Business Offices: 9:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday
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, Monday to Saturday
Museums: 9:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday, some open on weekends

Orlando, as most US destinations, is regarded as a relatively safe place to visit, particularly the popular tourist areas, such as the various theme parks. It is however important to be aware that the US remains under terrorism alert. Tight security, particularly at airports, is the norm.

Petty crime is no more prevalent here than in other tourist destinations, but it does occur and tourists can be targeted. It’s a good idea for you to keep your cash and valuables well out of sight and your belongings secure. Whenever possible, it’s recommended that you keep your valuables locked in a hotel safe to minimise the risk of loss or theft.

Orlando is subject to hurricanes between June and November. If you are visiting the region during this time, be sure to follow any advice regarding the approach of a storm.

Electricity: 110V AC; all plugs are two-pronged.

America’s national currency is the US Dollar (US$). The most commonly seen notes come in denominations of: US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1, but there are higher denominations as well. Coins are issued in the amounts of US$1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cent.

Most businesses and shops accept credit and debit cards, but it’s a good idea to carry small amounts of cash especially when dealing with smaller vendors. Airports and banks have currency exchanges where you can change both cash and traveller’s cheques.

ATMs are widespread and there shouldn’t be any problem withdrawing cash with an internationally-recognised bank card. The most widely-accepted cards are American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Diners Club. Western Union will send funds by wire for you, but be advised that the transfer fees are very high.

Visitors arriving from outside the US are required to complete a customs declaration form on entering the country. Fresh food and agricultural products cannot be brought into the country nor can any items from North Korea or Cuba. Drugs and firearms are strictly regulated. 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars and one litre of spirits can be brought in duty-free.

People who live in the city are generally friendly and do their best to be accommodating to tourists. You will enjoy your stay in Orlando even more if you show appreciation for their hospitality by following some basic guidelines of regional etiquette.

There aren’t any strict rules, but it is expected that as a visiting guest you’ll be polite to the people you encounter and that you’ll engage in casual conversation with service personnel and shop clerks. The dress code in Orlando is fairly casual so there really won’t be any need to get dressed up for dinner or an evening out. It is important however that if you’re waiting for service, to be sure to take your place at the end of a queue and that you refrain from smoking in designated ‘no smoking’ areas.

Dining etiquette is also relaxed in Orlando. It is customary to wait until everyone in your party is served before you begin to eat and if someone raises a glass to make a ‘toast’, you should refrain from eating until they have finished speaking. At a restaurant, it isn’t necessary for you to eat everything that’s served (and portions may be quite large); it is however polite to do so when visiting someone’s home, as eating everything on your plate is a compliment to the host.

When you’ve finished eating, it’s customary to place your knife and fork parallel to each other at the side of your plate. When you invite friends to dine at a restaurant with you, they are likely to assume that you intend to pay the bill so be aware of this when you ask.

Orlando has a number of excellent health care facilities and well-trained medical staff. Should the need arise for medical care while you’re on holiday, you’ll be expected to pay for routine services, such as treatments and medications, when they are received. Emergency medical treatment and service will normally be billed to you after treatment. It is strongly recommended that you have comprehensive travel insurance to cover all unexpected medical expenses and emergencies, as costs for care in the US can be quite high.

There are no specific vaccinations required, but it is recommended that you make sure that your standard vaccinations are current. Tap water is safe to drink and it is unlikely that you’ll experience problems with food served at the region’s restaurants.

Orlando Regional Health Care
Tel: +1 321 841 5111

Emergency services: 911

English is the official language of the US, and you’ll find that spoken American English has a range of regional accents. In many parts of Florida, it is likely that you will also hear Spanish spoken.

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.

Orlando’s official visitor centre will provide you with city information. Bilingual (English-Spanish) staff is on hand to answer your questions. Opening times: 8:00-19:00 daily;
Phone: +1 407 363 5872; email: info@orlandocvb.com