Airport Security:
The United States has specific requirements regarding airline baggage and security measures at their airports. See the US Department of Homeland Security's website for further details.
Money:
Before you go, organize a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travelers’ cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas.
Transportation to and from the airport:
Shuttle Van: SATRANS (210/281-9900) offers shared-van shuttle service from the airport; the typical fare to a downtown hotel is $9 one-way or $16 roundtrip.
Taxi: San Antonio has several taxi companies providing 24-hour service at a standard metered rate of $1.60 at pickup plus $.30 per 1/5 mile. From the airport, there is a minimum departure charge of $8.50. A typical airport to downtown fare is $15 to $17, plus tip.
Electric Power in the US:
Electric power is standardized in all states across the USA. It is set at 110 Volts and 60 cycles.
Telephone tips:
Public pay-telephones and hotel telephones can be very expensive
Public pay telephones that accept coins, calling cards or credit cards can be quite expensive. Fifty cents is typically the minimum charge for a local call with very high long-distance rates. Many pay telephones in the USA now offer English and Spanish language capability. If you must use a public pay telephone, try to find one operated by a major service provider such as Bell Atlantic, Southern Bell, or Pacific Bell as their rates are usually the most reasonable.
Most hotels offer free local telephone calls, but typically charge for all long-distance or international calls. At some hotels, these charges may include connect fees or surcharges plus $1 to $3 per-minute for long-distance calls and even more for international calls. If you plan to use a hotel’s telephone service, always check their telephone rates before making a call.
Calling cards or credit cards can be used for telephoning
Telephone calling cards can be used for long-distance or international calls from any telephone. They typically require you to call a toll-free number (800 or 888) to access the provider’s network. You can purchase calling cards on the Internet or from many retailers throughout the USA including most department stores, gas stations, pharmacies, supermarkets, discount stores and shopping-mall kiosks. Rates can vary from 5 cents a minute to 35 cents a minute for domestic calls. International rates can be as low as 20 cents, but can also be as high as $8 per minute. It pays to shop around for the best rates
Some credit cards now allow you to charge telephone calls directly on your account. Similar to a calling card, you must call a toll-free number (800 or 888) to connect to the credit card company’s network. You then dial your credit card account number, your secret code, and the number you are calling. Calling rates vary, so you should contact your credit card company for their rates.
How to Make Telephone Calls in the USA
Emergencies requiring the police, the fire department or medical assistance can be reported from any telephone including cell phones. Dial: 911. This is normally a free call from any pay telephone. That means, no coins or credit cards are needed! In most parts of the USA, the emergency response center will immediately know your location without being told.
US telephone numbers are typically 10 digits long and consist of a 3-digit area code, and a 7-digit number. When dialing a number outside the local area code, you must first dial a 1.
Making International calls from the USA
To place an international call, dial: 011 + country code + city code + number
Calls to Canada, Puerto Rico, and some Caribbean countries can be completed without the additional prefix or country code. They are the same as any other long distance call placed within the USA. Dial: 1 + area code + number
Entry Visa:
U.S. visas are issued by American consulates. The Offices of Defense Cooperation operating in the various U.S. Embassies may assist participants with their visa application process. Your Ministry of Defense works with the US Office of Defense Cooperation on a routine basis and should be your primary point of contact and advocate for securing a visa. As a reminder, participants should submit their visas applications no later than 90 days from the projected travel date. Early planning for this U.S. entry requirement is critical.