Banks: 09:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday; some banks open later and on Saturdays 
Post Offices: 08:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday; 08:00 to 15:00, Saturdays
Government Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 10:00 to 18:00, daily

Greater Fort Lauderdale is a safe large city yet there are areas to avoid. The main beaches, downtown and Las Olas shopping area are the safest areas (NE and SE), while West Fort Lauderdale (and NW or SW) are a little more suspect. Beware when driving as South Florida drivers are fairly impatient, and always park hire cars off of city streets at night, removing all valuables first.

110V, 60Hz; plugs are of the flat, two-pin type

Fort Lauderdale is a health and safety conscious city, with clean streets, many high quality hospitals and a well policed downtown area. Eateries are hygienic, eating from streets stalls is also safe, as is tap water. Taking out good travel insurance before visiting the US is a must, however; there is no free healthcare here.

Emergency services: 911

English is the official language of the United States and although there is a large and noticeable Spanish population in South Florida, English is spoken everywhere.

The US dollar (US$) is the currency of the USA where one dollar equals 100 cents. Notes come in denominations of US$100, $50, $20, $10, $5, $2 and $1, and coins 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cent pieces. There is also a one dollar coin in circulation. All notes are green and all coins round.

Visitors over 21 years of age can bring the following duty-free amounts into the USA: 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 2kgs of tobacco; 0.95 litre (1 US quart) of liquor; and gifts worth no more than $100. Leaving any presents unwrapped is advised to allow for possible customs inspection.

Americans are open and friendly, easy to meet and easy to get along with. The handshake is the formal introductory gesture but it is not as used as in Europe. Casual dress is fine on the streets of Fort Lauderdale and beachwear is okay for the boardwalks. Tipping is as widespread in Fort Lauderdale as elsewhere in the US, and reading up on when to tip and how much is a good idea.

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.

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau can be found off I-95 and I-595 East at 1850 Eller Drive, Suite 303, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. They have excellent information in English, Spanish, and French and can be contacted on: +1 954 765 4466