Time: the continental United States include 4 time zones; the time ranges from UTC-5 in the east to UTC-8 in the west in winter and from UTC-4 to UTC-7 in summer. New York: Polish time minus 6h. Las Vegas: Polish time minus 9h. San Francisco: Polish time minus 9h. New Orleans: Polish time minus 7h. Miami: Polish time minus 6h. Time and date format: example 17.15 - 5:15 PM, 22 January 2020 - 01/22/20
Language: English
Visas: Poland was formally included in the Visa Waiver Program. Polish citizens can use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Detailed information is available on the website: https://pl.usembassy.gov/pl/visas-pl/
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Electrical sockets: type A and B, voltage 120V; adapter required
Prices: in restaurants and cafes: coffee from 3 USD, takeaway sandwich from 4 USD, small pizza from 5 USD, meal in a fast food restaurant from 6 USD, main course from 11 USD, beer from 5 USD, drink/cocktail/aperitif from 6 USD, full dinner in a good restaurant from 25 USD. In supermarkets: bread roll from 0.40 USD, water (1.5 l) from 1.40 USD, juice (1 l) from 2 USD, milk (1 l) from 1.60 USD, beer (0.33 l) from 1.50 USD, cheese (100 g) from 3 USD, ham (100 g) from 1 USD Postage stamp for a card to Poland costs 1.10 USD. In all shops and restaurants (unless otherwise specified in the menu), local taxes must be added to the given prices. Each state charges a different level of tax. In Florida, you should add 7% to the shop prices. For example: the tag price of a T-shirt in a shop is 10 USD, and after adding tax, the amount to be paid at the checkout is 10.70 USD.
Credit cards: one of the most popular means of payment in hotels and restaurants is a credit card, without which it can be difficult to, for example, rent a car, shop online or book a place in a restaurant. Some hotels may ask you to provide your credit card details at the check in. A deposit of 50 to 200 USD for hotel expenses might be kept.
Tipping: in the United States, additional gratification is a common practice. For example in restaurants the tip is 15% of the meal price. Depending on the restaurant, it may already be included in the price of a meal; the information is given in the menu. In hotels, the usual tip for the staff is 1 USD (e.g. for help with bringing a suitcase, taking a car to the parking lot, etc.).
Accommodation in Miami: accommodation in a hotel requires at least one person to be not less than 21 years of age (not applicable to Generator Miami hotel). A compulsory resort fee is also required, which covers, among other things, wireless Internet access and beach service.
Shopping and souvenirs: you can bring interesting souvenirs from every region of the USA. For the gourmets of good wine we recommend wine produced in Washington and California. Lovers of sweets will be interested in Ghirardelli or Hershey's chocolates, and book lovers will find beautifully published albums in bookstores. In the USA, electronic equipment is relatively cheap. You can also buy clothes, cosmetics, underwear, leather goods and sports equipment at very attractive prices. Items of world-renowned brands can be bought at much lower prices than in Europe. Alcohol is available to persons over 21 years of age. The consumption and possession of alcohol below this age is severely punished, including arrest and prosecution of illegal possession and consumption.
Units of measurement: 1 pound – 0.45 kg 1 mile – 1.609 km 1 gallon – 3.785 l
What is worth eating: contrary to popular belief, US cuisine is very diverse and tasty. However, the most popular are definitely chain restaurants. Cuban and Caribbean cuisine, fish and seafood are very popular, especially in Florida. You should certainly try the excellent street food, hamburgers and hot dogs. In addition, we recommend: T-bone Steak in New York, New York Cream Cheesecake, Pastrami Bagel, preferably in New York's Katz's Delicatessen, Clam Chowder in Boston, Fish and seafood in Florida, Jambalaya in New Orleans, Crab Cake – cakes with crab meat, Chocolate Brownie, Apple pie
You can always find up to date information about security in this country on your Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
