Miami travel information
Miami is a leading American resort centre and the city is a vast metropolitan area serving as the entryway to the resort of Miami Beach and the largest cruise ship port on the planet. Visitors to the ever-popular South Beach spend their days lounging in the sun and their nights at the profusion of cafés, clubs and restaurants of Ocean Drive, which has been called the biggest party in Miami. Also popular are the 16 city blocks of the art deco district. The restored buildings here are painted in pastel turquoise, peach and pink, and contain art galleries, cafés and trendy shops.
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Even though tourist areas are generally safe, visitors should always remain alert, and this is especially true in large cities such as Miami. If you are unsure of the safety of a neighbourhood, don't hesitate to make inquiries with the hotel front-desk staff or the local tourist office.
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Visitors should avoid deserted areas, especially at night. Also do not go into public parks after dark unless there's a concert or similar event that will attract a crowd.
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Do not carry valuables with you on the street, and keep expensive cameras or electronic equipment bagged up or covered when not in use. In theatres, restaurants, and other public places, keep your possessions in sight.
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Always lock your hotel room door. Hotels are open to the public, and in a large hotel, security may not be able to screen everyone who enters.
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Do not try to resist carjackers; just give them the vehicle and report the incident to the police later.
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If you are bumped from behind while in your car, or are involved in a minor accident with no injuries, and the situation appears to be suspicious, motion to the other driver to follow you to a public area where you can exchange insurance information. Many car rental companies will also rent a cellular phone with the vehicle for an additional fee.
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Although it's not required of travellers, health insurance is highly recommended. Doctors and hospitals are expensive, and in most cases will require advance payment or proof of coverage before they render their services.
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Foreign-exchange bureaux are rare even at airports in the United States, and nonexistent outside major cities.
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Credit cards are the most widely used form of payment in the United States. It is strongly recommended that you bring at least one major credit card. You must have a credit or charge card to rent a car, and hotels and airlines usually require a credit card imprint as a deposit against expenses.
Useful travel tips resources
Footprint Guides - Miami
Incomparable resource on Miami travel from this well-known travel guide publisher.
http://www.footprintguides.com/
Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
Complete Miami tourism information, including attractions, events, clubs, accommodation and much more.
http://www.gmcvb.com/Index.asp
City of Miami
Official site for the city of Miami, with topics related to travel in Miami.
http://www.ci.miami.fl.us/
More topics on this site…
Miami maps and geography
USA travel information
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USA maps and geography
Essentials
Visas: Visitors from many EU and other countries (including the UK) do not require visas for stays of three months or less
Season: Year round
Money: US dollar – ATMs widely available, major credit cards readily accepted
Language: English – Spanish in some states
Emergency #: 911