Visa / passport
Depending on your nationality, the length of your stay and the purpose of your trip in the United States, you may need a passport or an entry visa.
For more information about the steps you have to take, contact the American embassy or visit his Website.
USA Embassy in Paris, Brussels, Ottawa.
Nevertheless, since January 12th 2009, all Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers are required to obtain a travel authorization via the Electronic System for travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to traveling to the United States under the VWP. ESTA is also required for travelers passing in transit through the USA. (Further information).
Link to official form:
Car renting
Because of the distances to travel, renting a car is strongly recommended.
Several special and well known companies offer a large choice of cars of the latest design. However, a combined reservation, from Europe, of the flying ticket and the mean of transport is a wise choice.
People drive on the right side of the road ; every car is automatic and with air conditioning.
As gas is notably cheaper than in Europe, diesel is only used for trucks.
Traffic regulations
Driving rules are about the same as ours.
However, we draw your attention to a few particularities :
Seat belt must be worn.
A special attention for speed limitations and absolute priority for pedestrians stepped out onto a pedestrian crossing.
The vehicle coming from the right does not have priority. The first car reaching the cross (without lights) is the first to pass. If two cars reach the cross at the same time, the one coming from the right passes first.
Overtaking is permitted on the right and on the left sides.
Traffic lights are often located in the middle of the crossroads but you have however to stop before it.
You have to stop when a stationary school bus shows its "stop" road signs.
When the traffic lights are on red, you can however carefully turn right, except if there is a "no turn on red" sign, or if a pedestrian crosses the street, or if you become an obstacle for the other users.
Travelling
At a crossroad, the street name indicated on the sign in front of you corresponds to the street you are crossing and not to the one in which you drive.
To find your way, you have not only to know its name but also its number and your orientation.
There are freeways, interstates roads which cross over the whole state, and secondary roads. Turnpikes (rare) are toll roads.
