Essential Apps for Traveling to the USA
41 apps · Apps verified August 9, 2026 · Guide written April 1, 2025
Quick Answer
What apps do I need in United States?
For United States, most travelers should download Apple Pay, Google Pay, Yesim, and Airalo before arrival for transport, payments, maps, and connectivity. International cards are widely accepted, though keeping a backup payment option is still wise. Tap water is generally safe to drink.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to the questions travelers and AI assistants ask most often.
What apps do I need in United States?
For United States, most travelers should download Apple Pay, Google Pay, Yesim, and Airalo before arrival for transport, payments, maps, and connectivity. International cards are widely accepted, though keeping a backup payment option is still wise. Tap water is generally safe to drink.
Can I drink tap water in United States?
Yes, tap water is safe to drink in United States. Tap water is safe to drink throughout the US and meets strict EPA standards. Free water available at restaurants (just ask). Filtered water at most office buildings and airports. Some rural areas may have mineral taste but still safe.
Should I tip in United States?
$1-2 per drink at bars. $1-2 for valet parking. $2-5 for food delivery. Hair stylists 15-20%. No tipping at fast food or counter service. Restaurants: 15-20% of pre-tax bill is standard. 18-20% is expected for good service. Often automatically added (18-20%) for groups of 6+. Tip on full amount even when using coupons.
Do I need a visa to visit United States?
Many nationalities can visit United States visa-free for up to 90 days. ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) required for 40+ Visa Waiver Program countries including UK, EU, Japan, Australia, South Korea. Apply online at least 72 hours before travel. Valid for 2 years. 90 days maximum per visit. ESTA does not guarantee entry - CBP officers make final determination. B1/B2 visa required for non-VWP countries, allows up to 6 months.
What power adapter do I need for United States?
United States uses Type A, B power outlets at 120V, 60Hz. Type A (2 flat prongs) and Type B (2 flat + ground). International visitors from Europe, Asia, UK, Australia need adapters AND may need voltage converters for high-wattage devices (hair dryers, curling irons). Most laptop/phone chargers are dual-voltage (100-240V) and only need plug adapter.
If you use these apps at home
How the big global apps hold up in United States — and what locals use instead.
- If you use Uber Works here
- Yes — Uber works in United States. Locals also use Lyft.
- If you use Uber Eats Works here
- Yes — Uber Eats works in United States. Locals also use DoorDash.
- If you use WhatsApp Works here
- Yes — WhatsApp works in United States. Locals also use iMessage.
- If you use Google Maps Works here
- Yes — Google Maps works in United States. Locals also use Apple Maps, Waze, and Transit.
- If you use Apple Pay Works here
- Yes — Apple Pay works in United States. Locals also use Google Pay.
- If you use Google Pay Works here
- Yes — Google Pay works in United States. Locals also use Apple Pay.
- If you use Amazon Works here
- Yes — Amazon works in United States. Locals also use Walmart.
- If you use Netflix
- For streaming, locals in United States typically use Spotify and YouTube.
Finance & Payments
4 apps
eSIM & Data Plans
4 apps
Already use N26, Revolut, or Truecaller? Some bank apps now bundle travel data, so check yours first. If not, these standalone eSIMs are the best value:
Ride Hailing
4 apps
Public Transit
3 apps
Navigation
4 apps
Food Delivery
3 apps
Communication
3 apps
VPN & Privacy
1 app
Shopping
3 apps
Tours & Experiences
4 apps
Health & Insurance
3 apps
Media & Entertainment
2 apps
Dining & Reservations
3 apps
💳 Payment Methods in United States
Tourist Accessibility
Excellent for tourists
International Cards
ATM availability: widespread
Accepted Payment Methods
Popular Local Payment Apps
💡 Cards universally accepted. Apple Pay accepted at 90%+ of retailers. Contactless/tap-to-pay standard nearly everywhere. Venmo/Cash App/Zelle require US bank accounts and are not usable by tourists. Tipping culture: 15-20% at restaurants (often added automatically for groups), $1-2 per drink at bars, $2-5 per bag for hotel staff. Keep small cash for tips. Tax is added at checkout and not included in listed prices.
Travel Information for United States
Common Requirements
- Valid passport (6 months validity recommended)
- Approved ESTA ($21 USD) or valid US visa
- Return or onward ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds
- No prior immigration violations
🏧 ATM Tips
ATMs widely available at banks, convenience stores (7-Eleven, CVS), and airports. Foreign card fees typically $3-5 per withdrawal. Notify your bank of travel dates to avoid card blocks. Most ATMs dispense $20 bills. Use bank ATMs (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank) for lowest fees.
💱 Money Exchange Tips
Best rates at banks. Avoid airport and hotel exchange kiosks (worst rates). Many international visitors simply use ATMs or contactless cards with excellent automatic exchange rates. USD is the world's reserve currency - no need to exchange before arriving.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (Apr-May) and Fall (Sep-Oct) for most regions with comfortable weather. Summer for Alaska, Pacific Northwest, and national parks. Winter for Florida, Southwest deserts, and ski resorts. Hurricane season June-November affects Gulf Coast and East Coast.
