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North America

Epic road trips, wild nature and world-class cities

Iconic national parks and coastlinesVibrant multicultural mega-citiesWorld-famous road trips and drivesDiverse food and live music scenesSki resorts and year-round outdoor adventure

eSIM Plans for North America

From $19.00

Unlimited

3 days · Americanmex

$19.00

USD

5 GB

30 days · Americanmex

$24.00

USD

Unlimited

5 days · Americanmex

$29.00

USD

10 GB

30 days · Americanmex

$37.00

USD

Unlimited

7 days · Americanmex

$37.00

USD

Unlimited

10 days · Americanmex

$48.00

USD

Prices updated live. Purchase in the Hello app.

Daily Budget Guide

CategoryBudgetMid-RangeLuxury
Stay$55$150$350
Food$25$55$90
Transport$15$25$40
Activities$20$30$40
Daily Total$115$260$520

Tipping: Tipping is customary across most of North America: 15–20% in restaurants, 10–15% for taxis and tours, and small tips for hotel staff and bartenders unless service charges are already included.

Stay Connected in North America

Coverage

★★★★★

5G Available

Yes

Airport WiFi

Major airports in the US, Canada and Mexico generally offer free Wi‑Fi with good speeds; smaller regional airports may have time limits or slower service.

Recommended Data

8–15 GB

eSIM tip: Most travelers can easily use eSIM in North America; download the Hello app and purchase a regional eSIM before departure, then scan the QR code and enable data roaming on arrival.

Quick Reference

Visa
Visa rules vary by country: the US and Canada offer visa-free or electronic travel authorization (e.g., ESTA, eTA) for many nationalities, while others need visas in advance; Mexico allows visa-free entry for many visitors and offers electronic authorizations for some. Always check each country’s official immigration site before travel.
Language
Primarily English, plus French (notably in parts of Canada) and Spanish (especially Mexico and parts of the US); many tourism workers speak basic English in major destinations.
Best Time
May to June, September to October, with winter (December to March) best for skiing and some southern destinations.
Timezone
Multiple zones from UTC−10 to UTC−3; commonly PT (UTC−8), MT (UTC−7), CT (UTC−6), ET (UTC−5) with daylight saving in many areas.
Power
Type A/B, 100–127V, 60Hz
Emergency
911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance in the US, Canada and many Mexican regions)

Top Cities to Visit

New York City

Skyscrapers, culture and 24/7 energy

New York City is a global hub for art, theater, fashion and finance, with icons like Times Square, Central Park and the Statue of Liberty. Neighborhoods across the five boroughs offer diverse food, nightlife and cultural experiences in a compact, walkable and transit-connected setting.

Los Angeles

Beaches, film studios and sunny sprawl

Los Angeles combines Hollywood glamour, Pacific beaches and mountain hikes in one vast metropolitan area. Visitors can tour film studios, explore arts districts and museums, and enjoy year-round mild weather along the coast from Santa Monica to Malibu.

Toronto

Multicultural hub on Lake Ontario

Toronto is Canada’s largest city, known for its diverse neighborhoods, thriving food scene and landmarks like the CN Tower and waterfront. It makes an excellent base for urban exploration, festivals and day trips to nearby nature and wine regions.

Vancouver

Ocean, mountains and urban outdoors

Vancouver offers a rare blend of downtown high-rises, harbor views and quick access to forests, beaches and ski areas. Travelers come for Stanley Park, nearby mountains like Grouse and Whistler, and a strong focus on coffee, craft beer and Asian cuisine.

Mexico City

Historic capital with bold flavors

Mexico City mixes pre-Hispanic history, colonial architecture and cutting-edge design in one of the world’s largest urban centers. From the Zócalo and Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul to markets and street food, it offers rich culture, dining and nightlife at generally lower prices than many US and Canadian cities.

What to Eat in North America

Expect to spend $25–$90 per day on food, depending on your style.

