Travel to the USA from the UK: travel advice for America

From the towering skyscrapers of Manhattan to the beautiful beaches of California, travelling to the USA is an exciting journey. But you need to pay close attention to the details — especially when it comes to entry requirements, cultural differences, and managing your money.

If you’re planning on travelling to the USA, navigating currency exchange rates, potential bank charges, and social customs like tipping can feel overwhelming. Our aim with this guide is to simplify this process, giving you the confidence you need for a stress-free trip.

The information provided is accurate as of 3 November 2025.

The content of this page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. If you have any questions about your personal circumstances, please seek professional and independent advice. Revolut is not a financial adviser.

USA entry requirements: documents and pre-travel checks

The starting point for any international trip is getting the right paperwork. Since the UK is part of the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), the entry process for short-term tourism or business is relatively smooth, but some rules still apply.

Do you need a visa for the USA?

Most British citizens visiting the USA for tourism, transit, or short business trips for up to 90 days don't need a traditional visa. Instead, you need to get an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA).

All VWP travellers flying to the USA or arriving by land or sea need to have an ESTA. If you’re not going for tourism or business, or if you’re staying for more than 90 days, you need to apply for a full visa instead. Always apply for your ESTA before booking your flights or accommodation to make sure your travel is authorised.

You can find more information on the government website.

ESTA and visa costs for UK travellers

You can make your ESTA application online via the official US Customs and Border Protection website. It involves a fee (currently $21, though that could change), and while most people get a response right away, processing can take up to 72 hours. We recommend applying at least 3 days before you leave for your trip.

Key ESTA facts:

• It's generally valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first
• You can make multiple trips under the same ESTA, as long as they're each 90 days or less
• Certain travel or citizenship history (e.g. travel to Cuba since 12 January 2021) might make you ineligible for the VWP, so you’ll have to apply for a traditional visa
• If you’re not eligible for an ESTA, the cost and process for a visa will be different, and depend on the type of visa you need (e.g. B-1 for business or B-2 for tourism)

Vaccinations and health preparation

Required and recommended vaccinations for travelling to the USA are generally minimal for UK visitors. There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for entry from the UK.

However, we strongly suggest that you make sure all your routine vaccinations are up to date and that you talk to your GP or a travel health clinic a few weeks before your trip for personalised advice.

You must make sure you have adequate travel medical insurance. As a visitor, you'll be liable for any medical costs. US healthcare is among the most expensive in the world, and a routine visit or an emergency stay can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Travelling to the USA without insurance is very financially risky.

Is it safe to travel to the USA?

The question of safety in the USA is a common concern for UK travellers. The UK government advises increased caution, which is standard advice for most major global destinations. The vast majority of trips are safe and trouble-free, but awareness is key.

Safety tips for tourists:

• Petty crime: be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist hotspots, public transport, and airport lounges, where snatch and grab theft of phones and wallets can happen.
• Emergencies: the single emergency number to call for police, fire, or ambulance services across the entire US is 911.
• Civil unrest: political protests and civil demonstrations do happen — sometimes unexpectedly. Avoid areas of protest and follow the directions of local law enforcement.
• Extreme weather: depending on the region, be prepared for severe weather like hurricanes (in coastal areas), tornadoes (in central US), or wildfires (in western states). Always check local weather alerts.

For peace of mind regarding your money, remember that if your Revolut card is lost or stolen, you can instantly freeze it in-app with a single tap, protecting your money until you can get a replacement.

18+, T&Cs apply.

Managing your money smartly in the USA

The US Dollar (USD) is the official currency in the USA. Converting your money, deciding whether to pay with cash or card in the USA, and budgeting effectively requires smart financial planning to avoid unnecessary fees.

Converting GBP to USD and getting the best rate

Some traditional UK banks apply a poor exchange rate when converting your GBP into USD, and they might add extra foreign transaction fees on top. This cost, known as slippage, can significantly increase your holiday expenses over time.

To combat this, the best approach is to manage your currency smartly. Here’s how you can do that with us:

• Exchange in advance: you can exchange GBP into USD in-app when the rate is favourable, and hold the money in USD. That way, you can lock in the rate and avoid fluctuations.
• Spend directly: if you spend from your GBP balance, we provide the conversion using a competitive rate, helping you to keep your spending costs low.

Before you travel, you can check live conversion rates in-app. Avoid using currency exchange kiosks at airports, as they almost always offer the worst rates.

Exchange 150+ currencies with the Revolut exchange rate. Fair usage limits and weekend fees may apply, depending on your plan.

How to pay in the USA: cards, cash, and mobile payments

You can use your cards for most purchases in the US, even small ones. However, US systems are sometimes less advanced than in the UK:

• Chip and signature: while chip and PIN is common, some older terminals, especially in less touristy areas, may still default to chip and signature. Be ready to sign a receipt.
• Mobile payments: Apple Pay and Google Pay are popular in big stores and restaurants. They're a quick and safe way to pay.
• Cash: you'll need cash for tips, especially for smaller services (bellhops, bartenders, and taxi drivers for minor fares). Always carry small bills ($1, $5, and $10 notes).

Taking money from ATMs with a traditional UK card usually costs a lot. Your bank will likely charge you for using a foreign ATM, and the US ATM operator will charge you an extra fee. With us, you get fee-free ATM withdrawals up to your plan limit each month, helping you manage those inevitable cash costs more effectively.

ATM withdrawals without fees from Revolut up to your rolling monthly limit as per your plan. T&Cs apply. Third parties may charge ATM fees.

Budgeting for your US trip: how much does it cost to travel to the USA?

