St. Petersburg (Florida)

Introduction

St. Petersburg is a popular holiday destination in Florida which attracts mainly North American tourists and retirees. Sunny year-round, it's not strange it sports the nickname "The Sunshine City". The city is located on a peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Mexican gulf. With water on three sides of the city, St. Pete is a superb location for fishing, sailing, and wandering beaches.

Saint Petersburg was founded by John C. Williams from Detroit, Michigan, who purchased the land in 1876. The town began with the help of Peter Demens, who was instrumental in bringing a railroad connection there in 1888. Saint Petersburg was named after the Saint Petersburg in Russia, the birthplace of Peter Demens. A local legend says that John C. Williams and Peter Demens flipped a coin to see who would have the honor of naming the city. Peter Demens won and named the city after his birthplace, while John C. Williams named the first hotel after his birthplace, Detroit. The Detroit Hotel still exists downtown, but it was converted into condos in 2002.

The city publishes the free "Downtown St.Petersburg Guide & Map" booklet, updated each season, that contains maps, trolley routes, and listings for hundreds of museums, events, restaurants, & hotels along with coupons. You can find the guide in dispensers throughout downtown and in many businesses.

A pier has been at the center of the St. Petersburg waterfront for over a decade. In 1973, a 4-story building in the shape of an inverted pyramid was constructed at the end of the existing pier and became a city icon for the next four decades. However, the rest of the pier structure dated to 1926 and required an increasing amount of money for repairs. In 2010, the city decided that the money needed to repair the pier and give it an additional 20 years of usable life was too much and that, instead, the pier would be entirely replaced. The inverted pyramid closed to the public on the night of May 31, 2013 and is expected to be demolished later in the year. The approach to the building will remain open for public use until then. The replacement design chosen by the city council is a modern metal-clad pedestrian walkway and amphitheater in the shape of a loop, expected to be opened in late 2014 or 2015. However, city residents have tried to force a vote on the replacement design and thrown up several legal challenges, which may significantly delay the construction/opening of a replacement.

Sights and Activities

• Salvador Dali Museum, One Dali Blvd. South, ☎ +1 727 823-3767, e-mail: [email protected]. M-W & Sa 9:30AM-5:30PM, Th 9:30AM-8PM, F 9:30AM-6:30PM, Su Noon-5:30PM. In November 2011 the Dali museum opened in a new building located on the downtown waterfront between the Mahaffey Theater & Albert Witted Airport and built to protect the collection from a Category 5 hurricane! From huge canvases to portraits of the Spanish artist, this museum hosts the largest collection of Dali artwork in the United States. Admission, as of October 2011, is: $21 adults; $19 seniors 65+; $15 students 18+ (with acceptable student ID); $15 youth (13-17); $7 children (6-12); and free for children 5 and under. On Thursdays, admission is just $10 from 5PM to closing.
• Sunken Gardens. A lush oasis of plant life in the heart of Saint Petersburg. The garden offers a maze of paths through dense vegetation, with the lowest point in the garden at least 15 feet below street level. It was originally a lake drained by a plumber who charged nickels to enter, but became a roadside attraction for many years until falling into disrepair. In 1999 the city of Saint Petersburg bought the property and began restorations. The Great Explorations Children's Museum now inhabits a building on the property as well.
• Fort DeSoto Park. A grand stretch of beaches and wilderness at the southwest edge of Saint Petersburg. Named for the historic Fort DeSoto, the park offers fishing, camping, recreation areas, and several miles of undeveloped beach area.
• Don CeSar Hotel. This majestic pink colossus radiates gold as the sun sets over the Gulf. Once used as a R&R hospital during World War II, this high-scale resort offers boutiques, an ice-cream shop, and beautiful beach access along Gulf Blvd. in St. Pete Beach.
• Florida Holocaust Museum. Located at 55 Fifth Street South. Hours are 10AM-5PM with the last admission at 4PM. Founded by Walter and Edie Loebenberg, the museum opened in 1992. It moved to its current site in 1998.
• Chihuly Collection presented by Morean Arts Center, 400 Beach Drive NE, ☎ +1 727 896-4527. Mo-We & Fr-Sa 10AM - 6PM; Th 10AM - 8PM; Su 12PM - 6PM. A permanent collection of glass art by the world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly.
• Church by the Sea, 495 137th Ave Cir. The bell-tower of the church looks like a surprised duck.

Events and Festivals

Holidays

• New Year’s Eve - The US celebrates the outgoing of the old year and incoming of the New Year quite dramatically. Every state boasts its own parties to ring in the New Year, but none is more extravagant than New York’s Time Square, which sees people overflowing into the neighboring restaurants, bars, parks, beaches, and neighborhoods.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day (officially Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. and sometimes referred to as MLK Day) is an American federal holiday marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around King's birthday, January 15. The holiday is similar to holidays set under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. The earliest Monday for this holiday is January 15 and the latest is January 21. King was the chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal and state law.
• St Patrick’s Day - March 17 celebrates the US’s large Irish population. Many cities around the country boast boisterous parades and Irish-themed parties, especially New York and Chicago, where the river is dyed green. Be wary of the drunkenness that dominates as this is definitely a party-day.
• Memorial Day - Memorial Day is an important holiday throughout the United States, but not for crazy festivities. Parades commemorating wartime heroes are often held and the day is also the ‘unofficial’ start of summer. Most visitors follow the crowds to parks and beaches, which are capped off with informal BBQs.
• Independence Day - Also known as the Fourth of July, Independence Day celebrates the US’s break from the British during the 18th century. Barbecues, street parties, beach trips, and weekend getaways are commonplace to appreciate freedom.
• Labor Day is a public holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September. It honors the American labor movement and the contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity, laws, and well-being of the country. It is the Monday of the long weekend known as Labor Day Weekend. It is recognized as a federal holiday. Beginning in the late 19th century, as the trade union and labor movements grew, trade unionists proposed that a day be set aside to celebrate labor.
• Halloween - Halloween is a fun holiday on October 31 for all generations to dress up in costumes and relive their youth. Children walk around the neighborhood trick-or-treating for candy, while adults attend parties. Other seasonal events include haunted houses, pumpkin farms and carving, and corn mazes.
• Thanksgiving - On the fourth Thursday in November, Thanksgiving is held in almost every home in the US. Tourists will have a hard time finding anything to do as the country essentially shuts down in observation. A typical Thanksgiving meal consists of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie commemorating the original Pilgrim’s feast at Plymouth Rock.
• Christmas - On December 25, Christians celebrate Christmas as the pinnacle of their calendar by attending church and opening gifts from Santa Claus. Almost everything shuts down to promote family togetherness. The northern regions hope to experience a “white Christmas,” with trees and festive lights blanketed by snow.

Sport

• Super Bowl Sunday - the world’s most watched sporting event and one of the highest grossing TV days of the year, Superbowl Sunday is a spectacular extravaganza. Held the first Sunday in February, the Superbowl is the final playoff game between the NFL’s top two teams. The venue rotates every year around America, yet the local parties seem to remain. Pubs, bars and restaurants are great places to enjoy the Superbowl or locals throw their own parties with different variations of betting.
• The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball (MLB) in North America, contested since 1903 between the American League (AL) champion team and the National League (NL) champion team. The winner of the World Series championship is determined through a best-of-seven playoff, and the winning team is awarded the Commissioner's Trophy. As the series is played during the fall season in North America, it is sometimes referred to as the Fall Classic.

Weather

St. Petersburg has a humid subtropical climate (Koppen Cfa), closely bordering a tropical savanna climate, with a definite rainy season from June through September. St. Petersburg, like the rest of the Tampa Bay area, is occasionally affected by tropical storms and hurricanes. However, the last time a hurricane directly struck the city was in 1946. Many portions of St. Petersburg, especially along the bay and in south St. Petersburg, have tropical micro-climates. Due to this, royal palms and coconut palms, as well as other tropical plants can be found throughout the city, and the city is home to the Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum, a 2-acre park which houses over 500 palms and cycads[96], including a pair of large Jamaican Tall coconut palms which predate the freeze of 1989.

Getting There

By Plane

The nearest airport is the Albert Whitted airport (SPG) which is actually located on the peninsula.

For commercial use, the bigger St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is of convenience. Air Transat has seasonal flights to/from Halifax, while Allegient Air serves most destinations, among which Chattanooga, Chicago, Des Moines, Grand Rapids, Greensboro, South Bend and a few other region airports throughout the (south)eastern parts of the US.
Seacoast Airlines serves Key West, while Sunwing Airlines has flights to Toronto. Finally, US3000 Airlines has flights to/from Chicago, Cleveland and St. Louis.

