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Your Commonwealth Bank card will work over there, but I do think you should look into a commonwealth bank travel visa card.. When you go to the bank you can compare the fees yourself.

Also with this card you can lock in the current exchange rate at the time you get it (so if the dollar drops you're safe) of course it can go the other way. But it would be cheaper to use when paying by card at a restaurant/shop etc.. than using your current savings/debit card (i believe).

As for ATM fees, they change depending where you go, think some in Vegas were charging $15 or something crazy. Most are just a couple of dollars which imo isn't really a problem.
 
Im heading to Vegas in a couple of months. What is the cost of everything there? I wont need to take a small fortune for spending money will I? I dont buy a lot of stuff apart from food etc.

Sorry if its been mentioned before I havent read all the posts.
 

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WCErevival said:
Im heading to Vegas in a couple of months. What is the cost of everything there? I wont need to take a small fortune for spending money will I? I dont buy a lot of stuff apart from food etc.

Sorry if its been mentioned before I havent read all the posts.
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Probably need to be more specific about what you want to do there. Will have to work out the bus system to get around or catch a lot of taxis as the strip is too long to be walking up and down it.

Food you can get as cheap or as expensive as you like. You can get 24 hour buffet passes from some places, or just eat cheaply at somewhere like Denny's or any number of cheaper places all over Vegas.

Souvenirs are dirt cheap, alcohol well priced if you take away. You can go to places like Circus Circus for cheap ride passes.

You can get cheap show tickets from a few places at the last moment. It really depends on just what you want to do there.

Shopping is dirt cheap at the Outlet Centers.
 
The Old Dark Navy's said:
Probably need to be more specific about what you want to do there. Will have to work out the bus system to get around or catch a lot of taxis as the strip is too long to be walking up and down it.

Food you can get as cheap or as expensive as you like. You can get 24 hour buffet passes from some places, or just eat cheaply at somewhere like Denny's or any number of cheaper places all over Vegas.

Souvenirs are dirt cheap, alcohol well priced if you take away. You can go to places like Circus Circus for cheap ride passes.

You can get cheap show tickets from a few places at the last moment. It really depends on just what you want to do there.

Shopping is dirt cheap at the Outlet Centers.
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Ok thanks. So there are cheap options with most things then which is good because I dont want to be bankrupt when i come back.

Im not sure exactly what we'll be doing. One of my mates is getting married there.
 
Got back yesterday:thumbsdown:

Was an awesome trip! Budgeted perfectly and had $71US left on the PrePaid CB Visa.

Went to Knotts Berry on the 2nd last day with the family on impulse. Was dead quiet (mid week) and went on all the rollercoasters at least 3 times each, no waiting whatsoever.

Will post photos when I can be bothered loading them onto the computer.:thumbsu:
 
alex_is_on_fire said:
What are the ATM bank fees like?

Is it easy to find the equivalent of the Commonwealth Bank in the US?

I don't want to carry 100's of dollars around with me, nor do i want to use my card for every transaction or get slugged $3 bucks for using a ATM not complainant with my bank.
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get a 28 degrees mastercard from ge money. i got one just to take to europe last year because it has no atm fees overseas. they also don't charge for currency conversion like most banks. highly recommended.
 
So i am still trying to head over at the end of september for 7-8 weeks possibly ten.

From La to San Fran through Vegas and down to Miami then up to NY.

Hoping like hell the NFL will get going and looking forward to getting to as much sport as i can, Any one got any good suggestions or recommendations on Hostels in and around those areas plus other places like Austin and places on that route?
 
Special Agent Utah said:
So i am still trying to head over at the end of september for 7-8 weeks possibly ten.

From La to San Fran through Vegas and down to Miami then up to NY.

