USA - differences and peculiarities

In this article, we'll take a look at some of the differences and peculiarities you'll encounter every day in Florida and across the US. Time shifting, sales tax but also, for example, flushing the toilet, you will see the differences everywhere.

• Electrical voltage in the USA is 110 volts and the difference is also in the sockets

Socket adapters from EU/CZ sockets to American sockets are available also in America. We recommend that you buy some before you travel and take them with you, if needed. 

• The local language especially in Florida is English and Spanish.

In many places more Spanish than English.

• The official language of the USA is English

However, information are often available in bilingual versions, especially in Florida. This means in English and Spanish.

• The prices of goods in shops, but also for example prices in restaurants, are without tax. 

Tax must therefore always be added to the prices quoted. In Florida, the basic sales tax is 6%. Each state in the USA has a different sales tax rate. 

• Paying at restaurants with service

In restaurants, it is the norm to leave a tip of up to 10% (the base is 7%) . This is the income of the staff working in the restaurant.

• Cash and card payment

The use of the hundred-dollar bill has become common for cash payments. There are more self-service checkouts, for example in fast food restaurants. In many places cash is almost or not possible, for example, entrance to national parks or road tolls etc.. At gas stations, except for night hours in some states/localities, cash can still be used. There are cases where cash is an advantage.

• Time in USA: 6 to 9 hours back

Set your watch back six hours when you arrive in Florida and nine hours on the Gulf Coast, for example in California. There are four time zones in the USA, and curiously, the time zones are not exactly on the borders of the states, but also within them. One such state is Florida. A curiosity is in South Dakota, where the border crosses its second largest city - Rapid City.

• Paying at the hotel reception: cash and card

Hotels have their own rules regarding payment, but also regarding deposits for room. It is not uncommon to be asked to pay the deposit in cash before checking in. The amount of the deposit varies; in Florida it is normally up to USD 100. After the room check before departure, if everything ok, the deposit is returned in the same way.

• At the police control on the road

Do not get out of your car and wait calmly for the officer. It is recommended to keep your hands on the steering wheel. Always stop as soon as possible and do not try to turn or accelerate. In the dark turn on the roof light in the car.

• Drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited for persons under 21 years 
• Drinking alcohol and driving a car

Do not drink and drive. An open bottle or can of alcoholic beverage does not help the peace of mind during a police control, but it is possible to drive without penalty with up to 0.8 promile alcohol in the blood.

• Bathroom and toilet

Don't be scared at the look of the water in the toilet bowl! It will be full of water and that's the way it should be. You don't actually flush with water, but when you flush, everything drains and then the bowl fills up again automatically with clean water. It happens that the toilet doesn't flush, it just adds water to the bowl. Do not flush a second time, it is obvious what will happen and you better inform the reception. For many people not practical, but very common in the US, is the shower. The head is fixed in the wall without a flexible hose.

• Refuelling and payment

Fuel prices are per 1 Gallon (little bit under four litres). When paying in cash, you must always pay first and then fill up. There is one " fuelgun" on the stand for all types of gasoline. You can also pay by card directly at the stand or at the cash desk inside. A type of cheapest gasoline called Regular. Diesel is filled up at separate stands and is about 10% more expensive than Regular. For a comparison of average actual fuel prices by state and city in the U.S. click here . Caution Note: Vacuum cleaners at gas stations are usually out of order or in deplorable condition, better to use car wash areas where these machines are better cared for. 

• Marijuana 

In the United States, the view of marijuana is changing dynamically. To see which states allow the use, transport or cultivation of this drug and which states have already put you in jail and for what, you can click here.

Many states in the USA may have the same or similar rules, regulations and laws, but this is not the rule and it is very important to always check the information about the specific state you want to visit during your holiday. Each state for itself. Whether it's taxes, alcohol sales, drugs or registering your vehicle and many more. 

See also our article here: USA - UNITS OF MEASURE AND EXACT CONVERSIONS

For more Information: florida@floridatrip.cz