Tampa International Airport (TPA IATA), has a much wider selection of airlines and more frequent arrivals and departures and is just 10mi (16km) across the bay. TIA can be reached by taking I-275 across the Howard Frankland bridge and taking the first exit, State Road 60/Veterans Expwy, north.

By Train

While Saint Petersburg has no railway station on its own, nearby Tampa is served by Amtrak via its Silver Service between Miami and New York City. A thruway bus service is available, arriving at Corner of US 19 and 110 Ave near Pinellas Park Square Shopping Center.

By Car

The primary route in and out of the city is Interstate 275. I-275 runs north to Tampa and connects with Interstate 4 (Orlando, East Coast) and Interstate 75. I-275 runs south over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge to Bradenton and connects with Interstate 75 heading south to Sarasota, Ft.Meyers, Naples, and South Florida.

By Bus

Greyhound Bus Lines has a stop at 180 Dr Martin Luther King Jr St N St. Phone number: +1 727-898-1496. You can walk four blocks south to catch the Central Avenue trolley to the beach or east towards the pier.

Getting Around

By Car

There are over 25,000 available public parking spaces in St. Petersburg. Metered parking spaces along streets in downtown and at parking lots along the bay. There are also several public parking garages in downtown. As of October 2011, the rates along the Pier are $0.75/hr.

Many international rental companies have a wide selection of rental cars and these include Hertz, Avis, Dollar, Thrifty, Enterprise, Budget and Alamo/National. Most companies will require you are at least 25 years of age, although younger people might be able to rent cars at slightly higher rates and with some insurance differences as well. A national driver's license is usually enough, but an additional international one is recommended. Also note that it usually costs more to include lots of other extra things. For example extra drivers, GPS, the first full tank, SLI (Supplemental Liability Insurance), PAI (Personal Accident Insurance, usually covered already at home), road assistance/service plan, and drop-off costs for one-way rentals.
If you want to book a car, it is recommended that you book your car before arriving in the USA. This is almost always (much) cheaper compared to just showing up. Also, try and book with a so-called 'broker', which usually works together with a few or many car rental companies and can offer the best deal. Some examples include Holidayautos, Holidaycars and Sunny Cars. Some of the cheapest deals to book from Europe, includes Drive-USA, which also has a German version.

For more information and tips about renting cars and campers, additional costs, insurance, traffic rules, scenic routes and getting maps and fuel it is advised to check the USA Getting Around section.

By Public Transport

Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, the county-wide bus system called PSTA. Their phone number is: +1 727 540-1900. The buses run daily from 6AM-8PM Sun-Thurs and 6AM-midnight Fri & Sat. The price is $2 per ride. Daily unlimited-ride cards are available on board for $4.50. The PSTA bus system can transport you all over St. Petersburg and to other towns in Pinellas County. They also allow small domestic animals as long as they are in carriers.

There are trolley-styled buses , on two separate lines:

• The city-run Downtown Looper makes a loop around downtown and connects rides with most destinations between 5th Avenue N-6th Avenue S and east of 5th Street N/S. Fare is just 50¢ for adults & youth; 25¢ for seniors (65+), disabled, & Medicare cardholders; and free for children 5 and under. The fare is paid every time you board with no free transfers.
• The PSTA-run Central Avenue Shuttle runs along Central Avenue and also connects to the Pier, Williams Park, and St.Pete Beach. The fare is free between The Pier and Baywalk, 50¢ between Baywalk & Grand Central Station, and $2 west of Grand Central Station. Seniors (65+), disabled, & Medicare cardholders travel for half price (25¢ or $1) and children 5 and under are free. When the trolley is traveling west, you pay when you exit. When the trolley is traveling east, you pay when you board. GO Cards are accepted on this line.

The two lines connect at (no free transfers): Baywalk & The Pier. Connections with PSTA bus routes are available at Grand Central Station & Williams Park. The city also runs a free "Baseball Shuttle" between downtown parking garages and Tropicana Field for certain games where large crowds are expected.

By Bike

The Pinellas Trail starts in downtown and runs the entire length of Pinellas County.

