A City National Bank of Florida ATM, which can be used by most major card holders
A City National Bank of Florida ATM, which can be used by most major card holders
Florida is well prepared with all the practical facilities and services visitors might need, from health care to Wi-Fi connections and ATMs. Advance planning will help to keep things running smoothly and avoid any travel hassles, which can be magnified when holidaying with kids. Travel insurance is always a wise investment for visitors arriving from other countries.
The high cost of medical care for non-US residents in America, and the difficulties of lost luggage or flight delays, mean that travel insurance is essential. Policies should cover emergency medical and dental care, trip cancellation, and both baggage and travel document loss. Transportation back home in case of emergency is another option to consider. Your travel agent or insurance company can recommend a suitable policy.
Prescription medications should always be carried in hand baggage, along with general medications for headache, allergies, or stomach upset. Keep prescriptions in their original containers with pharmacy labels so they will pass easily through airport security. Notify security officials if carrying any special items, such as supplies for diabetics. Bring sunscreen for protection from the strong Florida sun, and carry bottled water to avoid dehydration.
Your hotel can recommend a nearby doctor or walk-in facility. While physicians and dentists usually accept credit cards, some may want payment in cash. The locations of hospital emergency rooms can be found online, or ask the concierge or hotel manager for directions. Pharmacies are listed on the map pages in this book. Dial 911 for an ambulance.
It pays to be alert, especially to pickpockets, in cities or crowded amusement parks. Keep wallets safe in an inside pocket and carry bags in the crook of the elbow, close to the body. Bags with shoulder straps should go over the head and across the body, and all bags should be kept in the lap in restaurants. Do not flash smartphones or tablets about, and avoid bringing expensive jewelry. Cash must not be left unattended at the beach; waterproof containers that hang around the neck can be purchased from travel stores.
Use the hotel safe to hold passports, a credit card, and some cash; laptops or tablets can fit into many safes. Bringing a photocopy of your passport and credit cards will help with quick replacements in case they are lost. At night, ask the hotel concierge if a neighborhood is safe before venturing out.
Keep your hotel room locked when inside, and don’t put out the “make up the room” sign when you go out for the day. Make sure that luggage is only given to a member of the hotel staff, and that a receipt is issued for stored luggage. Never leave luggage unattended at airports, at taxi stands, or in hotel lobbies.
Calling 911 is the quickest way to reach the police to report a crime, in case of a fire, or to summon help if you are hurt. If valuables are lost or stolen, make sure you get a copy of the police report for your insurance claim at home. Contact the embassy of your home country if your passport is lost. The US Department of State website has contact information for all foreign embassies in the US.
When visiting crowded theme parks or beaches, decide in advance on a meeting place in case you are separated. Advise kids to look for someone in an official uniform for help if they are lost.
Most visitors to Florida get around by car, and while crime is rare, car safety is prudent. Have keys out and ready in order to get into your car quickly, and keep the tank filled to avoid having to search for a service station in an unfamiliar area. It is safer to keep the doors locked and the windows up, using the air-conditioning if necessary. Program an emergency breakdown number into your cell phone and, if an accident occurs, dial 911 to call for police and medical help. If arriving at an airport late at night, it may be best to stay at an airport hotel and pick up a car in the morning, rather than try to reach an unfamiliar destination on dark roads.
A crowded amusement park, where visitors should be careful of pickpockets
Foreign currency can be changed into dollars at banks and bureaux de change such as Travelex, which are found at major airports, except at Orlando International Airport, which uses Interchange. However, ATMs offer the best exchange rates and the fee is usually lower than at a bureau. Most bank ATMS are part of the worldwide Plus or Cirrus network. ATMs, and almost all businesses and restaurants, accept popular debit and credit cards, though cash advances with credit cards carry interest fees. Check the fees with your own bank or credit card provider before traveling. To guard against crime in towns, use an ATM inside the bank rather than those accessed from the street.
The basic unit is the dollar, which equals 100 cents. Coins come in one cent (penny), five cent (nickel), ten cent (dime), and 25 cent (quarter) denominations. Each is of a different size, so it is easy to tell them apart. There is a $1 coin but it is rarely used. The most common bills are $1, $5, $10, and $20, though $50, $100, and larger denominations are available. ATMs give out mostly $20 bills.
Major credit cards, such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express, and debit cards are widely accepted throughout the US. Large purchases are best paid for by credit card.
Traveler’s checks are still accepted, but have become less common due to ATMs, and are slowly being replaced by cash cards. As with traveler’s checks, these cards are paid for in advance, and funds are drawn on as the card is used. Cash cards are issued by card companies such as Visa or MasterCard, and are as easy to use as a credit card, but exchange rates are fixed in advance and security is greater as they have a limited value. They are protected by use of a PIN and/or signature. Fees apply to some services, including reloading the cards.
Sunbathing near a lifeguard tower at South Beach, Miami
Visit Florida is the state’s official tourism bureau and it can provide contact details for local tourist offices.
