🔌 Plugs & adapters
Yes. You'll need a US-style (type A/B) adapter.
The voltage is 120V, much lower than the UK's 230V. Phone, laptop and camera chargers marked "100–240V" are fine with an adapter. UK hairdryers, straighteners and kettles usually won't work properly unless they're dual-voltage. You'd need a voltage converter, or buy one locally.
- Type A: Two flat parallel pins (no earth)
- Type B: Two flat parallel pins plus a round earth pin
🕒 Time difference
New York / Florida (Eastern) is 5 hours behind the UK all year. Local time in New York / Florida (Eastern): –.
Chicago (Central) is 6 hours behind the UK all year. Local time in Chicago (Central): –.
Denver (Mountain) is 7 hours behind the UK all year. Local time in Denver (Mountain): –.
Arizona is 7 hours behind the UK in the UK winter and 8 hours behind the UK in the UK summer (the clocks change on different dates). Local time in Arizona: –.
Los Angeles / Las Vegas (Pacific) is 8 hours behind the UK all year. Local time in Los Angeles / Las Vegas (Pacific): –.
Hawaii is 10 hours behind the UK in the UK winter and 11 hours behind the UK in the UK summer (the clocks change on different dates). Local time in Hawaii: –.
💶 Money & tipping
The USA uses the US dollar (USD).
Tipping is expected: 18–20% in restaurants, $1–2 a drink in bars, 15–20% for taxis and hairdressers. Prices usually exclude sales tax too.
🚗 Driving
Traffic drives on the right. Take extra care pulling out and at roundabouts, which go anticlockwise. Speed limits are signed in mph. Convert km/h to mph →
🗣️ Language & phone
Main language: English. Dialling code: +1.
Quick answers for the USA
Places in the USA
Other countries with the same plugs
Common questions
Do I need a plug adapter for the USA?
Yes. You'll need a US-style (type A/B) adapter. The voltage is 120V, much lower than the UK's 230V. Phone, laptop and camera chargers marked "100–240V" are fine with an adapter. UK hairdryers, straighteners and kettles usually won't work properly unless they're dual-voltage. You'd need a voltage converter, or buy one locally.
What plug type does the USA use?
The USA uses type A, B: type A – Two flat parallel pins (no earth); type B – Two flat parallel pins plus a round earth pin. The voltage is 120V at 60Hz.
What is the time difference between the UK and the USA?
New York / Florida (Eastern) is 5 hours behind the UK all year. Chicago (Central) is 6 hours behind the UK all year. Denver (Mountain) is 7 hours behind the UK all year. Arizona is 7 hours behind the UK in the UK winter and 8 hours behind the UK in the UK summer (the clocks change on different dates). Los Angeles / Las Vegas (Pacific) is 8 hours behind the UK all year. Hawaii is 10 hours behind the UK in the UK winter and 11 hours behind the UK in the UK summer (the clocks change on different dates).
Which side of the road do they drive on in the USA?
On the right, unlike the UK. Take extra care at junctions and roundabouts, which go anticlockwise.
What currency is used in the USA?
The US dollar (USD).
Do you tip in the USA?
Tipping is expected: 18–20% in restaurants, $1–2 a drink in bars, 15–20% for taxis and hairdressers. Prices usually exclude sales tax too.
What is the dialling code for the USA?
+1. From a UK phone, dial +1 and drop the first 0 of the local number.
For passports, visas, entry requirements, health and safety advice, always check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before you travel.