Eat

• El Cap's Burgers and Sandwiches, 3500 4th St N, ☎ +1 727 521-1314. A local legacy. Cap's is wallpapered with awards for Best Burger from every conceivable publication. Excellent sandwiches, family friendly, popular with local sports fans.
• Central Cafe & Organics, 243 Central Av, ☎ +1 727 824-0881. Tasty healthy lunches and dinners. Many vegetarian options, in addition to tuna and chicken dishes.
• Evos, 2631 4th Street North, ☎ +1 727 571-EVOS (3867). A chain that offers healthier alternatives to most fast-food joints, Evos offers healthy burgers, wraps, shakes and "air fries" in a fun, friendly environment. Everything is either hormone free or organic and there are plenty of choices for vegetarians and vegans.
• Mazarro's Italian Market, 2909 22nd Avenue N, ☎ +1 727 321-2400. Extensive deli, delicious meats and sandwiches, prepared meals, soups, salads - all very reasonably priced. Coffee/espresso bar, extensive wine cellar with selections from all over the world. Nice craft brewed and imported beer selection too. Eat in or take out. Just off of I-275 on 22nd Ave N.
• Cafe Alma, 260 1st AVENUE SOUTH. #100. Next to Regions Bank. Open from lunch to late night, the atmosphere sets the mood for the stimulating yet charmingly straight forward International dishes. 2-4-1 Drink Specials and Tapas Specials Everyday.
• The Moon Under Water, 332 Beach Dr. NE (across from the Museum of Fine Arts), ☎ +1 727 896-6160. "The Moon" is a delightful Tavern with warm mahogany finishings, working fireplace and wood floors creating a friendly and unique atmosphere. Spectacular views from the covered verandah overlook Straub Park and the Vinoy basin. Menu features a variety of Indian cuisine, traditional English plates, American favourites and excellent curries. Great fish & chips. Over 15 import beers on tap!
• The King and I restaurant, Central Ave. between 4th and 5th St N. Great sushi and thai. You won't be disappointed with their sushi special (menu on the board, behind the sushi chef station). Thai food is excellent too! Also Open Sunday for dinner - it is very difficult to find a restaurant open on Sunday in St. Pete's downtown area.
• Hurricane's Restaurant. Seafood restaurant & bar overlooking beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. Located at the southern end of Passegrille. Can be very busy around sunset. Get there early if you want to dine before they convert the restaurant to a nightclub.
• Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish. Bring in your fresh catch and have them smoke it for you, or have a bite of theirs, with a side of their famous German Potato Salad. Located 1350 Pasadena Ave., South Pasadena.
• Asia Grille and Bangkok 9 are just a few of the Thai restaurants found in the downtown section of Central Avenue.
• Habana Cafe, 5402 Gulfport Blvd, ☎ +1 727 321-8855. Gulfport. Excellent Cuban food in a restored old St. Petersburg home. The lechon and the butterfly shrimp are can't-miss menu items.
• Amelita's Spanish Cuban Cafe. The owner grew up in Ybor City back in the 50s & 60s and patterned the restaurant after the small Cafes of that era. Nothing fancy, just a large portion of great tasting food, a friendly atmosphere, and moderate prices.
• The Lobster Pot Restaurant, 17814 Gulf Boulevard, Redington Shores. Highly acclaimed, considered one of the best seafood restaurants in the area. $$$$.
• Lucky Star Chinese Restaurant, 4175 66th St N, St Petersburg, FL, ☎ +1 727 381-8888. The most authentic Chinese food available in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area. This restaurant serves up authentic Cantonese style food - with a special emphasis on freshness and authenticity. $.
• Central Avenue Oyster Bar, 249 Central Avenue, ☎ +1 727 897-9728. Not just oysters! Fresh seafood, steaks, chicken and pasta dishes cooked to perfection.
• Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant, 10 Beach Drive, ☎ +1 727 209-2299. Voted Best Restaurant in Tampa Bay. Original Spanish recipes from Northern Spain. The most unique dining experience in the area! Over 100 hot & cold tapas available with an incredible wine list. Live music Tu-Su.
• Chiang Mai Thailand Restaurant, 1100 Central Avenue, ☎ +1 727 895-4851. Authentic Thai food!
• Durty Nelly's Irish Pub, 149 1st Ave N, ☎ +1 727 823-3878. Durty Nelly's is a friendly Irish tavern that offers a full liquor bar as well as a wide variety of beers. Pool, game machines, live music and Karaoke keep you entertained.
• Fresco's Waterfront Bistro, 300 2nd Ave NE, ☎ +1 727 894-4429. St. Pete Times food critic Chris Sherman says, "As delicious as the view. seafood, pasta & chops with imagination." Enjoy New World & Gulf Coast Cuisine, downtown's only waterfront fine dining experience. Sat & Sun brunch. Happy hour every day. Award-winning wine list.
• The Garden Restaurant, 217 Central Ave, ☎ +1 727 896-3800. This historic & unique restaurant offers the best value downtown! Fresh local seafood, produce, tapas, pasta dishes & more. Full liquor bar, scrumptious homemade flourless chocolate cake & seating under the banyan tree. Live jazz Fri & Sat nights.
• Parkshore Grill, 300 Beach Drive NE, ☎ +1 727 896-DINE (3463). Superb contemporary cuisine on Downtown St. Pete's waterfront. Sidewalk dining overlooks the beautiful Vinoy Yacht Basin. Savor fresh seafood, salads, paninis & burgers for lunch or enjoy dinner of lobster, filets, king crab or sumptuous chef-prepared meals.
• Red Mesa, 4912 4th St. N, ☎ +1 727 527-8728. Ceviche, Cerveza, Sangria.Just 5 minutes north of downtown, "the" place for regional Mexican & Southwest cuisine. Fresh steaks and seafood served in a casual upscale atmosphere. Lunch and Dinner daily. Sunday Brunch. Beer & wine.
• St Pete Brasserie, 539 Central Ave, ☎ +1 727 823-3700. Classic French cuisine, affordable to all. Prix Fixe menu just $19 nightly, 5-6:30PM. Full bar, drink checks 1/2 price & $5 appetizers during happy hour, 5-7PM.
• 400 Beach Seafood and Tap House, 400 Beach Drive, ☎ +1 727 896-2400. Downtown's newest restaurant! Fresh seafood daily, Raw Bar, indoor/outdoor seating, lunch & dinner; Sunday brunch. 24 beers on tap, 48 wines by the glass, full liquor bar. Banquet/meeting rooms & private dining rooms available. Sports on 12 flat screens. www.400BeachSeafood.com.
• Sweet Divas Chocolates, 400 Beach Drive, ☎ +1 727 379-4567. Offering fine chocolates, cupcakes, muffins, ice cream, coffees, teas, wines, champagnes, flowers, and gifts. Bistro type seating overlooking Beach Drive and the waterfront.

