USA travel: what you need to know about the ESTA, travel insurance, tipping and more

If you're planning a trip to the USA there's a lot to think about. Our guide will tell you everything you need to know about travel insurance, holiday visas, tipping and more when taking a trip stateside.

USA holiday visa or ESTA?

British citizens travelling with UK passports don’t usually require a travel visa to enter the US for tourism.

This is due to the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) that covers both countries. It allows most Brits to visit the US for up to 90 days for tourism, transit, and for some types of business travel. 

There are some caveats, however. Generally, to qualify for the VWP you must have an ePassport that is valid for the entire duration of your stay. If you have committed certain types of crimes you might be excluded. 

Recently, citizens of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen have been the focus of some travel restrictions by the US, so dual nationals of the UK and any of these countries do not currently qualify for the VWP.  

Additionally, all British travellers who have travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen in the past 11 months, you will also not qualify. 

Always check the Foreign Office website before you travel as these restrictions are constantly being updated.

If you have cleared all these hurdles, all you need to be allowed into the USA is an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA).

This is much easier to obtain then a full visa, and will only require you to fill in a short form online including details of your trip and pay a fee of $14 (££11.25) per application. 

It usually takes 20 minutes to be completed and processed, but you must make sure you do this more than 72 hours before you travel otherwise you will not qualify for entry under the VWP. For more information visit the official ESTA website here.

It is important to note that even if you are just travelling through the United States you will need a valid ESTA or visa. 

USA travel insurance

Medical care in the USA is private, which makes buying adequate travel insurance vital. 

Even small treatment in a US hospital or clinic can cost a small fortune. For instance, non-surgical treatment for a broken leg typically costs up to $2,500 (£2,009) or more for a fracture that requires a cast, so you don’t want to get caught out. 

Even if you’re travelling for a short period, you will need insurance. As a minimum look for emergency medical coverage, as well as hospital stays and a flight home if you need one. 

Lots of ‘worldwide’ policies exclude the United States, so make sure you check the policy will cover your trip before you travel.

If you have a pre-existing condition, check out our guide: How to get travel insurance if you have a pre-existing condition.

USA driving insurance

If you’re planning a road trip of America, make sure you have adequate insurance.

Most US car rental agencies offer insurance, but damage coverage is usually sold separately to liability insurance, and you will need both. 

Get the best rate on dollars

The US currency is the dollar, the most easily converted currency in the world. That means that getting travel money for the US can be simpler than if you’re travelling to other, more exotic, locations. 

It also means that you’ll have more options for the best way to take currency for your trip, and there are more opportunities for savings. 

Since the Brexit vote, however, the pound has been weaker compared to the dollar – a trend that is likely to persist. It means that those travelling to the US will get a little less bang for their buck. To make the most of your cash never buy currency at the airport, and visit the loveMONEY travel money guide. 

Most major credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere in the US and are by far the most popular method of payment.

You should consider a credit card that doesn’t charge any fees on purchases made abroad, which can get you the best exchange rate on the day. Take a look at the best credit cards to use on your travels.

Avoid using your debit card while abroad as your provider is likely to charge eye watering fees. Check which providers charge the most and least in the best debit cards to use abroad.

Another option to consider is prepaid currency cards, which generally offer a competitive exchange rate, take a look at the best prepaid cards for spending abroad for more.

If you choose to take cash with you, the US has recently redesigned most of its newer bills, adding security features like microprinting. The old bills are still in circulation, though foreign banks and currency exchanges might refuse to swap them back into pounds when you return. 

It’s a good idea to keep some cash on you if you’re driving as most toll-booths do not take cards. 

ATMs are commonly available in most towns and cities, and generally accept international cards.

Tipping in the USA

Tipping is very common in the USA, in restaurants, bars, and even taxis. In many states servers receive a lower rate of minimum wage so rely on tips for their wages. 

The amount you should tip varies from place to place. Some restaurants will calculate a percentage of the bill for you and others will leave it up to you. Service charge is very rarely included in the total. 

Trying to decide how much to tip can be a minefield. Try to aim for between 15 and 20% of the final bill, or double the value of tax charged. 

Shopping and tax

When shopping in some US states, be aware that the advertised price is not always what you’ll be charged at the till. That’s because the sales tax (the equivalent to our VAT) is not usually included on price tags. 

The value of sales tax varies from state to states these are usually an amalgam of a variety of smaller duties, but can be as low as 1.69% (Alaska) or as high as 9.98% (Louisiana). 

The exception is usually in restaurants, where the value of tax is included in the price of the meal. 

Earn free flights and holidays: compare the best airline and airmiles credit cards

Luggage restrictions

Unfortunately there are some restrictions on the cabin and hold luggage you can take with you on flights to the US, according to the Transport Service Agency (TSA). 

It has recently been announced that laptops, tablets and other larger electronics will not allowed into the cabin in flights from some airports Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

If you are flying to the US from a UK airport directly you will not be affected by this rule.

However, if you are only stopping in the UK in transit from one of the affected airports, your electronics will have to go in your hold luggage. Any electronic item larger than a smartphone will not be allowed in the cabin and this includes cameras, electronic games units, portable DVD players, and more.

Always check the list on the TSA website before you pack to avoid confusion at check in. 

Like in the UK, there are restrictions on what liquids you can take in your hand luggage. The general rule is that you are allowed a clear one-litre reseable bag per passenger, and any liquids, gels or pastes must all fit in there. No single container can exceed 100ml, though exceptions can be made for perscription medication and baby food. 

Checked bags are screened on their way in and out of the US, and sometimes the TSA needs to open your luggage. If you have locked your bags, they are legally entitled to break your locks. Alternatively you can purchse a TSA approved lock, for which officers will have a master key.