Passport / Visa

Citizens of the Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the Kingdom of Brunei can visit the United States for up to 90 days without applying for a visa (as well as citizens of Andorra, Lichtenstein, Monaco and San Marino). Citizens of these countries must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before traveling. All other travelers must obtain a visa before visiting the United States. International travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the country.

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Best Time To Visit

The warm and sunny weather in Southern California makes Los Angeles an enjoyable city practically all year round, but in general, the best time to visit L.A. would be from March to May, when there are fewer tourists and the temperatures are more pleasant.

Summer can be unbearably hot. It also brings more tourists and that's when the smog levels and room rates peak. However, during this period, L.A. is booming with music festivals, free summer concerts, and outdoor movie screenings.

The rain falls mostly during the winter. In January, Pasadena’s historic Rose Parade takes place and most awards shows such as the Academy Awards, the Golden Globes and the Grammys.

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Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Los Angeles International Airport, or LAX, as it is locally known, is the third busiest airport in the world. It is located about 19 miles (30 km) southwest of Downtown L.A. Public transport from LAX is slow, but cheap. The “C” shuttle leaves from the LAX Shuttle & Airline Connections sign on the Lower/Arrival Level islands in front of each terminal and brings passengers to the Metro Bus Center, where they can catch city buses serving the Los Angeles area.

Information on city bus services is available by telephone or on the Information Display Board in the baggage claim area in each terminal. In addition, passengers can obtain local transit information by calling +1 800 266 6883. L.A. city’s easily navigable website also gives routes and timetables for public transport to and from the city.

Private shuttle buses do hotel drop-offs right to the door, cheaper than a taxi and quicker than the public bus. These can be found on the Lower/Arrival Level islands in front of each terminal under the red sign Hotel & Parking Lot Shuttles.

Taxis are readily available but expensive (they add a service charge from the airport). They can be found on the Lower/Arrival Level islands in front of each terminal. Passengers are given a ticket stating typical fares to major destinations.

There are also plenty of car rental agencies at the airport with competitive prices.

Address: 1 World Way, Los Angeles, CA

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Phone: +1 855 463 5252

Website: www.flylax.com

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Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)

Smaller airports in the Los Angeles area avoid the LAX gridlock and provide connections to almost anywhere within the US. Check the individual websites for details on flights and ground transport. Also check MTA's website for public transport routes and timetables.

Hollywood Burbank Airport is located 15 miles (25 km) northwest of Downtown.

Address: 2627 North Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA

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Phone: +1 818 840 8840

Website: www.hollywoodburbankairport.com

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Long Beach Airport (LGB)

Long Beach Airport is located 25 miles (40 km) south of Downtown.

Transportation network companies such as Lyft, Opoli, See Jane Go and Uber are available on the outer curb in front of the terminal.

The bus service is run by Long Beach Transit and they have four routes that are connected to the airport. Taxis are offered at the Taxi stand outside the terminal. You will find the car rental offices in the Airport Ground Transportation Center.

Address: 4100 Donald Douglas Drive, Long Beach, CA

Email: lgbarpt@longbeach.gov

Phone: +1 562 570 2600

Website: www.longbeach.gov/lgb

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Time Zone

Los Angeles is in the Pacific time zone, and all times are reflected in Pacific time.

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Public Transport

Los Angeles is a city designed for cars. Getting around without one is generally slow and complicated. Most visitors rent a car for their stay, but if you decide not to, there are options. Buses, trains and trams are run by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority.

The Metro, which runs both over and under ground, is sometimes handy for getting from Downtown outwards. The Transit Authority’s website is easily navigable and provides all necessary information on routes, timetables and fares.

The Downtown Area Short Hop (DASH) shuttle system operates buses throughout Downtown, Hollywood and the west side of L.A. Service runs roughly every 5 to 20 minutes. Contact the Department of Transportation for routes and timetables.

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Website: www.ladottransit.com

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Taxi

Cabs do not usually stop when hailed down. There are cab stands at all major hotels and stations. Check that your cab has the official City of Los Angeles Taxicab Seal, which ensures that it is insured, inspected and driven by a trained driver. If not, it is illegal. The website below provides all the necessary information, with company listings, phone numbers and service areas.

To order a cab in advance:
Taxi Yellow Cab LA County
+1 323 792 9494

United Taxi
+1 800 822 8294

Other options for lower fares are the rideshare companies Uber, Lyft, and Curb. For airport services: Jayride and Wingz.

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Post

Post offices are located throughout the city. Call to find the post office closest to you, or simply drop your mail in one of the multiple bright-yellow post boxes scattered around town.

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Phone: +1 800 275 8777

Website: www.usps.com

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Pharmacy

The most common chain pharmacies in LA are Walgreens, Rite Aid and Horton and Converse. Some pharmacies operate 24/7, so make sure to locate one in your neighborhood. Stand-alone pharmacies are common, but some can be found inside larger department stores.

The centrally-located (and world-famous) Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has a 24-hour emergency room.

Address: Walgreens, 617 West 7th Street, Los Angeles, CA

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Phone: +1 213 694 2880

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Electricity

110V/60Hz. Plug details: American style plug with two perpendicular flat blades.

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Telephone

Country code: +1

Area code: L.A. now has Seven Area Codes. Downtown uses the original 213. The rest of the city is divided into 310 (West of La Cienega Boulevard), 818 (San Fernando Valley), 626 (East), 562 (some areas in the South and East) and 323.

For directory inquiries call 411.

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