Traveling to the United States for the first time is one of the trips that requires the most thorough preparation not because the US is complicated, but because it is different in ways many Vietnamese travelers do not expect: from mandatory tipping culture in restaurants, strict immigration procedures, to transportation challenges in a vast country where having no private vehicle can make getting around nearly impossible in many cities. This article compiles the 30 most important things you need to know, organized into practical categories to ensure your first trip to America goes smoothly from the moment you land.
Group 1: Before Your Flight Required Documents and Procedures
[Image 1 Alt Text: First-time travel to the USA checklist immigration documents and entry procedures 2026]
1. Check That Your Passport Is Valid for at Least 6 Months
Your passport must remain valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from the United States, not your entry date. Many travelers are denied boarding at Vietnamese airports because they overlook this requirement.
2. Print All Important Documents Do Not Rely Only on Your Phone
Bring printed copies of:
Passport (photocopy)
Visa
Hotel reservations
Travel insurance
Airline tickets
At US immigration checkpoints, officers will not wait while you search for files on your phone.
3. Verify Your Visa Validity Before Departure
Vietnamese citizens must obtain a B1/B2 visa to enter the United States and are not eligible for ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program. Check your visa expiration date and compare it with your planned arrival date. You may enter the United States on the last valid day of your visa, provided your authorized stay does not exceed the period granted by immigration authorities.
4. Purchase Travel Insurance That Includes US Medical Coverage
Healthcare costs in the United States are among the highest in the world. A single emergency room visit can cost between USD 10,000 and USD 50,000. Travel insurance with international medical coverage is essential when preparing for a trip to the USA.
Look for a policy that provides:
5. Install Essential Apps Before Boarding
Recommended apps:
Install and test all apps while still connected to reliable Wi-Fi in Vietnam. Do not wait until you are standing in the middle of JFK Airport trying to download them.
6. Notify Your Bank About Your Trip
Many Vietnamese banks automatically block cards when they detect unusual overseas transactions.
Call your bank's hotline and inform them of your travel dates to avoid having your card blocked in the United States before you have access to backup cash.
Read More: Common US Visa Types for Vietnamese Applicants VITA CAPITAL
Group 2: US Immigration Things You Must Never Do
7. Declare Everything Accurately and Completely
CBP customs declarations must be completed on the airplane or through the CBP One app before arrival. Providing false or incomplete information is a violation, even for seemingly minor items such as food products.
8. Do Not Bring Fresh Food, Fruits, Vegetables, or Dairy Products
Never bring:
into the United States.
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) employs agricultural detection dogs specifically trained to identify food products. Violations may result in fines ranging from USD 300 to USD 10,000 at the port of entry. Properly packaged dried seafood such as dried squid or dried fish is often permitted in checked baggage but must still be declared.
9. Bring Medications According to Regulations
Only bring prescription medications that you legitimately use.
For over-the-counter medications:
Prescription drugs should be accompanied by supporting documentation from your physician, especially controlled substances such as opioid painkillers or sedatives.
10. Answer Immigration Questions Directly and Briefly
US immigration officers ask questions to verify information not to make conversation. Answer only what is asked. Do not volunteer unnecessary information. Do not appear evasive or overly nervous. Common questions include:
11. Buy an eSIM Before Your Flight – The Best Choice in 2026
If your phone supports eSIM technology, this is the most recommended option for travelers in 2026. An eSIM allows you to connect immediately after landing without searching for a mobile store after a long flight. Popular eSIM providers include:
Airalo
Holafly (unlimited data, ideal for trips under two weeks)
Nomad (good pricing, uses T-Mobile network)
Airport SIM kiosks are typically about 40% more expensive than purchasing online before departure.
12. Comparing the Three Major Networks: T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon
Each carrier serves different needs.
Verizon
AT&T
T-Mobile
Practical recommendation:
If you are only visiting major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, or Miami, T-Mobile or a T-Mobile-based eSIM provides the best value. If you plan to drive through rural areas or visit national parks, Verizon is generally the safer choice.
13. Actual US SIM Card Prices in 2026
Typical plans include:
T-Mobile Prepaid: USD 40 for 10GB data with unlimited calls
Verizon: USD 40 for 5GB data
AT&T: USD 65 for unlimited 5G data
eSIM providers such as Holafly are often cheaper and can be activated via QR code before departure.
Group 4: Packing for the USA What to Bring and What Not to Bring
[Image 2 Alt Text: Packing for a first trip to the USA 2026 Vietnamese travelers]
14. US Electrical Adapters Type A/B Plugs, 110V
Vietnam uses 220V electricity, while the United States uses 110V. Most modern devices such as smartphones and laptops automatically support both voltages, but always verify your adapter specifications. Bring one or two Type A plug adapters (flat two-prong plugs) for hotels and public charging stations.
15. Pack According to Actual Weather Not Instagram Photos
The United States spans multiple climate zones. Winter in New York or Chicago requires:
Miami and Los Angeles are entirely different. Check the weather for every city on your itinerary rather than relying on general national forecasts.
16. Bring Comfortable Walking Shoes, Not Fashion Shoes
Traveling in the United States often means extensive walking. In New York City, walking 15,000–20,000 steps per day is normal. Comfortable athletic shoes are more important than stylish footwear. Bring at least two pairs and alternate between them.
17. Things You Do Not Need to Bring
The United States has countless 24/7 supermarkets and drugstores such as:
There is no need to pack large quantities of:
Skincare products
Shampoo
Toothbrushes
Bring enough for the first two or three days, then purchase replacements locally at lower cost and with less luggage weight.
