Ambulance/Fire Department/Police:
911. ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Passport. Required of all visitors who are not citizens of the US, Canada, or Mexico (required of Canadians and Mexicans as of Jan. 1, 2008).
Visa. Generally required of all visitors who are not citizens of the US or Canada, but requirement can be waived for residents of certain countries (including Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and the UK) if staying fewer than 90 days.
Driving Permit. Required for those planning to drive. Foreign licenses are accepted, although an International Driving Permit (p. 14) may be preferable.
INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT
If you do not have a license issued by a US state or Canadian province or territory, you might want an International Driving Permit (IDP). While the US and Canada accept foreign licenses for up to a year, it may ease interaction with police if your license is written in English. You must carry your home license with your IDP at all times. IDPs are valid for a year, and must be issued in the country from which your license originates. To apply, contact the national or local branch of your automobile association.
CAR INSURANCE
While the minimum level varies by state, insurance is required in all states of the US; proof of insurance must be kept in the car at all times. Insurance costs depend on type of coverage and how big of a “risk” the driver poses. It may vary depending on age, sex, driving record, and credit history. Common types of coverage include liability insurance, the most standard and most often required type, which protects against the cost of damage to other people or property; uninsured or under-insured motorist insurance, which protects against damages to you caused by those driving illegally without insurance or without sufficient coverage; and collision insurance, which protects against the cost of damage caused to your vehicle in a collision in which you are at fault. Remember that if you are driving a conventional vehicle on an unpaved road in a rental car, you are almost never covered by insurance.
Most US insurance policies cover drivers in Canada as well; check with your provider before departure to obtain proof of coverage. For helpful info about the different types of insurance and statistics on which are required in each state, consult www.autoinsuranceindepth.com.