If you’re a New Zealand citizen and you’re interested in visiting the United States, there are some important things you’ll need to know to stay safe, travel smoothly, and maximize your enjoyment of the experience. Thankfully, travel restrictions are minimal and the United States is culturally similar to New Zealand, so this shouldn’t be a painful process – but it’s still important to do your prep work.
You’ll Need to Prepare Your Documentation
First, you’ll need to prepare your documentation. You’ll need an international passport to travel, and under usual circumstances, you would need a visa for travel authorization. However, New Zealand is part of the visa waiver program (VWP), which allows you to bypass the typical visa requirements and apply for travel authorization online using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
Do note that the United States has some strict requirements for international travel, so it’s important to plan your trip carefully. Overstaying your allotted travel period could lead to detention or other complications.
Medical Expenses Can Be Prohibitive
You should also know that the United States has a complicated and expensive medical system, with most citizens relying on private insurance to cover their expenses. As a traveler from New Zealand, you won’t have this health insurance coverage, so medical expenses would be inordinately high.
Nobody plans on having to go to the hospital during an international trip, but it’s a risk you need to acknowledge. Most travelers from New Zealand should purchase travel insurance, so they have an option to cover their medical expenses if they arise. At the very least, you should have a plan for how you would pay exorbitant medical expenses in an emergency.
The United States Is Probably Bigger Than You Think
Many New Zealanders are surprised to realize just how large the United States is. It’s tempting to plan a trip all over the country, seeing as much as possible from coast to coast. But to do this effectively, you would probably need weeks, if not months of time, with multiple different flights or dozens of hours on the road. The country spans over 3.5 million square miles; in contrast, New Zealand is only 103,483 square miles. That’s less than the state of Nevada – a relatively mid-sized state in the union.
If you like the idea of leisurely roaming from place to place, or if you’re excited about the prospect for visiting such a large place, this is a good thing. Just make sure you plan enough time and sufficient travel accommodations to achieve your goals.
Tipping Culture Prevails
Throughout most of the United States, tipping is expected for many basic services. Waiters, doormen, parking valets, bellhops, delivery people, instructors, and other service people expect to receive tips of varying amounts for their help – on top of whatever you initially paid for the service. This is a matter of etiquette, not law, so if you forget to tip, it’s not going to result in any actionable penalties. But failing to tip is generally frowned upon. Tipping is relative and individualistic; it’s also rarely discussed publicly, so be sure to consult a tipping guide so you can make a plan for yourself.
Some Areas Are Dangerous
Generally, the United States is considered a safe country, especially when compared to some of the most dangerous nations on earth. However, there are still some dangerous areas you’ll need to be aware of. Each major city in the country has geographic areas that are considered relatively unsafe. Certain recreational activities, such as hiking, can also be dangerous. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you’re perfectly safe in the country just because the United States is affluent and developed.
Road Trips Are Delightful
One of the best ways to enjoy the United States is to take a road trip. Interstate highways connect all of the states together and provide beautiful scenery across many different types of landscapes. If you drive all across the country, you’ll see mountains, plains, beaches, rivers, swamps, forests, and sprawling urban areas. Driving is also one of the best ways to ensure you hit as many big cities as possible, including New York, L.A., Chicago, Austin, and Phoenix.
Taxes Aren’t Included in Prices
Here’s one final tip: sales taxes aren’t generally included in the prices of items you find at the store. You’ll end up paying a bit more than the advertised price. Also, sales tax differs by city, so if you’re going to multiple places, you’ll encounter multiple different tax rates.
As long as you’re adequately prepared, your trip to the United States should be a beautiful and exciting one. Stay safe, keep cash on hand, and always have a contingency plan in case something goes wrong.
