Fort Lauderdale
Overview of Fort Lauderdale
Known as the ‘Venice of America,’ Fort Lauderdale is a city of islands, built on a network of canals, rivers, bays, and waterways. With 23 miles (37km) of beaches, this is a popular stop for cruise ships in Florida. This sophisticated yet casual resort town situated in the heart of the Gold Coast, attracts families and couples from all over the United States, and beyond.
Boating is a favourite Fort Lauderdale pastime, as is cycling, or simply strolling along the beachfront promenade. Near Fort Lauderdale, divers can enjoy one of the only living coral reefs in the United States accessible from shore. There are sporting facilities galore throughout the city, particularly the world renown golf courses.
Those in search of culture will be captivated by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the Florida Grand Opera, the annual Film Festival, and numerous art galleries and museums. Fort Lauderdale’s downtown shopping street is the broad avenue of Las Olas along the river, lined with fashion boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and sidewalk cafes. Diners are supremely well catered for, with more than 3,500 restaurants covering greater Fort Lauderdale. These range from intimate cafes to al fresco waterfront terraces, quaint bistros, and ethnic eateries to cosy steakhouses. As with most of Florida, the local treat is fresh seafood.
Fort Lauderdale’s facilities and attractions will please any visitor on holiday, and if that is not enough, the exciting city of Miami lies only 40 miles (64km) away, perfect for a day trip.
Key Facts
- Language:
- English is the most common language spoken but Spanish is often heard in the south-western states.
- Passport/Visa:
It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from them travel destination. A visa is required for short visits unless travellers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need to register online three days before travel and have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP.
As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Plugs are mainly the type with two flat pins, though three-pin plugs (two flat parallel pins and a rounded pin) are also widely used. European appliances without dual-voltage capabilities will require an adapter.
Travel to Fort Lauderdale
Climate for Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale enjoys a tropical rainforest climate, with little variation in temperature throughout the year. The average monthly low temperatures seldom drop below 66F (19C) year-round. Summer, between May and October, is the wet season, with high humidity and average high temperatures of between 86F (30C) and 90F (32C). Most of Fort Lauderdale’s rain comes in the form of afternoon thunderstorms. Winters, between November and April, are a bit cooler and drier, although some rain is still likely. The average high temperatures between November and April hover more comfortably around 75F (24C) and 82F (28C). The hurricane season runs from June to November, with major storms most likely to hit between September and October.
7 day forecast for Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
| Wednesday Dec. 18, 2024 | Thursday Dec. 19, 2024 | Friday Dec. 20, 2024 | Saturday Dec. 21, 2024 | Sunday Dec. 22, 2024 | Monday Dec. 23, 2024 | Tuesday Dec. 24, 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hi: 79°F Lo: 72°F  Scattered clouds | Hi: 79°F Lo: 68°F Mostly sunny | Hi: 79°F Lo: 65°F  Partly cloudy | Hi: 72°F Lo: 56°F  Overcast | Hi: 72°F Lo: 59°F  Broken clouds | Hi: 76°F Lo: 65°F Overcast | Hi: 76°F Lo: 70°F Overcast |
Health Notes when travelling to United States of America
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. Visitors must be fully vaccinated with the primary series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to travel to the United States by plane if they are non-U.S. citizens.
Safety Notes when travelling to United States of America
Travel within the United States is generally trouble-free, though travellers should be aware that the US shares with the rest of the world, an increased threat from terrorist incidents. Security has been heightened, particularly at airports. Restrictions on hand luggage apply and travellers are advised to check on the latest situation with airlines in advance. Travellers should also be alert to the dangers of car and street crime in cities and should use common sense and take basic precautions. Hurricanes are common between June and November, putting the southern USA, including the Gulf Coast and the eastern US at risk. There is a risk of wildfires in many dry areas in the US, particularly on the West Coast from March to November.
Customs in United States of America
Laws vary from state to state, including speed limit, fines and punishment. The age at which alcohol may be legally bought and consumed is 21 years.
