USA Business Travel Guide

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The USA Business Travel Guide provides a range of useable travel information to help assist business travellers. The travel guide contains facts on the USA, visa information, business customs, useful tips and other resources. An understanding of other cultures, languages, customs and etiquette can be of real use to business travellers and give a real advantage to ensuring a successful business trip.

The USA has an advanced and developed economy, home to the world's largest economy, it is also the most diverse and technologically developed. The sheer size, diversity and entrepreneurial culture in the country ensures there are a number of business opportunities. Major trading partners include neighbour Canada, Mexico, Japan, China and Germany; the influence of US multinational corporations in the global market place ensures great influence on global business and trade and a currency that is the dominant reserve currency and the standard unit of currency for many commodities.

The USA is a multicultural, multiracial country and home to a number of ethic groups from around the world. The country has a variety of landscapes including beaches, mountains, lakes, forests, hills, grasslands and a range of flora and fauna. Famous attractions include Statute of Liberty, Times Square & attractions in New York, Walt Disney World Resort, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, Golden Gate Bridge, Niagara Falls and Las Vagas.


USA Guide

USA Quick Facts
USA Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
Business Customs and Etiquette
Travel Advice and Tips
Public Holidays
USA Map
USA Weather & Climate



USA Quick Facts

Country: United States of America

Capital: Washington D.C

Currency: Dollar (USD); 1 US Dollar = 100 cents

Population: 316 Million (UN, 2012)

Area total: 9,630,000 sq km

Languages: English (Official), Spanish, Native American languages.

Time Zone: GMT -5 to -8

Daylight Saving Details: Starts in late March until late October

Electricity: 110V 60Hz

Dialling Code: 1

GDP: USD 16.8 Trillion (World Bank, 2013)

Religion: Predominately Christian (Protestant, Catholic) with Muslim, Hindu and Jewish minorities.

Political System: Federal Republic

Internet Domain: .us


USA Travel Advice

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office offers travellers useful advice when travelling to the USA. You can find further information on entry requirements for the USA, advice on local laws and customs, health considerations, useful tips on safety and security and the address and contact details of the British Embassy in the USA. The information is updated regularly making it a valuable resource to consult for both business and leisure travellers when searching for the latest travel advice and information on the USA. For more information please see: USA Travel Advice


Visa Requirements

Visa Waiver program counties nationals do not need visas for short term visits of less than 90 days. Countries include UK, Germany, Italy, France. With visa requirements are subject to change with changes in requirements and rules for further information please see: USA Embassy UK


Business Customs and Etiquette

Business dress for initial meetings can be conservative although many places have a smart casual for one or more days per week. Business meetings need to be booked in advance. Initial greetings are usually with a firm handshake and eye contact. Punctuality is important for meetings, hosts may come across to some as brash and straight to the point in comparison to more indirect styles used in other countries. Honestly and professionalism are sought after and with a long hours culture do not be surprised if you are invited to a breakfast meeting at 7 to 8am.

Business lunches are work related affairs and tend to stick to work issues. It is important not to offend in the diverse workforce and adhere to the strict legislation on these matters. Business meetings are often held over lunch, business dinners are usually held in restaurants rather than private residences. Business practices and protocols are similar to those found in most western countries.


Travel Advice and Tips

The majority of trips to the USA for both business visitors and tourists are likely to pleasant and incident free. It is important to always be careful and vigilant of your surrounds and environment. Beware of pick pockets in crowded areas and public transport and bag snatching, robbery and car crime are also problems in certain areas. Seek local advise on areas to stay away from that can be more hazardous. Ensure valuables are not on public show. The hurricane season from June to October can affect a wide area of the USA it is important to listen to advice and not be caught out unprepared.

Travel Checklist: See our Packing Checklist containing useful tips and reminders to ensure you have everything you will need on your trip.

Travel Vaccinations: It is recommended you check with your GP for current advice on whether you require any travel vaccinations up to eight weeks before you travel. For more information and advice on travel vaccinations please see the NHS Fit for Travel website.


Tipping: If service charge is not included usually around 15-20%

Hours of Business:

For Businesses:
09.00 to 17.00 Monday to Friday (varies by industry ranging from 07.00 to 18.00)

For Shops
09.30 to 21.00 Monday to Saturday
12.00 to 17.00 Sundays

For Banks:
09.00 to 15.00 Monday to Friday

NOTE: Shops & supermarkets are often open on Sundays and some are open 24 hours.


Public Holidays

Public Holidays (2015):

January 1: New Year’s Day
January 19: Martin Luther King Day
February 16: Presidents’ day
April 3: Good Friday
May 25: Memorial Day
July 4: Independence Day
September 7: Labour Day
October 12: Columbus Day
November 11: Veterans' Day
November 26: Thanksgiving Day
December 25: Christmas Day

Note: The list above includes the 10 Federal Holidays and Good Friday that is a holiday in some states and one that most companies and organisations observe. In addition to the above list there are State Holidays observed.


USA Map

New York Map, USA


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USA Weather & Climate

The size and latitude of the USA means there are a number of regional weather variations; there are arid, humid continental, humid temperate, humid subtropical and tropical climates found in the country. Alaska has an artic climate whilst Hawaii has a tropical climate. Summer (June to August) is a popular time to visit with many families visiting the USA; winter trips to the USA are popular too with many people visiting ski resorts such as Aspen and Lake Placid.

Local holiday periods such as Easter, Spring Break, Thanksgiving and Christmas are all popular times for Americans to travel and tourist areas, hotels, attractions and entertainment can get busy. Generally the northern half of the USA is colder in the winter months (November to February) than the southern half.

Lightweight cotton and linen clothing can be worn in the summer months; visitors should be aware of the varying climates in different parts of the country and pack accordingly. Visitors will need layers and warmer clothing when visiting in the autumn and winter months and particularly if taking part in outdoor activities.









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Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
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