the United States Travel Essentials
Everything practical you need before you go — power plugs, voltage, a quick adapter check, tap-water safety, emergency numbers and tipping for the United States.
⚡ Do you need a plug adapter?
Power plugsType A & B
Voltage / frequency120V · 60Hz
Tap waterTap water is safe to drink throughout Los Angeles and Southern California — it’s heavily treated and legally tested, though it often tastes flatter or more chlorinated than European tap water, which is a matter of taste, not safety
Emergency911
TippingTipping is expected, not optional, in Los Angeles — service is never included in the price, so factor it into your budget
Good to know
- the United States uses Type A & B sockets — flat blades, with Type B adding a round earth pin — at 120V / 60Hz.
- Travellers from Europe (Type C/E/F, 230V), the UK (Type G, 230V) and most of the world need a plug adapter, and should check their devices are dual-voltage (100–240V, which phone and laptop chargers almost always are). A single-voltage 230V appliance — a hair dryer, a travel kettle, a curling iron — won’t work properly on 120V and needs a converter, not just an adapter. Visitors from Canada, Mexico and Japan already have compatible plugs; Japan runs 100V, close enough for most chargers.
- Emergency services: dial 911 anywhere in the United States for police, fire or ambulance — it’s free from any phone and there’s no separate number per service. Text-to-911 is available in much of California, and the non-emergency police line varies by city.
- Need to pack for it? See our packing list generator.