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.
USA Guide
USA Quick Facts
USA Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
Business Customs and Etiquette
Travel Advice and Tips
Public Holidays
USA Map
USA Weather
Currency Converter & Travel Money Exchange
USA Hotels & Flights
Travel Insurance
USA Quick Facts
Country: United States of America
Capital: Washington D.C
Currency: Dollar ($)
Population: 299 Million
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 14,657.8bn (2010)
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 Visa Requirements
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. 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.
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 (2012):
January 1: New Year’s Day
January 16: Martin Luther King Day
February 20: Presidents’ day
April 6: Good Friday
May 28: Memorial Day
July 4: Independence Day
September 3: Labour Day
October 8: Columbus Day
November 11: Veterans' Day
November 22: 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
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Related Resources
USA Weather
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.
