CurrencyWe suggest that you take your spending money in dollar traveler's cheques. Credit cards such as Visa, Access (Master Card) and American Express are widely accepted.
The Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) is the new web based system for authorisation of entry into the United States that came into effect for all people travelling on or after 12th January 2009. This system will prompt you to answer basic biographical and eligibilty questions that had previously been asked on the paper I-94W form.
Applications may be submitted any time prior to travel, but must be at least 72 hours prior to travel. In most cases you will receive a response within seconds.
As of 8th September 2010 applications will incur a charge of $14 - applications prior to this date should not incur a charge.
You can access the ESTA website from our homepage or clicking on following link
The average time taken to complete this online is 3-4 minutes and the application is processed within 4 seconds on average!
The authorisation is valid for 2 years OR the live of your current passport if shorter, and only applies to those eligible under the Visa Waiver Programme (including Ireland, UK, etc.)
As a guide, 15% is the customary tip for service well done, $1 (gratuity in America) per bag porterage. Some restaurants, however, do include a 15% service charge so check before you pay. It is a good idea to carry ten one-dollar notes with you ready for tipping, especially on arrival in the USA.
The time will be between 5 and 8 hours behind Ireland in mainland North America (5 on the east coast, 8 on the west coast). Flights on your transatlantic homeward journey will arrive the following morning into Ireland.
State and local taxes, usually around 8% to 10%, are added to all purchases made in the USA and advertised prices rarely include the applicable tax.
Whilst hurricanes or tropical cyclones are irregular and difficult to predict, in areas around the Western North Atlantic, climatic conditions potentially conducive to hurricanes or tropical cyclones are most likely to arise during the months of Jun. through to Oct.
It is necessary to show reasonable care and avoid potentially dangerous areas and situations.
During March/April American college students frequent Clearwater, Key West, Fort Lauderdale and Daytona.