Hoping like hell the NFL will get going and looking forward to getting to as much sport as i can, Any one got any good suggestions or recommendations on Hostels in and around those areas plus other places like Austin and places on that route?
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Not sure you're going to find a good hostel in LA, Vegas, or Miami, but you shouldn't have an issue with SF or NYC. I don't know if you gamble or not, but you shouldn't have an issue getting a comped room in Vegas if you gamble enough- win or lose. I'm not sure on Miami's rail service, but you might look to stay around Fort Lauderdale. Cheaper, by far.

Heads up: You're looking at hurricane season in Florida at that point (late Aug-October).
 
Cheers, Not going to stay in hostels the whole time,

Just looking at scoping a few out, Wanna stay at the Bellagio in Vegas and spoil myself a bit.

Any other advice?
 
Special Agent Utah said:
Cheers, Not going to stay in hostels the whole time,

Just looking at scoping a few out, Wanna stay at the Bellagio in Vegas and spoil myself a bit.

Any other advice?
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We just had an intern head to Vegas for Spring Break a couple of weeks ago, and she said this worked out pretty well for her: If you're looking to save a few bucks, you can stay off the strip (think MGM, Bellagio, Treasure Isle, which are all on the strip) for a good rate. Of course, you can spend all of your time ON the strip and just go back to your hotel to sleep. True, splurging a bit for a night in a hotel on the strip is nice, but if you're looking at 3+ days in Vegas, save your cash for the tables by switching up your hotel.

I see you mentioned Austin. Austin is one of my favorite cities. It's kind of a mix of San Francisco and Nashville (very hippie, liberal and with lots of live music). I also wouldn't worry much about buying NFL tickets early. San Fran and Miami are NEVER a hard ticket, and you can save probably somewhere around 30-40% on tickets if you just buy them off a scalper outside. Now, if you're doing a Giants or Jets game, you're going to have trouble saving cash on tickets. If you're going to Austin, I highly recommend going to a University of Texas Longhorns game (Saturdays in the fall). You'll notice a huge difference between college and NFL. College games have a better atmosphere, and if you ask me, are just more fun. Texas is an NFL factory. I hate admitting that, being a Mizzou guy and Texas is in our conference, but it's true. Plus, UT has a lot of, umm..."scenery" around campus :)

If you're doing LA, check out Anaheim for hotels and other stuff. Anaheim is where Disneyland is, and is typically cheaper than LA, and is a lot nicer for what you're paying for. Anaheim is just south, and has the LA Angels there, which has become the more popular baseball team in town over the past few years. LA sports fans are pretty weak in general, just because there's other things happening. I'd suggest a 90min trip south to San Diego too. You can duck into Mexico if you want to from there (on the border), but San Diego is a great city.
 

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Hi all,

I'm heading to the US on June 10 solo for six weeks, before hitting the UK and Europe. Planning on spending three weeks on the west coast (LA, San Diego, Phoenix, Grand Canyon, Vegas, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco, LA). I'm planning on hiring a car, would any of you recommend this? It will basically just be to get from place to place at my own pace.

I will then fly from LA to Miami, before traveling by car/train (again, should I hire a car or go only by train?). On the east coast for three weeks, my plan is Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville, Atlanta, Charlotte, Virginia Beach, Washington DC, Philadelphia and NYC. I will then fly out of NYC (JFK) to Heathrow, London.

I've never been overseas before and am a little daunted about the US, but at the same time, very much looking forward to it. As a solo traveller (21yo), what do people recommend for accommodation? Should I stay at hostels or motels (or a combination?). I am not doing the trip on an overly tight budget, but I won't be splurging either. Anyone else travelled the US solo and have some tips/hints/recommendations?

Thanks.
 
tuckylives said:
Hi all,

I'm heading to the US on June 10 solo for six weeks, before hitting the UK and Europe. Planning on spending three weeks on the west coast (LA, San Diego, Phoenix, Grand Canyon, Vegas, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco, LA). I'm planning on hiring a car, would any of you recommend this? It will basically just be to get from place to place at my own pace.

