If you have a serious accident while in the US, emergency medical services will get to you quickly and charge you later. For emergencies or ambulances, dial 911, the nationwide emergency number (or whatever variant may be on the information plate of the pay phone).

Should you need to see a doctor, consult the Yellow Pages of the telephone directory under "Clinics" or "Physicians and Surgeons." The basic consultation fee is $50-100, payable in advance. Medications aren't cheap either - keep all your receipts for later claims on your insurance policy.

Foreign visitors should bear in mind that many pills available over the counter at home - most codeine-based painkillers, for example - require a prescription in the US. Local brand names can be confusing; ask for advice at the pharmacy in any drugstore .

In general, inoculations aren't required for entry to the US.