North America

North America is a land of immense distances, where a "short drive" can easily span several hours. To truly experience the diverse landscapes—from the rugged Icefields Parkway in Alberta to the red rocks of Sedona, Arizona—renting a vehicle is often the most practical choice. For those traversing the United States, the Amtrak rail network offers scenic routes like the California Zephyr, while Canada’s VIA Rail connects major hubs like Toronto and Montreal. In Mexico, long-distance luxury buses are the preferred way to travel between cities like Mexico City and Oaxaca.

Because you’ll likely be crossing borders or navigating remote national parks, staying connected is vital. Activating a Hello eSIM before you land ensures you have instant access to GPS and maps without worrying about expensive international roaming fees. You can also use the Hello trip planning feature to organize your multi-city itinerary, keeping track of flight times and car rental pick-ups in one place. In major cities like New York or Mexico City, the public transit systems are extensive, but having data to check live arrival times on the go is a game-changer for any traveler.

The culinary scene in North America is as varied as its geography. In the coastal regions of the U.S. Northeast, don’t miss a fresh Maine Lobster Roll, typically priced around $25 USD. Heading south, the flavors shift to the smoky complexity of Texas BBQ or the spicy, citrusy notes of Ceviche on the Mexican coast. If you find yourself in Quebec, Canada, a plate of Poutine—fries topped with squeaky cheese curds and gravy—is a must-try comfort food that usually costs about $12 CAD ($9 USD).

When dining out, keep in mind that tipping is a standard practice in the U.S. and Canada, where 18-22% is expected for good service. In Mexico, a tip of 10-15% (known as la propina) is customary. Managing these different currencies and gratuities can be tricky, but the Hello budget tracking tool allows you to log your meals in the local currency, helping you stay on top of your spending. If you’re traveling with friends, the Hello expense splitting feature makes it incredibly easy to divvy up the bill for that shared platter of tacos in Mexico City or a round of craft beers in a Denver taproom.

Whether you are exploring the neon-lit streets of Las Vegas or the historic cobblestones of Old Quebec, having a reliable data connection is non-negotiable. A Hello eSIM allows you to bypass the hassle of finding local SIM cards or hunting for unsecured public Wi-Fi. You can buy and activate your plan before you even leave home, meaning you’ll have data the moment your plane touches down in Los Angeles, Vancouver, or Cancun.

Financially, North America is increasingly cashless, especially in the U.S. and Canada, where credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere. However, carrying some local cash is still recommended for small vendors in Mexico or for tipping valets and hotel staff. As you move between the U.S. Dollar, Canadian Dollar, and Mexican Peso, use Hello’s budget tracking to see a clear overview of your holiday finances. Additionally, if you're traveling as a group, the Hello expense splitting tool ensures that no one is left footing the bill for group activities like a helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon or a whale-watching excursion in Nova Scotia. Just log the cost, and the app handles the math for you.