Getting to and around in United States of America

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Getting there

Main entry points

Airports

There are more than 400 domestic U.S. airports, and about a dozen are major international hubs. Many others have limited international flights, mostly to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Land crossings

The USA shares far ranging land borders with Canada in the north and Mexico in the south. It is relatively easy crossing from the USA into either country, it’s returning to the USA that can be problematic if you haven’t brought all your documents. The US Customs & Border Protection Agency tracks current wait times at every border crossing. Some borders are open 24 hours, but most are not.

The USA has more than 20 official border crossings with Canada. Busy entry points include those at Detroit (MI) / Windsor, Buffalo (NY) / Fort Erie, Niagara Falls (NY) and Blaine (WA) / British Columbia. The downside to choosing a quiet border crossing is that officers have plenty of time to take apart your luggage.

The USA has more than 30 official entry points with Mexico. The main ones are San Diego / Tijuana, Nogales, El Paso / Ciudad Juárez and Brownsville / Matamoros. As always, have your papers in order, act polite and don’t make jokes or casual conversation – many border officers take a dim view on jokesters.

Bus travel into the U.S. is possible from both Canada and Mexico with Greyhound. Sometimes you'll need to change buses at the borders.

Cars and motorcycles can be driven across the borders. Rember to have your vehicle registration papers, insurance papers, and your driver's license. Canadian car insurance is valid in the U.S.A. Driving from the U.S. into Mexico means you'll need supplementary insurance for Mexico, and U.S. car rental companies won't normally let you take the car across the border.

Trains cross the border to Canada, operated by Amtrak and VIA Rail. Customs inspections happen at the actual border, not when boarding the train. There are no train services crossing the U.S. / Mexico border.

By sea

You can travel to and from the USA on a freighter, though it will be much slower and less cushy than a cruise ship. Nevertheless, freighters aren’t spartan (some advertise cruise-ship-level amenities), and they are much cheaper (sometimes by half). Trips range from a week to two months, and stops at interim ports are usually quick. Excellent sources of information are the Freighter World Cruises and Cruise & Freighter Travel Association.

Immigration and customs clearance

Getting through immigration control can take as long as 2 hours on some days, especially on summer weekends. People traveling by air from Canada, Bermuda, and certain countries in the Caribbean can sometimes clear Customs and Immigration at the point of departure, which is much quicker.

All travelers to America need to comply with the Secure Flight rules. Also, a number of countries participate in the visa waiver program for travelers, and those travelers need to apply for their ESTA clearance. Both of these procedures need to be finished at least 72 hours before traveling.

Prepare to be fingerprinted

As of January 2004, many international visitors traveling on visas to the United States will be photographed and fingerprinted at Customs in a new program created by the Department of Homeland Security called US-VISIT. Non-U.S. citizens arriving at airports and on cruise ships must undergo an instant background check as part of the government's ongoing efforts to deter terrorism by verifying the identity of incoming and outgoing visitors. Exempt from the extra scrutiny are visitors entering by land or those from the 28 countries (mostly in Europe) that don't require a visa for short-term visits. For more information, go to the Homeland Security website.

Customs limits for goods

Every visitor more than 21 years of age may bring in, free of duty, the following:

  1. 1 liter of wine or hard liquor
  2. 200 cigarettes, 100 cigars (but not from Cuba), or 3 pounds of smoking tobacco
  3. $100 worth of gifts

These exemptions are offered to travelers who spend at least 72 hours in the United States and who have not claimed them within the preceding 6 months. It is altogether forbidden to bring into the country foodstuffs (particularly fruit, cooked meats, and canned goods) and plants (vegetables, seeds, tropical plants, and the like).

Foreign tourists may bring in or take out up to $10,000 in U.S. or foreign currency with no formalities; larger sums must be declared to U.S. Customs on entering or leaving, which includes filing form CM 4790. For more specific information regarding U.S. Customs and Border Protection, contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, or the U.S. Customs office (phone +1-202-927-1770).

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Getting around

By Plane

For long-distance trips, the most efficient way to get around the United States is by plane, even in these days of increased security and poor airline service.

By Train

Long-distance trains in the United States are operated by Amtrak. Be aware, however, that with a few notable exceptions (for instance, the Northeast Corridor line between Boston and Washington, D.C.), intercity service is not particularly fabulous. Delays are common, routes are limited and often infrequently served, and fares are seldom much lower than discount airfares. That said, if time isn't an issue, train travel can be a very scenic method of traveling the country. If you choose to travel by train, do it for the experience, not for the convenience.

There are discount rail passes sold to U.S. residents who want to see the country by rail though you'll need quite a bit of time on your hands to make the pass worth your while. Rail travelers can buy a North America Rail Pass, good for up to 30 days of unlimited travel in economy class on Amtrak in the U.S. and Canada, except on the Acela Express trains and the Auto Train that run on the East Coast. Note that you must travel at least one segment of your journey in Canada. Meals and sleeping accommodations are extra. Reservations are generally required and should be made for each part of your trip as early as possible.

Amtrak also offers rail/fly packages that allow travelers to fly to their destination in one direction and to take the train in another.

By Bus

Bus travel is often the most economical form of public transit for short hops between U.S. cities, but it can also be slow and uncomfortable - certainly not an option for everyone (particularly when Amtrak, which is far more luxurious, offers similar rates). Greyhound/Trailways, the sole nationwide bus line, offers several pass and discount options geared to domestic travelers.

By Car

Usually, the most cost-effective, convenient, and comfortable way to travel around the United States is by car. Many highlights of the country just can't be seen any other way.

The interstate highway system connects cities and towns all over the country; in addition to these high-speed, limited-access roadways, there's an extensive network of federal, state, and local highways and roads.

If you plan on driving your own car over a long distance, then automobile-association membership is recommended. AAA, the American Automobile Association (phone +1-800-222-4357), is the country's largest auto club and supplies its members with maps, insurance, and most important, emergency road service. The cost of joining is $58 for a single member.


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