Money, phones and essentials

Sorting your phone, money, bank, and social media before you travel.

Last updated June 16, 2026

Mobile phones

Check with your mobile phone company to see what is available on your contract before you head out. Look into costs to purchase a SIM card prior to coming to the United States. You can also purchase a pay-as-you-go phone in the United States. Due to some remote locations for resorts, anticipate that internet and cell phone service may be slow and potentially there will be no cell phone service.

Money

US visa regulations require you to have $1,000 in personal funds (including funds available on a credit card) when you enter the United States. How much you bring beyond that depends on what you’d like to do in your time off, so it helps to make a loose budget before you go.

We recommend having around $200 in cash and a credit card on you when you arrive. You may need to catch a bus or train to the resort, or your debit card may not work immediately.

Your personal bank

Once you know your departure date, notify your bank of your travel plans. If you do not, and attempt to use your bank card, your bank may presume fraud and potentially freeze your account. One quick phone call will make sure you’re covered. Do the same for a major credit card.

Social media

The resorts that we partner with may have quite a few rules surrounding social media due to their reputation and privacy of high-profile guests that stay with them. Make sure you have reviewed your resort's social media policies, and know what’s expected of you when online. 

Going private

We recommend making your social media accounts private. Status updates, pictures and even the different pages you’ve liked can all be seen by others. Resorts have dropped future staff members before they’ve even arrived in the USA based on what has been found on their social media accounts. Be wary about how you portray yourself on any of your social media accounts.

Was this article helpful?