I will then fly from LA to Miami, before traveling by car/train (again, should I hire a car or go only by train?). On the east coast for three weeks, my plan is Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville, Atlanta, Charlotte, Virginia Beach, Washington DC, Philadelphia and NYC. I will then fly out of NYC (JFK) to Heathrow, London.

I've never been overseas before and am a little daunted about the US, but at the same time, very much looking forward to it. As a solo traveller (21yo), what do people recommend for accommodation? Should I stay at hostels or motels (or a combination?). I am not doing the trip on an overly tight budget, but I won't be splurging either. Anyone else travelled the US solo and have some tips/hints/recommendations?

Thanks.
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I highly recommend getting a car for the West Coast. Particularly if you are planning on driving through California. You could head to San Diego, drive through LA and on through to Yosemite and San Fransisco. I did that and loved it.

I've been to the states solo. I am not a real fan of hostels, a bit dingy for me and any chick that you would pick up would be a gromit 90% of the time. Better off going to a club and using the Aussie accent. Your mid range hotels like the Holiday inn and places like that do the job. Reasonably comfortable and cheap enough.
 
tuckylives said:
Hi all,

I'm heading to the US on June 10 solo for six weeks, before hitting the UK and Europe. Planning on spending three weeks on the west coast (LA, San Diego, Phoenix, Grand Canyon, Vegas, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco, LA). I'm planning on hiring a car, would any of you recommend this? It will basically just be to get from place to place at my own pace.

I will then fly from LA to Miami, before traveling by car/train (again, should I hire a car or go only by train?). On the east coast for three weeks, my plan is Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville, Atlanta, Charlotte, Virginia Beach, Washington DC, Philadelphia and NYC. I will then fly out of NYC (JFK) to Heathrow, London.

I've never been overseas before and am a little daunted about the US, but at the same time, very much looking forward to it. As a solo traveller (21yo), what do people recommend for accommodation? Should I stay at hostels or motels (or a combination?). I am not doing the trip on an overly tight budget, but I won't be splurging either. Anyone else travelled the US solo and have some tips/hints/recommendations?

Thanks.
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Have travelled solo a number of times and times with others but either way would recommend a car. The freeways may be daunting for the first time traveller but they are so easy and well signaged. I get a buzz travelling on them.

If you can get an access to a GPS before arriving it will make it so much easier. You can do a big loop with LA - San Fran - Yosemite - Vegas - Grand Canyon - Phoenix and back to LA/San Diego.

Have always stayed in motels and you can get them at reasonable prices and moreso if you have wheels as it gives you more flexibility. Will you have a PC? If so have a look at www.tripadvisor.com for some tips (used this when I went to Ireland/Scotland last year).

Haven't driven my Miami to NY but have done by bus (not the best option).

Don't worry, always remember you are on leave and everything can be fixed one way or another. Thats the great thing about travelling.
 
Yep drive for sure. It's very easy around the west coast, but make sure you have a GPS. As for tripadvisor, it can be useful but most people go on there to whinge about trivial crap which is sometimes hard to wade through.
 
Thanks for the replies everyone, much appreciated.

I was 99% sure I'd drive, but now I'm certain after what you've all said. I've been on all the major car rental websites and read all the conditions/taxes so I don't get a nasty surprise. Being 21, yes, I will be charged a little extra, but that doesn't bother me too much. May I ask you all (if you remember) which rental companies you used? I have found Hertz to be the best value for money. I'll also definitely be using a GPS.

As far as the challenge of driving over in the US goes, I'm really looking forward to it. I love driving anyway, so the added challenges over there should be interesting.

Regarding accommodation, I will be staying in a decent motel in LA for the first couple of nights, then just go with the flow in other cities/locations. I know I'll meet people over there, but I'm not too fussed as I'll be heading to Europe in July/August/September anyway. So at a guess (at this stage) I'll probably go with 70-80% motels and 20-30% hostels. I'd rather take a girl back to a nice motel room than a smelly old hostel ;) Plus I've got the money to do it so I think why not do it in a little style..?
 
tuckylives said:
Thanks for the replies everyone, much appreciated.

