When should you visit Los Angeles?
With its Mediterranean climate, Los Angeles is a great place to visit in spring or autumn, when temperatures are particularly mild. In May and June, for example, temperatures range from 15°C in the morning to 20°C in the afternoon. Beware, however, of the nights, which can turn out to be very chilly, with temperatures approaching 5 or 0°C.
Getting around Los Angeles
Getting around Los Angeles by car is essential, as the distances to be covered to get to the city's various attractions are considerable and it is often necessary to use the city's motorway. So it's best to have a car. The best solution is to hire a car so that you have complete freedom of movement and don't have to pay for expensive taxi fares.
Expenses in Los Angeles
As in the rest of the USA, prices in Los Angeles are quoted exclusive of VAT. So it's a good idea to anticipate the final cost of your purchase before you go to the checkout. A little peculiarity that may seem surprising the first time you do a bit of shopping.
When it comes to eating out, you'll have to pay more than the price of the dish or menu you eat, as service is not included in the price. In the USA, there's a culture of "Tips" that's frowned upon. So don't forget to add 10% to the final bill when you pay the bill, to pay the restaurant staff for their work. More than a simple commercial gesture, this practice is simple politeness in the eyes of the Americans. You know what you have to do to avoid looking like a cad!
Formalities and visas
Since January 2009, nationals of visa-exempt countries, including the UK, have had to apply online for ESTA travel authorisation at least 72 hours before departure. This authorisation is valid for two years or until your passport expires.
If you have an old-style passport, you will need a visa, as this type of passport is not machine-readable and therefore not secure under US regulations. However, you can use it until its expiry date. The United States requires an individual passport, whatever the age of the traveller. Babies (even a few months old) and children must therefore have the same passport as adults (or an individual visa if the child is included in the passport of one of the parents who has a visa).
Security checks can be lengthy for travellers to the United States. Don't forget to allow a little extra time at the airport. Many airlines fly to San Francisco, and most flights are direct from Paris, generally taking 11 hours.
Currency
The currency is the US dollar (USD), the rate of which can fluctuate quite widely. It is divided into 100 cents. It is best to carry small denominations. There are plenty of exchange offices, but rates are higher at airports than in town. All the major cities have plenty of ATMs and 24-hour banking machines, which allow you to withdraw cash anywhere with any international credit card. Banks are generally open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. It is important to bring cash with you, especially for tips and at the markets.
