Travel information
To participate in one of our tours in the United States or in Canada, many of you do not need a visa provided that:
- You have a valid biometric or electronic passport. Children, whatever their age, must have their own passport.
- You have received an ESTA authorization for the USA (14 USD per person to pay by credit card online). The response is generally immediate. For Canada you would require an AVE (7 CAD per person).
- You present a return air ticket and submit to the ritual of fingerprints and photo during the passage of immigration.
Avoid locking your checked baggage. Locks might be forced by the security services which regularly search them.
You will have to complete a customs declaration per family. This document is sometimes distributed on the plane or will be filled out electronically at a customs terminal upon arrival. Keep the address of your first accommodation with you as this will be requested in the papers to be completed.
It is prohibited to import non-sterilized perishable goods (cold meats, cheese, cookies, etc.) or plants. Only canned food is tolerated. One bottle of alcohol per person is allowed.
Most international and domestic airlines allow you to take 1 suitcase of 20 kg per person.
We recommend that you keep your medicines, important papers, plane tickets, cameras and other valuables in your hand luggage.
North America is covered by 6 time zones.
- On the East Coast of the United States and Canada, the time difference with Central Europe is 6 hours. When it is 12 noon on the East Coast, it is 18h00 in France, for ex.
- On the West Coast, the time difference with Central Europe is 9h. When it is 12 noon in California it is 21h00 France, for ex.
Remember this when you call home.
No vaccine is compulsory but we advise you to check that you are up to date with your classic vaccinations: tetanus, polio, whooping cough, diphtheria (DTP) and hepatitis B.
Remember to bring a first aid kit with the essentials (dressings, disinfectant, aspirin, intestinal disturbances, fevers …). If you forgot something, you can easily find everything on site, but the prices are generally higher than in Europe.
As medical care is expensive, we suggest that you check before your departure that you are well covered by insurance.
Tobacco: smoking is strictly prohibited in public places and in hotel rooms.
In Canada, the currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD $), in the United States, it is the American dollar (US $). The main bank cards are accepted almost everywhere: Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
Several other options are available to you:
- Exchange money in Europe before your departure or on the spot: remember to compare exchange rates and fees. Avoid exchange offices at airports, which are often less attractive.
- Withdraw money on the spot: you will find ATMs everywhere. Given the commissions taken for each transaction, it is always more advantageous to withdraw only once an amount which corresponds to your needs than to make several small withdrawals.
- Traveler’s checks: this is always a secure means because they are replaced in the event of loss. You can also pay directly at department stores, certain hotels and restaurants, upon presentation of your passport.
Banks are generally open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.
In bars and restaurants, it gets a little complicated. Service is not generally included and the practice is to add 18% to the total bill.
‘Tipping’ is very common in North America. You have to plan your budget accordingly. For your coach driver, tour leader and city guides, we generally suggest: per day: $4 for the tour leader and $2 for the driver. City guides in general receive $1 per person.
Some shopping suggestions:
- clothes, jeans and sports shoes…
- in the cowboy spirit: boots, hats and belt buckles…
- Native American crafts: jewelry, dolls, clothes, dream catchers …
- electronic equipment: pay attention to the compatibility of certain devices.
- gadgets: license plates, American flags, magnets, stuffed animals…
Do not forget to add taxes to the prices displayed.
In general, the shops are open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The shopping malls are often open Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Many neighborhood supermarkets are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For all electrical devices without motors (telephones, cameras, tablets, etc.), an adapter must be used. It is better to buy it in Europe but if you forget, you can easily find it on the spot.
If you bring electrical devices with a motor (hairdryer, razor, etc.), if it does not have the 110v or 220v option, you will also need a transformer or converter, which is more difficult to find in North America.
In the United States and Canada, the price of stamps is the same for postcards and letters up to 30 grams.
- In the United States, the price is US $ 1.15.
- In Canada, letters and postcards are CAD $ 3.10.
Post offices are mostly open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- To call the United States or Canada from Europe, dial 00 + 1 + 3-digit area code + correspondent’s number.
- To call Europe from the United States or Canada, dial 011 + country code + number of the correspondent (without the initial 0).
We recommend that you avoid using telephones in hotel rooms, the rates are high.
If you take your mobile phone from Europe, you must have activated the World option with your operator and check the cost of a minute of calling or an SMS before your departure. This will save you from unpleasant surprises when receiving your invoice.
You will be able to connect to the WiFi networks of certain bars, restaurants or hotels, which will allow you to make your calls easily from Skype, What’s app, or other.
While packing and making considerations for outfits and accessories for your excursions, you may also be wondering what things need to be accounted for in terms of medications.
While travelers are certainly allowed to travel with their medications, the Transportation Safety Administration offers these considerations and tips you should keep top of mind to stay in the clear.
- It’s not necessary to present your medication to or notify an officer about any medication you are traveling with unless it is in liquid form.
- Medication in liquid form is allowed in carry-on bags in excess of 100 ml in reasonable quantities for the flight. It is not necessary to place medically required liquids in a zip-top bag however, you must tell the officer you have medically necessary liquids at the start of the screening checkpoint process.
- Medically required liquids will be subjected to additional screening that could include being asked to open the container.
- You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts, as long as it is screened.
- You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. It’s highly recommended you place these items in your carry-on, in the event that you need immediate access.
- TSA does not require passengers to have medications in prescription bottles, though states have individual laws regarding the labeling of prescription medication with which passengers need to comply.
- Medication is usually screened by X-ray; however, if a passenger does not want a medication X-rayed, they may ask for an inspection instead. This request must be made before any items are sent through the X-ray tunnel.
- Nitroglycerin tablets and spray (used to treat episodes of angina in people who have coronary artery disease) are permitted and have never been prohibited.
Still have medication questions? The TSA Contact Center and the TSA Cares Help Line are able to assist.
Written by Sarah Suydam, Staff Writer for Groups Today.
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