Tag: budget
Settled in 1825, Miami is the southernmost city in the contiguous United States and the second most populated in the state of Florida. It is known as the ‘Magic City’ because it’s massive and seemingly overnight growth, and has a reputation around the world for its beautiful beaches, stunning ocean views, incredible nightlife, and a culture that differs from everywhere else in the country. This is a large part of the reason that the best areas to stay in Miami have become a playground for the rich and famous. Countless celebrities flock here on both a permanent and part-time basis, to make the most of the exclusive destinations in a luxurious tropical paradise. It is also a major contributing factor to why Miami is the second most visited city in America, behind only New York City, with around 80 million tourists making the trip each year. Unfortunately, this reputation has led to prices in many parts of the city skyrocketing, with everything from food and drink to accommodation and tourist attractions costing significantly more than they do elsewhere. That’s why, in today’s article, I am going to give you our 15 top tips to visit Miami on a budget, which should help make your dream holiday just that little bit more affordable – especially if you are backpacking Miami. (Psst. if this is your first visit to Maimi, take a peek at our top things to do in Miami – perfect for first-time visitors) Disclaimer: Almost all posts on this site contain affiliate links, and this one about 15+ Top Miami Travel Tips for Visiting Maimi on a Budget is no different. This means that if you click on any of the links in this post (and make a purchase) I may receive a small commission at absolutely no cost to you. Each post is carefully crafted to (hopefully!) answer all your questions and recommendations are made where we believe they will improve your trip and help with your planning. As such we thank you in advance should you decide to click & buy. Read my full Disclosure here. In This Post [show] GENERAL TRAVEL INFO FOR VISITORS TO THE USA Visa: Travelers from countries that are members of the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) do not require a visa when visiting the USA. However, it is recommended to check up-to-date visa entry requirements before your visit regardless of what country you are coming from to avoid issues and concerns on the date of your travel. Currency: The official currency in Miami Florida is the U.S. dollar or American dollar ($, USD, US$). You can withdraw currency from ATMs using your local bank card or a designated travel card. If you are visiting from another country, be sure to check any fees and charges from your bank prior to using it and carry a second source of payment/cash in case your primary card gets ‘eaten’ by an ATM. Language: English is the primary and most widely spoken language in the USA (although not the official one at the Federal level!) There are 350 other languages spoken, the main ones being Spanish, Chinese, French, and Vietnamese. WiFi/Internet Access: Depending on your length of stay, you can either purchase a local sim card (in advance or on arrival) – to swap out with the one in your own phone to avoid roaming charges. OR, grab a pay as you go portable Wifi Devices which means you can keep your sim active and connect wirelessly. Just remember to turn off data roaming so you don’t incur any hefty charges. OUR NO.1 TIP FOR VISITING MIAMI ON A BUDGET: AVOID MIAMI BEACH & SOUTH BEACH! Most visitors to the city will have heard of both Miami Beach and South Beach and will probably have fond opinions of them. I’m sure we have all seen countless movies and tv shows set here over the years. With guests lazing in luxurious, beachfront hotels, sipping drinks in private cabanas and generally living the high life, it paints a picture that this is what Miami is all about. However, while this will surely seem like a dream getaway, the price that accompanies it will be more like a nightmare for most. While many people may think you get what you pay for, there is also an element of paying simply for name recognition of the area here. These, and many of the similar beachfront locations, know that people will pay exorbitant fees to stay here, so have no need to offer any deals. If you’re traveling on a budget, there’s no need to blow everything on accommodation and then end up struggling for the rest of the trip. With plenty of great options further inland, as well as along less popular sections of the beaches, you will still be able to find a hotel that adds the finishing touches to your dream vacation, without breaking the bank. DON’T GO TOO CHEAP THOUGH While the desire to find great value accommodation will be immense for those on a budget, you need to be careful about what deal you decide to go for. If something looks too good to be true, chances are it probably is. While Miami is widely known for its beauty and exclusive resorts, it also has a darker side as well. Many of the cheapest options for accommodation in the city will be in areas like Overtown, Hialeah, or the Golden Triangle. Unfortunately, these are affordable for a reason, as many are among the most dangerous in all of America. That is why it’s always incredibly important to research the area you’re looking at, to make sure you don’t end up booking somewhere you regret. LEAVE THE CAR AT THE HOTEL While there are plenty of great places to see in Miami, exploring the city by car is often not the most cost-effective way to do it. Prices for parking in the more popular, built up districts is not only hard to find but also extremely expensive, with prices averaging around 7 dollars an hour. Luckily, Miami has plenty of great public transport options, such as the Metrobus,