Motorbike policeman patrolling a busy street in Daytona Beach during Bike Week
Florida has a number of area codes. Toll-free calls are prefixed by 800, 866, 877, or 888. To call outside the area, dial 1 before the area code, even on toll-free calls.To call overseas directly, dial 011, plus the country code, city area code, and number. For operator-assisted calls, dial 01, country code, city code, and number.
The prevalence of cell phones has limited public telephones to airports and rail terminals. Hotels often add a hefty charge for phone calls, making cell phones a convenient and economical option. Most modern phones will be compatible with US services, though they may run up high roaming charges; check with your service provider at home. Prepaid phone cards are available at chain stores, such as WalMart and Target, as well as convenience stores, such as 7-Eleven. The phone cards offer lower per-minute rates than most phones.
Most hotels offer Internet access and/or Wi-Fi, some for free. Free Wi-Fi is also available at many city libraries, and at many branches of Starbucks and McDonald’s.
Many hotels sell stamps and will mail postcards for guests, or they can direct you to the nearest post office. Delivery of mail abroad usually takes 5 to 10 working days.
Street dispensers for newspapers and magazines on Sanibel Island
Every large Florida city has its own daily newspaper. Among the most widely read are the Miami Herald and Tampa Bay Times. National publications such as USA Today and The New York Times can often be found in street dispensers, along with local papers. For foreign newspapers and other publications, a bookstore is the best bet.
The major national TV networks are CBS, NBC, ABC, and PBS. Several channels, including CNN, Fox, and ESPN, are available on cable. Kids will enjoy Nickelodeon, Disney, and Cartoon Network, while MTV will appeal to teens. Hotels may also offer pay-per-view movie channels.
Every area has its own radio stations. AM consists mostly of pop music, rock, and talk shows, and some religious stations. In southern Florida, Spanish talk shows and music are popular. Classical music stations are found on the FM band. National Public Radio is popular, with news, talk, and classical music.
Free Internet access for guests advertised at The Radisson Hotel in Buena Vista, Orlando
Most public transportation, public buildings, hotels, theme parks, restaurants, and attractions are accessible to people with disabilities. State parks offer many accessible trails, and many beaches provide wheelchairs that can navigate over sand. Check Visit Florida, or the sites you plan to visit, for specific local information.
Most attractions, museums, department stores, and shopping malls have restrooms, complete with baby-changing facilities.
Florida life is informal, and dressy clothing is rarely needed, even at upscale restaurants. The air-conditioning in restaurants and theaters can be frigid, so taking a sweater along is advisable.
Hats, insect repellent, sunglasses, and sunscreen are a must for everyone. Bathing suits need time to dry, so a few changes are useful. Florida does have cool spells in winter, so if you are visiting then, pack a jacket. Do bring rain gear too, as there can be showers year-round.
Stores carrying diapers and formula for infants are plentiful, but carry an emergency supply. Pack a favorite game or book, pajamas, a sweater, water, and a snack in a separate small wheeled suitcase or backpack for each child to carry for quick access en route.
Children are more excited about travel when they share in the planning. Look at this book with them in advance, and let them choose and look forward to some of the activities ahead. The Internet also has many resources for planning. An inexpensive camera for each child keeps kids interested and provides wonderful souvenirs of the trip.
Travelers by the arrival and departure schedule at Orlando International Airport
Business hours are usually 9am to 5pm. Stores open at around 9 or 10am and close at 5 or 6pm, Monday through Saturday, though some may stay open later. Sunday hours vary: some stores open at noon, others do not open at all. Banking hours are traditionally 9am to 3pm Monday to Thursday, and to 6pm on Friday, though several larger banks now remain open until 5 or 6pm during the week. Banks with Saturday hours usually open from 9am to noon. Most museums are open daily, 10am to 5:30pm, but check individual listings.
The standard US electric current is 110 volts. An adapter is necessary for European appliances, which run on 220–240 volts.
Most of Florida is on Eastern Standard Time, 5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). The exception is the western Panhandle, which is in the Central Standard Time zone, 1 hour behind EST.
Florida is a favorite family destination and everyone from hotel clerks to bus drivers usually has a friendly smile for young visitors. However, parents should encourage children to be polite and respectful, and if noisy squabbles or loud crying occur in public places, it is best to take kids outside until they calm down.
Visitors should remember that tips are expected for service personnel in the US. The usual amounts are 15–20 percent for waiters or taxi drivers, as well as barbers or hair stylists. Room service tips are often added to the bill. Hotel bellhops should receive around $1 per bag, hotel maids $1–2 per day, and coat checks $1 per garment. While not mandatory, when waiters or others are especially helpful with children, a small extra tip is always appreciated.
Disability access on the Miami-Dade transit Metrobus
Police, ambulance, fire US Department of State www.usembassy.gov
Visit Florida 2540 West Executive Center Circle, Suite 200, Tallahassee, 32301; 866 972 5280; www.visitflorida.com
State parks floridastateparks.org
Visit Florida www.visitflorida.com/articles/florid-able