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United States

Capital

Washington, D.C.

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Language

English

Best Time

Varies by Region

Time Zone

Multiple TZ (UTCβˆ’10 to UTCβˆ’5)

Sustainability Politics
Flag of United States
Welcome to United States

United States' Vast and Varied Landscapes

Welcome to the United States, a vast country where towering mountains, dramatic canyons, and iconic cities reflect extraordinary geographic diversity. The Grand Canyon's immense scale and layered colors rank among the most awe-inspiring natural sights on Earth. New York City's iconic skyline and vibrant energy reflect a global center of culture, finance, and art. National parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite protect extraordinary wilderness, geysers, and towering granite cliffs. The California coastline offers dramatic cliffs, redwood forests, and laid-back beach towns along Highway 1. New Orleans' vibrant jazz culture and French Quarter reflect a rich, distinct regional heritage. Hawaii's volcanic islands offer lush rainforest, black-sand beaches, and world-class surfing. The United States invites travelers to explore a country of extraordinary scale and remarkable diversity.

Popular City

New York City

New York City’s Central Park offers 843 acres of green space in the middle of Manhattan, with the Metropolitan Museum of Art and American Museum of Natural History both facing its edges. Times Square’s neon-lit chaos and the Broadway theaters surrounding it remain the city’s most famous introduction for first-time visitors. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, reachable by ferry, trace the immigrant history that shaped much of the city’s identity. The High Line, an elevated park built on a former rail line, offers an unusual, garden-lined walk above the streets of Chelsea and the Meatpacking District. Brooklyn’s DUMBO neighborhood offers iconic views of the Manhattan Bridge framed between historic warehouses now filled with galleries and restaurants. New York’s sheer density of culture, food, and architecture makes it one of the most stimulating cities in the world to explore.

Travel News

Popular City

San Francisco

San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, one of the most photographed structures in the world, is best appreciated from the Marin Headlands across the bay or from a walk across its span. Alcatraz Island, the former federal prison, offers audio tours narrated in part by former guards and inmates. Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 draw visitors for fresh seafood and resident sea lions basking on the docks. The winding curves of Lombard Street, along with the city’s iconic cable cars, give San Francisco’s hilly neighborhoods a character unlike any other American city. Golden Gate Park stretches further than New York’s Central Park and includes the de Young Museum and Japanese Tea Garden within its grounds. San Francisco’s blend of natural beauty and countercultural history make it one of the most distinctive cities on the West Coast.

Travel Tips

Helpful information to consider before and during your visit.

Before You Go

  • Confirm passport validity and entry requirements.
  • Check whether a tourist visa is required.
  • Keep digital copies of important documents.
  • Consider purchasing travel insurance.

Money & Payments

  • Review the local currency and exchange rate.
  • Carry some cash for small businesses and markets.
  • Check for international bank transaction fees.
  • Learn the country's customary tipping practices.

Stay Connected

  • Review your mobile carrier's international plan.
  • Consider purchasing a local SIM or eSIM.
  • Download maps for offline use before traveling.
  • Avoid sensitive transactions on unsecured Wi-Fi.

Transportation

  • Research public transportation before arrival.
  • Use licensed taxis or reputable rideshare services.
  • Check which side of the road vehicles use.
  • Confirm whether an international permit is needed.

Electricity

  • Check the country's voltage and outlet type.
  • Bring the correct plug adapter for your devices.
  • Use a voltage converter when required.
  • Pack a portable charger for longer excursions.

Weather & Clothing

  • Review the seasonal weather before packing.
  • Bring layers for changing temperatures.
  • Pack rain protection when appropriate.
  • Use sunscreen even on cool or cloudy days.

Food & Water

  • Research whether tap water is safe to drink.
  • Communicate food allergies clearly.
  • Try traditional dishes from reputable vendors.
  • Observe local dining customs and meal times.

Safety

  • Secure valuables in crowded tourist areas.
  • Avoid displaying large amounts of cash.
  • Share your itinerary with someone you trust.
  • Review current government travel advisories.

Language & Etiquette

  • Learn a few polite words in the local language.
  • Respect dress requirements at religious sites.
  • Ask permission before photographing people.
  • Follow local traditions, laws and social customs.

Emergency Planning

  • Save the country's emergency telephone number.
  • Locate your nearest embassy or consulate.
  • Keep medication in its original packaging.
  • Store emergency contacts offline and on paper.

Smart Packing

  • Pack comfortable shoes for walking and tours.
  • Keep essential medication in your carry-on.
  • Bring a reusable bottle where appropriate.
  • Leave room for locally purchased items.

Local Research

  • Check attraction hours and reservation policies.
  • Review national holidays and local closures.
  • Download important addresses before departure.
  • Leave flexibility for unexpected discoveries.
Important: Entry requirements, transportation rules, weather conditions and safety guidance can change. Verify important information with official sources before traveling.

Popular City

New Orleans

New Orleans’ French Quarter combines wrought-iron balconies, jazz clubs, and Creole cuisine along streets like Bourbon and Royal, where live music spills from doorways well into the night. St. Louis Cathedral anchors Jackson Square, ringed by artists and fortune tellers in the shadow of its triple spires. The city’s cemeteries, with above-ground tombs built to withstand the region’s high water table, offer a uniquely atmospheric walk through New Orleans history. Frenchmen Street, just outside the Quarter, has become the go-to spot for locals seeking authentic jazz away from the tourist crowds of Bourbon Street. Beignets and chicory coffee at Cafe du Monde remain a required stop for nearly every visitor to the city. New Orleans’ unmatched music scene and Creole culture make it one of the most culturally distinct cities in the United States.

Local Food to Try

Discover some of United States's most popular flavors, traditional dishes and memorable local treats during your visit.

Barbecue Ribs

Barbecue Ribs is a well-known part of United States's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.

Hamburger

Hamburger is a well-known part of United States's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.

Fried Chicken

Fried Chicken is a well-known part of United States's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.

Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and Cheese is a well-known part of United States's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.

Clam Chowder

Clam Chowder is a well-known part of United States's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.

Gumbo

Gumbo is a well-known part of United States's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.

Tacos

Tacos is a well-known part of United States's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.

Apple Pie

Apple Pie is a well-known part of United States's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.

Cheesecake

Cheesecake is a well-known part of United States's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.

Dining tip: Regional specialties and preparation styles vary throughout United States. Explore local markets, independent cafΓ©s and family-owned restaurants for an authentic taste of the destination.

Little-Known Facts

United States

The United States is home to Yellowstone, established in 1872 as the world's first officially designated national park, a designation that helped inspire the creation of national park systems in countries around the globe in the decades that followed. The country contains an extraordinary range of geography within a single nation, from Arctic tundra in Alaska to tropical rainforest in Hawaii, and from the highest point in North America, Denali, to Death Valley, one of the hottest and lowest-elevation places on Earth.

The U.S. is home to the world's largest known cave system, Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, with hundreds of miles of surveyed passageways discovered so far, and researchers believe significantly more of the cave system remains unmapped. The country also became the first in the world to successfully land humans on the Moon, with NASA's Apollo 11 mission achieving the feat in 1969, a milestone that remains one of the most significant achievements in the history of space exploration.

The United States is also one of the most linguistically and culturally diverse countries in the world despite English serving as its de facto national language, with no official language actually designated at the federal level, a surprising fact given how strongly English is associated with American national identity.