Last reviewed: · Prices in US Dollars ($ USD) are approximate and for orientation only.
Cashless Tolls: E-ZPass (East), SunPass (Florida) & FasTrak (California)
Most U.S. toll bridges, tunnels, and expressways are now 100% cashless. Rental car companies often charge a $5.95 to $14.99 daily 'convenience fee' on every rental day just for using their toll transponder. In Florida, buy a $4.99 SunPass Mini or borrow a free Visitor Toll Pass at Orlando Airport (MCO); in California, register your rental license plate online at bayareafastrak.org within 48 hours of crossing the Golden Gate Bridge ($9.25 southbound, $0 northbound).
Rental Car Insurance: CDW/LDW + Supplemental Liability (SLI)
U.S. state minimum liability limits can be as low as $10,000–$25,000, which is far too low in a serious accident. Always ensure your booking includes both Collision Damage Waiver (CDW/LDW, $0 deductible) and Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI / LIS covering at least $300,000 to $1,000,000). Booking through the European, UK, Australian, or Asian country portal of major agencies normally bundles both CDW and $1M SLI automatically.
3 Critical US Driving Rules: Right on Red, 4-Way Stops & School Buses
1) Right Turn on Red: Unless a sign says 'NO TURN ON RED' (and NEVER anywhere in New York City, where it is strictly illegal citywide), you may turn right at a red light after coming to a complete stop and yielding. 2) 4-Way Stop ('ALL WAY'): The first car to stop goes first; if two arrive together, yield to the car on your right. 3) Flashing Red School Bus Lights: When a yellow school bus stops with flashing red lights and an extended STOP arm, traffic in BOTH directions must stop completely (unless separated by a raised physical median).
Key Takeaways & US Travel Tips
- Verify current entry rules on official U.S. government portals (esta.cbp.dhs.gov, nps.gov, recreation.gov).
- Use our interactive US Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($), National Parks Pass Calculator ($80), and Amtrak Rail Calculator.
- Save offline maps and our printable American English & Dietary Allergy Show-Cards before departure.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: