Information Office
Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, 701 Brickell Avenue, Suite 2700, Miami (Tel: 305/539-3000) 

Local Information and Customs
The street level floor, or ground floor of a building is called the first floor.  The date is written in the following order - month/day/year; thus 15th June 1972 would be written 06/15/72.  Smoking is often restricted in public buildings and in some public areas.

National Cuisine

Such is the enormous cultural and geographical diversity of the American continent that cuisine is defined by region or culture of origin, rather than the ingredients used.   

The diverse cultural landscape that distinguishes the USA from most other countries means that most styles of cooking are available and popular throughout the country, whatever their origin.  Historically though there are distinct regional styles.

The southern states are dominated by Latin American (particularly Mexican) and Caribbean influences, although native Indian heritage (especially Creole) is still a massive influence.  Along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts a whole range of seafood is available (some remain exclusive to particular areas - for instance the Stone Crab is exclusive to Florida and certain prawns are found only off the coast of Washington state in the northwest of the country).   

Fresh seafood is harder to come by inland and it is here that, traditionally, cattle (once upon a time, buffalo) are the main source of meat.   

Throughout the country traditional American breakfasts/brunch are served.  Multiple courses of fresh fruit, cereal, waffles (sweet or savoury), fish, fried bacon, eggs, sausages, tomatoes, beans, mushrooms, etc.  can be topped off with ice cream or yoghurt.

National Drink

Bottled beer is very popular, as are Californian wines and malt whiskies. Brand named soft drinks are a popular, refreshing alternative to alcoholic beverages.

Places of Interest

Metro-Dade Center
101 W.Flagler Street.
Contains many arts venues including the Center for the Fine Arts and the Historical Museum of Southern Florida.

Miamarina
The Cuban Museum of Art and Culture
1300 SW.12th Avenue, Little Havana. 

Parrot Jungle
Red Road, South Miami. - Free-flying tropical birds and bird shows. 

Bayside Market Place 

Miami Seaquarium
4400 Rickenbacker Causeway. 

Fashion District
East of I-95 along 5th Avenue from 25th to 29th Street.

Miami Free Zone
2305 NW 107th Avenue. - Duty free goods for export. 

Everglades National Park
Route 9336, 17km (10 miles) west of Homestead. - Largest US subtropical wildness. 

Coconut Grove Convention Center
2700 S. Bayshore Drive, at Dinner Key Marina. - Antiques, boat and home furnishing shows.

Shopping  
Predominantly department stores and shopping malls selling all imaginable consumer goods.  The USA is the shoppers paradise!

Airport  
Miami International Airport (MIA) is 11 km (7 miles) northwest of the city.  

Transfer from airport to city center  

Bus  
Super Shuttle service:  
Fare approx. USD10.  
Metro Bus, service number 7 (between 05.26 and 21.07 Mon-Fri):  
Journey time approx. 40-45 minutes, fare approx. USD2.  

Taxi  
Visitors are advised to agree the fare before the start of the journey.  
Journey time approx. 30 minutes, fare approx. USD20.  

Airport car rental desk tel nos.  

Avis  
305/637-4900  

National  
305/638-1026  

Hertz  
305/871-0300  

Car rental city office tel nos.  

Avis  
305/670-2847  

Hertz  
305/354-3477  

Car Rental Documentation Requirements  
Foreign drivers licences are accepted at most car rental companies and locations. Foreign international permits are acceptable only when presented with a valid licence and a valid passport with photo.  Most companies require renters to be at least 25 years old, although some may rent to drivers of 21 years.  Payment is normally by major credit cards.  

Departure Tax  
International Departures USD12.80. Domestic Departures USD6.40. Ticketable Tax included in the price of the ticket.