Prices in the USA are not as low as the exchange rate may imply, according to the UK’s leading bureau de change, justifying the need for visitor insurance to avoid extra costs.

The Post Office has revealed that - despite the pound’s strongest performance against the dollar for 26 years - goods prices remain high, as a reflection of purchasing power parity in the states.

Certain electronic goods such as an iPod or PlayStation 3 may be cheaper on the other side of the Atlantic, as is renting a car, but essentials like mineral water, beer and suncream are much more expensive.

Britons looking to work in the USA may be surprised at the high prices, but these living costs are often cancelled out by higher salaries, a fact reinforced by Kevin McAdam, head of travel services at the Post Office.

“You have to be careful when comparing costs in different countries,” he said. “It all depends on their relative cost of living.”

A whole shopping basket of comparable necessities was found to be only marginally more expensive for a Brit working in the USA than in Spain, Canada or France.

Federal statistics published earlier this month revealed that the jobs market in the USA is extremely healthy, with more than 180,000 new jobs generated in March. The average hourly salary is also up to $17.22, up from $16.55 in the corresponding month last year.

Visitor insuranceis a key priority for any non-residents hoping to work in the USA.