🇺🇸 Arrival guide · United States

Arrive in United States prepared.

The official links you need, the way into town, and the small things that make the first hour easy. Rules change: we always point you to the government's own site.

Before you fly

What do I need to enter the United States?

It depends on your passport. Check the official source for your nationality: U.S. Department of State: visas ↗. TripEase shows the rule for your exact passport and links straight to it.

Required for covered passports

ESTA — Electronic System for Travel Authorization

Visitors whose passport is covered by the scheme. Check your passport first: TripEase tells you whether you need it. When: Before you travel. See the official site for timing. Cost: An official fee is charged on the official site. Lookalike sites add their own charges on top.

Open the official site ↗ Our guide to it

Run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Only use the official site. Lookalike sites copy official forms and sometimes charge for them. Check the address before you type anything.

Just landed

From the airport into town

Each airport publishes its own trains, buses and taxi options. Start there, not on a forum:

Take taxis from the official rank or use a ride app you trust. Save your accommodation address offline before you fly; TripEase's driver card shows it in the local language.

Data & money

eSIM, money and plugs

eSIM

If your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM, install a travel eSIM on Wi-Fi before you fly and turn it on when you land. Compare it with your own carrier's roaming price.

Money

The currency is the US dollar (USD). Tell your bank you're travelling, carry a card that works abroad, and keep a little cash for your first ride.

More for visitors: Brand USA ↗

Questions

Good to know

What do I need to enter the United States?

It depends on the passport you travel on. Check the official source (U.S. Department of State: visas: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html) for your nationality. ESTA — Electronic System for Travel Authorization: Visitors whose passport is covered by the scheme. Check your passport first: TripEase tells you whether you need it. Submit: Before you travel. See the official site for timing. Official site: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ TripEase shows the rule for your passport and links straight to the official sites. It never fills in or submits forms for you.

Is the ESTA — Electronic System for Travel Authorization free?

An official fee is charged on the official site. Lookalike sites add their own charges on top. Only use the official site, https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/; lookalike sites can charge for it.

How do I get from the airport into the city in United States?

Use the transport page on the airport's official website for trains, buses and taxis, and use official taxi ranks or ride apps you trust. TripEase's "I'm landed" screen puts these in one place.

What currency and plugs does United States use?

The currency is the US dollar (USD). Plug types: A, B (source: IEC World Plugs). Bring a little local money or a card that works abroad for your first hour.

Can I use an eSIM in United States?

Usually yes, if your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked. Install it before you fly while you're on Wi-Fi, and switch it on when you land. Check your carrier's roaming prices too.

Last checked 2026-10-20. General information, not legal advice. Rules can change at short notice: always confirm on the official site or with your airline. TripEase isn't affiliated with any government.

Land like you've been there before.

TripEase is coming to iPhone, iPad and Android.