Jump to navigation

133133
0
My Wishlist
0
  • Home
  • Get a Quote
  • Flights
    • Domestic Flights
      • Flights to Adelaide
      • Flights to Brisbane
      • Flights to Cairns
      • Flights to Canberra
      • Flights to Darwin
      • Flights to Gold Coast
      • Flights to Melbourne
      • Flights to Perth
      • Flights to Sydney
      • Flights to Townsville
      International Flights
      • Flights to Auckland
      • Flights to Bali
      • Flights to Bangkok
      • Flights to Fiji
      • Flights to Hawaii
      • Flights to London
      • Flights to Los Angeles
      • Flights to New York
      • Flights to Paris
      • Flights to Phuket
      Round the World
      • Multi-stop flights
      Cabin Classes
      • Premium economy
      • Business class
      • First class
      Airlines
      • Qantas
      • Virgin Australia
      Deals
  • Holidays
    • Australia Holidays
      • Cairns
      • Gold Coast
      • Hamilton Island
      • Uluru
      • Melbourne
      • Port Douglas
      • Queensland
      • Sydney
      • Tasmania
      • Whitsundays
      International Holidays
      • Bali
      • Fiji
      • Hawaii
      • London
      • New York
      • Los Angeles
      • New Zealand
      • Phuket
      • Thailand
      Holiday Types
      • Adventure
      • Beach Holidays
      • Gay and Lesbian
      • Family Holidays
      • Honeymoons
      • Sporting Holidays
      • Short Breaks
      • Ski Holidays
      • Working holidays
      • Youth Holidays
      Product Ranges
      • Beach Escapes
      • myTime Packages
  • Hotels
    • Australia Hotels
      • Adelaide
      • Cairns
      • Brisbane
      • Gold Coast
      • Byron Bay
      • Hobart
      • Melbourne
      • Perth
      • Port Douglas
      • Sydney
      International Hotels
      • Fiji
      • London
      • Hawaii
      • Bali
      • Hong Kong
      • New Zealand
      • Los Angeles
      • Phuket
      • Thailand
      • Paris
  • Rail
  • Tours
    • Tour Locations
      • China Tours
      • Fraser Island Tours
      • Italy Tours
      • Japan Tours
      • New Zealand Tours
      • South America Tours
      • USA Tours
      • Vietnam Tours
      Tour Types
      • Youth Tours
      • Adventure Tours
      • Cultural Tours
      • Luxury Tours
      • Honeymoon Tours
  • Cruises
    • Cruise Destinations
      • Australia
      • Caribbean
      • European Rivers
      • South Pacific/New Zealand
      • Mediterranean
      Type of Cruise
      Cruise Deals
      Cruises Departing From
      • Cruises from Brisbane
      • Cruises from Melbourne
      • Cruises from Perth
      • Cruises from Sydney
      • Cruises from Singapore
      • Cruises from Adelaide
      Cruise Lines
      • P&O Australia
      • Royal Caribbean
      • Carnival Cruise Lines Australia
      • Princess Cruises
      • MSC Cruises
      • Celebrity
      • Norwegian Cruise Line
      • Carnival International
      Cruise Ships
      • Pacifc Aria
      • Pacific Explorer
      • Pacific Dawn
      • Carnival Spirit
      • Explorer of the Seas
      • Voyager of the Seas
      • Ovation of the Seas
      • Majestic Princess
      • Sun Princess
      • Queen Elizabeth
  • Car Hire
  • Extras
    • App
    • Price Drop Protection
    • Commonwealth Awards
    • Foreign Currency
    • Gift Registry
    • Global SIM
    • Travel Visas
    • Amazon Alexa
    • Gift Cards
    • Travel Insurance
    • Interest Free Finance
  • Destinations
    • Destinations
      • Destination Guides
      • Travel Blog
      • The 48 Hour Destination TV Show
      • Travel Ideas Magazine
      • Brochures
      • Wow List 2018
      Where do you want to go?
      Australia
      New Zealand
      North America
      South America
      Caribbean
      Asia
      Europe
      United Kingdom
      Middle East
      Africa
      South Pacific
      Canada
  • Deals
    • Popular deals
      • Hot Deals Alert! »
      • Ship Hot Deals »
      • The Captain's Getaways
      • Advertising
      Deals
      View More Deals
  • Contact
    • Contact Us

