April 22, 2019
Are you traveling to the USA soon, possibly even for the first time? Then you landed in the right spot, because in this post I’m going to take you through all the steps and To Do’s you should cross off your list before you start your trip. Having been to the States multiple times myself I have become very routined in doing all of the below. However, if you’ve never flown across the big pond the entire “entering the country” process can seem a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry, you’ll find out that it really isn’t and I’m here to help. 🙂
Apply for an ESTA
First of all, and I really mean first of all, you have to apply for an Esta. The so called Electronic System for Travel Authorization is a type of visitors visa that allows you to stay in the U.S. for 90 days at a time and is valid for two years (starting from issuing date). This is the perfect option for tourists or people going on business trips. (However, if you intend to work, study or settle down permanently you’ll have to apply for an immigration visa!)
But back to the Esta. Your first step will be to check if you’re eligible to apply. The most trustworthy information can usually be found on government or embassy websites, these will also be the most updated ones! In general you’re allowed to apply for an Esta if you’re a national of a VWP country (Visa Waiver Program). However, special terms may still apply for certain countried, for example the minimum required passport validity. In my example, as an Austrian, my passport has to be valid when I enter and intend to exit the country. For other countries it may have to be valid for at least 6 more months!
As you’ll find out, the Esta costs about 30€ per person and in the application you’ll be asked general questions about yourself (occupation, birth date, passport number…) as well as your background (recent trips to certain countries, citizenship…). You’ll also have to give certain information about your luggage contents for customs, for example if you’re importing raw meats or a large amount of cash.
The easiest way to apply is through certified websites. One that I trust is is www.visumantrag.de (for all my German readers). It offers easy and stress free Visa application for various countries across the world, with the United States being one of them. Furthermore, the website provides very useful information regarding the entire process so it’s definitely worth checking it out! 🙂
Check your finances
One of my worst fears: being abroad and running out of money. Even worse: having no access to get more money! This is why I always do the following.
First of all, I make sure to bring some US Dollars in cash, just to be on the safe side and in case I come across somewhere you can’t pay by card (for example small local shops or a foodtruck on the street).
I make sure my debit and credit card are unlocked internationally. For security reasons my bank automatically blocks my debit card for international use. But in less than a minute, via my banking app, I can unlock it for personal use abroad within a certain time period – this way I won’t have to worry about locking it again after I come back, or about forgetting to do so!
And lastly, always ascertain that I have sufficient funds on my accounts. Especially when you’re renting a car, they will often ask you for a security deposit that will either book off or block a certain amount of money on our credit card. Now if that amount equals the one you were intending to use on your trip… then your vacation is off to a pretty bad start! Therefore: always double check with your hotel, apartment or car rental if there is deposit required and if so, to what extend.
Better safe than sorry!
Yup, I’m talking about travel insurance. I know many people think of it as an unnecessary waste of money (and sometimes even I do!) but certain events in the past have taught me to rather play it safe. Things can happen anywhere, at any time (knocks on wood) and personally, I’m not taking any risks anymore. Of course this highly depends on the type of trip you’re taking: are you going to lay on the beach all day or helicopter-skiing in the Rocky Mountains? In either case I wanna tell you: you never know what will happen!
And on another note: never try to safe money on car insurance when renting a vehicle. Please. Learn from my past mistakes and get the full coverage. You’re welcome!
Book, plan and enjoy your trip!
Once your Esta application is accepted and you get the confirmation document you can finally start to book your flights, hotels, transfers and plan the rest of your trip! I hope it’s gonna be an amazing one for you. 🙂 Let me know if you have any more questions, I’ll be happy to help!
