The Ultimate Packing List For Visiting the USA

The USA is home to some of the most exciting holiday destinations in the world, thanks to its incredibly diverse, breathtaking nature. But with weather conditions and climates ranging from tropical to alpine, packing for a trip to the USA can be a headache. 

Needless to say, the content of your luggage can be extremely varied depending on when and where you’re going. That said, we’ve compiled a list of essentials to pack for your trip to the USA, which should give you an idea of what you might need.

Travel documents and other essentials

Having all of the necessary documents ready is arguably the most important thing before your travels. After all, you won’t even be allowed to enter the country without proper documentation. So make sure to double-check that you have all important documents ready in advance.

Passport and visa

Make sure you have your passport with you and that it is still valid before you travel. Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months at the day or your arrival to the USA, so if it’s about to expire soon, get a new one before you try leaving the country.

Some travelers must also obtain a visa to enter the United States. Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and the purpose of your visit. 

Contact the US embassy or consulate in your country for accurate and up-to-date information on the necessary paperwork. Remember to get your tourist visa well in advance, as the process may take a while, and you may not be able to take care of it at the last minute.

Fill out an ESTA form to travel without a visa

You may be able to enter the United States without a visa if you’re from a country that’s a part of the Visa Waiver Program. However, in that case, you must complete an ESTA Form (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before your trip.

This form collects information about your eligibility to travel under the Visa Waiver Program. Double-check if your country of residence is a part of the program and apply for the ESTA in advance to avoid any delays to your trip.

What is ESTA?

ESTA is a visa waiver program that lets you enter and move around the country without going through the long paperwork process for a visa. This only applies for holiday or business trips lasting no more than 3 months, you can request the entry permit with the ESTA authorization. 

Remember to fill out your request at least 72 hours before your trip. You may not be allowed to enter the USA if your paperwork isn’t filled out in time.

How do I apply for the ESTA?

The ESTA application process is simpler than that for traditional visas. You don’t have to visit an embassy and can fill the form out online. Simply enter the official ESTA website to apply for the ESTA, select Start a new application, and enter the information it requires. 

Within 72 hours, you should get an email informing you about whether or not your application is accepted. You can also check the status of your application on the website in case the email doesn’t reach you or if there are errors in the emailing system.

Double-check all information you enter in the application since it could be denied even if there is a small mistake. The ESTA application itself costs $21 and should be filled out on the official website. 

Other important documentation for the USA

There are fairly strict requirements for plane tickets and accommodation documents when entering the USA. You need to have return flight tickets and proof of accommodation with you. It’s a good idea to have both digital and physical copies with you in case your cell phone dies or doesn’t work as it should.

This means that you can’t enter the country without knowing the exact duration of your stay and having return flight tickets. The return flight tickets can’t be to Canada, Mexico, Bermudas, or any island in the Caribbean if you’re not a resident of these countries. 

As for proof of accommodation, it can be a hotel reservation, an official invitation from the person hosting you in the USA, travel agency booking documents, or a rental agreement in the USA. 

Remember that documentation requirements can change over time, so it is very important to check the latest information before your trip. It can be found in official sources such as US embassies or consulates.

Stay connected while in the USA

Having an internet connection in the United States is crucial. Most apps we use when traveling, such as Google Maps, translator apps, Uber, or currency conversion apps, are linked to the internet. So you’ll definitely want to stay connected on the go.

There are a few things you need to know about your device and connection before you travel:

• Make sure that your cellphone isn’t carrier-locked: If you purchase your phone directly from your service provider, it may be carrier-locked, which means that your cell service won’t work on other networks. To make sure your cellphone will work in the US, double-check whether or not you’re able to connect to other networks.
• Data roaming charges: Paying data roaming charges can sometimes be one of the most expensive ways to stay connected. You might want to consider other alternatives, such as buying an eSIM card.
• Coverage: Not all operators have good coverage. Some providers don’t offer very limited coverage in more remote areas, such as Route 66 or national parks. Check the operators’ coverage map to make sure you have a connection on your travels.

>Get to know about the best destinations for Weekend Trips in the USA!<

eSIM card for the United States

Using an eSIM is probably the most convenient and most affordable way to stay connected in the USA. You can buy, set up, and activate your eSIM remotely from anywhere in the world and have an internet connection from the very moment you land in the United States of America.

