USA | Your Ultimate Guide

United States: Big Cities, Bigger Adventures

From the buzzing streets of New York to the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon, the USA is a land of extremes—and we mean that in the best way. Whether you're into Hollywood glitz, deep-dish pizza, national parks, or NBA games, there's something for everyone across all 50 states. Here's your no-fuss, Aussie-friendly guide to exploring the best of the U.S.

Must-Visit Attractions

New York City
A bucket-list essential. See the Statue of Liberty, walk Central Park, catch a Broadway show, and eat your way through every neighborhood. Tip: The High Line is a must for views and vibes.

San Francisco
Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, sourdough bread—SF is quirky, beautiful, and walkable. Head to Alcatraz for eerie history and stroll through Chinatown and Mission District.

Los Angeles
The home of Hollywood, Venice Beach, and In-N-Out. Drive Mulholland, spot celebs (or try), and explore Silver Lake or Echo Park for a cooler local vibe.

Las Vegas & Grand Canyon
Vegas is flashy fun—shows, casinos, endless neon. Just a few hours away? One of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Helicopter ride, anyone?

Chicago
Architecture tours, deep-dish pizza, lakefront walks. Catch a Cubs game or explore Millennium Park and the Art Institute.

Washington, DC
All about monuments and museums. Most are free! The Lincoln Memorial, Capitol Hill, and the Smithsonian museums are top-tier.

New Orleans
Creole cuisine, jazz on every corner, and that French Quarter charm. Go for Mardi Gras or any weekend—this city is always on.

Florida
Theme parks in Orlando (Disney, Universal), pastel art deco in Miami, and the wild nature of the Everglades.

National Parks
Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion, Arches, Glacier—nature doesn’t get more epic. Road trips and camping are king.

🚫 Tourist Traps to Avoid

Hollywood Boulevard
Dirty, crowded, and not nearly as glamorous as it sounds. Snap your Walk of Fame photo and move on.

Overpriced Tours
Walk, rent bikes, or use local transit. Free walking tours or self-guided apps are often better than bus tours.

Times Square Restaurants
Chain restaurants and inflated prices. Head a few blocks away for real NYC eats.

🍔 Where to Eat

New York

Joe’s Pizza: Thin crust heaven.
Katz’s Deli: Iconic pastrami.
Levain Bakery: Best cookies in America?

Los Angeles

Gjusta: Trendy, delicious, and worth the hype.
Tacos Leo: Street taco royalty.
Jon & Vinny’s: Cool Italian-American.

Chicago

Lou Malnati’s: Deep dish done right.
Portillo’s: Chicago-style hot dogs & beef.
Girl & the Goat: Elevated American fare.

Austin

Franklin Barbecue: Legendary brisket.
Torchy’s Tacos: Creative and fiery.
Via 313: Detroit-style pizza in Texas.

Tips for Aussies

Visa Requirements
You’ll need an ESTA (visa waiver), which covers up to 90 days for tourism. Apply online before your trip.

Currency
U.S. Dollar (USD)
Cards, Apple Pay, and contactless are widely accepted—even for small purchases. Always carry a bit of cash for tips and small shops.

Transport

Uber & Lyft: Your go-to rideshare apps.
Amtrak: Good for long-distance train travel, but slower than Europe.
Driving: Huge distances, so road trips are epic—but mind toll roads and traffic.

Tipping
Mandatory. 15–20% at restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, and don’t forget bellhops and drivers.

Weather
Wildly different by region. East Coast winters can be brutal, while the Southwest is toasty year-round. Always check before packing.

Power Plug
Type A/B plugs (flat pins). Voltage: 120V—bring a US adapter and check your device compatibility.

📶 Best eSIM for Aussies in the USA

Roamsim: Skip the airport SIM hunt. Install before you leave, land with data, and hit the ground running.

🟢 Just doing the US? Choose the USA eSIM for full nationwide coverage.
🟢 Doing North America? Try the North America Multi-Country eSIM, Canada & Mexico included—perfect for road trips, cruises, or continent-hopping.

📅 Best Time to Visit

Spring (Mar–May): Cherry blossoms, baseball season, mild weather.
Summer (June–Aug): Festivals, fireworks, road trips—but peak tourist season.
Autumn (Sept–Nov): Foliage, Halloween, and harvest vibes—arguably the best time.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Snowy escapes, ski trips, and big-city Christmas magic.

🧠 Local Etiquette

Tipping: Not optional—build it into your budget.
Queueing: Less formal than the UK, but still expected.
Small Talk: Americans love it—don’t be shy to chat.

🚗 Getting Around

In Cities: Subways (NYC), trams (SF), or just walk.
Between Cities: Fly or drive—domestic flights are often cheaper and faster than trains.
Road Trips: Iconic drives include Route 66, Pacific Coast Highway, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.