Essentials to include when you pack—from the proper travel documents to the right clothing.
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Planning:
Entry Requirements: International travelers from 27 countries may enter the U.S. without a visa through the Visa Waiver Program; however, you must have a machine-readable passport. Visitors from other countries must obtain a visa from an American embassy or consulate abroad. For more information, visit www.travel.state.gov.
Time: Los Angeles is on U.S. Pacific Standard Time, three hours behind U.S. Eastern Standard Time.
Money: The U.S. dollar. For conversion rates go to www.oanda.com
Phone Calls: For phone calls to Los Angeles from within the U.S., dial 1 + the area code + the seven-digit phone number. For phone calls to the U.S. from other countries, dial the international access code of the country from which you are calling, +1 + area code + the seven-digit phone number.
When to Go: Any time is a good time to visit Los Angeles, since the weather is perennially dry and sunny. Winter ranges from 45°F to 60°F (7°C to 15°C) , spring and fall from 55°F to 80°F (13°C to 27°C), and summer from 60°F to 95°F (15°C to 35°C). Be prepared in any season for dramatically cooler evenings.
Getting There: The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the largest airport, but L.A. has a handful of excellent smaller regional airports with flights by major carriers: Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, Long Beach Airport, L.A.-Ontario International Airport, and John Wayne Airport, in nearby Orange County.
Getting Around: Los Angeles is spread out and public transportation is limited (there are only four subway lines; the 200 bus lines offer greater coverage but are slow), so unless you plan on staying in a given neighborhood you should rent a car. Luckily, cars—even convertibles—can be had inexpensively. The top freeway speed is 65 mph (104 kph).
Security: As in any big city, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings; keep your wallet and shopping bags close; and don't leave valuables in your car.
Checklist:
Sunscreen: The L.A. sun can be intense year-round. Even if smog makes the sky seem hazy, use a sunblock with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide of SPF 15 or higher, and reapply often.
Head Protection: Your head quickly absorbs sunrays, so wearing sunglasses, a baseball cap, hat, or visor—or carrying a parasol (increasingly popular)—will provide protection.
Footwear: Tennis shoes, flats, loafers, or comfortable sandals are sensible footwear for around town. On nature hikes in the surrounding mountains, ankle boots will help support and protect your feet.
Beachwear: Don't forget your swimsuit and towel, for those escapes to numerous oceanfront playgrounds.
City Map: L.A. is a big place and knowing your way around (both on foot and by car) is essential. A street map can help you find alternate routes when traffic becomes an issue.