18. How Much Cash Should You Bring?
Most places in the United States accept credit cards, including many small businesses.
However, cash is still useful for:
Tips
Small restaurants
Farmers markets
Hotel porters
Recommendation:
Carry approximately USD 200–300 in cash while making most purchases with cards.
Group 5: US Tipping Culture Understanding It Correctly to Avoid Embarrassment
This is often the most confusing aspect for Vietnamese travelers visiting the United States for the first time. In the United States, tipping 15–20% is generally considered standard practice at restaurants. Unlike in Vietnam, tipping is not viewed as optional in many service situations. Failing to tip or leaving an unusually small tip is often considered rude and is not seen as a way to save money.
19. Restaurant Tipping: 18–20% of the Pre-Tax Bill
When paying, POS terminals often suggest:
Select one of these options. Avoid selecting “No Tip” unless the service was genuinely poor for a legitimate reason. If your bill already includes a service charge, check carefully before leaving an additional tip to avoid tipping twice.
20. Tipping Guidelines by Service Type
Service | Recommended Tip |
Uber/Lyft/Taxi | 10–15% or at least USD 1–2 |
Sit-down restaurant | 18–20% |
Bar service | USD 1–2 per drink or 15–20% |
Hotel porter | USD 2–5 per suitcase |
Housekeeping | USD 2–5 per day, left with a note |
Tour guide | USD 10–20 per day |
Haircut or nail service | 15–20% |
Buffet restaurant | 5–10% if staff serve beverages |
Fast food counter service | Optional |
21. You Can Tip by Card or Cash
When paying by card, the POS terminal will usually provide a tip field. Simply enter the desired amount. If you prefer tipping with cash, leave it on the table before departing. There is no need to hand it directly to the server simply leave it naturally and discreetly.
Group 6: Getting Around the United States Without a Private Vehicle
22. Uber and Lyft – The Number One Transportation Choice for Tourists
Grab does not operate in the United States. Instead, use:
Both services operate effectively in major cities, offer similar pricing, and accept international credit card payments through their apps. Install both apps to compare prices and choose whichever arrives faster.
23. Renting a Car – Essential Outside Major Cities
Many American cities, including:
Los Angeles
Las Vegas
Miami
have limited public transportation systems. Without a rental car, mobility can become extremely difficult. To rent a car in the United States, you generally need:
An International Driving Permit (IDP)
Your Vietnamese driver's license
A credit card (not a debit card) for the security deposit
To be at least 21 years old
24. New York Subway Fast and Affordable, but Learn the System First
New York City is the only major US city where a private car is largely unnecessary. The subway system operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Fare: approximately USD 2.90 per ride.
You can use:
OMNY
Contactless credit cards
to tap directly at the turnstiles. MetroCards are no longer necessary for most travelers.
25. Driving in the United States The Most Important Rules to Remember
Drive on the right-hand side of the road
Speed limits are strictly enforced
Traffic tickets cannot be negotiated
Always come to a complete stop at red lights and stop signs
Rolling stops are violations
Right turns on red are usually permitted unless prohibited by signage
Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants
Group 7: American Culture and Etiquette Avoid Accidentally Offending Others
26. Do Not Block Walkways – Keep Right
Americans generally walk the same way they drive.
On:
Sidewalks
Escalators
Hallways
people usually keep to the right.
Stopping suddenly in the middle of a walkway to take photos or check your phone is considered inconsiderate.
27. “How Are You?” Is Usually Not a Real Question
When store employees, coworkers, or strangers ask:
"How are you?"
the expected response is:
"Good, thanks! And you?"
This is a greeting rather than a genuine inquiry about your health or personal situation.
28. Do Not Photograph Strangers Without Permission
Especially in urban areas, taking close-up photographs of strangers without asking is generally considered inappropriate and may create conflict.
29. Smoking and Alcohol Rules Are Much Stricter Than in Vietnam
Smoking is prohibited in:
throughout much of the United States. Drinking alcohol in public places may violate local open container laws and can result in fines. The legal drinking age is 21. Stores and bars frequently request identification from anyone who appears younger than 30.
30. Respect Queues at All Times
Queuing is an important social norm in the United States. Cutting in line or attempting to move ahead of others will often result in immediate public criticism. Unlike in some places where people may simply give disapproving looks, Americans are often direct about enforcing queue etiquette.
Read More: Top Cities to Live in the United States 2026 VITA CAPITAL
A Suggestion from VITA CAPITAL
For many families, a first trip to the United States becomes the beginning of a much larger question:
"Could our family build a long-term future here?"
Many travelers return home inspired by what they have seen firsthand. If you are asking yourself the same question, VITA CAPITAL is ready to provide a free consultation regarding immigration pathways at tuvandimy.com.
VITA CAPITAL: From Visiting America to Building a Life in America
A first trip to the United States is often the moment when families begin seriously considering long-term immigration. The American education system, healthcare infrastructure, quality of life, and natural environment are difficult to fully appreciate through a screen you need to experience them in person.
Important Deadline Reminder
The EB-5 Program is currently operating under the existing investment threshold until September 30, 2026. After that date, the minimum investment amount is expected to increase beginning in January 2027. Families considering the program should seek professional guidance as soon as possible. VITA CAPITAL is ready to accompany you through every stage of the process from immigration consulting to completing all legal documentation. Do not let the September 30, 2026 deadline pass before taking your first step.
Hotline: 0376 37 37 30 Email: vitacapitalglobal@gmail.com Website: tuvandimy.com
