Or watch, or even listen. Whichever you prefer. But this is definitely “must know before you go” content you shouldn’t miss!
Quick Reference Guide: Click the Text to Jump to a Specific Topic
Introduction
Hello fellow travellers! My name is Clay and I run a U.S. travel consultancy firm called Clay Knows Travel. While I live over 13,200 km away from Sydney, I’m partnering with Travel Insured Australia to provide its Aussie travellers advice for navigating around the U.S.
Why, you might ask?
It turns out the U.S. ranks in the top 3 destinations so far in 2025. And with my over 10-years of experience working in the travel industry, both in the U.S. and in Australia, it’s a natural fit for us to work together.
Okay, that’s enough about me. Let’s get into the real reason you’re here! Continue scrolling to get my five most important pieces of travel advice for visiting the U.S. Enjoy!
#1 Phone Setup Before Arrival
As an Aussie travelling to the States, this is the ONE thing you must do as soon as you land.
Sort out your phone service. Seriously. Don’t rely on your Aussie plan unless you want to pay shocking roaming fees. Grab an eSIM before you leave, or head straight to a kiosk at the airport for a U.S. SIM card. Without data, you’ll struggle with rideshares, maps, even restaurant bookings. It’s the first step that saves you money and stress.
Trust me, this move will set you up for the entire trip.
Which eSIM provider is the best option for Australians visiting the U.S.?
There are several different options to choose from, but from my own personal experience, Airalo was the easiest to purchase and setup on my mobile device.
For Aussies buying a data plan in the U.S. for up to 30-days, plans start as low as $9.10 AUD for 5GB of data.
#2 Tipping Culture in the U.S.
Tipping in the U.S. (typically) isn’t optional, and here’s how not to embarrass yourself.
So, how much tipping is expected in the U.S.?
In America, waitstaff and bartenders rely on tips as part of their wages. The norm? 15 to 20 percent at restaurants, a buck or two per drink at a bar, and a couple dollars for hotel staff or rideshare drivers. If you don’t tip, it’s seen as super rude. And from what I’ve gathered on Reddit, Aussies often get caught out here — so budget it in like it’s part of the meal.
Remember: if you can’t afford to tip, you can’t afford the service. 🤷🏻♂️
#3 Road Trips in the U.S. (And Navigating the Road System)
Driving in the U.S.
As an Aussie planning to lease a car in America, here’s the biggest shock you’ll face.
Speed limits and road rules change from state to state, and they’re enforced hard. Right turns on red? Allowed in many states — but not all. Four-way stops? First come, first go. And don’t forget: distances are massive. A ‘short drive’ might be six hours. So double-check rules where you’re headed and pack patience for the road.
My advice? Respect the rules, and the drive will be part of the adventure. And, most importantly, contact your rental car company and the motor vehicle department in each U.S. state you intend to drive in for further information.
PS: when buying a Travel Insured policy for your trip to the U.S., don’t forget to add Vehicle Rental Damage to your policy if you’re leasing a car! 🚘
#4 Secure the Right Travel Documents
Do I need an ESTA or visa to enter the U.S.?
Australians usually use the ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) for visits up to 90 days, but note: ESTA does not guarantee entry. U.S. CBP officers have wide discretion at the border, and in rare cases travellers have been denied entry due to political views or other concerns. [source: ABC News]
RE: Visa Waiver Program – Australia is a listed country on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Customs and Border Protection) website as a country eligible to apply for a waiver, if your trip is less than 90 days. Here’s more on what it has to say straight from the website:
Under what circumstances should I apply for a visa instead of an ESTA?
- If you intend to arrive in the United States aboard a non-signatory air carrier.
- If you intend to visit the United States for more than 90 days.
- If you believe any grounds of inadmissibility of the Immigration and Nationality Act § 212(a) apply to you, you should apply for a nonimmigrant visa before traveling to the United States.
- If you are traveling to the United States for a purpose other than short-term tourism or business.
#5 Do I Need Travel Insurance in the U.S.?
Need? No, you don’t technically “need” it because it’s not required by the U.S. government to enter.
Should you get it? Yes, it’s definitely recommended to get coverage and I’ll explain why.
Being financially responsible for any healthcare costs while visiting the U.S. could be a significant blow to your bank account.
With Travel Insured Australia, every international policy includes unlimited Travel Medical cover for things like:
- Treatment as a result of a medical emergency
- Transportation costs to the nearest adequate medical facility
- Transportation back home in the event of a medical emergency during your trip
I took the liberty of simulating a quote for myself, including benefits I personally would include, if I was an Australian traveller taking a 31 day trip to visit the United States. Here’s what Travel Insured returned for reference.
Summary
If you made it this far, thanks for sticking around to check out the full article!
Here’s a quick summary of the important topics we covered for Australians visiting the U.S.
What should I do with my mobile phone SIM card(s) when arriving to the U.S.?
Be sure to have this setup prior to your arrival or as soon as you land in the U.S. As mentioned, my personal recommendation is to download the Airalo eSIM app and secure a U.S.-specific data plan via eSIM. You don’t want to be in the U.S. without the use of your phone!
How much tipping is expected in the U.S.?
There is a strong tipping culture in the U.S., mainly because service employees rely on these tips as a big portion of their wages. Get some cash (U.S. dollars) at an ATM when you arrive or plan to spend an additional 15-20% on tips for every dining or ride share occasion.
How can I best prepare myself for driving a car in the U.S.?
First, check out the U.S. motor vehicle website provided above and search for the state you’re planning to drive in. Make sure you don’t need an international driving permit (IDP) to drive there. (Most states don’t require this). Then, be super mindful of all traffic signs, speed limits, etc. because citations can be expensive!
Do I need an ESTA or visa to enter the U.S.?
This will largely depend on the length of your visit and a few non-typical travel circumstances, but most Australians opt for the ETSA Visa Waiver Program when the duration of the trip is 90 days or less.
If you’re planning a longer stay in the U.S. for more than 90 days, the ESTA program is NOT applicable and you must apply for a non-immigrant visa that fits your reason for travel. These are the visa options you can apply for:
B-2 Tourist Visa → for leisure travel, visiting friends/family, or medical treatment.
Typically issued for up to 6 months (sometimes extendable while in the U.S.).
B-1 Business Visa → for work-related travel like meetings, conferences (not employment).
F-1 Student Visa → if you’re studying at a U.S. institution.
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa → if you’re participating in an exchange, internship, or training program.
H-1B or other work visas → if you’re employed by a U.S. company.
Do I need a travel insurance policy for visiting the U.S.?
Short answer here is technically, no, you do not “need” a travel insurance policy to visit the U.S. However, it is recommended to get some form of coverage, even if it’s just for Travel Medical and Emergency Evacuation expenses.
If you enjoyed this article and are interested seeing similar content, check out Travel Insured Australia’s related posts linked below 👇