You should budget for accommodation and transport to be your biggest expenses, particularly in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. This includes:

• Flights: prices vary depending on the time of year and the UK departure airport. We recommend booking well in advance.
• Accommodation: hotels in major cities can easily cost $150–300 or more per night. Consider other options like short-term rentals, but make sure they're legal in the area you're visiting.
• Food: restaurant prices are usually higher than in the UK, and the price on the menu doesn’t normally include sales tax or tips.

When you factor in mandatory tipping (18–20%) and local sales tax, the final bill for a meal or a taxi ride can be 25–30% higher than you might expect. Always budget for this added cost, not just the advertised price.

At Revolut, we help you manage your money easily with smart, in-app budgeting tools. You can plan the budget for your US trip with us, putting each expense in its own category.

18+, T&Cs apply.

Hidden travel costs: dealing with sales tax and DCC

One of the biggest surprises for UK travellers on a budget is the combination of US sales tax and Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC):

• Sales tax: this is added at the time of purchase and not included in the shelf price. It varies by state and county, from 0% (for most goods in places like Oregon) up to over 10%. The price you see on the tag isn't the price you pay at the till.
• DCC: this is the single biggest trap to avoid when you travel to America. DCC occurs when a card terminal or ATM asks if you want to pay in GBP (pounds) instead of the local currency, USD. Always say no. The exchange rate used by the local merchant for DCC is usually significantly worse than the rate we apply. Always choose to be charged in the local currency, USD, to get the best possible exchange rate.

The content of this page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. If you have any questions about your personal circumstances, please seek professional and independent advice. Revolut is not a financial adviser.

Cultural basics and US rules

Knowing a bit about the local culture and laws before you get there will make travelling to the USA from the UK easier.

Tipping culture: what to expect (and why)

Tipping is required in the US, as we mentioned earlier. Many service workers, especially restaurant servers, rely on tips as their main income. Not tipping — or not tipping enough — is considered rude and offensive.

Tipping guide:

• Restaurants: 18% is the accepted minimum for acceptable service — 20% is standard for good service. Always tip on the pre-tax total.
• Bartenders: $1–2 per drink, or 15–20% of the total bill.
• Taxi or rideshare: 15–20% of the fare.
• Hotel housekeeping: $2–5 per day, left each day in a visible spot.

Card machines will prompt you to select a tip amount, which makes the process easy, but always make sure you choose 18% or more for table service.

Driving, alcohol laws, and US plugs

• Driving rules: remember that Americans drive on the right. In most states, you can legally turn right at a red light (unless a sign clearly says not to), after coming to a complete stop. Speed limits are measured in mph, and penalties for driving under the influence are severe.
• Alcohol laws: the legal drinking age across the entire United States is 21. Most places will ask you to prove your age with ID.
• US plugs: the US uses Type A and B plugs (with 2 flat pins), and the voltage is 110–120V, compared to the UK's 230–240V. You need a Type A/B adapter. For high-powered items like hair dryers, you'll also need a voltage converter, unless the item is rated for dual-voltage (100–240V). Always check your device's label before plugging it in.

Travel smarter with Revolut

When you travel to the USA, you want a financial tool that gives you clarity and control. That’s why we offer a range of features designed for international travel. These include:

• Fee clarity: we offer competitive exchange rates, and we aim to be upfront about any fees.
• Budgeting: get instant spending notifications in GBP with every USD transaction, so you can stick to your budget and know what you’re spending in real-time.
• Global access: our cards are accepted worldwide. If you need to send money to anyone while you're there — like paying back a friend for a dinner bill — we make international transfers fast and easy.

Exchange fees, remittance fees, fair usage limits, and T&Cs apply.

Frequently asked questions for US travel

Do I need to print an ESTA?

No, the ESTA is digitally linked to your passport. However, you should keep a digital or printed copy of the approval confirmation, including the confirmation number, in case of any issues or questions during check-in or immigration.

Do I need to update my ESTA for each trip?

No, if your ESTA’s approved, it’s valid for 2 years or until your passport expires. You only need to apply for a new one if:

1. your passport expires
2. you change your name
3. you change your gender
4. any of your answers to the eligibility questions change

Is travel insurance required for the USA?

No, it’s not legally required for entry — but it is very important to have. Since US healthcare is very expensive, you shouldn't travel to the USA without medical and travel insurance cover.

Can I use my UK phone and data in the USA?

Yes, most modern UK phones will work in the US. However, using your UK SIM card for calls, texts, and data will incur expensive roaming charges from your network provider. To avoid high bills, we suggest:

• Turning off data roaming on your UK SIM
• Relying on free public WiFi where possible
• Using the Revolut USA eSIM service for cost-effective global data connectivity, allowing you to stay connected without excessive costs

eSIM fees and T&Cs apply.

Ready to explore America?

Preparing to travel to the USA involves a few essential steps, but securing your documents, understanding the cultural landscape, and equipping yourself with the right financial tools will ensure a smooth journey. We're here to help remove the stress so you can fully embrace the experience of the United States.

If you’re not a customer yet, getting started is simple:

1. Download the app: get Revolut from your phone's App Store or Google Play
2. Sign up: follow the simple on-screen instructions to verify your identity
3. Order a card: choose the plan that best suits your travel needs (look at conversion limits, travel insurance, and more), and order your physical Revolut card (delivery fees may apply)
4. Add money: top up your Revolut account with a linked bank account or via a debit card
5. Prepare your currency: exchange some money into US dollars (USD) in-app before you leave and hold it into your account, or simply spend from your GBP balance and let us handle the conversion