I was 99% sure I'd drive, but now I'm certain after what you've all said. I've been on all the major car rental websites and read all the conditions/taxes so I don't get a nasty surprise. Being 21, yes, I will be charged a little extra, but that doesn't bother me too much. May I ask you all (if you remember) which rental companies you used? I have found Hertz to be the best value for money. I'll also definitely be using a GPS.

As far as the challenge of driving over in the US goes, I'm really looking forward to it. I love driving anyway, so the added challenges over there should be interesting.

Regarding accommodation, I will be staying in a decent motel in LA for the first couple of nights, then just go with the flow in other cities/locations. I know I'll meet people over there, but I'm not too fussed as I'll be heading to Europe in July/August/September anyway. So at a guess (at this stage) I'll probably go with 70-80% motels and 20-30% hostels. I'd rather take a girl back to a nice motel room than a smelly old hostel ;) Plus I've got the money to do it so I think why not do it in a little style..?
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I used Alamo last month and found them great (plus the manager was HOT, always a deciding factor...) Driving is quite easy, the only thing that stumped me was their 4-way intersections, they don't have roundabouts. First there gets right of way unless its a tie then the driver on the right gets to go first.
 
Freakie said:
I used Alamo last month and found them great (plus the manager was HOT, always a deciding factor...) Driving is quite easy, the only thing that stumped me was their 4-way intersections, they don't have roundabouts. First there gets right of way unless its a tie then the driver on the right gets to go first.
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I drove in Hawaii but googled their rules first. Read the part about first to get there at 3 way or 4 way intersections gets right of way but not the part about the tie. The way I read it (not an official transport site though) is that you kind of just look towards the other driver to see if he is yielding.

It is such a different system that not everybody seems to follow it. At one 3 way, I got there clearly first, looked to the guy to my right, he was waiting, looked to the left, nobody there, started to go and someone came speeding straight through on the left without stopping. Quite possibly another tourist, driving as he would at home. Scary stuff.

Even came across a sign at traffic lights, saying to yield on the green arrow.
 
The Old Dark Navy's said:
I drove in Hawaii but googled their rules first. Read the part about first to get there at 3 way or 4 way intersections gets right of way but not the part about the tie. The way I read it (not an official transport site though) is that you kind of just look towards the other driver to see if he is yielding.

It is such a different system that not everybody seems to follow it. At one 3 way, I got there clearly first, looked to the guy to my right, he was waiting, looked to the left, nobody there, started to go and someone came speeding straight through on the left without stopping. Quite possibly another tourist, driving as he would at home. Scary stuff.

Even came across a sign at traffic lights, saying to yield on the green arrow.
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Usually at 4 ways stops if two cars pull up at the same time one person will wave the other car to go or flash their lights. Always kinda sorts itself out.
Another thing too... you can make a right turn at a red light anywhere in the U.S except NYC unless there's a sign stating otherwise.
 
Hello Everyone!

I'm going to the US in June solo for about 6 weeks, kind of like what TuckyLives is doing. Difference is I'm a bit younger I think and driving is not a possibility. I plan to do the hostel thing mostly and have been doing research accoridingly. My plan at this stage is LA - Las vegas - chicago - toronto - philly - nyc as the 'main' places.

However the question I have is I know you have to do the ESTA thing for travel to the US, but am I allowed to cross the border to Canada, then come back into the US a week or so later? Do I have to do the ESTA thing again or is it a bit different with the US/CA border?

Thanks for any help, this thread is very very helpful! :thumbsu:
 
As far as I can tell you won't have to. The ESTA is valid for the length of your passport from memory so you only need to do it once. I drove across the border to Vancouver (albiet only for the day) and only had to present my passport and tell them what I was doing in Canada.
 
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