Duty Free in United States of America
Travellers to the United States who are returning residents of the country do not have to pay duty on articles purchased abroad to the value of $800 provided their stay was longer than 48 hours and their duty-free allowance was not used in the 30-day period prior. For passengers arriving from Samoa, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, a duty-free allowance of $1,600 is allowed. The following items are included in this: 50 cigarettes and 10 cigars and 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages or 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of perfume containing alcohol. Restrictions may apply to goods from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Burma (Myanmar), Angola, Liberia and Sudan. It is prohibited to import Cuban cigars from any country.
Travellers to the United States who are non-residents do not have to pay duty on the following items: 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes and gifts to the value of $100 provided their stay in the USA is not less than 72 hours and that the allowance has not been used in the preceding six-month period.
Prohibited items for residents and non-residents include meat or meat products, poultry, narcotics, absinthe, plants, seeds, vegetables, fruits, soil, live insects and other living plants or animal pests. Fish is prohibited unless it carries disease-free certification. Wildlife and animals or their by-products carry restrictions. Dairy products and eggs from specified countries are not allowed. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed without the necessary license and permit.
Doing Business in United States of America
In such a large country, filled with so many diverse groups, business practices may differ according to each state, however rarely to any large degree. The East Coast is traditionally more formal than the West Coast, though in states such as California, dress code and conservative appearance are as common as they would be in New York. Punctuality is important throughout the country and it is considered rude to be late for a meeting. Gift-giving is uncommon as it may be construed as bribery. Appropriate titles (Mr, Mrs, Ms) are used upon introduction and until otherwise stated. Americans favour politeness and greetings of ‘Hello’ and ‘How are you?’ are often expressed with sincerity. Business hours may vary in each state, but an 8am start and 5pm finish Monday to Friday is the most common with an hour over lunch.
Status and age are not necessarily indicative of seniority, nor do they carry much weight in themselves. Those doing business in the States should be mindful of this fact; foreigners should never make assumptions about someone’s position or rank. Best practice is to be respectful to all parties. That said, the US upholds a hierarchal business structure, in which ‘the boss’ is the ultimate decision-maker. Senior leaders have the power of the last word, and can go against the grain just as easily as they can follow popular opinion. Foreigners should concentrate on winning over this individual, even if the greater group seems unsupportive. Americans value a direct style of communication. In this fast-paced, consumer culture ‘time is money’, and small-talk is viewed as unnecessary and wasteful. It’s best for foreigners to get to the point quickly, speak about issues in a frank and open manner, and to avoid taking offence if someone questions or challenges them outright.
Communication in United States of America
The international country dialling code for the United States is +1. Mobile networks cover most of the country, especially all urban areas, and WiFi is widely available.
Tipping in United States of America
A 15 percent tip is expected by taxi drivers, bartenders, hairdressers and waiters, but travellers shouldn’t tip in fast-food or self-service restaurants. In expensive restaurants or for large parties, the tip should be 20 percent of the bill. It is normal to tip staff such as valets and porters in hotels; this is discretionary, although a minimum of $5 is expected. Most services are customarily tipped if the service is good.
Passport/Visa Note
It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from them travel destination. A visa is required for short visits unless travellers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need to register online three days before travel and have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP.
As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
The most important requirement on entering the U.S. is providing proof of Canadian citizenship. A valid Canadian passport is the best document to prove Canadian citizenship and the right to return to Canada. However, several other documents can serve, depending on the mode of transport. Generally, Canadian citizens do not require visitor, business, transit or other visas to enter the United States from Canada, though there are some exceptions.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay. Most passport holders can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) through the Visa Waiver Programme, which allows travel to the US for up to 90 days. The VWP includes tourism, certain types of business visit and transit to another country.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. If visiting the US for fewer than 90 days, Australian nationals may be eligible to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), and enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Passports must be valid for duration of stay. Irish nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
Passports must be valid for duration of stay. New Zealand nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South Africans must hold a passport valid for duration of stay. A visa is required.
