Traveling to the USA Costs How Much - Financial Planning
The USA, the land of dreams with vibrant cities like New York, Los Angeles, and natural wonders like the Grand Canyon, is an attractive destination for all travelers. However, to have a complete trip to the USA, financial planning is a key factor.
This article will provide a detailed look at the main expenses, from visa, airfare, accommodation, to food and sightseeing, along with tips to save so you can enjoy your journey without worrying about exceeding your budget. Let's explore with NVK Travel howmuch it costs to travel to the USA, and how to prepare financially for a trip to the land of the stars and stripes!
Overview of travel costs to the USA
The current visa application fee for the USA is about 185 USD
The cost of traveling to the USA depends on the travel style (self-guided or tour), timing, and destinations such as New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Las Vegas. A typical 7-10 day trip costs as follows:
A USA tourist visa (B1/B2) is a mandatory requirement for Vietnamese citizens, and this is an important expense.
Cost: 185 USD (~4,625,000 VND) for the interview fee (non-refundable).
Necessary documents:
Passport valid for at least 6 months.
DS-160 form (filled out online).
Passport photo 5x5 cm, white background.
Documents proving financial status, employment, and purpose of the trip.
Process: Schedule an interview at the US Embassy (Hanoi) or Consulate (Ho Chi Minh City). Processing time: 1-2 weeks after the interview.
Visa validity: Usually valid for 1 year, multiple entries, maximum stay of 6 months per entry.
Saving tips: Prepare complete documents to increase the visa approval rate. If you need assistance, NVK Travel offers professional visa consulting and document preparation services.
Cost of airfare
The cost of traveling to the USA primarily consists of airfare
Airfare is the largest expense when traveling to the USA from Vietnam.
Round trip (Vietnam - USA):
Economy class: 20,000,000 - 35,000,000 VND (depending on destination: New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco).
Low season (March-May, September-November): 20,000,000 - 25,000,000 VND.
High season (June-August, December): 30,000,000 - 35,000,000 VND.
Popular airlines: Vietnam Airlines, United Airlines, ANA, Korean Air.
Domestic flights: Traveling between cities like New York - Los Angeles or Las Vegas - San Francisco costs 1,500,000 - 5,000,000 VND/leg (Southwest, Delta, American Airlines).
Saving tips: Book tickets 3-6 months in advance through NVK Travel or platforms like Expedia, Kayak. Choose connecting flights (via Japan, South Korea) to reduce costs.
Saving tips: Book rooms through Booking.com, Airbnb, or NVK Travel to get deals. Choose accommodations in the suburbs or near subway stations to save costs.
Transportation costs in the USA
Traveling between cities
Domestic flights: 1,500,000 - 5,000,000 VND/one way (Southwest, JetBlue).
Train (Amtrak): 1,000,000 - 3,000,000 VND/trip (for example: New York - Washington D.C.).
Intercity bus (Greyhound, Megabus): 500,000 - 1,500,000 VND/trip, cheap but time-consuming (4-6 hours from New York to Boston).
Getting around the city
New York: Subway (MetroCard): 75,000 VND/ride, or weekly pass (~850,000 VND). Taxi/Uber: 250,000 - 500,000 VND/short trip.
Los Angeles: Bus (TAP card): 50,000 VND/ride. Car rental: 1,000,000 - 2,000,000 VND/day.
San Francisco: Cable car, bus (Clipper card): 60,000 VND/ride.
Money-saving tip: Buy a weekly subway pass in New York or San Francisco. Rent a group car if visiting multiple cities in the West (like Los Angeles - Las Vegas).
Hotel prices in the USA vary widely and depend on location
Dining costs
American cuisine is diverse with hamburgers, pizza, and international dishes. Dining costs depend on the type of establishment:
Fast food (McDonald’s, Taco Bell): 150,000 - 300,000 VND/meal.
Beverages: Bottled water (~50,000 VND), coffee (~75,000 VND).
