EAST COAST USA & CANADA

The sheer size of the US prevents any kind of all-encompassing statement about the typical American experience. From the state-of-the-art skyscrapers of New York City to the scenic country lanes of New England, the United States of America is a place of astonishing beauty and extraordinary diversity. Nothing can remotely prepare you for your first glimpse of the glorious Golden Gate Bridge, the glistening Empire State building, the neon lights of Las Vegas, or the iconic Statue of Liberty. Not to mention the natural treasures on offer - the country’s beautiful national parks are home to some of the world’s most treasured wildlife and landscapes; the west and east coasts are strewn with spectacular beaches, and the Rockies provide endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. In fact, it is a country of such epic proportions that you could easily spend a lifetime in the US and still feel like you have barely scratched the surface.

Currency 

Local currency: United States Dollar 
Symbol: $ 
ISO code: USD 
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100 
Coins: 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢ 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 
Weekends: Varies by bank 
Public Holidays: Yes, varies by bank 
Foreign exchange services: Yes

Air: 

Main airlines: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines 
International Airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), O'Hare International Airport (ORD) 
Domestic Airports: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Denver International Airport (DEN) 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes, in rural areas 
Valid International Driver's License needed: No 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: Yes 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: Yes 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

North American cuisine varies widely, with influences from Native American, European, Asian, and African cultures. Common dishes include hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, barbecue, seafood, and various regional specialties such as Tex-Mex and New England clam chowder. Notable local drinks include cola, craft beer, bourbon, and wine. 

Tipping: 15-20% 

Annual rainfall: Varies by region 
Average temperature: Varies by region 

Summer: 

Average highs: Varies by region 
Average lows: Varies by region 

Winter: 

Average highs: Varies by region 
Average lows: Varies by region 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit North America depends on the specific region and your interests. Summer offers warm weather and outdoor activities, while winter provides opportunities for skiing and winter sports. Fall foliage is stunning in many areas, and spring brings blooming flowers and festivals. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type A, Type B 
Voltage (V): 120V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 60Hz 

*A Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Lumberjacks, beavers, hockey fanatics, Mounties and maple syrup spring immediately to mind. While Canada certainly provides all of these traditional associations in abundance, this awe-inspiring country has so much more to offer than a slew of cliches. With its unrivalled outdoor adventure facilities, its unforgettable natural landscapes and its exceptionally cosmopolitan and progressive cities, Canada has plenty to offer those seeking cutting-edge culture as well as adventure junkies looking for a serious adrenaline kick. Popular tourist destinations include: the magnificent Rocky Mountains around Banff and Lake Louise, high-end luxury ski resorts such as Whistler and Blackcomb, the French-speaking cities of Montreal or Quebec, or the uber-cool and perpetually bustling urban centres of Vancouver or Toronto. Whether visiting an Inuit lodge in Nunavut, taking a dog-sled ride through the Yukon to view the spectacular northern lights blaze across the night sky, or indulging in some lovely high tea on Vancouver Island, you are bound to find plenty of activities to keep you blissfully engaged in this exceptionally diverse and incomprehensibly vast nation.

Currency 

Local currency: Canadian Dollar 
Symbol: $ 
ISO code: CAD 
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: $5, $10, $20, $50, $100 
Coins: 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, $1, $2 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: Air Canada, WestJet 
International Airports: Toronto Pearson International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Calgary International Airport, Edmonton International Airport, Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: Yes 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: Yes 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Canadian cuisine varies by region but often includes dishes like poutine, butter tarts, and Nanaimo bars. Indigenous influences can be found in dishes like bannock and wild game. Notable local drinks include Caesar cocktail and Ice wine. 
Tipping: 15-20% 

Annual rainfall: Varies by region 
Average temperature: Varies by region 

Summer: 

Average highs: Varies by region 
Average lows: Varies by region 

Winter: 

Average highs: Varies by region 
Average lows: Varies by region 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Canada depends on the region and activities. Generally, summer (June to August) offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities, while winter (December to February) is ideal for skiing and snowboarding. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type A, Type B 
Voltage (V): 120V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 60Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.