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Time Zone |
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Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-5). (GMT - 4 from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October). |
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Weather |
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Florida is a year round destination due to its warm weather.
January is the coolest month buy by UK standards it is not cold at all, a low of 10oC (50F) and a high of 22C. The spring temperatures in Florida are in the upper 80's and possible lows of 50's. There is plenty of sunshine but spring showers are common. The summer months of June to September are the rainiest months but temperatures can be in the 90's. July and August are very hot and humid with highs of around 33oC (90oF). Thunderstorms are possible in the late afternoon but usually last no more than an hour and can be refreshing. October to December still offer plenty of Florida sunshine with highs in the 80's and lows in the 60's.
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Language |
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English is the official language. |
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Flight Time |
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From the UK the average flight time is 9 hours. |
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Airports |
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Both Orlando International airport and Sanford International airport are full of facilities which include: baby changing facilities, ATM's, foreign exchange bureaux's, café's, bars, restaurants, disabled facilities, airport lounges, duty free shops and much more. You will find everything you need from grabbing a bite to eat to buying last minute presents. |
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Currency |
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The US Dollar (USD) is the unit of currency and is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted. Travellers cheques should be taken in US Dollars to avoid hassles. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm. |
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Telephone Services |
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Outgoing code: 00 + your country code (UK = 44, i.e. 00 44) |
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Emergency Services |
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Dial 911 for Fire, Police and ambulance services |
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Communications |
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The international country dialling code for the United States is +1. The outgoing code is 011, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom). The US has numerous area/city codes, which must be dialled before the local number required. Mobile networks cover most of the country, including all urban areas, however unless you have a tri-band phone it is likely your cellular phone from home will not work in the United States. The largest GSM networks are T-mobile and Cingular. Internet cafes are prevalent in most towns and cities. |
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Passport Information |
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From 01 October 2003 British visitors to the U.S. will be required to have a 'machine readable passport'. Most of the - newer-style British Passports - they are a deep red colour rather than the old black passports - have a machine readable strip at the bottom of the data page. If you do not have a machine readable passport you must apply for a visa. All visitors INCLUDING INFANTS AND CHLDREN must have their own passport |
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Visa
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Anyone with a criminal record - even if the conviction is 'spent' must apply for a visa to travel to the U.S.A. Most visitors to the United States enter the country as tourists. With the introduction of visa free travel to citizens of 27 countries, it is now possible for many travellers, including British citizens, to enter the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (WVP). For more information please click here: http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/vwp.html |
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Health & Safety/Vaccinations |
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There are no specific health risks associated with travel within the USA. Medical facilities are excellent, but expensive. Only emergencies are treated without prior payment and treatment can be refused without evidence of insurance or proof of funds. Good medical insurance is essential. |
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EHIC (old E111) |
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A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)is not valid in the USA. Travel insurance is required to cover all situations and emergencies. |
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Embassy |
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U.K. British High Commission,
P.O.Box 21978,
1587 200
South Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801
Tel: (407) 254-3300 Fax: (407) 254-3333
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Tourist Offices/Information |
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Visit Florida, 28 Eccleston Square, London, SW1V 1NZ - 01737 644 882
Orlando's Official Visitor Centre is located at 8723 International Drive, Suite 101 in Orlando, here you will find courteous and bilingual staff that provide you with complete and accurate information to help you plan your prefect holiday.
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Duty Free |
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Citizens 18 and over returning from a non-E.U. country have a Customs allowance of 200 cigarettes; 50 cigars; 250 grams of smoking tobacco; 2 litres of still table wine; 1 litre of spirits or strong liqueurs (over 22% in volume); 2 litres of fortified wine, sparkling wine, or other liqueurs; ½ a litre of perfume and other goods totalling £145 in value, including gifts and souvenirs. |
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Electricity |
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110 volts, 60Hz. Plugs are mainly the two, flat-pin type, though three-pin plugs are also widely used. European appliances without dual-voltage capabilities will require an adapter. |
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Tipping |
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A 15% tip is expected by taxi drivers, bartenders, hairdressers and waiters, but don't tip in fast-food or self-service restaurants. In expensive restaurants or for large parties tip 20% of the bill. It is normal to tip staff in hotels. In more expensive accommodation there is sometimes a bed tax, often as high as 15%, and it is worth checking that this is included within the quote. |
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Food & Drink |
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Eating out in Florida gives you the opportunity to try food from all over the world at affordable prices, they is definitely something for everyone in every part of town. Due to America being one of the most developed countries in the world you rarely need to worry about issues with food and drink, just ensure you take the normal necessary precautions and use your judgement when eating out. |
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Postal Services |
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The equivalent of the Royal Mail in America is United States Postal Service (USPS). Post Offices and post boxes (large blue boxes) are located throughout Florida. To send a postcard to the UK costs approx 75 cents and takes on average between 4 and 7 days. Apart from the main post office, all post offices in Orlando remain closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. Not all of them are open on Saturdays. |
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Driving in Florida |
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A car is a necessity if you want to zoom around Orlando. Driving within the city of Orlando can be tricky: most streets are one-way and ticket-happy meter maids lie in wait. However, if you want to do any travelling outside of Orlando you'll need a car. Major highway networks into Florida and throughout the state make it easy to get to Orlando from other destinations.
Many international and domestic visitors to the city of Orlando arrive on what is commonly known as 'Fly-Drive' packages, because it is widely accepted that a vehicle is something of a necessity if you are to really make the most of all of Orlando's attractions. Renting a car can be an economical way to travel around the Orlando area, with some firms offering discounts for rentals of three days and more. Parking in the tourist areas is generally not a problem as most attractions have vast car parks. Parking at the theme parks is chargeable even if you purchase your entrance ticket in advance. |
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Public Holidays |
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-1st January - New Year's Day
-Third Monday in January - Martin Luther King Day
-12th February - President's Day
-15th February - Susan B Anthony's Birthday
-Third Monday in February - Robert E Lee's Birthday
-Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras - in some counties only, mainly in the Panhandle
-Good Friday
-26th April - Confederate Memorial Day
-Last Monday in May - Memorial Day
-3rd June - Jefferson Davis' Birthday
-4th July - Independence Day
-First Monday in September - Labor Day
-Second Monday in October - Columbus Day
-11th November - Veteran's Day
-Last Thursday in November - Thanksgiving Day
-25th December - Christmas Day
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