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USA

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Travel tips

Spring

Mar-May

Average temperature:

10°C–20°C

Rainfall:

50-100 mm/month

Snowfall:

Light to moderate in northern and mountainous regions, tapering off by late April.

 

Summer

Jun-Aug

Average temperature:

21°C–32°C, hotter in the South and Southwest

Rainfall:

60–120 mm/month, with occasional thunderstorms.

Autumn

Sep-Nov

Average temperature:

7°C–21°C

Rainfall:

40-100mm/month

Snowfall:

Begins in northern states and high elevations by late October.

Winter

Dec-Feb

Average temperature:

-10°C to 5°C, colder in the Midwest and Northeast

Rainfall:

Low to moderate

Snowfall:

30–150+ cm/month in northern and mountainous areas. 

 

bright street lights from stores

Country dialing code

+1

Capital city

Washington DC

Official language

English

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

The best time to visit the USA depends on what you want to experience, as the country spans multiple climates and regions. Here's a seasonal breakdown to help you decide: Spring (March–May) is best for mild weather, cherry blossoms and national parks. Spring is a great time to visit most of the USA, especially the Southwest, California and Washington D.C. National parks are less crowded, and temperatures are pleasant. Summer (June–August) is best for festivals, road trips, beaches, Alaska. Summer is the peak season for travellers. It’s ideal for exploring New York City, Chicago, California’s coast and national parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite. Alaska is also best visited in summer due to its short, mild season. Autumn (September–November) is best for autumn foliage, wine country, fewer crowds. Autumn is one of the most beautiful times to visit, especially in New England and the Pacific Northwest. The weather is crisp, and the fall colours are stunning. It’s also harvest season in wine regions like California’s Napa Valley. Winter (December–February) is best for winter sports, holiday markets and southern warmth. Winter is perfect for skiing in Colorado or Utah, enjoying holiday festivities in New York, or escaping the cold in Florida, Southern California or Arizona. National parks in the desert Southwest are also quieter and cooler.

    Highlights

    Alaska Cruising

    Cruise Alaska’s wild coastlines to see glaciers, whales, and remote towns. Sail past icy fjords and enjoy scenic stops in locations such as Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay and Frederick Bay. 

    National Parks

    Explore iconic US parks—Denali’s wildlife, Yellowstone’s geysers, Yosemite’s granite cliffs and Utah’s Mighty Five with red rock arches, canyons and desert landscapes.

    History

    Walk in the footsteps of US history, from Civil War battlefields, the Great West’s frontier towns, Salem’s witch trials and the French Quarter’s colonial charm and Creole heritage. 

    Local Cuisine

    Taste America’s flavours from Texas barbecue, Creole dishes in Louisiana, Tex-Mex in the Southwest, New England seafood and fine wines from California’s famed vineyards. 

    Music Scene

    Feel the rhythm of the South’s bluegrass in Kentucky, jazz in New Orleans, country at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry and the soulful sounds of Mississippi blues.

    Native American culture

    The US has over 570 Native American tribes, each with its own traditions, languages and histories. Respectfully explore the cultural heritage through immersive experiences across the country. 

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    Useful information

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    Communications

    Country Code for USA: +1 

     

    Official Travel advice visit:  

    USA Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

    Safe Travel NZ | United States of America (New Zealand)  

    All Emergency Services: 911 

     

    Australian Embassy, Washington DC 

    Contact the Australian Embassy in Washington D.C. if you're in Alabama, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia. 

    1601 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington DC 20036 

    Phone: +1 202 797 3000 

    Australian Consulate-General, Chicago 

    Contact the Consulate-General in Chicago if you're in Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin. 

    123 North Wacker Drive, Suite 1330 Chicago IL 60606 

    Phone: +1 312 419 1480 
    Email: Chicago@dfat.gov.au  
     

    Australian Consulate-General, Honolulu 

    Contact the Consulate-General in Honolulu if you’re in Hawaii, Guam, The Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas 

    Penthouse, 1000 Bishop Street, Honolulu HI 96813 

    Phone: +1 808 529 8100  

    Australian Consulate-General, Houston 

    Contact the Consulate-General in Houston if you're in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas. 

    3009 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 1310, Houston TX 77056 

    Phone: +1 832 962 8420  

    Australian Consulate-General, Los Angeles 

    Contact the Consulate-General in Los Angeles if you're in Alaska, Arizona, southern California, Colorado, New Mexico, southern Nevada, Utah. 2029 Century Park East, 31st Floor, Los Angeles CA 90067 

    Phone: +1 310 229 2300 
    Email: losangeles@dfat.gov.au  
     

    Australian Consulate-General, New York 

    Contact the Consulate-General in New York if you're in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands of the United States. 

    150 East 42nd Street, 34th Floor, New York NY 10017 

    Phone: +1 212 351 6500  

    Australian Consulate-General, San Francisco 

    Contact the Consulate-General in San Francisco if you're in northern California, Idaho, Montana, northern Nevada, Oregon, Washington State, Wyoming. 

