Finance & Marketing

If you are planning a trip to the US you will not be disappointed. There are so many great destinations for everyone in the family; from theme parks to national parks. Following some basic rules will ensure a safe and trouble free holiday.

Find out all the entry requirements and procedures that must be followed for visitors to the US. Be prepared to provide a US address where you will be staying. The customs official will require a filled out Customs and Border protection declaration form.

Unless otherwise waived, all visitors must possess a valid visa and a passport that is valid. This is not a guarantee for entry into the US. The border agent will request information on the reason of your visit and also ask you how long you plan on staying. Visitors are photographed and fingerprinted before they are allowed to enter.

Make sure you find out what can and cannot be brought into the US. There are restrictions on fruits, vegetables, poultry, plants and hazardous substances. Fill the customs form to declare any items on the restricted list. You may have to discard items not allowed.

You can bring and take out any amount of foreign or US currency from the US. If you plan on bringing more than the equivalent of 10,000 dollars you must report it on the Customs form. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere and are the preferred choice of payment. Call your credit card company before you leave and inform them about your travel plans. Also find out about any fees and extra charges for transactions made abroad.

The US medical care is extremely expensive. Socialized care is not available. You must carry medical insurance that can pay any costly medical bills. The emergency phone number in case of a dire emergency is 911. Use it only if you are in a life threatening situation.