Things You Need to Know When Traveling to the USA - Detailed Guide

06 June 2025

The USA, the land of the free, is a dream destination with vibrant cities like New York and Los Angeles, natural wonders like the Grand Canyon, and famous amusement parks like Disneyland. However, to have a smooth and memorable trip to the USA, you need to be well-informed about important details from visas, weather, culture, to cost-saving tips.

This article will cover essential information when traveling to the USA, meeting your search needs and helping you confidently explore this diverse country. Let's prepare for the journey to discover the USA with NVK Travel!

Preparing for the trip

Applying for a US tourist visa (B1/B2)

A visa is a mandatory requirement for entering the USA. The B1/B2 visa is for tourism, business, or visiting family.

Required documents:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Form DS-160 (fill out online at ceac.state.gov).
- 5x5 cm photo, white background.
- Financial proof documents (savings of at least 500 million VND, bank statements), employment, and ties to Vietnam.
Cost: 185 USD (~4,625,000 VND, exchange rate in June 2025: 1 USD ≈ 25,000 VND).
Processing time: 2-8 weeks, including scheduling an interview and receiving results.
Tip: Prepare your documents thoroughly and answer the interview honestly. NVK Travel offers visa support services to increase your approval rate.

>>> See more: How Much Money for a Trip to the USA - Financial Planning

Planning the itinerary

The USA is vast, so you need to choose destinations that fit your time (7-12):

East Coast: New York (Statue of Liberty, Times Square), Washington D.C. (White House), Boston.
West Coast: Los Angeles (Hollywood, Disneyland), San Francisco (Golden Gate Bridge), Las Vegas.
Midwest: Chicago, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park.

Tip: Use Google Maps or the TripIt app to create a detailed itinerary. Book flights and hotels early through NVK Travel to save costs.

Best time to travel to the USA

The weather in the USA varies by region and season:

Spring (March-May): Temperature 10-20°C, flowers bloom in Washington D.C. (Cherry Blossom Festival), ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
Summer (June-August): Temperature 25-30°C, suitable for beaches (Miami, California) and festivals, but crowded.
Autumn (September-November): Temperature 15-25°C, red and yellow leaves in New England, pleasant weather, fewer tourists.
Winter (December-February): Temperature 0-10°C, suitable for skiing (Aspen) and Christmas markets (New York).

Best times: September (autumn) or April (spring) for pleasant weather and reasonable service prices.

Tip: Check the weather in each region via Weather Underground. Book autumn tours through NVK Travel to see the most beautiful scenery.

Travel costs in the USA

Travel costs in the USA depend on travel style and destination. Estimated for a 7-day trip (self-guided):

Visa: ~4,625,000 VND.
Round-trip airfare: 20,000,000 - 30,000,000 VND.
Accommodation (3-star hotel): 10,000,000 - 15,000,000 VND.
Food: 3,000,000 VND (~500,000 VND/day).
Domestic transportation: 3,000,000 - 5,000,000 VND.
Sightseeing: 3,000,000 - 5,000,000 VND.
Total: ~40,625,000 - 60,000,000 VND/person.

Cost-saving tips:

Book flights early through Expedia or NVK Travel.
Use CityPASS (New York, Los Angeles) to reduce sightseeing ticket costs.
Eat at food trucks or Walmart supermarkets to save money.

>>> See more: Spring Travel Experience in Australia - Exploration Journey

Getting around in the USA

Traveling between cities

Domestic flights: 1,500,000 - 5,000,000 VND/one way (Southwest, Delta). Suitable for long distances (New York - Los Angeles).
Train (Amtrak): 1,000,000 - 3,000,000 VND/trip (New York - Washington D.C.).
Bus (Greyhound, Megabus): 500,000 - 1,500,000 VND/trip, economical but slower.

Getting around in the city

New York: Subway (MetroCard): ~75,000 VND/ride, weekly pass ~850,000 VND.
Los Angeles: Bus or rent a car (1,000,000 - 2,000,000 VND/day).
San Francisco: Cable car, bus (Clipper card): ~60,000 VND/ride.

Tip: Buy a transportation card (MetroCard, Clipper) to save money. Download the Uber or Lyft app for convenient rides.

Culture and etiquette in the USA

American culture

Individualism: Americans value independence and directness. Please respect personal space.
Tipping: Usually tip 15-20% of the bill at restaurants, taxis, or hotels.
Language: English is the primary language, but many places (like Los Angeles) have communities that speak Vietnamese.

Etiquette rules

Queue in public places (bus stations, ticket counters).
No smoking in prohibited areas (heavy fines).
Respect cultural diversity, avoid sensitive comments about race or religion.

Tip: Download Google Translate to assist with communication. Learn a few basic English phrases like “Thank you,” “How much?”.

American cuisine and dining tips

American cuisine is diverse with dishes like hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, and international food.

Fast food: 150,000 - 300,000 VND/meal (McDonald’s, Taco Bell).
Casual dining: 300,000 - 600,000 VND/meal.
Fine dining: 1,000,000 - 2,000,000 VND/meal.

Dining tips:

Try street food at food trucks to save money.
Buy groceries at supermarkets (Walmart, Costco) if staying in an Airbnb.
Avoid tap water, buy bottled water (~50,000 VND/bottle).

Safety and important notes

Safety

Avoid dangerous areas (some neighborhoods in Los Angeles, Chicago) at night.
Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded places like Times Square.
Use anti-theft bags and do not carry too much cash.

Emergency numbers

Call 911 in case of emergency (police, fire, medical).
Vietnamese Embassy in the USA: +1 202 861 0737.

Customs regulations

Do not bring more than 10,000 USD in cash when entering.
Limit bringing fresh food or processed food (maximum check of 5kg when returning to Vietnam).

Tip: Buy travel insurance to be protected against medical risks (medical costs in the USA are very high).

Useful apps when traveling in the USA

Google Maps: Navigation, directions, public transport information.
TripIt: Manage travel itineraries.
Yelp: Find restaurants, read reviews.
Uber/Lyft: Call a taxi or private car.
XE Currency: Currency conversion.

Tip: Buy a 4G SIM card (T-Mobile, AT&T) at the airport (~30 USD for 10GB) or use free Wi-Fi at cafes, hotels.

Tips for saving on travel costs in the USA

Domestic travel in the U.S. — Traveling within the USA

Book early: Flights, hotels, and tours are cheaper when booked 3-6 months in advance through NVK Travel.
Choose the low season: March-May or September-November to reduce costs.
Use discount cards: CityPASS or Go City Explorer Pass to save on admission tickets.
Shop at outlets: Woodbury Common (New York), Camarillo (Los Angeles) have better prices.
Travel in groups: Share the costs of car rentals and hotels.

Suggested itinerary for a 7-day trip

Day 1-3: New York – Visit the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Broadway show.
Day 4: Washington D.C. – The White House, Smithsonian Museum.
Day 5-7: Los Angeles – Hollywood, Universal Studios, Santa Monica.

Tip: Book a complete tour through NVK Travel for an optimized itinerary and guide support.

Traveling to the U.S. is a great opportunity to explore culture, nature, and world-famous destinations. With the essential travel tips shared above, you will easily prepare for a complete journey from visa application to cultural exploration. To make your trip smoother, let NVK Travel accompany you! With over 10 years of experience in international travel, NVK Travel offers professional visa services, flight tickets, hotels, and tours in the U.S. Visit now https://nvktravel.com/ to receive free consultation and attractive offers, starting your journey to explore the land of the stars and stripes today!