Trip prep: Australia → San Francisco
A complete checklist for traveling from Australia to San Francisco, United States. Synthesized from every layer — visa, plugs, tipping, weather, packing, transit, embassy.
1 Passport & entry
- Visa/entry: Online ESTA required before travel — usually $7-25. ESTA online ($21).
- Passport expiry: Most countries require 6 months validity beyond your departure date — check yours now.
- Photo your passport: store a scan in cloud + email it to yourself for emergencies.
2 Money
- Tipping in United States: Tip 18-22% at restaurants.
- Cards vs cash: Notify your bank of your travel dates. Bring 2 cards from different networks (Visa + Mastercard) in case one is locked.
- ATM strategy: Use bank ATMs (not currency exchange counters). Withdraw in larger amounts to minimize per-transaction fees.
- Foreign transaction fees: Use a card with no foreign transaction fees (most travel rewards cards). Pay in LOCAL currency when card terminals ask — never accept "your home currency" conversion (DCC steals 5-8%).
3 Health & safety
- Emergency number: 911 — save this to your phone with country code.
- Healthcare: Single number for all emergencies. ER visits without insurance can cost $3,000-30,000+ — travel insurance is essential.
- Travel insurance: Pick a policy with $100K+ medical and $250K+ evacuation. Buy within 14 days of your first booking for Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) eligibility.
- Vaccinations: Check the CDC destination page 4-6 weeks before travel.
- Prescription meds: Bring 2× what you need + a doctor's note for controlled substances. In original bottles.
4 Power & tech
- Power plugs: Different plug (Type A) AND different voltage (230V → 120V). Pack a Type A adapter; you'll need a voltage converter for hair dryers/curling irons.
- SIM/data plan: Check if your phone supports eSIM (most iPhones + Pixels since 2018). Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad sell affordable data eSIMs for United States — far cheaper than roaming.
- VPN: Install before travel. Some hotels/cafes have insecure wifi; some countries block apps you use at home.
- Power bank: 10,000+ mAh, with at least one USB-C port. Long sightseeing days drain phones fast.
5 Weather & what to pack
January
14°C / 8°C
cool · rainy
May
19°C / 12°C
mild · dry
September
24°C / 14°C
warm · dry
- Layers: t-shirts + sweaters + a packable rain jacket
- Walking shoes (broken in)
6 Once you're in San Francisco
- Public transit: BART + Muni Metro + Cable Car + Bus + Ferry — single fare $3 (Muni), $2.50-12 (BART), day pass $5.50 (Muni), no day pass for BART. BART connects to the airport (~30 min, ~$10). Muni day pass at $5.50 is great for the cable cars, which would otherwise cost $8 per ride.
- Where to stay: First-timers usually pick Union Square / Nob Hill — Hotels + shopping + cable cars + downtown. Full neighborhood guide →
- Day trips worth planning: Napa + Sonoma wine country, Muir Woods + Sausalito, Point Reyes National Seashore. Full day-trips guide →
- Scams to know: Most 'scams' in the US are aggressive tipping pressure, taxi over-charging at airports, and Times Square character/performer hustles.
7 The night before you fly
- Hold mail, water plants, set out-of-office
- Download offline maps for United States in Google Maps
- Pre-book airport parking or ride share
- Print boarding passes + first night's hotel reservation
- Set 3 alarms for the morning of departure
- Phone wallpaper = your booking confirmation