North America

North America spans the United States, Canada, and Mexico, offering diverse landscapes from Rocky Mountain peaks to Mayan ruins—perfect for multi-country trips, especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup uniting the continent from June 11 to July 19. Start by checking entry rules: U.S. visitors often need an ESTA (around $21 USD), Canada requires an eTA ($7 CAD, about $5 USD) for visa-exempt travelers, and Mexico mandates a Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM, about 700 MXN or $35 USD) for air arrivals. Always verify passports are valid six months beyond your stay via official government sites to dodge delays at busy borders like Tijuana or Niagara Falls.

Plan cross-border jaunts using the Hello app's trip planning tools to map itineraries across countries—think driving from Vancouver's totem poles to Seattle's Pike Place Market. For the World Cup, expect streamlined customs in host cities like Mexico City, Toronto, and Los Angeles, but apply for visas early if needed. Pack travel insurance covering medical evacuations, as healthcare costs soar (a hospital visit can hit $10,000 USD). Land borders may have lines, so time crossings mid-week. With cooperation ramping up, signage and info desks are improving, letting you focus on poutine in Montreal or tacos al pastor in Oaxaca.

Hit North America's open roads on iconic drives like Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica (2,500 miles, 2-3 weeks) or the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to San Diego, with cliffside views and whale-watching stops. Rent cars via apps like Turo (from $40 USD/day); international licenses work, but get an IDP for peace of mind. Gas averages $4 USD/gallon in the U.S., $1.60 CAD/liter in Canada, 25 MXN/liter in Mexico—track fuel stops with Hello's budget tracking in local currencies.

Fly domestically affordably: Southwest in the U.S. (bags free, from $100 USD one-way), WestJet in Canada ($80 CAD), or Volaris in Mexico (under 1,000 MXN). Trains shine too—Amtrak's Coast Starlight from Seattle to L.A. (35 hours, sleeper cabins ~$200 USD) or VIA Rail's Ocean to Halifax. Buses like Greyhound ($50 USD cross-state) or ADO in Mexico (500 MXN long-haul) suit budgets. Stay connected en route with Hello's eSIM for data without roaming fees—vital for Google Maps in remote spots like Banff National Park. Split ride-share fares with companions via the app after sharing Uber costs from LAX to Hollywood. Pro tip: Book World Cup shuttles early for stadium hops.

North America's food scene blends indigenous roots, immigrant flavors, and bold fusions—dive in practically. In the U.S., grab lobster rolls in Maine ($25 USD) or Nashville hot chicken at Hattie B's ($15 USD). Canada's poutine at Montreal's La Banquise (12 CAD, ~$9 USD) layers fries, cheese curds, and gravy; pair with maple syrup tasting in Quebec. Mexico excels with street eats: cochinita pibil tacos in Mérida (50 MXN, ~$2.50 USD) or mole poblano in Oaxaca (200 MXN plate).

Navigate eateries with Hello's expense splitting after group feasts—scan bills at dim sum spots in Vancouver's Chinatown. Track budgets to balance splurges like a $50 USD ribeye in Texas BBQ joints against cheap eats. Markets are gold: Toronto's St. Lawrence for peameal bacon sandwiches (10 CAD), or Mexico City's Mercado de la Merced for fresh ceviche. Vegetarians, seek Indigenous three sisters (corn, beans, squash) bowls or Vancouver's plant-based pho. For World Cup vibes, try stadium grub like Seattle's craft brews or Guadalajara's micheladas. Hydrate in heat (cactus water in Mexico, ~20 MXN), and use translation apps for menus—food connects you deepest to places like New Orleans' gumbo or Alaska's salmon bakes.

Currencies vary—USD in the U.S., CAD in Canada (1 USD ≈ 1.35 CAD), MXN in Mexico (1 USD ≈ 20 MXN)—exchange at banks or ATMs for best rates (fees ~$5 USD). Cards are ubiquitous, but carry cash for Mexico's taquerias or U.S. food trucks. Use Hello's budget tracking to log expenses in real-time, setting alerts for daily limits amid World Cup crowds.

eSIM via Hello keeps you online affordably (from $10 USD/10GB) across borders—no hunting SIM cards at LAX or Cancún. Split group tabs effortlessly with the app's expense splitting after margarita nights in Cabo or craft beer crawls in Portland. ATMs are plentiful but watch fees; Revolut or Wise apps minimize them. Tipping norms: 15-20% in U.S./Canada restaurants, 10-15% in Mexico. For safety, use RFID wallets in tourist hubs like Times Square. World Cup tip: preload digital wallets for quick stadium buys. This setup lets you splurge on Niagara heli-tours ($200 USD) guilt-free while tracking every peso on Chichén Itzá entry (571 MXN).