Los Angeles & Southern California - Andrea Schulte-Peevers [352]
Japan (Map; 213-617-6700; 350 S Grand Ave, Suite 1700) Downtown.
Netherlands (off Map; 310-268-1598; 11766 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1150) Near Westwood.
New Zealand (off Map; 310-566-6555; 2425 Olympic Blvd, Suite 600E) Santa Monica.
UK (off Map; 310-481-0031; 11766 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1200) Near Westwood.
Money
For exchange rates, see the inside cover of this book. For an overview of how much things cost in Southern California, Click here.
You can exchange money at airports, some banks and currency-exchange offices such as American Express and Travelex. Always enquire about rates and fees. In rural areas, exchanging money may be a problem, so make sure you have plenty of cash, a credit card or US-dollar traveler’s checks on hand.
Usually the best and quickest way to obtain cash is by using ATMs, which are ubiquitous and accessible around the clock. Most are linked to international networks such as Cirrus, Plus, Star and Maestro. Most charge a small transaction fee and your own bank may impose additional charges.
Credit cards are almost universally accepted and, in fact, you’ll find it hard or impossible to rent a car, book a room or order tickets over the phone without one. A credit card may also be vital in emergencies. Most ATMs also spit out cash if you use your credit card, but it’s expensive because, in addition to a steep service fee, you’ll be charged interest immediately on the entire statement-period’s balance (ie there’s no grace period as with purchases).
For exact fees, check with your bank or credit-card company.
Traveler’s checks have pretty much fallen out of use. Big-city restaurants, hotels and large stores generally accept US-dollar traveler’s check, same as cash, but clerks at small businesses, markets and fast-food chains may be unfamiliar with them and refuse to honor them.
Post
The US Postal Service (USPS; www.usps.com) is inexpensive and reliable. Postcards and standard letters up to 1oz (about 30g) cost 41¢ within the US, 69¢ to Canada and Mexico and 90¢ to all other countries. Postal rates increase by a couple of pennies every few years. For other rates, zip (postal) codes and general information, stop by any post office, call the USPS toll-free helpline ( 800-275-8777) or visit the website.
Mail can be sent general delivery (poste restante) to any post office that has its own zip code. There is no charge, but you must show photo identification when picking up mail. Post offices will hold mail for 10 days.
Telephone
PAY PHONES
Public pay phones are a dying breed and are usually coin-operated, although some accept credit cards and the fanciest ones (usually found at airports) have data ports for accessing the internet using your laptop. Local calls usually cost 35¢ minimum and increase with the distance and length of call. In most cases you’ll be better off using a prepaid phonecard, sold in convenience stores, supermarkets, newsstands and electronics stores. Be sure to read the fine print for hidden fees; a surcharge of about 30¢ for calls made from pay phones is normal.
PHONE CODES
US phone numbers consist of a three-letter area code followed by a seven-digit local number. When dialing a number within the same area code, just punch in the seven-digit number. Long-distance calls must be preceded by 1. For direct international calls, dial 011 plus the country code plus the area code plus the local phone number. If you’re calling from abroad the country code for the US is 1.
For local directory assistance, dial 800-373-3411. For directory assistance outside your area code, dial 1 plus the area code plus 555-1212; this is charged as a long-distance call. For international assistance, dial 00.
Toll-free numbers begin with 800, 866, 877 or 888 and must be preceded by 1. Most can only be used within the USA, some only within the state, and some only outside the state. To find any toll-free number, call 800-555-1212 (no charge).
CELL PHONES
Cell (mobile) phones operate on GSM 1900. If your home country uses a different standard, you’ll need a multiband