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 http://travel.state.gov.
Time: Miami is in the North American Eastern Daylight Time Zone, three hours ahead of the Pacific Daylight Time Zone.
Money: The currency of Miami is the U.S. dollar. For current conversion rates go to OANDA Currency Converter: www.oanda.com/convert/classic.
Phone Calls: The area codes for Miami are 305 and 786. For phone calls to Miami from within the U.S., dial 1 + 305 + seven-digit phone number or 1 + 786 + seven-digit phone number. For phone calls to Miami from outside the U.S., dial your country's international code + 1 + 305 (or 786) + seven-digit phone number. In Miami, local calls still require the 305 or 786 area code.
When to Go: Miami summers are super steamy, rainy, and high in humidity. Hurricane season is June 1-November 30. Sunny skies and warm temperatures in winter remind locals why this is paradise. Best visiting months are December through March.
Getting There: More than 50 major airlines offer service through Miami International Airport (MIA), which is about six miles (10 kilometers) west of downtown Miami. Some travelers also fly into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), about 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of Miami. Public transportation is available into the city from MIA; cabs and rental cars are used from Fort Lauderdale.
Getting Around: An elevated metrorail, with stops mostly around downtown Miami, is used primarily by office workers. The Miami-Dade Transit Agency also has metrobuses that run to downtown Miami, Miami Beach, and Coconut Grove. Taxis can be found outside major hotels, but they're not commonly flagged down in the street and must be called on the phone. Most visitors use rental cars.
Checklist:
Tips: "Pack a pocket-size English-Spanish dictionary, lots of sunscreen, and a sense of adventure."—Maria Morales, senior writer in Miami for People en Español.
What to Pack: "If you want to at least try to fit in—don't wear jeans, sneakers, and a T-shirt. I realize most of America wears that particular outfit, but here in Miami, it pretty much says "I'm a tourist!"—Dave Barry, Miami Herald humor columnist and author.
Security: If you're driving a rental car, don't stop on the street and ask for directions; the days of tourist carjackings are over, but criminals still prey on anybody who looks like they're lost. Don't leave valuables in your car.
Shoes: "Cute sandals. Your feet gotta look good."—Frances Robles, Cuba reporter for the Miami Herald.
Sweaters or Jackets: Yes, really. Restaurants and movie theaters crank their air conditioners here.
What to Wear: Men seldom wear a coat and tie to dinner. Women are rarely seen in pantyhose.