Culinary Adventures in North America

North America is a culinary treasure trove, offering a diverse array of flavors that reflect its rich cultural tapestry. From the tacos al pastor of Mexico City to the poutine of Quebec, every region boasts dishes that tell a story. In the southern United States, don’t miss the chance to savor gumbo in New Orleans or barbecue in Texas, where the smoky flavors will tantalize your taste buds. If you're in California, make sure to indulge in sustainable seafood from the Pacific coast, paired with a glass of local wine. To truly immerse yourself in the local food scene, consider using the Hello app to organize a food tour in cities like Chicago or Toronto, where you can sample everything from deep-dish pizza to peameal bacon sandwiches. And with the Hello eSIM, you can stay connected to share your culinary discoveries without worrying about roaming charges.

Navigating North American Cities

Getting around North America can be an adventure in itself, with each city offering unique transportation options. In cities like New York, the subway is your best bet for quick and affordable travel, costing around $2.75 (USD) per ride. Alternatively, in San Francisco, consider taking the cable cars for a scenic and historic experience. For those exploring the vast landscapes of the American West, car rentals provide the freedom to discover iconic sites like the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone at your own pace. Be sure to download the Hello app to help plan your itinerary and track expenses in local currency, making it easier to manage your budget while on the go. For seamless connectivity, activate a Hello eSIM before you land, ensuring you have access to maps and travel guides whenever you need them.

Cultural Experiences Across North America

Cultural immersion is one of the highlights of traveling through North America, where indigenous traditions blend with modern influences. Visit Chichen Itza in Mexico for a glimpse into ancient Mayan civilization, or explore the vibrant street art scene in Wynwood Walls, Miami. In Canada, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg offers profound insights into social justice and history. To enhance your experience, consider attending local festivals, such as the Mardi Gras in New Orleans or the Calgary Stampede in Alberta, where you can engage with local customs and traditions. The Hello app can assist you in planning your cultural itinerary, ensuring you don’t miss any must-see events. Plus, with the expense-splitting feature, you can easily share costs with fellow travelers while enjoying these enriching experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions About North America

Is it safe to travel to North America?
North America is generally safe for tourists, especially in main tourist areas and major cities, but petty crime like pickpocketing and car break-ins can occur in busy or poorly lit areas. Use common precautions such as avoiding displaying valuables, checking local advice on neighborhoods, and using licensed taxis or reputable ride-hailing services at night.
Do I need a visa to visit North America?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and each country you visit. Many travelers can enter the US and Canada with visa waivers and electronic authorizations (such as ESTA or eTA), while Mexico offers visa-free entry or electronic authorizations to numerous nationalities; always verify current rules on official government sites before booking flights.
When is the best time to visit North America for good weather?
Late spring and early autumn (roughly May–June and September–October) usually offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds in many parts of the US and Canada. Summer is warm but can be hot and busy in popular areas, while winter is ideal for skiing and snow activities in mountain regions and for milder weather in destinations like southern California or parts of Mexico.
How expensive is travel in North America?
The US and Canada are relatively high-cost destinations, with major cities like New York, San Francisco and Vancouver among the most expensive for accommodation and dining. Mexico and some smaller US and Canadian cities can be significantly cheaper, so staying in budget hotels, using public transit and eating at local spots can greatly reduce daily costs.
What languages will I need in North America?
English is widely spoken across the US and most of Canada, while French is important in parts of Canada such as Quebec and Spanish is widely spoken in Mexico and some US regions. In major tourist areas, you can usually get by in English, but learning a few basic phrases in French or Spanish is helpful and appreciated.
How good is mobile data and Wi‑Fi in North America?
Mobile coverage and 4G/5G networks are strong in most cities and along major highways, though remote rural and mountain areas can have weak or no signal. Wi‑Fi is common in hotels, cafés and airports, so most travelers can stay connected easily with a combination of local mobile data and public networks.
Should I get an eSIM or local SIM card for North America?
For most visitors, an eSIM is the easiest way to get connected on arrival, avoiding queues or ID checks at phone shops. Download the Hello app to purchase a North America eSIM before you travel, then activate it when you land for instant data access across multiple countries.
How does tipping work in North America?
In the US and Canada, tipping is a standard part of service workers’ income, with 15–20% of the pre-tax bill typical in sit-down restaurants and smaller tips for bars, taxis and housekeeping. In Mexico, tipping is also customary but amounts may be slightly lower, and some bills already include a service charge, so checking your receipt is important.

Ready for North America?

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