Driving & Rental Cars

A rental car is indispensable in most US regions — outside of New York, San Francisco, and Chicago, the car is the main mode of transport. The USA has an excellent road network, gas is cheap (about $0.90–1.10/liter), and parking is plentiful almost everywhere. Booking a Rental Car Book early: At le

German citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days, but they do need an ESTA authorization (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Applying for ESTA Where: Exclusively on the official website: esta.cbp.dhs.gov — beware of third-party sites charging €50–100! Cost: $21 (credit c

The USA is a credit card country — Visa and Mastercard are practically accepted everywhere, often even for small amounts. You rarely need cash (tips, food trucks, some parking meters). Credit Cards Essential: Without a credit card, you can hardly travel in the USA — hotels, rental cars, and many re

The medical care in the USA is among the best in the world — but also the most expensive. A doctor's visit can cost $200–500, a hospital stay $5,000–50,000 per day, and an air ambulance $50,000 upwards. Travel health insurance is an absolute must! Insurance Travel Health Insurance: Definitely take

Wi-Fi is widespread in the USA — hotels, cafes, restaurants, even many public places and parks offer free WiFi. For on-the-go, you need a local SIM or eSIM. Options eSIM (recommended): Airalo, Holafly, or Nomad — from €10–15 for 5 GB/14 days. Activate before the trip, usable immediately after landi

Climate & Travel Time

The USA spans multiple climate zones — from arctic (Alaska) to tropical (Hawaii, Florida) to desert (Southwest). There is no "best travel time" for the entire USA. RegionBest TimeAvoidNotes New York / East CoastMay–June, Sept–OctJan–Feb (icy)Indian Summer in October is spectacular CaliforniaApril–

The USA uses the imperial measurement system — initially confusing for Europeans, but you quickly get used to it. US UnitMetricUsage 1 Mile1.609 kmDistances, speed (mph) 1 Foot30.48 cmHeight, altitude 1 Inch2.54 cmScreen sizes 1 Pound (lb)0.454 kgBody weight, food 1 Ounce (oz)28.35 g / 29.57 mlDri

The America the Beautiful Pass is the best investment for nature lovers. Price: $80 per vehicle (up to 4 adults) Validity: 12 months from purchase Access to: All 63 national parks + over 2,000 other federal areas (National Forests, BLM land, National Wildlife Refuges) Worth it from: 3 park visits (

In school, most Germans learn British English. In everyday American life, there are some important differences: GermanBritishAmerican ErdgeschossGround FloorFirst Floor 1. StockFirst FloorSecond Floor AufzugLiftElevator U-BahnUnderground/TubeSubway RechnungBillCheck ToiletteToilet/LooRestroom/Bath

Small Talk & Politeness

Americans are generally more open and talkative than Germans. "How are you?" is not a real question — the expected answer is "Good, thanks! And you?" SituationPhraseMeaning GreetingWhat's up? / How's it going?How are you? (Answer: "Not much" / "Good!") FarewellHave a good one!Have a nice day! Than

PhraseMeaning How many in your party?How many people? Table for two, pleaseA table for two, please Can I get you started with drinks?Would you like to order drinks first? I'll have the…I'd like the… How would you like that cooked?How would you like that? (Steaks: rare/medium/well-done) Can I get a

GermanEnglish Kann ich das anprobieren?Can I try this on? Haben Sie das in Größe…?Do you have this in size…? Was kostet das?How much is this? Gibt es einen Rabatt?Is there a discount? Nehmen Sie Kreditkarten?Do you take credit cards? Ich schaue nurI'm just browsing Kann ich das umtauschen?Can I ex

GermanEnglish Hilfe!Help! Rufen Sie die Polizei!Call the police! Ich brauche einen ArztI need a doctor Wo ist das nächste Krankenhaus?Where is the nearest hospital? Ich bin allergisch gegen…I'm allergic to… Ich habe meinen Pass verlorenI lost my passport Ich wurde bestohlenI've been robbed Ich spr

GermanEnglish Wo ist…?Where is…? Wie komme ich zum…?How do I get to…? Können Sie mir helfen?Can you help me? Was empfehlen Sie?What do you recommend? Das ist zu teuerThat's too expensive Ich verstehe nichtI don't understand Können Sie das wiederholen?Can you say that again? Langsamer bitteSlower,

Home Travel GuidesUSA

🇺🇸

Travel Guide USA

Your complete travel guide for the land of unlimited possibilities

Capital:Washington D.C.

