The USA is big. Really big. A first trip from Singapore can feel like stepping off the MRT at Toa Payoh and onto a continent where every state does things a little differently. Prices, transport and even the weather can change completely between cities.
This is a sample checklist for your first visit. It covers the practical stuff worth sorting out before you leave Changi, in plain terms. Treat it as a starting point, not a rulebook, and check the details for your own route.
How do you get there from Changi?
There is no MRT line across the Pacific, sadly. Some routes from Changi fly nonstop to the US, while others connect through hubs in North Asia, the Middle East or Europe. Nonstop flights save time but often cost more, while a connection splits the journey into two shorter halves. Compare the total journey time, not just the fare, and confirm flight details before you book.
Should you fly or drive between cities?
The distances between US cities are far bigger than anything at home, or even across the Causeway. For long hops, such as one coast to the other, a domestic flight is usually the practical choice. For shorter stretches, like a loop of national parks in the west, a hire car gives you freedom that buses and trains cannot. If you plan to drive, read up on local road rules and licence requirements before you go, since they differ from home.
Is public transport any good?
It depends hugely on the city. New York, Washington DC, Chicago and San Francisco have subway or rail systems you can use much like the MRT. Many other cities are built around the car, so you may lean on ride-hailing or taxis instead. Look up your city's transit options before you choose where to stay, as location can make or break a trip without a car.
Do you need cash, or will cards do?
Cards are accepted almost everywhere, and contactless payment is common in big cities. Still, carry a little cash in US dollars for small vendors, tips and the odd place that does not take cards. Tell your Singapore bank you are travelling, and check what fees apply to overseas card use. A multi-currency card or account can help, but compare exchange rates and charges before you commit.
How does tipping work?
This is the big adjustment for Singaporeans, who are used to a service charge printed on the bill. In the US, tipping at sit-down restaurants is the norm, and it is also customary for taxi drivers, hotel staff, hairdressers and bartenders. The usual amount varies by place and service, so look up current norms before you go. Card machines often prompt you to choose a tip, so decide what feels fair before the screen pops up.
Why is the bill higher than the price tag?
Shelf prices and menu prices usually do not include sales tax. The tax is added at the till, and the rate differs from state to state and sometimes from city to city. Add a tip on top at restaurants, and your total can be noticeably higher than the number you first saw. Budget with a buffer so the final bill does not sting.
How do you stay connected?
You have a few options. You can switch on a roaming plan from your Singapore telco, buy a travel eSIM before you fly, or pick up a local prepaid SIM after you land. Check that your phone supports eSIM, or is unlocked if you want a local card. Free Wi-Fi is common in cafes, libraries and many public spaces, but it is wise to avoid banking on open networks.
What are the unwritten rules?
Americans tend to be friendly and chatty with strangers, so do not be surprised if a cashier asks how your day is going. A quick, polite reply is all that is needed. Personal space matters, so leave a bit more room in queues than you might at a hawker centre during the lunch rush. Saying please and thank you goes a long way, even when everyone is in a hurry.
What will the food be like?
Portions are generous, often enough for two, so sharing or taking leftovers away is normal. Each region has its own food identity, from barbecue in the South to seafood on the coasts and pizza in New York and Chicago. Supermarkets and food halls are handy for cheaper meals and snacks on the go. If you miss home, many big cities have Chinatowns and Asian neighbourhoods where a familiar plate of noodles is not hard to find.
When should you watch the weather?
The USA spans many climates, so pack for the region and season, not the country. If you are heading to the east coast, the Gulf coast or Florida, the Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November. It peaks around 10 September, with most activity between mid-August and mid-October. The eastern Pacific season runs from 15 May to 30 November, so keep an eye on forecasts if your trip falls in these windows.
What about visas, entry rules and safety?
Entry requirements, health rules and safety advice can change, so check them close to your departure date. The simplest place to start is MFA's travel advice, which you can find on the USA price page on this site. Read it again a few days before you fly, in case anything has been updated. Keep copies of your passport and key bookings both on your phone and in print.
Who do you call in an emergency?
The emergency number in the US is 911. Save it in your phone, along with the contact details for Singapore's missions, before you leave. The Singapore missions in the US are:
- Embassy in Washington DC: +1 202 537 3100, emergency extension 140
- Consulate in New York: +1 212 223 3331, emergency extension 151
- Consulate-General in San Francisco: +1 415 543 4775, emergency line +1 415 290 9000
- Honorary Consulate in Miami: +1 305 858 4225
Note which one is closest to where you will be staying. It takes a minute now and saves a scramble later.
Before you go: travel insurance for the USA
Before you fly, get your travel insurance through Shenton Brokers for your trip. Compare travel insurance for the USA to see today's prices from every insurer we compare, with the destination's travel notes and MFA's latest advice. Or get a quote for your own dates.
Buy it as soon as you book: trip cancellation pays only for events after the policy starts.