Houston
Overview of Houston
The massive metropolis of Houston is almost twice the size of the entire state of Rhode Island. Even with this heavy urban concentration, Houston is green and lush, situated at the end of a belt of forest coming down from the North and characterized by marshlands and bayous lined with cypress trees in the southern reaches.
Houston, named after former Republic of Texas president Sam Houston, is hot and humid. To make life more bearable in the close-packed downtown area, much activity has gone underground. The city centre sports an air-conditioned seven-mile pedestrian tunnel system full of restaurants and shops. Unlike most cities, downtown Houston is the hub of residential development, so it remains busy and bustling long after dark.
Texas’ largest city is not generally a sought after tourist destination, being concerned more with business than pleasure and leisure. Computer manufacture, gas and oil, and a huge concentration of medical institutions account for most of the economic activity.
But all the hard-working citizens have to play sometimes, and there are some good attractions such as excellent museums, the amazing Astrodome sports pavilion, some wonderful theatres, and, thanks to the cosmopolitan mix of its residents, some ethnically diverse cuisine on offer in its many restaurants. For visitors, the absolute must-see in Houston is the famed Space Center, mission control for the US space program.
Key Facts
- Language:
- English is the most common language spoken but Spanish is often heard in the south-western states.
- Passport/Visa:
It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from them travel destination. A visa is required for short visits unless travellers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need to register online three days before travel and have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP.
As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Plugs are mainly the type with two flat pins, though three-pin plugs (two flat parallel pins and a rounded pin) are also widely used. European appliances without dual-voltage capabilities will require an adapter.
Travel to Houston
Climate for Houston
Houston has a humid subtropical climate, with prevailing winds bringing in the heat from the deserts of Mexico and moisture from the Gulf of Mexico during most of the year. Summers are swelteringly hot and humid, making air conditioning a necessity rather than a luxury. In summer (June to August) temperatures average between 73°F (23°C) and 94°F (35°C), and in winter (December to February) temperatures average between 43°F (6°C) and 66°F (19°C). Summers are characterised by afternoon thunderstorms, which bring rain most days, and sometimes tornadoes. Winters, by contrast, are cool and temperate, with no snow but some rain.
7 day forecast for Houston, Texas, United States
| Thursday Dec. 19, 2024 | Friday Dec. 20, 2024 | Saturday Dec. 21, 2024 | Sunday Dec. 22, 2024 | Monday Dec. 23, 2024 | Tuesday Dec. 24, 2024 | Wednesday Dec. 25, 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hi: 67°F Lo: 50°F  Sunny | Hi: 67°F Lo: 49°F  Mostly sunny | Hi: 59°F Lo: 41°F Sunny | Hi: 67°F Lo: 41°F  Afternoon clouds | Hi: 72°F Lo: 58°F  Overcast | Hi: 76°F Lo: 59°F Cloudy | Hi: 68°F Lo: 58°F Morning clouds |
Health Notes when travelling to United States of America
There are no specific health risks associated with travel within the USA. Medical facilities are excellent, but expensive. Only emergencies are treated without prior payment and treatment can be refused without evidence of insurance or proof of funds. Good medical insurance is essential. Visitors must be fully vaccinated with the primary series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to travel to the United States by plane if they are non-U.S. citizens.
Safety Notes when travelling to United States of America
Travel within the United States is generally trouble-free, though travellers should be aware that the US shares with the rest of the world, an increased threat from terrorist incidents. Security has been heightened, particularly at airports. Restrictions on hand luggage apply and travellers are advised to check on the latest situation with airlines in advance. Travellers should also be alert to the dangers of car and street crime in cities and should use common sense and take basic precautions. Hurricanes are common between June and November, putting the southern USA, including the Gulf Coast and the eastern US at risk. There is a risk of wildfires in many dry areas in the US, particularly on the West Coast from March to November.
Customs in United States of America
Laws vary from state to state, including speed limit, fines and punishment. The age at which alcohol may be legally bought and consumed is 21 years.
Duty Free in United States of America
Travellers to the United States who are returning residents of the country do not have to pay duty on articles purchased abroad to the value of $800 provided their stay was longer than 48 hours and their duty-free allowance was not used in the 30-day period prior. For passengers arriving from Samoa, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, a duty-free allowance of $1,600 is allowed. The following items are included in this: 50 cigarettes and 10 cigars and 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages or 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of perfume containing alcohol. Restrictions may apply to goods from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Burma (Myanmar), Angola, Liberia and Sudan. It is prohibited to import Cuban cigars from any country.
Travellers to the United States who are non-residents do not have to pay duty on the following items: 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes and gifts to the value of $100 provided their stay in the USA is not less than 72 hours and that the allowance has not been used in the preceding six-month period.
Prohibited items for residents and non-residents include meat or meat products, poultry, narcotics, absinthe, plants, seeds, vegetables, fruits, soil, live insects and other living plants or animal pests. Fish is prohibited unless it carries disease-free certification. Wildlife and animals or their by-products carry restrictions. Dairy products and eggs from specified countries are not allowed. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed without the necessary license and permit.
