First time in the U.S.? Here are the 5 things you need to know and what you absolutely must have
The United States is for many tourists the first destination on the "wish list," and, arguably New York is, in [...]
United States of America
The United States Are for many tourists the first destination on the "wish list" and, probably New York is, in this list, the first destination much more desired than other cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas or Miami. Some people rely on a travel agency, or a consultant, but are more and more do-it-yourself tourists, this article is designed for all travelers who are considering booking this trip.
It doesn't necessarily serve only those who have already gone, maybe a quick read also helps those who have already gone several times
#1 Passport and ESTA
In this article:
"I can't go because my passport expires." This is a phrase I have heard several times. It is partly true, but it does not apply to travel to the US. To go to New York or any other star-studded destination. need not have six months remaining validity in the passport. Of course it must be well preserved and not spoiled, but the important thing is to leave the U.S. by the expiration date of the document and there will be no problem.
Important remember to have an active ESTA, electronic authorization must be requested before departure (not necessarily before booking) costs 21$, lasts 24 months from the day of application and recently the procedure has become faster. In the past few days I renewed my authorization, and less than 10 minutes passed between payment and approval.
Did you get your flight cancelled, miss your connection, land late?
You could get up to 600€ compensation per person
#2 If you do transit you have to retrieve luggage (and move between terminals)
It doesn't matter if we are tagged at check-in until we reach our destination, arrived in the U.S. (except in very rare cases) you will have to go through border control, retrieve your luggage, and re-board your suitcase. For example, if you fly from Rome to New York with ITA Airways, and continue on with Delta, you will have to change terminals and board the valgia at the check-in counters, showing your boarding pass for your final destination.
In the U.S., unlike in Italy, companies have their own terminals. This means that if you fly American you will fly from T8 to JFK, the same as British Airways. If you fly Lufthansa you fly from T1, the same as Air France, ITA and Neos. In contrast Swiss flies from T4, the same as Delta, Emirates and Virgin Atlantic. So pay attention to the movement between terminals and the time to move and catch the connection.
#3 You can't go to the U.S. without medical insurance
It is not required by law, but as we have just told about One of our compatriots involved in a serious accident in Bali, it is not advisable to travel without adequate medical coverage. It may seem like a waste of money to many, which is why we here at TFC insist in this case of Apply for an American Express Platinum and take advantage of the insurance coverage for the whole family. Alternatively, one of the best and most comprehensive is AXA that not only has adequate ceilings, but also costs less than many other.
This advice is valid for any kind of travel outside national borders, although in Europe you are also covered by the NHS, but since you can never be 100% sure, I always recommend having one more parachute rather than one less.
#4 Cash or credit card
In the U.S. you pay for anything with a credit card, certainly having a little bit of cash in your pocket helps for small expenses, although objectively everything from the subway to restaurants, hotels to attractions accept digital payments. Having a credit card like Advanzia's Gold Mastercard which is free and does not charge fees on cash advances and payments in currencies other than the euro can certainly be an interesting product to use in situations like these.
#5 eSim or data phone plan (and VPN)
Many companies have data/voice packages for the U.S., in some cases at even competitive prices. The problem with these traffic deals is what happens when they run out and how much they cost "out of budget" so here is taking advantage of technology and installing on your cell phone Airalo's app a global eSim marketplace allows you to buy and install an eSim in just a few clicks, e.g. 2GB at only 8$, possibly rechargeable with a few clicks, without running the risk of running out of connection or emptying the remaining credit on the cell phone. In addition, new customers who use TFC15 can have the 15% discount, those who have already used this service can instead use TFC10 to have the 10% discount.
When traveling you jump from one wi-fi network to another, here's how to shelter yourself from unpleasant situations using a VPN allows you to insert a barrier between your device and the outside world. Besides that VPN comes in handy for watching the game via the Internet, accessing the bank account without endangering one's personal data.
In conclusion
Traveling to the U.S. is a dream come true, taking small precautions so as to avoid turning a dream into a nightmare, or a debt, is very important as evidenced by the story that one of our readers made that followed our advice and saved thousands of dollars.