The Holafly eSIM for the USA offers a 4G/LTE/5G connection in the whole country with unlimited data and some of the best coverage your can expect. Holafly works with well-known networks in the US, which guarantees stability and connection. 

Once you make your purchase, you’ll immediately receive an email with a QR code that you can use to activate your eSIM. Holafly also offers 24/7 customer service in multiple languages, which ensures that any issues you may have will be resolved as soon as possible,

The only thing worth knowing is that not all cell phones can support an eSIM. While most modern phones support eSIM technology, there are a few that still don’t have it. Check out our list of eSIM-compatible devices to make sure yours will work with an eSIM.

Local currency and bank cards

You’ll be able to use your credit or debit card to pay in a vast majority of places in the USA, but it’s always good to have some cash handy. You may need it to pay for goods in a local farmers market or tip your waiter at the restaurant. 

Consider exchanging some US dollars in your home country before you leave. The exchange rates at airports and touristy areas tend to be a bit worse than normal, so you’ll be saving yourself a few bucks by doing some research and going to an exchange that actually offers good rates.

How to enjoy a safe trip to the USA

A holiday in the USA isn’t something most of us get to experience very often, so you’ll probably want to enjoy the trip with peace of mind. Here are a few things you can do to ensure a stress-free travel experience in the USA.

International health insurance

The healthcare system in the United States is infamous for being very expensive. And you probably don’t want to end up with a bill in the tens of thousands if things go wrong. Having international health insurance will give you peace of mind and financial protection in case of illness or injury during the trip.

With international health insurance, you’ll have access to a big network of medical providers and hospitals in the United States, which means you’ll receive quality care without worrying about high costs. Many international insurance also offer additional services, such as travel assistance and repatriation in an emergency.

Before taking out international medical insurance, make sure to review the coverage, compensation limits, and exclusions carefully. It is important to choose insurance that suits your individual needs and that covers the medical services that you consider essential during your stay in the United States.

Travel insurance with cancellation and return

While travel insurance can’t protect you from the airport losing your bags, it can minimize any financial losses. Depending on the type of insurance, it’ll usually cover damaged or lost luggage, delayed or canceled flights, and any expenses you have as a result of that.

For example, some travel insurance will cover expenses for any clothes and toiletries you have to buy if your bags are missing. Sure, you’ll have to fill out some paperwork, but you can still have an amazing trip instead of worrying about the money you may lose if your bags are never found.

First aid kit for the USA

If you plan on taking medication to the USA, make sure to contact your doctor for recommendations. However, a first aid kit should include more than just pills. 

Make sure you have things like plasters and bandages for cuts or other small injuries. If you wear contact lenses, pack an extra pair or two. If you’re on prescription medication, take it with you along with the prescription itself to avoid any questions at the airport. 

To make things easy, you can simply purchase a small first aid kit for traveling and add some other essentials that you think are necessary. Just remember, it should only help you with basic self-care and minor injuries, not replace the hospital during medical emergencies.

Call 911 in case of emergency

You’ve probably heard this a million times, but call 911 in an emergency instead of trying to solve it on your own. This stands for when you need an ambulance, help from police, or the firefighters. You can get help both in English and Spanish languages.

If you need to contact the embassy or consulate, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website has a list with the phone numbers for embassies of all countries. Remember to verify which consulate is responsible for dealing with the affairs of the state you are in.

What clothes should I take with me to the USA?

Picking out the clothes you need to pack for your trip is arguably the hardest part of the whole packing list. Depending on where you’re going and the time of the year, you may need to pack clothing suitable for both hot and chilly weather for a single trip.

If you’re visiting Florida or California for a beach holiday, make sure to pack your swimsuit, plenty of sunscreen, flip-flops, and enough T-shirts to cover your trip. Planning a trip through National Parks such as Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, or Glacier? You might need warm clothing even in the middle of summer in the mountainous regions. 

One thing is for sure — nearly every holiday in the USA includes spending a lot of time on your feet and exploring cities or vast landscapes. So make sure to pack a couple of pairs of comfortables shoes and clothing that doesn’t make you want to rip it off as soon as you’re back in the hotel room.

