Banks: 9:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 9:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 10:00 to 21:00, daily, some closed on Sundays
Museums: 9:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday, some open on weekends
Business Offices: 9:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday
Many destinations in the US are regarded as relatively safe places for visitors, particularly popular tourist areas, such as Myrtle Beach. Petty crime is common in the more congested areas and tourists can be targeted, but it’s no more prevalent here than in any other tourist destination. It’s highly recommended that you keep your belongings secure and avoid any obvious show of wealth – in cash or valuables. A good precautionary measure is to keep all valuables locked in the hotel safe to minimize the risk of theft or loss.
The Myrtle Beach area experiences a hurricane season between June and November, so if you are travelling to the region during this time, be sure to follow any advice in advance of a storm.
US currency is the dollar with notes being issued in denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 (and there are higher denominations as well) and coins coming in the denominations of US$1 - and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.
Most businesses and shops accept both credit and debit cards, but it is still advisable to carry small amounts of cash with you, particularly for dealing with smaller vendors. Currency exchanges are found at the airport and bank branches in Myrtle Beach, which will change cash and travellers’ cheques.
ATMs are widely available in the area, and you should have no problem withdrawing money using an internationally-recognised bank card. American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Diners Club are the most widely accepted cards. Thomas Cook, Moneygram and Western Union offer facilities for wiring funds, although they all charge hefty transfer fees.
If you’re arriving from outside the US, you’ll have to complete a customs declaration form when you enter the country. You are not allowed to bring fresh food or agricultural products into the country; or any items from North Korea or Cuba. There are other restrictions on drugs and firearms. Duty-free allowances include 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars, and one litre of spirits.
110V AC; and all plugs are two-pronged.
Most visitors find that they adapt to the South United States’ laid-back lifestyle relatively quickly – a fact which helps them relax and enjoy their holiday even more. The people here are friendly and genuinely interested in being accommodating to tourists, who they see as their guests. It will help you enjoy your stay in the Myrtle Beach area if you show an appreciation for this hospitality by following some basic guidelines of American etiquette.
There are no strict rules, although it is expected that as a visitor you’ll be polite with people you encounter and also make casual conversation with shop clerks and other service personnel throughout your stay. The dress code in Myrtle Beach is fairly casual, other than for business purposes, so there isn’t a need to get dressed up for dinner or other evening events. If you’re interested in visiting local churches, you should make sure that no religious service is being held at the time.
As with social etiquette, there is no strict code regarding dining behaviour in Myrtle Beach. When dining in a restaurant, it is customary to wait until all persons in your party are served before starting to eat. If someone makes welcoming remarks, you should refrain from eating until they have finished speaking. At a restaurant, it is not important for you to eat everything served, and portions may be quite large. It is however polite to do so, if at all possible when visiting someone’s home, as it is a compliment to the host.
Alcohol is frequently consumed during meals and dessert, coffee and tea are normally served afterwards. To indicate that you have finished eating, it is customary to place your knife and fork parallel on one side of your plate. If you’re not sure whether it is acceptable to eat with your hands, wait to see what you host does first.
Myrtle Beach has excellent health care facilities and attentive staff, should you encounter any medical problems while on holiday. Although payment for emergency treatment will normally be billed after treatment, you will be expected to pay for routine services, treatments and prescription medications at the time you receive them. It is wise to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers any medical emergencies.
No specific inoculations are required for travel to the US, but it is recommended that you make sure your standard vaccinations, including tetanus, are up-to-date. It is safe to drink water from the tap, and you shouldn’t encounter any problems with food served at the area’s restaurants. Marshes and swamplands are breeding grounds for a variety of insects, so it’s wise to have an effective insect repellent available. When you visit parklands or forested areas, be on alert for wildlife, keeping a respectful distance and avoiding any unnecessary confrontations.
Grand Strand Regional Medical Centre
Tel: +1 843 692 1000
Emergency services: 911
Myrtle Beach is an English-speaking destination, and while there are other languages present, these are very much in the minority and you will have no problem being understood in English.
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.
You’ll find a visitors bureau at the Myrtle Beach International Airport Welcome Center, which is open from 8:00 to 20:00 daily. Their office in Myrtle Beach has hours which vary seasonally. For more information about services and opening hours, call +1 843 626 7444.
