Traveling to the USA for the First Time: Preparation & Everyday Life

Traveling to the USA for the first time is exciting – and a little different from what you may be used to in Europe. The essentials first: German citizens traveling for tourism or business for up to 90 days need an electronic passport and a valid ESTA authorization (as of 2026: USD 40.27, valid two years). Equally indispensable is travel health insurance with high cover, because the US healthcare system is expensive. In everyday life, three things matter most: pay cashless, tip generously, and remember that taxes are added on top of the price on the tag.

This guide walks you step by step through preparation and daily life – from the pre-trip checklist through money, mobile data and electricity to rental cars, public transport, safety and cultural etiquette.

What belongs on the pre-trip checklist?

Good preparation starts a few weeks before departure. Check your passport and your travel authorization early, because no airline will let you board without them. Which authorization you need – ESTA or a visa – is explained in our article on ESTA or visa; what happens at entry and customs is covered in Entering the USA: CBP and customs.

The following order has proven useful for planning:

1. Check your passport – is it an electronic passport and does it not expire too soon?
2. Clarify the authorization – apply for ESTA or, if necessary, a visa.
3. Take out travel health insurance – ideally right after booking.
4. Arrange payment – at least one internationally accepted card, ideally two different ones.
5. Plan mobile data – compare eSIM and roaming tariffs.
6. Adapter and packing list – plug adapter, dual-voltage devices, travel first-aid kit.
7. Secure your documents – store copies digitally and bring printed versions.

Tip: Do not apply for ESTA and insurance on the day of departure. An ESTA review can in some cases take several days, and insurance ideally covers you from the moment of booking – for example for trip cancellation.

Why is travel health insurance so important in the USA?

The USA has no public health system that covers foreign visitors. You pay for every treatment yourself – at American market prices. A single hospital day can quickly cost EUR 2,000 to 6,000, and a medical repatriation flight to Germany can run into high five- to six-figure sums. The German statutory health insurance does not cover these costs abroad.

That is why both the German Federal Foreign Office and the ADAC recommend travel health insurance with high or unlimited cover, including return and recovery transport, for every trip to the USA. Look for a policy without tight coverage limits and with an emergency hotline. The premium is small compared with the risk – and in an emergency it is the single most important investment of the whole trip.

How do I pay in the USA – card, cash and taxes?

The USA is a card country. Contactless payment by credit or debit card and by smartphone works almost everywhere and is often the easiest choice. Still carry some cash for tips, small vendors or vending machines. It is wise to keep two different cards in separate places in case one is blocked or lost.

One point surprises many first-time visitors: the displayed prices are net prices. The so-called sales tax is only added at the register and varies by state and municipality. Five states – New Hampshire, Oregon, Montana, Alaska and Delaware – levy no statewide sales tax (though local taxes can apply in Alaska and Montana). So always add a few percent to the marked price.

Tipping: how much do you give and where?

Tipping is a fixed part of service pay in the USA and is expected, not just a reward. Service staff in hospitality earn much of their living through tips, as the federal tipped minimum wage is only USD 2.13. The rule of thumb: around 15 to 20 percent on the pre-tax amount.

Restaurant bills often show suggested tip tiers or – for larger groups – an already-added “gratuity”. Check this so you do not pay twice.

SIM, eSIM and internet: how do I stay reachable?

For mobile internet, an eSIM is usually the most convenient solution today: you buy the data plan online, scan a QR code, and you are connected on arrival – with no SIM swap. Most providers use the US networks of T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon. If you travel to national parks or rural areas, a Verizon-based plan is often best, as that network offers good coverage outside cities. Alternatively, a local prepaid SIM or your home provider's roaming plan works too – the latter is usually pricier. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, many cafés and public facilities.

Electricity and sockets: do I need an adapter?

The USA uses 120 volts and socket types A and B (two flat pins, with an additional grounding pin on Type B). German Schuko plugs do not fit – you need a plug adapter. The key distinction is between adapter and voltage converter: an adapter only changes the plug shape, not the voltage. Devices labeled “INPUT: 100–240V” – such as phone, laptop and camera chargers – are dual-voltage and need only the adapter. Devices designed solely for 230 volts additionally require a voltage converter, or are better left at home.

