Area
9,809,155 sq. km. (3,787,319 sq. miles)
Location
North America
Population
300 million (as per estimates of 2006) and Population Density of 32.5 per sq. km
Capital City
Washington D.C. with a total population of 550,521 (as per estimates of 2005).
Language
English is the official and most popular language of United States of America. Among other languages, Spanish is popular among the Spanish minorities
Electricity
AC 110 volts, 60Hz. Flat two-pin type plugs are commonly used. The European travellers are advised to purchase a plug adaptor before they arrive in USA, if they intend to use their own electrical appliances that are not fitted with dual-voltage capabilities
Currency
US Dollar (US$). 1US$ = 100 Cents.
Notes prevalent = US$ 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100
Coins prevalent = US$ 1; Cents 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50
Currency Exchange
Currency Exchange facility is available at few banks. No hotel in US can validly offer currency exchange service. For more details and exchange rates, travellers are advised to consult their banks
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
Credit/Debit/ATM Cards of all major companies like Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, American Express, etc. accepted. However, it is advisable to carry some cash as well. Many shops, petrol stations, restaurants, and hotels accept card payments. Visitors are also advised to carry at least one major credit card because it’s common that you may be required to prepay at different places. ATMs are also conveniently situated.
Traveller's Cheques
Travellers Cheques are widely accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and shopping centres. Pound Sterling traveller’s cheques are not accepted, but some banks will change these. It must be noted that many banks do not offer change facility for traveller’s cheques and even if some of them do, they charge a hefty commission. The travellers are advised to carry at least two identification cards before travelling to US in order to validly use the traveller’s cheques. In order to avoid exchange rate charges, the travellers would do well to carry traveller’s cheques in US Dollars.
Banking Hours
Banks in US normally function from Monday to Friday from 0900-1700. However, the timings may vary in different States.