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Bookmark & shareUSA: a global brand, a cluster of seductions, a wealth of surprises.
The USA is home to several of the world's most exciting cities, some truly mind-blowing landscapes, a strong sense of regionalism, a trenchant mythology, more history than the country gives itself credit for and, arguably, some of the most approachable natives in the world.
The US was fashioned from an incredibly disparate population who, with little in common apart from a desire to choose their own paths to wealth or heaven, rallied around the ennobling ideals of the Declaration of Independence to forge the richest, most inventive and most powerful country on earth.
Travel Warning: Hurricanes - Carry-on Baggage Restrictions
Almost 2000 people were evacuated from the Texan coast in the wake of Hurricane Ike which struck on September 13. At least eight people people were killed in the storm. Large areas of Houston were without power - a week-long night-time curfew was imposed to prevent looting.
Up to 2 million people evacuated the Louisiana coast ahead of Hurricane Gustav which made its landfall just west of New Orleans on September 1. The evacuation was the largest in the state's history. Widespread damage was reported in some areas of Louisiana and 26 people were killed in the storms. Travellers can check the City of New Orleans website for updates. Tropical Storm Fay also caused widespread damage, and claimed up to 10 lives in Florida.
Restrictions on airline carry-on baggage are in place throughout the US. For details check the Transport Security Administration website.
severity: High-level alert
Fast Facts
Country Full Name
United States of America (USA)
Population
290,000,000
Currency
Name: US Dollar
Code: USD
Symbol: US$
Electrical Plugs
110V 60Hz
Languages Spoken
Essential: English
Time Zones
GMT/UTC -5 (Eastern)
GMT/UTC -6 (Central)
GMT/UTC -7 (Mountain)
GMT/UTC -8 (Pacific Standard)
Country Dialing Code
+1
Weights & Measures
Imperial
USA - Free Guidebook Chapter
Download the free Getting Started chapter or buy individual chapters from our USA guide, in our online Shop.
› Go to the USA download page.
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Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.