Money-saving tip: Eat at fast food places or food trucks. Buy groceries at supermarkets (Walmart, Target) to cook if staying in an Airbnb.
Sightseeing and activity costs
Attractions and activities are an essential part of traveling in the USA.
Admission tickets:
Statue of Liberty (New York): ~600,000 VND.
Grand Canyon National Park: ~500,000 VND/vehicle.
Universal Studios Hollywood (Los Angeles): ~2,500,000 VND.
MoMA Museum (New York): ~625,000 VND.
Signature activities:
Cruise to see the Statue of Liberty: 750,000 - 1,000,000 VND.
Grand Canyon helicopter tour: 5,000,000 - 10,000,000 VND.
Show in Las Vegas: 1,500,000 - 5,000,000 VND.
Money-saving tip: Buy CityPASS (New York, San Francisco) or Go City Explorer Pass (~1,500,000 - 3,000,000 VND) for discounted access to multiple attractions.
Souvenir shopping costs
Popular souvenirs include t-shirts, Statue of Liberty models, or Disney memorabilia.
Money-saving tip: Shop at outlets (like Woodbury Common near New York) or Walmart supermarkets. Check customs regulations when bringing food back to Vietnam (maximum 5kg).
Estimated total cost for a 7-day trip
Below is a sample budget for a self-guided 7-day trip (New York, Washington D.C., Los Angeles):
Visa: 4,625,000 VND.
Round-trip airfare: 25,000,000 VND.
Accommodation (3-star hotel): 14,000,000 VND (2,000,000 VND/night x 7).
Domestic travel (flights, buses): 3,000,000 VND.
Dining: 3,500,000 VND (500,000 VND/day x 7).
Sightseeing/activities: 5,000,000 VND.
Souvenirs: 1,000,000 VND.
Total: ~56,125,000 VND/person.
Note: Costs can be lower if staying in hostels, eating fast food, or higher if choosing 4-5 star hotels and premium activities.
Money-saving travel tips for the USA
Book early: Airfare, hotels, and tours are cheaper if booked 3-6 months in advance through NVK Travel or platforms like Expedia, Kayak.
Choose off-peak seasons: March-May or September-November to save on airfare and accommodation.
Use public transport: Subway, buses instead of taxis or private rentals.
Buy discount cards: CityPASS, Go City Pass help save on sightseeing costs.
Eat on a budget: Choose fast food, food trucks, or cook at Airbnb.
Shop smart: Buy at outlets or supermarkets instead of stores in tourist areas.
Suggested itinerary with a reasonable budget
Day 1-3: New York – Visit the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Times Square. Stay in a hostel (500,000 VND/night), eat fast food (300,000 VND/day).
Day 4: Washington D.C. – Visit the White House, Lincoln Memorial. Travel by bus (1,000,000 VND).
Day 5-7: Los Angeles – Visit Hollywood, Universal Studios. Stay in a 3-star hotel (1,500,000 VND/night).
Estimated total cost: ~45,000,000 VND/person (excluding international flight tickets).
Notes on finances and safety
Food costs are one of the major concerns when you decide to go to the US.
Currency: Exchange USD in Vietnam, bring additional Visa/MasterCard credit cards. Withdraw cash at ATMs with a fee of ~2-3%.
Safety: Be careful of pickpockets in crowded areas like Times Square. Use anti-theft bags.
Emergency number: Call 911 in case of emergency. Save the number of the Vietnamese Embassy in the US: +1 202 861 0737.
Customs regulations: Do not bring more than 10,000 USD in cash or fresh food when returning to Vietnam.
Traveling to the US is an opportunity for you to explore the vibrant cities and majestic nature of the land of the stars and stripes. With a reasonable financial plan and the above saving tips, you will easily enjoy a memorable journey. To make your trip smoother, let NVK Travel accompany you!
With over 10 years of experience in international travel, NVK Travel offers visa services, flight tickets, hotels, and complete tours at optimal costs. Visit now https://nvktravel.com/ to receive free consultation and attractive offers, start your journey to explore the US today!
