Language
American, with a Florida accent. But Miami is a diverse culture known as the Gateway to Latin America, so expect to hear a fair bit of Spanish being spoken among the 60 per cent Hispanic population.
Currency And Tipping
The American dollar ($) or greenback, made up of 100 cents. And just in case you need to know, a nickel is 5 cents, a dime is 10 and a quarter 25. Tips are a very important part of some workers’ salaries, so it’s necessary to leave the appropriate gratuity. In hotels, tip bellhops at least $1 a bag ($2-$3 if you have a lot of luggage) and give the chamber staff $3 a day (more if you’ve left a disaster area for him/her to clear up or if you’re travelling with kids/pets). Tip the doorman or concierge only if he or she has provided you with a specific service (for example, calling a cab or obtaining difficult-to-get theatre tickets). Tip the valet parking attendant $1 every time you get your car. In restaurants, bars and nightclubs, tip service staff 15-20% of the check, bartenders 10-15% and coat-check attendants $1 a garment. Cab drivers expect 15% and hairdressers/barbers 15-20%.
Safety
Although tourist areas are generally safe, US urban areas tend to be less safe than those in Europe or Japan. Always stay alert. If you’re in doubt about which neighbourhoods are safe, don’t hesitate to make inquiries with the hotel front-desk or the local tourist office. Avoid deserted areas, especially at night, and don’t go into public parks after dark unless there’s a concert or similar occasion that will attract a crowd. Avoid carrying valuables with you on the street and keep expensive electronic equipment bagged up or covered when not in use. Driving safety is important, too. If you drive off a highway and end up in a dodgy-looking neighbourhood, leave the area as quickly as possible. If you’re bumped from behind on the street and the situation appears to be suspicious, motion to the other driver to follow you. Never get out of the car in such situations. Go directly to the nearest police precinct, well-lit service station or 24-hour store.
Travel
Officially, Dade County has opted for a “unified, multimodal transportation network,” which basically means that you can get around the city by train, bus and taxi. In practice, however, the message is that a car is pretty much essential unless you’re spending the entire vacation at a resort, are travelling directly to the port of Miami for a cruise or are there for a short stay in one area of the city such as South Beach, where everything is within walking distance and parking is a costly nightmare. With the exception of South Beach and downtown Coconut Grove, Miami is not a walker’s city. Because it’s so spread out, most attractions are too far apart to make walking between them feasible. Miami is one of the cheapest places in the world to rent a car and there are dozens of car-rental companies in town. Airlines often have special deals when you book a flight and reserve your rental car at the same time. A minimum age, generally 25, is required of renters.
Weather
For many people, the worst time to come to south Florida is during the summer, when temperatures are usually scorching, humidity is oppressive and rain at 4pm is a regular occurrence. Wintertime is spectacular – not too hot, not too cool. Temperatures can, however, dip down into the low 50s (teens Celsius) during a cold front. Rain showers aside, the most pressing concern for every visitor is the dreaded ‘H’ word – hurricane. Official hurricane season is from June to November and while the hurricane’s actual pattern is unpredictable, the meteorologists at the National Hurricane Center are able to give fair enough warning so that people can take proper precautions. One of the safest places during a hurricane happens to be a hotel because most are sturdy enough to withstand high winds and have generators in case of power failure.
Security
Since 9/11 and, more recently, as a result of a failed plot in Britain to sabotage Transatlantic flights, security has obviously been stepped up to a high level. The Miami Airport website, www.miami-airport.com, has the latest about what can and can’t be taken into the cabin of the aircraft. It’s important to become acquainted with the restrictions, particularly if you’re travelling with young children because there are instructions about baby milks and medications. It’s now possible for many travellers, including British citizens, to enter the US without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program. Full details are on the London UK Embassy web-site, www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/vwp or on the site of your city’s embassy or consulate.