      All new bookings & enquiries 24/7
      133 133


      Emergency Global Assistance 24/7
      +61 7 3170 7840


      Find a Store
      Feedback
      • Corporate
      Connect with us
      • Facebook
      • Twitter
      • Google Plus
      • Instagram
      • Youtube
      • Pinterest
  • Experts
    • Business Travel
    • Round the World
    • First and Business Class
    • Cruise
    • Group Travel
  • toggle search

Tips For Travelling To America

United States
Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
Official Language
English
Popular
New York⋅Los Angeles⋅Hawaii
Overview
Gallery
Destinations
Top 10
City scoop
Itineraries
Events Calendar
Iconic eats
Road trips
National Parks
Theme Parks
Getting there
Where to stay
Plan & prepare
Expert advice
Articles

When packing for an overseas holiday the ‘to bring’ list can sometimes feel endless and with the excitement of your trip nearing, things can tend to slip your mind. To make it easier for you, we’ve put together our top tips for when travelling to America, so you can rest assured that you’re well prepared before heading to the airport.

Visas

Australian passport holders can travel to the USA for up to 90 days without a visa – but must apply for a visa waiver, called an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation), through the official government website (travel.state.gov) for about AU$15 per person. This should be done at least 72 hours before travel and will be valid for two years or until your passport expires – whichever comes first.

Money

The best option is to have a number of options. It’s a good idea to take a small amount of American dollars, so that on arrival you don’t need to search for an ATM or currency exchange counter immediately. Once in the USA you can easily use cash (via ATMs or by changing money), credit cards (there are quite a few options now with minimal or zero overseas fees) and a Multi-currency Cash Passport™ (a prepaid multi-currency MasterCard® that can be used like a credit card and to withdraw money from most ATMs).
 
Travellers cheques are being used less often, so as a result there are less facilities to change them. Consider purchasing American dollars in notes or cash passport through Travel Money Oz for competitive rates.

Luggage Locks

It’s ideal to have Transportation Security Administration (TSA)-approved locks when travelling to the USA. The TSA screens bags before they are loaded onto the plane using advanced screening technology. Sometimes they will need to inspect an item inside abag, and a TSA-approved lock is designed to be easily opened with a master key (otherwise they may need to break your bag to take a look inside). TSA-approved locks can be purchased at most luggage stores as well as larger chain stores such as Target, Officeworks and Kathmandu.

Staying Connected

Using your normal mobile phone plan for calls and internet overseas can cost hundreds. Other options include buying an overseas SIM card or getting a local SIM card in the USA. For free wifi, just hang out at any Starbucks (they’re everywhere in big cities). Many hotels also offer free wifi if you sign up to their chain’s loyalty program.

Healthy Travel

Travelling can take a lot out of the body and mind, especially when you're crossing large distances. Staying healthy while travelling will let you enjoy every day of your trip. Before travelling to America, it's important to confirm with your GP or a US Embassy that any medications you're bringing are legal in the country.

Make sure your medicine is in its original packaging and still has a prescription label with your name. Flights to America can exceed 12 hours of flight time, so you need to ensure you stay active on the plane, perform various stretching exercises and drink plenty of water.

If you're prone to Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) see your doctor prior to travel for medication or purchase compression stockings. Travel nausea can be helped by taking medication, abstaining from alcohol or chewing on ginger sweets. Upon arrival keep your fluids up and perform a little light exercise to help prevent jet lag. You should also avoid sleeping too soon after landing.   

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for American trips can be costly, but it's nowhere near the price of hospital treatment if you go without. You don't want your holiday to be cut short by expensive hospital bills. Travel insurance isn't just about covering physical damages. You can also be protected from theft, trip cancellations and lost luggage, allowing you to travel the globe with less worries. Cover-More travel insurance is an industry leader with more than 25 years experience in ensuring travellers feel secure no matter where they are. 

Access Prepaid Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 145 452 044, AFSL 386 837) arranges for the issue of the Multi- currency Cash Passport™ in conjunction with the issuer, Heritage Bank Limited (ABN 32 087 652 024, AFSL/ACL 240 984). You should consider the Product Disclosure Statement for the relevant Cash Passport available at www.cashpassport.com before deciding to acquire the product. Any advice does not take into account your personal needs, financial circumstances or objectives and you should consider if it is appropriate for you. *Lock in your exchange rates mean the exchange rate is locked in for the initial load only. The exchange rates for subsequent reloads will be set at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of the transaction. ** Other fees may apply – refer to the Product Disclosure Statement for a full list of fees and limits.

MasterCard® and the MasterCard Brand Mark are registered trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated.

Circus Circus Hotel an...

