Author: editor-travel
Many people are unsure about how much to tip in the US . First, know that tips in the United States are “optional,” but everyone does, as waiters and waitresses depend heavily on what customers give (for the enterprise, they are paid minimum wage or less). Rarely, and unlike in Brazil, the tip is added to the final bill, so make a calculation of around 15% of the total amount for lunch and 20% for dinner, and give it to the person who served you.
As has been said before, the law in Miami and the USA is applied to the extreme. There are three corporations to enforce the law there: the county sheriffs, the highway patrol, and the city police. All people (locals and tourists) are under their watch, who are generally very friendly and helpful, always promoting the idea of a touristy and relaxed Miami. You can count on them if you need any help or information. For the smooth running of your trip, just avoid contradicting them or disobeying the established rules.
The queues at many Miami nightclubs are really huge, and you lose valuable minutes waiting in them. Ask your hotel manager for tips to enter a club as a VIP, or at least cut the queue at one. They often get this sort of thing if you ask nicely and in advance, as they have relationships with these ventures.
Miami has one of the highest incidences of AIDS in the United States, and in this region you cannot have sex without a condom. Residents have tried to raise collective awareness, offering free jars of condoms in various bars around the city, among other sporadic campaigns.
If you forgot to bring sunscreen to Miami, go buy it the first chance you get. There is no shortage of pharmacies, convenience stores and supermarkets that sell them. The city’s sun is very hot and strong, even in winter, and it is essential to protect yourself. Even for those who don’t go to the beach, it’s important to pass and reapply the protector several times throughout the day. Burns can disrupt your trip and it costs nothing to prevent!
To avoid being robbed or even bothered by sellers or beggars, the tip is not to look lost. The famous “tourist face” should be avoided, because that way you end up mixing with the crowd of natives and not being disturbed. Another tip is not to carry so many things in your hand at the same time, such as a purse, cell phone, camera, maps and other items, even for safety reasons.
Like any big city, Miami has some more dangerous areas that are best avoided. Most of them are north of greater Miami, but the “Black Grove”, which is a few blocks away from Coco Village, is also quite dangerous.
It is strictly prohibited for anyone under 21 to consume or purchase alcohol in the US. It is also forbidden to consume them on the beaches, and that goes for people of any age. Driving under the influence of alcohol is also strictly prohibited (as in Brazil), and the Miami police usually set up roadblocks and traffic blitzes in the city’s roads and bridges, to catch those who do not comply with the imposition. The law there is pretty strict there, so don’t risk breaking any of these rules, because you can get caught and the consequences are enough to spoil the whole trip.
Despite being a very open city and full of LGBT places, there are still very conservative neighborhoods in Miami. In peripheral areas, far from Miami Beach, greater Miami and Key West, the state of Florida can be a bit prejudiced. Take special care in these areas, as you may see discrimination against people who are “different” in some way.
Islamorada is also a city close to Miami. Right on the way between Key Weyt and Key Largo is the famous little town called Islamorada. The place is a paradise for Florida residents who want a quiet place to enjoy with the family during the summer, but away from the crowds of Key West. Those who come to Islamorada will find smaller hotels, an option to stay overnight with breakfast at the locals’ homes, small inns and a calm sea to enjoy the summer. The city close to Miami, Islamorada offers visitors options for water activities and direct contact with nature in the Keys Islands in Florida
