Banks: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 09:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 10:00 to 21:00, daily, some closed on Sundays
Museums: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday, some open on weekends
Business Offices: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday

Jacksonville is a safe city for tourists to visit. This being said, it is wise to avoid dimly lit streets and unfamiliar surroundings, especially at nights.

The main threat to tourists is petty crime such as pick pockets and bag snatchers. Always keep hold of your belongings and never flash a lot of money around in the street. Using common sense will help to ensure a pleasant and problem free trip.

The currency used nation-wide is the US dollar, which comes in denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 as well as higher denominations and coins are available in US$1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cent.

In Jacksonville, visitors will find the majority of shops and services take both credit and debit cards these days although it is always wise to keep some cash to hand also. Foreign currencies and travellers cheques can be exchanged for dollars at bureaux de change at the airport (some in the city also) or virtually any bank. ATMs are ubiquitous in Jacksonville and visitors with internationally endorsed card such as those featuring the logos of Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express, should have no difficulties making withdrawals.

US visitors are obliged to fill out a customs declaration upon entering the country and need to be aware of the restrictions placed on the importing of certain goods. Fresh food and agricultural products are not permitted while items from North Korea, Cambodia, Libya and Cuba are also on the restricted list as are pre-Columbian artefacts, chocolate liquors and obscene publications. There are also strict regulations on drugs and firearms. Duty-free allowance is: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars and one litre of spirits.

110V AC, all plugs are two-pronged.

In both dress and manners, Americans are often less formal than many Europeans, although normal business courtesies should still be observed. A brief and friendly handshake is usually the customary greeting. People are usually introduced using first names.

Please avoid smoking in public places where smoking is prohibited. Many of Jacksonville’s offices, restaurants, clubs and bars are non-smoking. The dress code throughout the city is generally casual, unless you are attending a formal dinner or something similar.

Rules for the dining table are as the same as those observed in all US cities and European visitors will find them similar to those observed in their own countries. Unless instructed otherwise by your host, polite and reserved behaviour is considered the norm at all times and is the best way of avoiding insulting other dinner guests. Whether you are dining at a restaurant or at a friend or associate’s place of residence, you should always wait for all guests to be seated before beginning to either eat or drink. As a guest, generally speaking you should leave toasting up to the host.

If you accept an invitation to the house of a friend or business acquaintance, then as is normal in most countries, you should arrive with a small token such as a gift, flowers or a bottle of wine in order to show your appreciation.

If you are the victim of an accident or become ill while you are on holiday in Boston, you will find excellent medical facilities across the city. If you require emergency treatment, you will be charged for it later, but if you need any minor treatment, you must pay upfront. This makes it vital to have comprehensive medical coverage and to keep all receipts for the claim.

There are no vaccinations required for travel to the USA, but it is advisable to make sure you are up-to-date with standard vaccinations. Tap water is safe to drink, as is milk, and hygiene standards in most restaurants are excellent. Jacksonville Memorial Hospital: Tel: +1 904 399 6111

Emergency services: 911

English is the official language of the US and is spoken by the majority of Jacksonville residents. Members of ethnic communities within the city invariably speak in their own languages when conversing between themselves.

The Jacksonville and the Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau is open Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 17:00 and weekends/holidays from 09:00 to 17:00. The centre can be contacted on: +1 904 798 9111 or you can visit their website at: www.jaxcvb.com/visiting_jax/visitor_info_center.asp

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.