Our Guide to Traveling in the United States

From Paris, it takes about 8 hours to fly to New York, 11 hours to Los Angeles and Miami, and up to 12–13 hours to cities on the West Coast. Round-trip tickets generally range from 400 to 900 euros, depending on the destination, the season, and the airline. Many airlines fly to the United States from Paris-Charles de Gaulle.

Given the distances involved, we recommend a trip of at least 14 to 21 days to explore one or two regions in depth. The United States is so vast that it warrants multiple trips: it’s better to focus on a specific geographic area (East, West, South…) rather than trying to see everything at once.

French citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays of less than 90 days, thanks to the Visa Waiver Program. However, obtaining an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is required before boarding. It can be obtained online on the official U.S. government website for a fee of $21 and is valid for 2 years. A valid biometric passport is required.

The official language is English. In some regions (Miami, Los Angeles, Texas, New Mexico), Spanish is widely spoken. Knowing a few phrases in English is essential for a stress-free trip. 

Here are a few useful phrases:

• Thank you / You're welcome: Thank you / You’re welcome
• Good morning / Good evening: Good morning / Good evening
• Please / Sorry: Please / Sorry
• Yes / No: Yes / No
• Where is...? : Where is... ?
• How much does it cost? : How much does it cost?
• Can I have the check, please? : The check, please
• Do you speak French? : Do you speak French?

The local currency is the U.S. dollar (USD). As a general guide, 1 euro is worth about 1.10 dollars (exchange rate varies). Credit cards are accepted everywhere, even for very small amounts. It’s still a good idea to carry a few bills for tips, which are an essential part of American culture: expect to tip 15 to 20% of the bill at restaurants, and $1 to $2 per piece of luggage for hotel porters.

The best time to visit depends heavily on the region. For New York and the East Coast, spring (April–June) and fall (September–November) are ideal. For Florida and the South, winter (December–April) is the perfect season to avoid the heat and hurricanes. For the American West and the national parks, spring and fall offer optimal conditions. California is a pleasant place to visit year-round.

American cuisine is much richer and more diverse than its reputation suggests. Each region has its own specialties and culinary traditions.

Among the must-tries:

• Southern BBQ: slow-smoked pork ribs and brisket, icons of Texas, North Carolina, and Tennessee, served with generous helpings of homemade sauces.
• The Lobster Roll: a sandwich with fresh lobster and mayonnaise, a specialty of New England and Maine, a must-try on the East Coast.
• Clam chowder: a creamy clam soup served in a bread bowl in San Francisco and throughout the West Coast.
• New York-style cheesecake: a dense and creamy cheesecake, available in endless variations at Manhattan delis.
• Pancakes: thick, fluffy pancakes served for breakfast with maple syrup and butter—a true American ritual.
• Cajun & Creole: spicy and flavorful cuisine from New Orleans, featuring gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish as its signature dishes.

The United States spans six time zones. The East Coast (New York, Miami) is 6 hours behind France during daylight saving time. The West Coast (Los Angeles, San Francisco) is 9 hours behind. For example, when it is noon in Paris during the summer, it is 6 a.m. in New York and 3 a.m. in Los Angeles. Allow a few days to adjust to the time difference upon your arrival.