Other than that, research the average weather conditions for the region you’re traveling to, at the time you’re traveling at. It should give you a good general idea of the clothing you need to pack your your trip.

If you will be visiting the Golden State, don’t forget to bring with you an eSIM for California, with which you will be able to stay connected to the Internet at all times.

Additional items to pack for your USA trip

There are some essential items that don’t quite fit in any of the categories above but can make or break your holiday. Here are some things you might want to have with you whenever you travel abroad.

Portable power bank

Cellphones have a nasty habbit of running out of charge at the worst time. To prevent this from happening, pack a portable powerbank and make sure it’s charged whenever you leave your hotel. 

By using suitable charging cables, a power bank will be able to keep your cellphone and other electronic devices alive throughout the day, and you can charge them all back up when you get the chance to.

Backpack and beach bag

While it may seem counterintuitive to pack extra bags in your luggage, you’ll end up thanking yourself if you do. A backpack is the most comfortable option for carrying essentials with you on long walks or hiking trips, while a beach bag is perfect for taking some clothes, towels, sunscreen, and snacks with you on the beach.

Toiletries and hygiene products

While you can buy most products when you arrive, it’s still a good idea to pack essential hygiene products with you. It will save you money and precious time in the USA.

Don’t overdo it, pack only the things you use daily, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, body wash, and shampoo. Take some feminine hygiene products as well as wet wipes with you as well and you should be all set.

Other accessories

• Universal power adapter: The sockets in the USA are different from those in many other countries, so pack an adapter to make sure you can use your chargers and other electronic gadgets.
• Headphones: The trip to the US is very long; on the flight, you can watch a movie or listen to music, but there is no doubt that nothing is better than doing it with your own headphones.
• Reusable water bottle: Stay environmentally conscious and avoid leaving a trail of plastic every time you get a drink. Pack a reusable bottle with you and use it throughout your trip.
• Travel mask: It will not take up much space, and it will be very comfortable when trying to sleep during the flight.
• Travel pillow: Getting some sleep on the plane and in airports can give you some extra energy for the start of your trip, and a travel pillow just makes your travels much more comfortable without taking up too much space.

What to take in your carry-on bag to the USA

Your carry-on bag should contain the essential items that you can’t afford to lose in case the airline loses your luggage. Here are some of the main things to always have with you on your flight:

• Laptop: In addition to its monetary value, it usually has a lot of information that you may need. Pack it in a case with a charger so you can use it whenever you need to.
• Personal documents: Passport, ID, bank card, among others.
• Headphones: While not a must, having your headphones with you gives you some extra privacy during flights or in airports.
• Power bank: Ideal to keep your phone charged.
• Money: If you exchanged cash in advance, take it with you in the carry on. Just keep in mind that if you carry more than $10,000 in cash, you have to declare that at the airport.
• Your cellphone: It’s hard to imagine traveling without your cellphone nowadays, so make sure you always have it with you.

What to take in your checked bag to the United States

Your checked bag should contain everything you need but can do without. It’s no secret that these bags sometimes get lost, and though most are found later on, you might need to wait several days to get them back.

• Bring some clothes: Two or three changes of clothes.
• A pair of shoes: Choose shoes that you’re comfortable with.
• Your toiletries kit (up to 100 ml each): Shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, moisturizer, sunscreen.
• Your toiletry bag: With the essentials and in small containers.
• Contact information for your booked excursions, travel guide, and travel insurance.

Remember to check your airline’s luggage size and weight restrictions to avoid paying any oversize fees. These will vary from one airline to another, so don’t blindly rely on your past travel experiences.

Start packing your bags for a holiday of a lifetime

The list above isn’t exhaustive, but it should give you a clear idea of what you may need to pack with you for your trip to the USA. Build your own packing list around it by including things that are essential to you whenever you travel. 

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Rokas Aniulis

Senior SEO copywriter

A senior SEO writer from Lithuania, combining my passion for writing and travel at Holafly. With years of experience in technical fields, I'm here to answer all of your questions about staying connected. I specialize in turning even the most complicated topics into something everyone can understand.

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