Here are some important things to know for your visit to Los Angeles. For further information not covered here, please call this 24-hour multilingual hotline at (213).689.8822

International Travelers Tips

Services for the Physically Challenged
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority operates buses equipped with automatic wheelchair lifts. For information, call 213.626.4455. Hearing-impaired persons with a TDD/TTY machine may call 800.252.9040.

The Los Angeles County Commission on Disabilities provides telephone referrals and information for the disabled, 213.974.1053. TDD users may call 213.974.1707.

The California Relay Service for the Hearing Impaired may be reached at 800.735.2922 (voice), or TDD/TTY at (800).735.2929.

What to Pack
LA is a sophisticated playground with a sense of style. When planning what to pack, remember that "smart casual" dress is now the norm. You can still pack T-shirts (one black and one white) and jeans, but also bring a light jacket to wear over them. And pack lots of black. "Black is the basic color of fashion in LA," says Sandy Potter of Design Directions West. For beaches and theme parks, almost anything goes.

Tipping
A gratuity charge is not automatically included in the bill at restaurants and other establishments, unless it is noted on the check. Tipping is voluntary, but adding 15% to 20% for restaurant and taxi service is customary.

Smoking and Drinking
Smoking is not allowed in most public buildings, including restaurants. A growing number of restaurants have set up outdoor seating areas, and some of those accommodate smokers.

The minimum age for purchasing alcohol is 21. Proof of age is often required. Liquor may not be purchased, served or consumed in public establishments between 2 am and 6 am.

For International Travelers

Electrical Current
The electrical current in the US is 110 volts A/C (the plugs are flat). It is recommended that you buy a converter before entering the country.

Legal Holidays
Most government offices and many businesses will be closed on the following Holidays; New Year's Day, January 1; Martin Luther King Jr.; Lincoln's Birthday; Washington's Birthday, third Monday in February; Memorial Day Observed, last Monday in May; Independence Day, July 4; Labor Day, first Monday in September; Columbus Day Observed, second Monday in October; Veteran's Day, November 11; Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday of November; Christmas Day, December25.

Postal Rates
Standard domestic postage is 37 cents for a first-class letter and 20 cents for a postcard. The rate for an international standard air mail letter weighing up to one ounce is 52 cents to Canada 46 cents to Mexico and 90 cents to all other countries. Postcards to Canada are 45 cents and to Mexico are 40 cents. Postcards to all other countries are 55 cents.

Telephones
When calling from one area code to another, dial 1, followed the area code and 7-digit telephone number. There are two types of public telephones: coin-operated and credit card. International and collect calls may be made from any telephone. A local telephone call generally costs 35 cents. If you are calling outside the local area, you will be instructed on how much to deposit after dialing the number. Check your local distance calling card or directions posted on the telephone for instructions on billing calls to your long distance account. Toll-free numbers connect the caller free of charge to a company's reservation information centers. The 800/888 numbers apply to calls within the US, or exclusively to California when designated as "CA: 800" in this web site.