North America Travel Guide

Countries in North America are mostly safe. Central America, Greenland, Canada are safe places for travelers. Crime rates in Canada and Greenland are pretty low. Apart from in some regions of Nuuk, other areas in Greenland are safe for travelers. However, pickpocketing and petty crimes happen in these regions at times. Mexico is a place where violent crimes often occur. Travelers have to avoid traveling to non-tourist places in Mexico. Cancun, Tulum, and Cabo San Lucas are safe places to travel to in Mexico. The USA is statistically a safe place. However, petty thefts, gun shootings, and traffic accidents are common in the USA.

In North America, there are 25 official currencies. However, the US dollar is the most popular currency. People commonly use them in Central America and the Caribbean islands as well. The Canadian dollar is another currency in use in North America. If you are traveling to a country in North America, you can exchange your money from the exchange centers in the airport, banks, or other shops. You can also use a credit or debit card to make payments. You can also use a traveler's check to manage finances while in North American Countries. Always keep cash with you because not many places accept cards or online payment options.

Most countries in North America consider tipping as a kind gesture. You can always provide 10 to 15% of your bill as a tip to your service providers. Most of them receive low wages, and they depend upon tips to take care of their daily expenses. In the USA, tipping is customary. If you are traveling to the USA, try to tip in sit-in restaurants and other food services. Canada also follows a similar pattern for tipping as in the USA. You can offer a tip in Mexico either in US dollars or pesos. In Mexico, you can give tips based on the quality of service provided. In Greenland, tipping is not necessary as most bills include tips and gratuity. In most parts of North America, it is common to offer tips to waiters, travel guides, and private drivers.

North American countries encourage sustainability and eco-tourism. Vancouver, Canada, focuses on green tourism. Similarly, Joggins Fossil Cliffs World Heritage Site (Canada) includes programs with residents of the region. Long Point Biosphere Reserve in Norfolk County, Canada, conducts causeway improvements. They also organize events concerning the need for reducing tortoise poaching. In Prince Edwards Island National Park in Canada, the government has built wind turbines to generate electricity. San Francisco, Hawaii, and Downtown Vegas also highlight sustainable and responsible tourism.

If you are traveling in North America, vaccinations are not mandatory. However, if you are visiting the USA, Canada, or other regions in North America from elsewhere, you have to take some regular vaccinations. You can get vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Measles, Diphtheria, Chickenpox, Shingles, Pneumonia, and Rabies. In Mexico, vaccinations are not necessary for short term visits. If you are traveling from a place infected with yellow fever, it is essential to be vaccinated.

US citizens do not require a Visa to travel within North America. They can travel with a valid passport or identification card. For traveling to the US, you have to apply for a Visa. Canadians can travel to the US without a Visa. For Greenland, the Visa is not a requirement for travelers from Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA. Visa requirements depend highly on the country you are traveling from and how long you plan to stay. Visit the Official website of each country in North America, to check the visa requirements. Don't use a third party visa service, they are more expensive. Always visit the country's official (visa) website.