    575 Market Street, Suite 1800, San Francisco CA 94105 

    Phone: +1 415 644 3620 
    Email: sanfrancisco@austrade.gov.au  

     

    New Zealand Embassy Washington DC

    37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008 

    Phone: +1 202 328 4800 
    Email: WSHinfo@mfat.govt.nz  

    New Zealand Consulate-General Los Angeles 

    Suite 600E, 2425 Olympic Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90404 

    Phone: +1 310 566 6555
    Email: nzcg.la@mfat.net  

    New Zealand Consulate-General Honolulu 

    733 Bishop Street, 2020, Honolulu, HI 96813 

    Phone: +1 808 675 5555
    Email: HLUEnquiries@mfat.govt.nz  

    New Zealand Consulate-General New York 

    41st Floor, 295 Madison Ave, New York, 10017 

    Phone: +1 212 832 4038
    Email: newyorkconsulate@nzte.govt.nz  

    Customs

    Politeness is valued, such as saying “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me”. Personal space is important. Americans typically maintain about an arm’s length of distance in conversation. Americans tend to be friendly, direct and informal in conversation. Small talk is common, especially about weather, sports or travel. Tipping is customary and expected in most service industries. Punctuality is appreciated. 

    Electricity

    Electrical Socket type: Type A and Type B

    Voltage: 120V, 60 Hz 

    Health

    There are no specific health risks for the USA in addition to those experienced in Australia and New Zealand. Travellers to the United States should have comprehensive travel and medical insurance policies in place. Medical costs in the United States are extremely high, and any incurred will be at your expense.  

     

    Official Travel advice visit:  

    USA Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

    Safe Travel NZ | United States of America (New Zealand) 

    How to Get There & Getting Around

    Major entry points to the USA include New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (ORD), Atlanta (ATL), Miami (MIA), Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) and many others.  

    Once in the US, there are many ways to explore the country, depending on your destination and travel style. Domestic flights are the fastest way to cover long distances, especially between major cities or across coasts.  

    For regional travel, Amtrak provides scenic and comfortable train routes, particularly along the East Coast, through the Midwest, and in parts of California. Driving is one of the most popular ways to explore the US, especially on road trips. The country is well-connected by highways and presents an ideal option for visiting national parks, small towns, and rural areas where public transport may be limited. 

    In cities, public transportation varies. Major urban cities like New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. have reliable subway and bus systems. In smaller cities, ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft are commonly used. Bike-sharing programs and scooter rentals are also popular in many urban areas. 

    Holidays & Festivals

    • Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Third Monday in January) – Honours the civil rights leader with remembrance events. 
    • Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February) – Originally honouring George Washington, it is now a day to recognise all US presidents. 
    • Memorial Day (Last Monday in May) – A day of remembrance for fallen military personnel, marked by parades and ceremonies. 
    • Independence Day (4 July) – The most iconic American holiday, with fireworks, barbecues and patriotic displays. 
    • Thanksgiving (Fourth Thursday in November) – A major family holiday centred around a traditional meal and gratitude. 

    Language

    The main language spoken in the USA is English. Spanish is the second most commonly heard language especially in California, Texas, Florida and New Mexico. 

    Money, Tipping & Shopping

    The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common in cities. ATMs are easy to find. 

     

    Tipping is a major part of hospitality and tourism workers’ income in the US. Tipping in cash is appreciated, even if you pay the bill by card. It’s helpful to have small denomination notes to facilitate this. Standard tipping rates include: 

    • Restaurants: 15-20% of the pre-tax bill 
    • Bars: $1-$2 per drink 
    • Taxis/Rideshares: 10-15% 
    • Hotel staff: $2-$5 per service 
    • Tour guides: $5-$10 per person for a half-day tour 

     

    Prices displayed in stores do not include sales tax, which varies by state (typically 5-10%). Bargaining is not common in retail stores but may be acceptable at flea markets or small vendors. 

     

    Popular American souvenirs include: 

    • Local snacks: Reese’s, beef jerky, regional hot sauces 
    • Sports merchandise: Jerseys, caps and memorabilia from NFL, NBA, MLB teams 
    • Route 66 or Americana-themed items 
    • Native American crafts such as jewellery, pottery and dreamcatchers 
    • Regional specialties: Maple syrup from Vermont, wine from California, or bourbon from Kentucky. 

    Visas

    The Travel Corporation has partnered with the company Sherpa to provide travellers with the latest government and health restrictions. Simply enter the country you want to travel to for information on safety regulations, border closures, quarantine requirements, your travel visa and more using the Sherpa travel tool: Visa Advice 

    Most travellers to the USA will need an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Program. It’s important to check the latest entry requirements on the US Department of State website before your trip, as regulations can vary. If you're visiting the United States for less than 90 days, you may be eligible to: 

    • apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and 
    • then enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) 

    Australian passport holders can now apply for the Global Entry program directly through US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP). The Global Entry program is a US Government program that allows faster border clearance entering the United States for some Australians subject to strict eligibility criteria. For more information see Global Entry for Australians. 

     

    New Zealand passport holders who are travelling for tourism or business purposes can enter the US without a visa for 90 days under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP). To enter the US under the VWP, you need a machine-readable passport and a US Electronic Travel Authorisation. Find out more about the VWP on the US Travel Docs website and apply for ESTA online. 

     
    Official Travel advice visit:  

    USA Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

    Safe Travel NZ | United States of America (New Zealand) 

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