Florida & Useful Information

We have compiled some information here that we think will be handy to make your holiday run as smooth and be as relaxing as possible.

Driving In Florida: Firstly you must always stay on the ‘right’ hand side of the road. Car hire companies require a valid British licence as a legal requirement before releasing any vehicles.

Florida law requires safety belts for all front passengers, regardless of age. Children 5 years of age and younger MUST be secured in child restraint devices, children 3 years of age and younger MUST be placed in infant carriers or child car seats. Children aged 4 and 5 must be in a safety seat or wear a seat belt in the rear seat of the car.

On approaching a ‘stop’ sign, Florida law requires that your vehicle come to a complete halt before proceeding. At 4-way ‘stop’ signs, the vehicle that arrived at the cross-section first has the right of way first, then the next vehicle and so on.

Money: It is worth noting that most hotels and few banks in the U.S.A do not offer a currency exchange facility and therefore suggest you take local currency or dollar travellers cheques. For anyone renting a car it is also advisable to have some small change available for the toll roads from the airport, although most tolls give change.

All are widely accepted in the U.S.A

Tipping: Service charges are not normally included in the prices shown in restaurants and will be added to your bill along with cover charges if applicable. A 15-20% tip is normal in most establishments. As a general guide when tipping bellmen, valet parking attendants or porters a tip of $1 per bag is acceptable.

Bus service: Orlando runs an inexpensive and efficient bus system, including a free downtown circuit. There is a free bus service that goes up and down International Drive all day stopping at all the hotels, restaurants, outlets and shopping centres.

Shopping: A shopper's paradise, with the many malls and plazas are the favourite haunt of the serious shopper. Opportunities and styles of shopping vary and ranges from flea markets and factory outlets to specialist shops and designer stores. Shoe and clothing sizes differ and it is probably wise to try before you buy. Shop hours vary, but are generally open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Mon-Sat, although many malls are open late every day and hypermarkets open 24hrs a day.

Photography: Photographic equipment and services are readily available, although same day developing is often more expensive than in the UK and print sizes can be slightly smaller. Basic film costs are again similar but are subject to sales tax where applicable, so it may be worth while taking plenty of film with you.

Telephone: Phoning home can be expensive especially if calling from hotels and private villas; we therefore recommend you purchase a phone card available from gas stations or drug stores. Local calls are usually free.

Voltage: 110/120 AC two pin (flat) plug type. European appliances will require an adaptor, which you may wish to purchase in the UK prior to your stay in the U.S.A.

Orlando's busiest times of the year: Generally, our busiest times of the year are during Spring Break, Easter, Thanksgiving, and the December holidays.

Orlando Magicard's: Having a Magicard is like carrying a wallet full of coupons for participating area attractions, accommodations, restaurants, and shops. Use your Magicard brochure to check for participants, and present your card at the time of purchase to receive the specified offer. You can also visit our Web site, http://www.orlandoinfo.com/magicard for a printable copy of the Magicard and brochure.