Foreign Visitors
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Customs: The US has strictly enforced drug laws. Meat or meat products, seeds, plants, or fruits can not be brought into the US. Foreign travelers are allowed to bring into the United States 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars, $400 worth of duty-free gifts, including one liter of alcohol. You can bring in any amount of currency but must declare amounts over $10,000 US. Contact the United States Custom Service (1301 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20229; 202-566-8195).
Driving in Florida: An international driver’s license should be obtained before arriving in the U.S. Some rental agencies require both a foreign license and an international driver’s license, and a lessee to be at least 25 years of age and have a major credit card.
Money: The dollar is the basic unit of currency. It is divided into 100 cents. The most common bills are $1, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. All of these bills are green and look very similar — look for the $ amount and the picture of a different president on each one. Coins are the penny (1 cent), nickel (5 cents), dime (10 cents) and quarter (25 cents), half-dollar and dollar coins. Foreign currency is never used in stores and businesses, and many banks do not offer currency exchange, so buy traveler’s checks in dollar amounts before you leave home.
Credit cards and ATM cards: These are in wide use and most banks and small stores dispense currency if affiliated with an American company such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Honor, Interbank, Barclay Card and Cyrex, etc. Check with your local bank before leaving home.
Electricity: 110 volts, 60 cycles is standard. Appliances made for other electrical systems need a transformer or adapter — not easily found in stores, so bring one with you.
Weights And Measures: The U.S. uses a partial metric and English system of weights and measures adding confusion to natives and visitors alike. Metric equivalents are: 1 inch = 2.5 centimeters; 1 foot (12 inches) = 0.3 meter; 1 yard (3 feet) = 0.9 meter; 1 mile (5280 feet) = 1.6 kilometers; 60 miles per hour = 100 kilometer per hour; 1 ounce = 28 grams; 1 pound (16 ounces) = 0.45 kilogram; 1 quart (liquid) = 0.9 liter.