Las Vegas
Star Rating

Reduced Rate

4 nights From $229*

Travel Dates: Selected travel dates 1 November - 21 December 2019

LA Explorer (2 Nights)...

Los Angeles

LA is notoriously difficult to navigate for any new kid on the block. Our 2-night explorer will ensure you get the best of the city from the get go,...

3 days From $475*

Travel Dates: From 01/04/2019 to 02/04/2020

Hawaiian Airlines

OHANA Waikiki East by ...

Honolulu
Star Rating

BONUS 1 FREE night + No Resort Fee - SAVE $91*

6 nights From $1,479*

Travel Dates: 1 March - 4 April, 20 April - 25 June, 15 July - 7 September, 12 October - 20 November 2019 .

Jetstar

Sydney to Hawaii Airfare

Hawaii

Expires 26 Feb 2019 *Unless Sold Out Prior

Return from $681*

Travel Dates: 20 Jul 2019 - 15 Sep 2019

Talk to a travel expert and personalise your trip

Your trip

1 Traveller
Talk to an Airfare Expert

Our consultants:

  • Are Airfare Experts
  • Are 100% based in Australia
  • Can answer your questions about fare types and inclusions
  • Can find exclusive packages to save you money

Your personal details

Email:
Phone:
Postcode:
Contact Preference:

By proceeding I agree to Flight Centre's Terms of Use and my personal information being handled in accordance with Flight Centre's Privacy Policy.

Popular Destinations in the US

  • Los Angeles Destination Guide
  • Las Vegas Destination Guide
  • New York Destination Guide
  • New Orleans Destination Guide
  • Miami Destination Guide
  • Hawaii Destination Guide

United States Travel Deals

  • United States Holidays
  • United States Airfares and Flights
  • United States Accommodation
  • United States Tours
  • Travel Insurance
  • Car Hire

destinations

  • Africa »
  • Australia »
  • Asia »
  • Canada »
  • Middle East »
  • Caribbean »
  • Europe »
  • Mexico & Central »
  • New Zealand »
  • Pacific »
  • South America »
  • USA »
  • United Kingdom »
  • 133133
    Talk to a Travel Expert
  • Get a quote » A consultant will contact you
  • Find a store » Your nearest Flight Centre store
Save with cheap travel deals

Be the first to hear about exclusive discounted travel deals; and travel inspiration to help you plan your next getaway.

Subscribe
General
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Find a Store
  • Careers
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Holiday Finance
  • Price Drop Protection
  • Blog
  • Advertising
  • Site Map
International Flights
  • Flights to Bali
  • Flights to Los Angeles
  • Flights to London
  • Flights to Hawaii
  • Flights to Auckland
  • Flights to Fiji
  • Flights to Phuket
  • Flights to New York
  • Flights to Bangkok
  • Round the World
  • Business Class
  • Multi-Stop Flights
Domestic Flights
  • Flights to Melbourne
  • Flights to Sydney
  • Flights to Gold Coast
  • Flights to Brisbane
  • Flights to Cairns
  • Flights to Adelaide
  • Flights to Perth
  • Flights to Darwin
  • Flights to Canberra
  • Flights to Townsville
Popular Holidays Packages
  • Fiji Packages
  • Bali Packages
  • Hawaii Packages
  • Thailand Packages
  • New Zealand Packages
  • Gold Coast Packages
  • Maldives Packages
  • Vietnam Packages
  • Vanuatu Packages
  • Australian Packages
  • Europe Packages
  • United States Packages
  • Asia Packages
Tours
  • Europe Tours
  • New Zealand Tours
  • South America Tours
  • Australia Tours
  • USA Tours
  • Japan Tours
  • Vietnam Tours
  • China Tours
  • Bali Tours
Cruises
  • Princess Cruises
  • P&O Cruises
  • Royal Caribbean Cruises
  • Carnival Cruises
  • Celebrity Cruises
  • MSC Cruises
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Holland America Line
  • All Cruise Lines
  • Cruise Ships
  • Departing From
*Based on Australian registered businesses & websites for travel departing within Australia. Prices displayed are for cash payments in store and additional fees may apply to online bookings. Written quote must be presented prior to booking.

© Flight Centre Travel Group Limited trading as Flight Centre ABN 25 003 377 188 ACN 003 377 188 ATAS - Travel Accredited No. A10412.

Other Flight Centre Companies

Download the app

{{ firstDisplayName }}'s Profile
Hi! Thanks for visiting us. {{ firstDisplayName }} is now assigned as your personal consultant. Need help with your booking?
Visit {{ firstDisplayName }}'s Profile