Language:English

Currency:US Dollar ($)

Entry:ESTA ($21, valid for 2 years)

Best Travel Time:Region-dependent

Flight Time:8–12 hours

Last updated: 10 March 2026 · 15 Chapters · 105 Sections

RECOMMENDED

Route Suggestions

USA Highlights East + West

3 weeks

The grand combo trip: East Coast metropolises and the spectacular landscapes of the West. Perfect for first-time visitors who want to see it all.

New YorkWashington D.C.Las VegasGrand CanyonLos AngelesSan Francisco

California Pacific Coast Highway

14 days

The legendary coastal road from San Francisco to San Diego, complemented by Joshua Tree and Yosemite. The perfect California road trip.

San FranciscoMontereyBig SurSanta BarbaraLos AngelesSan DiegoJoshua TreeYosemite

Southwest Roadtrip

14 days

The classic Southwest loop through America's most spectacular national parks. Red rocks, endless expanses, and starry skies like nowhere else.

Las VegasGrand CanyonMonument ValleyAntelope CanyonBryce CanyonZionDeath ValleyLas Vegas

Florida & Keys

10 days

Sun, beaches, and adventure: from Miami's Art Deco district to the dreamy Keys and the theme parks in Orlando.

MiamiKey LargoKey WestEvergladesNaplesOrlando

New England in the Fall

10 days

Indian Summer at its finest: vibrant red and golden foliage, historic villages, coastal landscapes, and lobster at every corner.

BostonSalemWhite MountainsStowe (Vermont)Acadia NationalparkCape Cod

All Chapters

Planning· 2 Chapters

Chapter 1

Welcome to the USA

5 Sections

Chapter 2

Arrival & Transport

5 Sections

Regions· 6 Chapters

Chapter 3

New York & East Coast

9 Sections · 1 Walking Tour

Chapter 4

California

9 Sections

Chapter 5

Florida

8 Sections

Chapter 6

The Southwest

8 Sections

Chapter 7

Hawaii

7 Sections

Chapter 8

New England

6 Sections · 1 Walking Tour

Understanding· 5 Chapters

Chapter 9

History of the USA

5 Sections

Chapter 10

Society

5 Sections

Chapter 11

American Cuisine

7 Sections

Chapter 12

Nature

5 Sections

Chapter 13

Art & Pop Culture

5 Sections

Practical· 2 Chapters

Chapter 14

Practical Info A–Z

15 Sections

Chapter 15

American Language Guide

6 Sections

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Regions at a Glance

New York & East Coast

The city that never sleeps — plus Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Niagara Falls. Skyscrapers, world culture, and boundless energy.

Manhattan SkylineStatue of LibertyCentral ParkTimes Square+1

New York Washington Dc Philadelphia

California

Endless coasts, Silicon Valley, Hollywood, and the majestic national parks Yosemite and Joshua Tree. The Golden State has it all.

San FranciscoLos AngelesPacific Coast HighwayYosemite+1

San Francisco Los Angeles San Diego

Florida

The Sunshine State: dreamy beaches, the Everglades, Miami Beach, and the legendary Keys to Key West.

Miami BeachKey WestEvergladesOrlando Theme Parks+1

Miami Orlando Key West

Southwest

Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Las Vegas, Utah's Mighty Five, and the deserts of Arizona — dramatic landscapes like from another planet.

Grand CanyonLas VegasMonument ValleyAntelope Canyon+1

Las Vegas Grand Canyon Monument Valley

Hawaii

Tropical paradise in the middle of the Pacific — volcanoes, rainforests, perfect beaches, and the unique Aloha culture.

Waikiki BeachNa Pali CoastVolcanoes Big IslandRoad to Hana+1

Hawaii

New England

Historic colleges, picturesque coastal towns, legendary Indian Summer, and the birthplace of the American Revolution.

BostonCape CodIndian SummerAcadia National Park+1

Boston

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