On this page: Visas and Passports, Driving, Tipping, Electricity, Dress, Cultural Notes, Alcohol, Smoking, Meals, Hours, Religious Services

Visas and Passport Requirements

You will need a current passport to enter the United States. Depending on which country you are coming from, a visa may or may not be required. Visit the U.S. Department of State visa site (http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html) for more information.

Driving

• Driving in the United States is on the right-hand side of the road.
• The use of seat belts is required by law.
• A driver's license and automobile casualty insurance are required by law.
• Most expressways--including Interstate-94, the highway you will take to Ann Arbor from Detroit Metropolitan Airport--are "limited access," which means that you may only enter and exit at designated points.
• The speed limit on highways is 70 miles per hour (mph), or 112 km/hr. Speed limits for in-town driving are generally 30 mph (48 km/hr) or 45 mph (72 km/hr). Speed limit signs are posted on most roads, but are given in miles per hour only. If not posted, the speed limit is 25 mph (40 km/hr). Pay close attention to posted limits or you could be ticketed for speeding.

Tipping Practices

Tipping is a standard practice in the United States for most services. As a general rule, tip approximately 20% for restaurants, 15% for taxi cabs and other services. If you receive assistance at the airport of hotel with your luggage, tip $1-2 USD per bag.

Electricity

The electrical current in the US is 120/220 AC.

Dress

Like most college towns, Ann Arbor tends to be very informal, and there are few places that require formal attire. Dress in the classroom tends to be business casual or country-club casual. We invite you to dress for your own comfort. The temperature in the classrooms is electronically controlled, but since individual "comfort levels" vary, it's a good idea to bring a sweater or jacket with you to class every day. Be sure to take the weather into consideration when packing. Click here for more information about Ann Arbor's weather.

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Cultural Notes

Most people, men and women, greet each other with a handshake. Introductions usually include both first and last name.

You will find most Americans friendly and helpful, and Ann Arbor in particular is a safe and friendly town. Please feel free to ask for directions or assistance. It is not uncommon for strangers to ask one another for directions to a specific location. However, we do not recommend accepting rides from strangers. Always exercise common sense and caution when walking alone at night in the city or around campus.

Alcohol

In Ann Arbor it is illegal to have open alcohol outside of your room or drinking establishments.

Smoking

• Effective July 2011, Michigan law prohibits smoking in restaurants, bars, education facilities, and businesses, including all University of Michigan buildings and grounds. Guest rooms at the Executive Residence by law are smoke-free. Smokers are asked to smoke outside on public sidewalks.
For more information on the University of Michigan's smoke free initiative, see http://www.hr.umich.edu/smokefree/

Meals

The largest meal of the day is generally in the evening, with the mid-day lunch usually consisting of sandwiches or other lighter fare.

Hours

• General business hours in the United States are usually 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Most stores are open between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., with department stores at malls open until 9:00 p.m.
• Restaurants are generally open until midnight, but call ahead to confirm their hours.
• Bars and pubs are open until 2:00 a.m.

Religious Services

Ann Arbor has a wide variety of places of worship for many different faith traditions. Please ask at the front desk for local options. 

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