USA Guide
Airlines enforce strict baggage limits, and some categories of items are restricted or prohibited at US customs. Pack around your destination climate, your visa category, and the first few weeks before you can shop locally.
Keep documents, medicine, one change of clothes and any irreplaceable items in your carry-on bag. Checked bags can be delayed or lost, and immigration officers will ask for your passport, visa and supporting documents immediately after landing, so they should never be packed away.
The US has very different climates by region. The Northeast and Midwest have cold winters that require heavy jackets, while the South and Southwest stay warmer year-round. Check the average weather for your specific city before packing heavy winter items, and plan to buy weather-specific gear locally if your destination has extreme seasons, since specialized winter clothing is often cheaper and better suited when bought there.
US Customs and Border Protection restricts or requires declaration for items including certain foods, plants, seeds, large amounts of cash (over 10,000 USD equivalent), and some medicines. Declare anything uncertain rather than risk a customs violation. Cooked, packaged snacks are usually fine in small quantities, but fresh produce, meat and many spices are commonly restricted.
Common questions
Many sealed, commercially packaged dry spices and snacks are generally allowed, but fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and some dairy products are usually restricted or prohibited. Always declare food items on the customs form, since undeclared restricted items can result in fines even if the item itself would have been allowed.
There is no limit on how much money you can bring, but amounts of 10,000 USD or more (including combined cash and monetary instruments) must be declared on arrival. Failing to declare can lead to confiscation and penalties, so declare accurately even if you are unsure of the exact amount.
Pakistan and the US use different plug shapes and voltage standards, so a plug adapter is useful, and a voltage converter may be needed for devices not rated for both 110V and 220V. Check the label on each device before deciding what you need to bring or replace locally.
