Photocopy the relevant page in your passport with your picture and passport no. on it and keep it separate from your passport.

Passports. All British travelers to the USA must have a ten year passport valid for the intended stay, a twelve month passport is not acceptable. If you are a British Citizen you do not at this time require a visa to enter the USA as long as you travel with a recognized carrier, if you are a British Subject check with the US Embassy Tel. 0891-200-290  
Minimum call rate applies

Medical Insurance. There is no agreement between the US and the UK for medical or hospital care. A recommended amount for medical insurance is £1,000,000.

Medicines. If you require special drugs (heart drugs, tranquillizers or stimulants) you should have either a prescription or written statement from your Doctor that the medicine is being used under a doctor’s direction and is necessary.

Drinking Laws. Minimum age is 21. In most states it is illegal to carry an open container of alcohol in a vehicle.

Sales Tax. Prices in most states are subject to a sales tax of between 3% and 15%. In some areas there is an additional tax on accommodation.

Video. If you are tempted to buy a video camera or tapes make sure they are compatible with the PAL system for England.

Credit Cards. Love them or not, it is recommended to carry at least one major card (Visa/MasterCard) to rent a car or prebook hotel rooms.

Identification. Some form of Photo ID is advisable, to change travelers cheques etc. also if you look under 21 it will require your date of birth.

Travelers Cheques. Carry most of your money in US dollars Travelers Cheques and keep a note of the ser. no’s. They can be used just like money. $20/$50 cheques are most easily changed.

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Telephone Calls. The access code from the UK to the USA is 001 plus the area code and the phone no. Access code from the USA to the UK is 011 44 plus area code (minus the first zero) and phone no. Calls from the USA can be a nightmare to make, so many different phone companies, using your credit card and reversing the charges, very expensive. Phone cards are the cheapest way to phone home.

Greyhound Bus Passes Tel. 0342-317-317

Amtrak Rail Passes Tel. 0171 978-5212

Electrical Goods. A voltage converter 240v to 110v is available from Circuit City or Radio Shack for Christmas Decorations etc. You can buy them in England but they do not come with the adaptors and are more expensive. When buying computer software remember that it will have $ signs instead of £ signs.

Buy a freezer box from a Wal-Mart or a K-Mart approx. $17 for 38qt. and it will pay for itself, ice is available all over the place. Use it as a suitcase on the way home, if you’ve bought anything that will squash put it into it, put straps around it and use wide postal tape. Or buy a polystyrene freezer box for $3-$4 and throw it away when you have finished with it.

Any Guest currently registered at one of the above Inn’s or Hotels are entitled to a discount on future reservations at any other Choice Hotel when you use the lobby display phone, or call the special in room 800 no. or ask a desk clerk to make a reservation for you.

Let’s Go USA Budget Guide to the USA and Canada 2000. Updated every year.

The Rough Guide to the USA.