed a rugby team, here are 10 travel hacks to help you survive (and thrive) in the land of the free and the home of confusing power sockets.
1. Master the Art of Tipping (or Prepare for Awkward Glares)
💵 Tipping in the US isn’t optional, it’s an Olympic sport.
Waiters, baristas, taxi drivers, hairdressers… if they provide a service, they probably expect a tip. The general rule is 15–20% in restaurants, even if your burger arrived looking like it lost a fight.
💡 Hack: Add the tip to the total before you faint at the final bill. If the service was shocking, you can lower it — but skipping the tip entirely? That’s basically declaring war.
2. Get Used to the “Tax Surprise”
🧾 That $5 coffee? It’s never just $5.
Prices in the US don’t usually include tax. So, the price tag is like a polite suggestion — the real price appears at the till. State and local taxes vary wildly, so good luck calculating it on the spot.
💡 Hack: Round up in your head and brace for the mystery tax. It’s the American way.
3. Behold the Portions — They Are Mighty
🍕 Hungry? You will be. Overwhelmed? Also yes.
American portions are not so much meals as edible landmarks. Even the salads are suspiciously large. It’s not uncommon to leave with enough leftovers to feed a small village.
💡 Hack: Share a dish or ask for a to-go box (aka a doggy bag). No judgement here — in fact, it’s practically encouraged.
4. Know Your Power (Adapters)
🔌 American sockets are not your sockets.
The US runs on 110V and those odd flat-pin plugs. So, unless you’re planning to charge your devices by rubbing them with static, you’ll need an adapter.
💡 Hack: Bring a universal travel adapter. Bonus points if it also has USB ports and doesn’t spark like a fireworks show.
5. Don’t Underestimate the Distance
🚗 “It’s only a few hours away” is an American lie.
The US is massive. Driving from one place to another could take hours, days or a new identity. Distances that seem manageable on the map often turn into unexpected road trip sagas.
💡 Hack: Always check actual travel time, not just mileage. And stock up on snacks — always.
6. The Coffee is Hot, Black and Bottomless (Kind Of)
☕ Fancy a flat white? Good luck in rural Nebraska.
While cities have embraced fancy brews, a lot of places still serve classic filter coffee. It’ll keep coming unless you tell them to stop — they take their caffeine seriously.
💡 Hack: If you’re craving something fancier, try local coffee spots instead of chains. And no, “coffee regular” in New York doesn’t mean normal — it means milk and sugar.
7. Bring Your Passport for Drinks — Even If You’re 43
🪪 They ID everyone, including your nan.
Drinking laws in the US are strict and enforced. You’ll often be asked for ID, especially if you look even remotely under 40. No ID? No drink. No exceptions.
💡 Hack: Carry your passport or a copy with you when you go out. Your driver’s licence from “The United Kingdom of Great Britain” might raise eyebrows in rural Kansas.
8. Public Transport Is a Myth (In Some Places)
🚆 In New York? It’s brilliant. In LA? Good luck.
Outside major cities, public transport is patchy at best. In some towns, it might be a mythical creature locals talk about but have never seen.
💡 Hack: Rent a car if you’re planning to explore outside cities. Just remember: they drive on the right and love a big vehicle.
9. Be Ready for Friendly (and Slightly Nosy) Locals
🙋 “Hey, how’re you doing?” means absolutely nothing.
Americans are famously friendly, but don’t be alarmed — “How’re you?” is often just a greeting, not an actual question. That said, they may still chat to you at the supermarket, the gas station or the lift. Yes, really.
💡 Hack: Smile back, nod, maybe throw in a cheerful “Good, thanks!” and move on. Polite small talk is basically a local sport.
10. Wi-Fi Is Everywhere (But Data Costs Can Be Brutal)
📱 Your UK phone plan will not survive this journey.
Roaming charges in the US can be outrageous, so unless you fancy selling a kidney to pay your phone bill, don’t rely on your regular data plan.
💡 Hack: Get a local SIM card or eSIM or live off the abundant (and usually free) Wi-Fi in cafes, hotels and even fast-food joints.
🍔 Final Thoughts from Across the Pond:
The USA is loud, proud and unapologetically extra — and we love it for that. From the buzz of Times Square to the dusty charm of Arizona diners, every state feels like a new chapter in a choose-your-own-adventure book. Sure, some things will confuse you, some might horrify you (looking at you, tipping math), but most will absolutely delight you.
So grab your passport, pack that adapter and practise saying “restroom” instead of “loo”. You’re about to star in your own all-American escapade — just hopefully without needing a second suitcase for all those giant snacks.