Languages
English English: high
SIM Cards & Connectivity
T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon offer prepaid SIMs at airport stores and retailers (Best Buy, Walmart, Target). Plans from $30-50/month with data. eSIM (Airalo/Holafly) easiest option for tourists. T-Mobile has best coverage for price. Free WiFi widely available at cafes (Starbucks), hotels, airports, and libraries.
Transportation
Public transit excellent in NYC (subway 24/7), SF (BART/Muni), Chicago (L), DC (Metro), Boston (T) but very limited in most other cities - car or rideshare essential. Domestic flights best for long distances via Southwest, Spirit, Frontier (budget) or Delta, United, American. Amtrak trains scenic but slow except Northeast Corridor (NYC-DC). International driving permit accepted for car rental. Drive on right side. Gas stations are self-service.
Cultural Notes
- Tipping is expected and essential - servers earn below minimum wage and depend on tips
- Tax is NOT included in displayed prices - added at checkout (varies 0-10% by state)
- Personal space is valued - maintain arm's length distance in conversation
- Informal dress code is normal except in upscale restaurants and business settings
- Portion sizes are large - sharing or taking leftovers ('doggy bag') is acceptable
- Drinking age is 21, strictly enforced with ID checks even for older-looking people
- Healthcare is extremely expensive without insurance - travel insurance essential
- Speed limits are in miles per hour (not km/h), distances in miles
Safety Rating
Emergency Numbers
Tap Water
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the US and meets strict EPA standards. Free water available at restaurants (just ask). Filtered water at most office buildings and airports. Some rural areas may have mineral taste but still safe.
Power Outlets
120V, 60Hz
Type A (2 flat prongs) and Type B (2 flat + ground). International visitors from Europe, Asia, UK, Australia need adapters AND may need voltage converters for high-wattage devices (hair dryers, curling irons). Most laptop/phone chargers are dual-voltage (100-240V) and only need plug adapter.
Tipping
$1-2 per drink at bars. $1-2 for valet parking. $2-5 for food delivery. Hair stylists 15-20%. No tipping at fast food or counter service.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
AirTrain connects terminals to Jamaica Station (LIRR to Penn Station, 20 min) or Howard Beach (A train to Manhattan, 55 min). Cheapest option. Runs 24/7.
NYC Airporter and various shuttle services to Grand Central, Port Authority, Penn Station. Less frequent late night.
Flat rate $70 to Manhattan only. Metered to other boroughs. Add tolls (~$10) and 15-20% tip. Queue at official taxi stand.
Pick up at designated ride-hailing zones. Prices vary significantly with demand. Can be cheaper or much more expensive than taxi.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Free LAXit shuttle or Automated People Mover (APM) to Metro station. K Line to Expo/Crenshaw, C Line to South LA. Connect to other Metro lines. Cheapest option.
Direct express buses to Union Station (Downtown), Van Nuys, Hollywood. Reliable and affordable. Runs frequently.
Pick up at LAXit lot (free shuttle from terminals) or designated zones. LA traffic can double travel times during rush hours (7-10am, 4-7pm).
Metered fare (no flat rate). ~$50 to Downtown, $50-65 to Hollywood, $55-70 to Santa Monica. Add 15-20% tip.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Direct train from airport to Downtown. Runs 24/7. Station is in Terminal 2 (free shuttle between terminals). Best option for most travelers.
Door-to-door shared shuttle service to downtown hotels. Book online in advance for best rates.
Pick up at designated ride-hailing areas in each terminal. Traffic on I-90/94 can be severe during rush hours.
Metered fare. Flat rate not available. Add 15-20% tip. Queue at official taxi stands outside arrivals.
⚠️ NYC Times Square CD Scam
Street performers or 'musicians' hand you a 'free' CD, then aggressively demand $10-20 payment. Common in Times Square and tourist areas. Similar tactic with bracelets or roses.
Don't accept anything handed to you on the street. Keep walking and firmly say 'no thank you.' If they place something in your hand, put it down and walk away.
⚠️ Fake Ticket Sellers
People sell counterfeit tickets to Broadway shows, sporting events, or attractions at 'discounted' prices near venues.
Only buy from official box offices, authorized sellers (Ticketmaster, StubHub), or the venue's website. TKTS booth in Times Square for legitimate discounted Broadway tickets.
⚠️ Rental Car Insurance Pressure
Rental car agents aggressively push expensive insurance packages ($15-30/day) that may duplicate coverage you already have through your credit card or home insurance.
Check your credit card benefits before renting - many premium cards include rental car insurance. Your home auto insurance may also cover rentals. Decline the extras unless you need them.
⚠️ Dynamic Currency Conversion
When paying by card, merchants or ATMs offer to charge in your home currency instead of USD, applying a markup of 3-7% on the exchange rate.
ALWAYS choose to pay in USD (local currency). Let your bank handle the conversion at wholesale rates.
⚠️ Ride-Share Impersonators
At airports, people claim to be your Uber/Lyft driver or offer 'rides' at inflated prices. Can be safety risks.
Always verify the license plate, car model, and driver photo in the app before getting in. Go to designated ride-hailing pickup areas only.
✈️ Download Before You Go
Get these apps ready on your phone before boarding
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