Domestic flights and security screening: what should I know?

The USA is large, and domestic flights are often the fastest connection between regions. At the security checkpoint (TSA), the 3-1-1 rule for liquids in carry-on luggage still applies:

• 3 – individual containers of no more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters),
• 1 – all containers in one clear, resealable bag of about one quart (just under a liter),
• 1 – one bag per person.

At many large airports with modern CT scanners you no longer need to remove the liquids bag separately – but the volume limit still applies. Allow enough time for domestic flights and keep a photo ID ready. Note: for domestic flights US citizens often only need a domestic ID; as a foreign visitor you use your passport.

Rental cars and driving: what matters?

Driving is the most practical way to get around in many parts of the USA. Always carry your valid driver's license and – depending on the state – an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a certified English translation. Not every state requires it, but the IDP saves discussions and is cheap to obtain. Rental companies usually require a minimum age of 21; under 25 often incurs surcharges. Check the rental car's insurance terms carefully.

Some traffic rules differ from Germany:

• Right turn on red is allowed in many places after a full stop – unless a sign (“No Turn on Red”) forbids it. In Washington, D.C. it has generally been prohibited since 2025.
• At four-way stops (“all-way stop”), whoever stopped first goes first.
• School buses with flashing red lights must not be overtaken – stop in both directions.
• Speed limits are given in miles per hour and consistently enforced.
• At most gas stations you pay by card directly at the pump or in advance at the store.

Public transport and ride-hailing

Major cities such as New York, Chicago, Boston, Washington or San Francisco have good subway and bus networks. Outside the metropolises, public transport is often sparse. Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft are very common, ordered and paid via app – you add a tip conveniently afterward in the app. For longer distances between cities, domestic flights or a rental car are usually more practical than train or bus.

Jetlag and time zones

The USA spans several time zones – from Eastern through Central and Mountain to Pacific Time and beyond. The time difference to Germany is roughly six to nine hours. To beat jetlag, adapt to local time as quickly as possible: seek daylight during the day, do not go to bed too early on the first evening, and set your watch to the destination time already on the plane. Keep the first day or two lightly scheduled.

Cultural etiquette and small talk

Americans are often open and friendly in daily life. Small talk – a quick “How are you?”, a comment about the weather – is good manners and does not expect a detailed answer. Service is usually very attentive, which is closely tied to tipping culture. Topics such as politics, salary or religion are rather sensitive among strangers. Those who are polite, friendly and a touch more relaxed than usual quickly get into conversation. For business travelers, additional conventions apply – more on that in the USA business travel guide.

Safety and emergencies

Most trips go smoothly. For emergencies, the nationwide number is 911 – it connects you to police, fire and ambulance around the clock. For mental health crises there is the additional number 988. Observe regional advisories, handle valuables sensibly, and find out locally about areas best avoided. Current safety situations are published by the German Federal Foreign Office in its travel and security advice.

Opening hours and 24-hour culture

Many shops, supermarkets and restaurants stay open longer in the USA than in Germany – in cities often until late at night, in some places around the clock. Drugstores, large supermarket chains and diners are frequently open on weekends and holidays too. This makes spontaneous shopping easy – so plan your days more flexibly than at home.

Packing tips for your first USA trip

• Plug adapter (Type A/B) and possibly a multi-USB charger,
• dual-voltage electronics (labeled 100–240V),
• copies of passport, insurance and bookings – digital and on paper,
• some cash in small bills for tips,
• weather-appropriate clothing for the region and season,
• personal medication in its original packaging.

Next steps

Once your trip takes shape, clarify the entry question first: our visa check helps you assess in a few minutes whether ESTA is enough or a visa is required. For visa applications, appointment booking or Global Entry, we are glad to assist – you will find an overview of our services on the relevant page. That way you set off well prepared for your first trip to the USA.