The following information and links will make your trip to California, and perhaps to the United States, as enjoyable and worry-free as possible!

Driving Tips

When driving in California, keep the following laws in mind:

Auto insurance is required - you must at least have liability insurance when renting a car.

Safety belts and harnessed child seats are required.

Rest areas are located periodically along interstate highways. Be careful when using these at night, but make sure to rest during long drives to avoid falling asleep at the wheel.

Expect travel delays in and around larger cities, particularly Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose. Rush hours last from approximately 7-9am and 3-7pm every weekday. Most highways have "carpool" lanes that are reserved for buses and autos carrying more than 2 or 3 people. Laws differ around the state, so pay close attention to signs. Fines for driving in these lanes without the correct amount of passengers are hefty.

Hitch-hiking is illegal on highway ramps, but is permitted in certain areas throughout the state. It is best to check with the California Highway Patrol before hitch-hiking in California.

Helmets are required for anyone driving a motorcycle. Motorcycles are permitted to drive between lanes on highways, so be extra careful when changing lanes in California.

When entering the state of California, visitors are required to pass through border checkpoints to declare any fruit or agricultural goods they may be carrying. It is best to discard of any fruit or vegetables before entering, as they will most likely be taken away from you. When entering through San Diego, you must also pass through Immigration.

Speed limits on most highways are 65 miles per hour, but check signs carefully. Within residential areas, speed limits are commonly 25 and 35 miles per hour. International drivers should keep in mind that speedometers are read as miles per hour, rather than as kilometers.

You can also visit the following sites for more information:
California Department of Transportation - Search for specific information on highways.
Snow Conditions - Search for snow and ski conditions within the state.               

Flying Tips

When flying in and out of California, keep the following tips in mind:
It is best to make a practice of calling the airlines to confirm your flight at least 48 hours in advance.
Each airline has specific recommendations and rules for checking-in before a flight, but generally try to be at the airport at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours prior to international flights. These times reflect the enforcement of new security measures in most airports.
Try to reserve seat assignments when booking your flights in order to avoid aggravation at the airport when few seats are left available.
Large airports such as Los Angeles' LAX and San Francisco's SFO can be extremely crowded and busy. Allow extra time for getting to these airports, as well as getting around within them once you arrive.                               

Electricity

The United States operates on 115 volt electrical systems at 60 hertz.You will need a voltage converter for you electrical appliances if they operate on a different voltage. Main wall plugs for 115 volts have two parallel flat blades. Different plugs require a socket converter in order to be plugged into the sockets within the U.S.                                          

Phone Calls

To call to the United States, or call from within California to another state or area code: dial 1+ area code+ local 7 digit telephone number. 
To call from within the same area code: dial the local number. 
To call out of the United States: dial 011+ country code+ area code+ local number.
Toll free numbers: dial 1+ 800+ 7 digit number.
Information/telephone directory: dial 411
Emergencies: dial 911                                                                                                                

Tipping

It is customary to tip for services in restaurants, bars and pubs, taxis and limos, and hotels. Tips are usually 15%, but the amount can range from 10% to 20% depending on the type and quality of service. Some restaurants will add the gratuity onto a check, especially for large parties, so check the bill carefully.  

Money

Dollar denominations:
US$1000
US$500
US$100
US$50
US$20
US$10
US$5
US$2
US$1                                                                                                          

Coin denominations:
US$1 = Susan B. Anthony coin
50cents = half dollar
25cents = quarter
10cents = dime
5cents = nickel
1cent = penny
(1 U.S. dollar = 100 cents)

Foreign Exchange Rates:

National Holidays

January 1 - New Year's Day - most businesses closed, government offices closed.
January, third Monday - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
February, third Monday - Presidents' Day (combined observance of George Washington's and Abraham Lincoln's birthdays) - government offices closed.
May, second Sunday - Mother's Day
May, last Monday - Memorial Day - government offices closed.
July 4 - Independence Day - government offices closed.
September, first Monday - Labor Day - government offices closed.
October, second Monday - Columbus Day - government offices closed.
November 11 - Veteran's Day - government offices closed.
November, fourth Thursday - Thanksgiving Day - most businesses closed, government offices closed Thursday and following Friday.
December 25 - Christmas Day - most businesses closed, government offices closed.