Getting around in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The easiest way to get around Fort Lauderdale is by car. The city is set up on a grid and is easy to navigate. Hiring a bicycle is also a popular option, as biking is an efficient way to cover downtown Fort Lauderdale and the beach. There are bicycle lanes in some of the main tourist areas. However, those driving or cycling should note that the east side of Fort Lauderdale, between downtown and the beach, is crisscrossed with canals, which can only be crossed by bridge, making a good map vital. Broward County Transit (BCT) provides bus service in Fort Lauderdale, although tourists sometimes find the service frustratingly slow or limited. The Sun Trolley offers seven free routes around Fort Lauderdale. Most useful to tourists is the Downtown Link, which operates between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, every 15 to 20 minutes.
Airports in Fort Lauderdale
Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
Palm Beach International Airport
http://www.pbia.org
Location: Fort Lauderdale The airport is located six miles (10km) west of Palm Beach.
Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).
Contacts: Tel: +1 561 471 7420.
Getting to the city: There is a public bus service, Palm Tran, connecting to various points in the Palm Beach area, departing from Level 1. Shuttles are available to take passengers to West Palm Beach and connect with TriRail, which runs trains to Miami, and the Amtrak station. From there, passengers will find rail services to a number of US cities near and far. Taxis, door-to-door shuttles, and rental cars are available and many hotels provide transport for guests. A few mobile app based taxi services are available, although some are restricted from the airport.
Car rental: Car rental companies represented at the airport include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, Thrifty and National.
Airport Taxis: Taxi companies are available and can be booked in advance. Ground transportation desks are located at each end of the terminal.
Facilities: Facilities at the airport include bars, shops and restaurants, a spa, ATMs and currency exchange facilities. The Traveler’s Service Center on the second floor offers meeting rooms and business facilities, including fax, internet and photocopying. Disabled facilities are good; those with special needs should contact their airline in advance.
Parking: Parking rates at the airport range from $7 a day in the Economy Lot, to $30 a day in the Premium Lot. Parking that is distant from the terminal is serviced by regular shuttle buses. Short-term parking has a maximum charge of $17 a day.
Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL)
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
http://www.broward.org/airport
Location: Fort Lauderdale The airport is located 26 miles (42km) north of Miami and six miles (10km) from downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).
Contacts: Tel: +1 954 359 1200
Transfer between terminals: Free shuttles ferry passengers between the terminals from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week. If changing terminals, travellers may have to go through security again.
Getting to the city: Shared shuttle vans with GO Airport Shuttle can be booked at the transportation desks located in each terminal. They offer a door-to-door service from the airport to most local destinations. Broward County Transit (BCT) bus services and TriRail feeder buses operate from bus stops outside the terminal buildings. The TriRail train service connects the airport with Miami-Dade County. Taxis are available outside each terminal. Many major rental car companies are located at the Rental Car Centre.
Car rental: Car rental companies, such as Avis, Budget, Dollar, National, and Hertz are located at the Rental Car Centre. Passengers arriving at Terminal 1 should follow the signs to the Concourse B Pedestrian Bridge. All other terminals have a shuttle bus service located on the baggage claim level that ferries passengers to the Rental Car Centre.
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available from the lower level outside each terminal. Rate comparison charts are posted at the Transportation Booths located outside the baggage claim area of each terminal.
Facilities: There are ATMs, currency exchanges, shops, bars, and restaurants throughout the airport. Each terminal has a business centre, with fax and photocopy facilities available in the Terminal 2 business centre. Disabled facilities are good; those with special needs should contact their airline in advance. There are also pet relief areas and medical services.
Parking: There is ample short and long-term parking available adjacent to the terminal. Hourly parking is charged at $3 every hour up to $36 per day, and daily rates are similar with a daily limit of $15. The Palm and Hibiscus parking garages are also convenient and connected to all four terminals.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
