UNITED STATES
Currently preparing to provide guidance

Various things to consider when traveling to the United States.

Climate and best season

• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December

Average temperature and precipitation in America (Los Angeles)

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency website, 2017 data (http://www.data.jma.go.jp/gmd/cpd/monitor/)

Cash, cards and currency exchange

・Currency exchange: Since US dollars are more widely circulated in Japan than Japanese yen in America, please exchange for US dollars within Japan. You can exchange at banks, currency exchange shops, or through foreign currency delivery services.
・In America, most stores accept card payments. Be aware that many stores do not accept the Japanese card brand JCB. Some stores may only accept credit card payments.

Tips

・There is a custom of giving tips.
・The standard tip is about 15% to 20% of the service charge. If the bill states "Gratuity Included," the tip is already included in the total amount, so you do not need to pay extra.
・It is considered bad manners to pay tips with leftover coins, so try to use bills. It is recommended to keep plenty of one-dollar bills during your stay.

Public Safety

・America cannot be said to be a particularly safe country. Dangerous areas include Detroit, Michigan; St. Louis, Missouri; Monroe, Louisiana; New Orleans, Louisiana; and Memphis, Tennessee. These areas are characterized by a high number of economically disadvantaged people, and tourists are often targeted as they are perceived to have money.
・To avoid becoming involved in crime, try to avoid approaching the dangerous areas mentioned above, walking alone at night, forgetting to close your bag's zipper, or carrying large amounts of cash.

Clothing

・Even in seasons with high daytime temperatures, it can get chilly in the mornings and evenings, so bring something like a sweater or jacket that you can wear over your clothes. A light jacket is also useful for protection against excessive indoor air conditioning.
・Los Angeles is warm even in winter, so a heavy coat is not necessary. In summer, the sun is strong, so sun protection is essential.

Things you should bring with you

・Stomach medicine, cold medicine, mobile battery, wet tissues, tissues, sun protection items, etc.

Visa availability and arrangements

・If your purpose is tourism or business for less than 90 days, obtaining a visa is generally not necessary. However, obtaining electronic travel authorization through the Visa Waiver Program ESTA is mandatory, so be careful. ESTA must be obtained online in advance, is valid for two years once approved, and allows multiple entries to the US.
・It is desirable for your passport to have more than 90 days of validity remaining from the date of entry.

Required vaccinations

There are no mandatory requirements for travel.
However, vaccinations for hepatitis A, measles, rubella, tetanus, and chickenpox are recommended.