The national language is English. Many other languages are spoken in certain parts of the country. On the Mexican border, Spanish has replaced English as the primary language in some areas. About 20 million inhabitants do not speak English.
Other public holidays are observed on different days in each state.
Duty free shopping
Overview
The following items may be brought into the USA duty-free: 200 cigarettes and 100 cigars (21 years and older); 1 L (33.8 fl oz.) alcoholic beverages (21+); Gifts up to a value of US$100* (alcohol and tobacco not included). Note: In addition to US government regulations, each individual US state has its own import regulations for tobacco products and alcohol. The exact regulations can be obtained from the Alcoholic Beverage Control Boards and the Tobacco Control Boards of the individual states. Note: (a) [*] Items should not be gift wrapped as they will need to be shown to customs. The importation of gifts applies only once every 6 months for non-residents of the USA, staying in the country longer than 72 hours. If this is not the case, only gifts up to a value of US$ 50 are duty-free. (b) Alcohol and tobacco products may only be imported by persons aged 21 or over.
Prohibited Imports
The importation of the following items is either prohibited or permitted only with a special license: (a) Narcotics and dangerous drugs not imported for medical reasons. Anyone who has to take addictive medication (note: this also includes certain cough medicines) should only bring the amount required for their stay and a certificate from the treating doctor in English. (b) Absinthe, biological materials, seeds, fruits, vegetables and plants (including endangered plant and vegetable species and their products). (c) Firearms and Ammunition. (d) Dangerous items (fireworks, poisonous items). (e) meat and poultry products. (f) Pornographic Items. (g) folding knife. (h) goods. More information is available from Countryaah.com.
Contact addresses
Embassy of the USA
Boltzmanngasse 16
Vienna
Austria
+43 (1) 31 33 90.
http://at.usembassy.gov/de
http://at.usembassy.gov/de
Mon-Fri 08.30-17.00.
Visit USA Committee Germany e. V.
Klingenstrasse 168
Solingen
Germany
http://www.vusa.travel
http://www.vusa.travel Consular Section (Visa Information Service) of the Embassy
– Consulate General issuing immigrant visas in Frankfurt/M. (Tel. +49 (69) 753 50) and with visa issue in Munich (Tel. +49 (89) 288 80).
– Consulates General without issuing a visa in Düsseldorf, Hamburg and Leipzig.
– Embassy branch in Bonn (Tel. +49 (228) 329 274).
Clayallee 170
Berlin
Germany
+49 (322) 21 09 32 43 (visa information and appointment scheduling).
http://de.usembassy.gov/de/visa US Travel Association
1100 New York Avenue, Suite 450
Washington DC
United States
+1 (202) 408 84 22.
http://www.ustravel.org
http://www.ustravel.org consular section of the embassy
Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., only telephone contact in German or English possible.
Business
Business etiquette
Business people are expected to be well groomed, although manners are generally less formal than in Europe. On hot days, men can also wear a short-sleeved shirt under the suit. Appointments, punctuality and business cards are a matter of course. The date is written in America in the order month, day, year. April 7, 2020 becomes e.g. e.g. 4/7/20. It’s a good idea to spell out month names to avoid confusion.
Opening hours
Business hours: Usually Mon-Fri 09.00-17.30. Longer working hours and shift work are common practice in certain areas.
Business contacts
Communication
Phone
According to Abbreviationfinder.org, the country code is 001. Most of the remaining public payphones are in New York City. They are used with coins and phone cards. Many network operators sell prepaid phone cards in their branches, online, in gas stations, at airport machines and in supermarkets. Prices vary, so it’s worth comparing prices. Toll-free numbers begin with 800, 855, 866, 877, or 888. The emergency number for police, fire, and ambulance is 911.
Mobile phone
GSM 1900, PCS and analog, 2G, 3G, 4G almost universal and 5G networks in metropolitan areas (except US Northwest). GSM, tri or quad band devices required. International roaming agreements exist. Major GSM 1900 carriers include Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T Wireless. It may be worth renting or buying an American (prepaid) mobile phone or buying a compatible American prepaid SIM card.
Internet
In the United States, business centers, hotels, motels, restaurants, many public buildings such as libraries, and airports offer free Wi-Fi service. Internet cafes are plentiful nationwide. The main Internet providers include AT&T and EarthLink. Metropolises and larger cities are usually covered by a free network of Wi-Fi hotspots. Mobile surfing on the Internet is made possible, among other things, by the chargeable Goodspeed Wi-Fi hotspots.
Post office
There are numerous post offices in all states. Stamps can also be bought in shops, hotels and ATMs for an additional fee. Mail to Europe can take up to a week to arrive. Post office hours: Mon-Sat 09:00-17:00. In the big cities, the main post offices are open 24 hours a day.
Radio
Numerous German-language radio stations can be received over the Internet in the USA.
