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Original poster

Going to the States. The basics

72 replies

NotJanine · 25/02/2017 11:24

I'm going on a work trip and I'm clueless

I've got my esta sorted. Will get some dollars in cash. Most expenditure will be on company Amex card, but if I have personal spending is cash or card better? Will they accept my debit/credit card (visa/Mastercard)

Any tips on what to pack in hand luggage vs hold luggage? Anything to avoid hold ups at immigration?Can I use euro plug adapter or is it different?

Sorry lots of questions!!

OP posts:
Original poster
NotJanine · 27/02/2017 07:20

Blimey it's more complicated than I thought! Fortunately only 1 day when I'll be spending my own money, the rest is on the company card!

I bought an adaptor. It's just to use my laptop and charge my phone and camera. Is there a chance I won't be able to use them then?

OP posts:
Iamastonished · 27/02/2017 07:26

You will be able to use it.

eurochick · 27/02/2017 07:47

You should be fine. The only electrical equipment I've ever had a problem with is my elderly ghds.

rollonthesummer · 27/02/2017 10:47

Ooh-I've found a thread answering all of the things I came on here to ask!

Do elderly GHDs not work over there??

Daft question-but is there wifi everywhere in Disney? Is it not worth getting my phone sorted for US roaming?

And are there chargers on most planes??

FinallyHere · 27/02/2017 11:09

Phone, computer and phone gadgets are very likely to cope with the difference voltage. Look closely around the plug for the magic 110v-240v sign.

I tend to take a strip of sockets, on a long lead. Plug it in using an adaptor, to have a strip of UK sockets available ( for anything that can cope with the different voltage). Often, the sockets are in awkward places, the long lead lets me leave it in a convenient place.

Other things that throws me in the US:-

  • people being friendly, saying 'say, are you from round here'. My initial reaction (especially if I am tried and disorientated from travelling) is to say goodness, no. They are being friendly to a stranger, but not wanting to make the assumption that you are 'other'.
  • customer service comes with lots and lots of options....the simple task of buying a coffee can come with lots and lots of questions, to make sure you are getting it exactly how you like it. I tried each morning to have answered all the questions in my order, but there was always something else i was asked. Eventually, i asked why and was told that people value the 'added' value tailoring, so they have loads and loads of things they can ask you.

Gosh, don't i sound grumpy. I thought I would love to be paid for travelling around the world, actually i found it pretty tedious and extra hard work, and was glad to change jobs and be on holiday when i am away, relaxed and ready to soak up the experience.

Original poster
NotJanine · 27/02/2017 11:24

That's a good idea with the strip of sockets. Will have to see if I have a spare one at home.

I don't drink coffee so will avoid the complicated ordering! I also don't drink alcohol (and look way too old to need ID'ing anyhow)

OP posts:
Iamastonished · 27/02/2017 13:35

"Daft question-but is there wifi everywhere in Disney?"

Yes, definitely, and in the Universal resorts as well. I was pleasantly surprised and how easy it was to use Wi-Fi everywhere. The Wi-Fi in the hotel was free and excellent as well.

"- customer service comes with lots and lots of options"

Oh yes, the multiple choice ordering - what type of fries, what type of dressing, what type of coffee, what type of milk, what size etc etc. This doesn't just happen with coffee, but with any ordering of food and drink.

We took a US adapter that also had 2 USB ports

specialsubject · 27/02/2017 14:09

Travel insurance - make sure work haven't cocked it up.

America - 110v. 50hz
UK and EU - 240v, 60hz.

bojorojo · 27/02/2017 18:19

Our American friends say the tip is "Double The Tax". So if tax is 9%, double whatever that is as a minimum.

BA is ok for flight entertainment unless you are really picky. DH and I are not, DDs are. Maybe it is an age thing! Cabs is 15-20%. Round up the fare. So $8 is $10.

Yes, TSA locks. I forgot the actual name earlier.

There is rarely poor service! These people need the tips and we found everyone friendly rather than intrusive. Self-service for us is just not a holiday experience. Very few in NY I think, other than museums! NY is just less laid back than other places.

storynanny · 27/02/2017 18:30

I use my ghds, they are about 6 years old.
I go regularly to visit my son and always take hand luggage only. This is because JFK airport is always busy and I can't be bothered to wait even longer to get my case. I go for about 6 days at a time and can easily travel with just hand luggage

Iamastonished · 27/02/2017 18:43

"Self-service for us is just not a holiday experience"

Some of the self service places we ate at in Orlando were more than just cafes. I also liked that once we had paid for our food and could sit down and eat it I didn't have to faff around getting a bill and sit there wondering how much of a tip to pay. I didn't feel it detracted from my holiday experience.

It took us so long to get through immigration in Orlando last year that the staff were pulling everyone's cases off the carousel for them because we were still stuck in a queue.

I did find it expensive though, much more expensive than previous visits to the US.

ChippyMinton · 27/02/2017 18:55

I'd recommend routing from UK via Dublin to pre-clear US immigration there, rather than in the US.
I'd get a direct flight home though if I did it again!

rollonthesummer · 27/02/2017 19:08

What's this about luggage locks-can you only use a certain type?

originalbiglymavis · 27/02/2017 19:10

And don't ask for directions to a cash machine. Blank stares all round.

Iamastonished · 27/02/2017 19:19

They offer that from our local airport, but don't you have to fly Aer Lingus to do so?

Iamastonished · 27/02/2017 19:24

rollon They are TSA (Transport Security Administration) locks and are widely available. They are designed to allow the appropriate authorities to unlock your case and check its contents. They will break open any other lock if it isn't a TSA approved one.

eurochick · 27/02/2017 19:31

My ghds don't work there. They are probably 10+ years old.

rollonthesummer · 27/02/2017 19:45

I've just looked on Amazon for TSA locks-they don't seem to get very good reviews Confused.

tribpot · 27/02/2017 19:53

What about this one? 4.6 stars average out of 460-odd reviews, it doesn't get much better than that.

drspouse · 27/02/2017 20:12

bojo Tax varies by state so tips are not always 2x tax. Some places it's 3x, some it's 1 1/2.

Iamastonished · 27/02/2017 20:57

rollon If you don't use TSA locks American security will just break open your case if they want to look inside it, so you might as well use them.

rollonthesummer · 27/02/2017 20:59

I don't normally use locks when we fly actually -just luggage straps!!

Iamastonished · 27/02/2017 21:10

You'll be fine then. Unfortunately baggage handlers aren't known for their honesty. Heathrow used to known as Thiefrow.

specialsubject · 28/02/2017 12:04

Don't lock hold luggage because there should be nothing of value in it. Has been the situation for decades.

bojorojo · 01/03/2017 00:27

Ok - so no Nikes in the hold then! It is impossible to pack without something desirable being in the hold luggage unless you wear total tat. NY was double the tax but, yes, depends on the tax.

Self service with hot food hanging around for hours just does not appeal. Most self service I have used in the USA has been pretty bad but I haven't been to Orlando. I have travelled fairly widely in the US though. One of the great things about the US is fresh cooked food.

Some suitcases now have TSA locks Incorporated in them. We have used separate locks for years with no problems. Just don't forget the code.