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United States

The practical basics before you go: plugs, emergency numbers, money, tipping and the time.

Emergency911All emergencies

Plug typesA · B120 V · 60 Hz CurrencyUSDUS Dollar

Drives on theright

Tipping15–20 %, and expected

Local time–+1 · Calling code

The country in brief

About 342 million people live in the United States, on 9,826,675 km². The capital is Washington, D.C..

Capital: Washington, D.C.
Population: 341,784,857
Area: 9,826,675 km²
Official languages: English

Land borders

Canada Mexico

Facts change, so check the important things before you travel.
Population: World Bank, 2025 (CC BY 4.0). Capital, area and languages: Wikidata. Facts fetched October 30, 2026.

Before you go

Which plugs are used in the United States?
Sockets take plug type A/B, at 120 V and 60 Hz.
That is lower than Europe's 230 V: phone and laptop chargers handle it, but check hair dryers and the like.
What is the emergency number in the United States?
Call 911 for police, ambulance and fire.
Do you tip in the United States?
15–20 %, and expected.
Which side of the road do they drive on in the United States?
Traffic drives on the right.
What currency is used in the United States?
Prices are in US Dollar (USD).
What language do they speak in the United States?
Official languages: English.
How do I call a number in the United States from abroad?
To call a number there from abroad, start with +1.