Los Angeles Travel Tips
LAX Car Hire
Business Hours
Banks: 09:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 09:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 10:00 to 21:00, daily, some closed on Sundays
Museums: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday, some open on weekends
Business Offices: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday
Cautions
Earthquakes are a threat in California. Should you experience an earthquake, stay calm and try to protect yourself under a table or doorway during the shaking. The biggest risk of injury is from falling objects and windows breaking, so try to stay put where you are during the quake, going outside once the shaking has stopped.
Currency
The currency used nation-wide is the US dollar, which comes in denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 as well as higher denominations and coins are available in US$1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cent.
Almost all shops and businesses accept credit and debit cards in LA; however, we recommend that you always carry a small amount of cash on your person for small transactions. Currency can be exchanged at the airport or any bank branch, while there are also exchange bureaux's spread around the city, often at tourist hotspots or in shopping malls.
ATMs are widespread in Los Angeles, so you should have no problem withdrawing money with an internationally-recognised bank card. Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express are the most widely accepted. Money wiring services such as Thomas Cook, Moneygram and Western Union are also available, although these services charge hefty transfer fees and should be used as a last resort.
Customs
Upon entering the USA, you must complete a customs declaration form. No fresh food or agricultural products are allowed to be brought into the country, while items from North Korea, Cambodia, Libya and Cuba; pre-Columbian artefacts; chocolate liquors; or obscene publications are also prohibited. There are also strict regulations on drugs and firearms. Duty-free allowance is: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars; a litre of spirits.
Electricity
110V AC, all plugs are two-pronged
Etiquette
It is important to follow some basic elements of American etiquette if you want to get the most out of your stay. LA is a busy city, so some of the common courtesies you may find in more remote parts of the US, may be absent here.
Apart from those conducting business, the dress code in Los Angeles is generally casual and it is perfectly acceptable to go to most restaurants, shopping malls and tourist attractions wearing shorts and t-shirt. It is important to observe basic courtesies such as joining an orderly queue if waiting for a public service and not smoking in a non-smoking area.
Like social etiquette, there is no strict dining code of behaviour in Los Angeles. If you dine at a restaurant, you should wait until all members of your party are seated and served before starting your meal. If someone makes a toast, stop eating until the toast is over. Diners are not required to eat everything they are served, although it is considered polite to finish your meal if you are eating at someone's house, as a compliment to your host and their cooking.
Dessert is often served after a meal, as is coffee or tea, while alcohol is also frequently consumed at meals. When you have finished eating, place your knife and fork parallel at one side of your plate to indicate that you have had enough. For some foods such as pizza and chicken wings, it is considered okay to use you hands to eat, provided your hosts do the same. Be warned that if you invite friends to dine with you, the invitation may be taken as an indication that you will be paying for the meal.
Health
If you encounter any health problems while on holiday in Los Angeles, there are excellent medical facilities and staff will attend to you promptly. Although emergency treatment will be given and charged for later, it is essential to have a comprehensive insurance policy as you will have to pay for any minor medical advice or prescriptions upfront. Keep all of your medical receipts in case you want to make an insurance claim at a later date.
There are no specific vaccinations required for travel to the USA, but we recommend that you make sure you are up-to-date with standard inoculations such as tetanus. Tap water is safe to drink and eating out shouldn't present any risks. If you suffer from asthma, you may find the air in LA is less than ideal for your condition, with high pollution and smog levels present; try to make your sightseeing trips in the morning, when the air is at its freshest.
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: +1 310 423 3277
Emergency services: 911
Language
English is the most commonly spoken language in the USA. However, many Angelenos speak Spanish. Many different ethnicities and nationalities are well-represented in LA and foreign languages are available for study in schools and language centres.
Visit this website for further information about English Course Los Angeles.
Tourist Information Offices
Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau is located at 333 South Hope Street, 18th floor, Los Angeles, California, 90071, USA. They can be contacted by calling: +1 213 624 7300; or alternatively visit their website at: www.lacvb.com. They can provide information on what to do, accommodation, events and transport among other things.
Visa and Passports
European Union nationals need to fill out a form requesting a visa at least 72 hours before they plan to travel to the US. You may need to show evidence of funds and an onward ticket. Canadians also require a passport to enter the US.
Rent-A-Car In LA
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