Doing Business in United States of America
In such a large country, filled with so many diverse groups, business practices may differ according to each state, however rarely to any large degree. The East Coast is traditionally more formal than the West Coast, though in states such as California, dress code and conservative appearance are as common as they would be in New York. Punctuality is important throughout the country and it is considered rude to be late for a meeting. Gift-giving is uncommon as it may be construed as bribery. Appropriate titles (Mr, Mrs, Ms) are used upon introduction and until otherwise stated. Americans favour politeness and greetings of ‘Hello’ and ‘How are you?’ are often expressed with sincerity. Business hours may vary in each state, but an 8am start and 5pm finish Monday to Friday is the most common with an hour over lunch.
Status and age are not necessarily indicative of seniority, nor do they carry much weight in themselves. Those doing business in the States should be mindful of this fact; foreigners should never make assumptions about someone’s position or rank. Best practice is to be respectful to all parties. That said, the US upholds a hierarchal business structure, in which ‘the boss’ is the ultimate decision-maker. Senior leaders have the power of the last word, and can go against the grain just as easily as they can follow popular opinion. Foreigners should concentrate on winning over this individual, even if the greater group seems unsupportive. Americans value a direct style of communication. In this fast-paced, consumer culture ‘time is money’, and small-talk is viewed as unnecessary and wasteful. It’s best for foreigners to get to the point quickly, speak about issues in a frank and open manner, and to avoid taking offence if someone questions or challenges them outright.
Communication in United States of America
The international country dialling code for the United States is +1. Mobile networks cover most of the country, especially all urban areas, and WiFi is widely available.
Tipping in United States of America
A 15 percent tip is expected by taxi drivers, bartenders, hairdressers and waiters, but travellers shouldn’t tip in fast-food or self-service restaurants. In expensive restaurants or for large parties, the tip should be 20 percent of the bill. It is normal to tip staff such as valets and porters in hotels; this is discretionary, although a minimum of $5 is expected. Most services are customarily tipped if the service is good.
Passport/Visa Note
It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from them travel destination. A visa is required for short visits unless travellers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need to register online three days before travel and have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP.
As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
The most important requirement on entering the U.S. is providing proof of Canadian citizenship. A valid Canadian passport is the best document to prove Canadian citizenship and the right to return to Canada. However, several other documents can serve, depending on the mode of transport. Generally, Canadian citizens do not require visitor, business, transit or other visas to enter the United States from Canada, though there are some exceptions.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay. Most passport holders can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) through the Visa Waiver Programme, which allows travel to the US for up to 90 days. The VWP includes tourism, certain types of business visit and transit to another country.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. If visiting the US for fewer than 90 days, Australian nationals may be eligible to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), and enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Passports must be valid for duration of stay. Irish nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
Passports must be valid for duration of stay. New Zealand nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South Africans must hold a passport valid for duration of stay. A visa is required.
Getting around in Houston, Texas
Visitors to Houston are well advised to hire a car, which is relatively inexpensive and provides the quickest and most convenient way to navigate the spread-out city. There are plenty of car parks and a well-managed road system. To hire a car (for up to 90 days), a full national driver’s license is required and drivers must be at least 25 years old (some companies hire cars to those aged 21 to 24 with surcharges).
Those opting for public transport will find that the METRO has it well covered with an efficient and extensive bus service, as well as a light rail line which links Downtown, Midtown, the Museum District, Hermann Park, the Texas Medical Center, and Reliant Park. Correct change is required for on-board bus fare boxes, or purchase tokens or a day pass in advance from local stores sporting the Metro sign. Taxis are a rather expensive option, though readily available downtown; ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Lyft are also options.
Nightlife in Houston, Texas
Houston’s nightlife is focused on Downtown near Montrose, the Midtown area, and in the Uptown area around the Galleria. It is one of the very few American cities to have resident performance companies in symphony, ballet, opera, and theatre.
The main Downtown venues are Jones Hall, the Alley Theatre, and the Wortham Theater Center. In terms of modern music, Houston does have venues for live gigs but doesn’t attract the cachet of musicians that nearby Austin does. The best venues are The Big Easy, which has a great blues lineup, and McGonigel’s Mucky Duck for acoustic performers.
Houston has plenty of megaclubs in the city centre, great places to enjoy some Latin and hip hop music. Clubs and bars generally have a smarter dress code than many are used to so it’s worth dressing up before a big night on the town.
Shopping in Houston, Texas
In Houston, the malls and credit card bills are supersised so visitors should be careful when embarking on a shopping spree. Houston’s most famous shopping zone is undoubtedly the Galleria, the seventh largest retail complex in the USA. It hosts high-end stores and all the big names in fashion.
At Uptown Park visitors can enjoy the atmosphere of a quaint European village as they stroll from store to store. In Kirby District travellers can find the Village, an affluent 16-block shopping zone with plenty of boutiques, galleries and spas. On weekends visitors shouldn’t miss the Trader’s Village, an enormous flea market with everything from jewellery and clothing to tools and old Texas number plates. It’s a great place to find a really unique memento of a visit to Houston.
For Western gear, the ideal souvenir from Houston, visitors should look no further than Pinto Ranch, which stocks belt buckles, boots, saddles, and even ten-gallon hats. A bottle of Texas’ finest barbecue sauce is worth taking home as well.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
