Currency
We suggest that you take your spending money in dollar traveller’s cheques. Credit cards such as Visa, Access (Master Card) and American Express are widely accepted.

Tipping
As a guide, 15% is the customary tip for service well done, $1 (gratuity in America) per bag porterage. Some restaurants, however, do include a 15% service charge so check before you pay. It is a good idea to carry ten one-dollar notes with you ready for tipping, especially on arrival in the USA.

Time Difference
The time will be between 5 and 8 hours behind Ireland in mainland North America (5 on the east coast, 8 on the west coast). Flights on your transatlantic homeward journey will arrive the following morning into Ireland.

Sales Tax
State and local taxes, usually around 8% TO 10%, are added to all purchases made in the USA and advertised prices rarely include the applicable tax.

Climate
Whilst hurricanes or tropical cyclones are irregular and difficult to predict, in areas around the Western North Atlantic, climatic conditions potentially conducive to hurricanes or tropical cyclones are most likely to arise during the months of Jun. through to Oct.

Personal Safety
It is necessary to show reasonable care and avoid potentially dangerous areas and situations.

Spring Break
During March/April American college students frequent Clearwater, Key West, Fort Lauderdale and Daytona.