Drink

There are many small bars on the beaches to the west side of the peninsula and scattered throughout the area. Downtown bars of choice include Mastry's, The Independent (local favorite), The Green Room, Limey's Pub, Pelican, Fortunato's (after dark), The Rare Olive, Baywalk (various spots) and Moon Under Water.

Sleep

Several beach front and cityside hotels, from chain to locally owned & operated. The Spring Break period of March-April is typically the peak time for rates and crowds. The St. Pete area gets its share of Spring Breakers but many seem to flock to other parts of the state.

Other beachfront communities have their own motel/hotel areas as well. St. Pete Beach, Sand Key, Clearwater, Madeira Beach, Redington Beach, Redington Shores, John's Pass, and several other communities are in Pinellas County and located along the beach. There is also the city of Pinellas Park.

• Bay Palms Resort, 4237 Gulf Boulevard, ☎ +1 727 360-7642, fax: +1 727 360-1856, e-mail: [email protected]. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. St. Pete Beach. directions: From I-275 take exit 17 (Pinellas Bayway) WEST to St. Pete Beach, then RIGHT on Gulf Boulevard, 3/4 mile to Property will be on the right. Bay Palms Waterfront Resort is a boutique resort (Gay and Pet Friendly), with only 15 rooms. This property is directly on Boca Ciega Bay and has one of the largest privately owned fishing piers in St Petersburg which is 1500sq feet. You can enjoy great fishing, watch for Manatees and Dolphins, or dock your boat.
• The Heritage Hotel. This 1926 historical hotel is in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg. Within walking distance to all local attractions including the Salvador Dali Museum, The Pier, Tropicana Field, etc. Put on your walking shoes, step outside our front door, and enjoy all that downtown St. Pete has to offer.
• Don CeSar Hotel. This majestic pink colossus radiates gold as the sun sets over the Gulf. Once used as a R&R hospital during World War II, this high-scale resort offers boutiques, an ice-cream shop, and beautiful beach access along Gulf Blvd. in St. Pete Beach.
• Gulfside Resort, 565 70th Avenue, ☎ +1 727 360-7640, fax: +1 727 367-6398. St. Pete Beach. St. Pete Beach hotel near shopping, dining, and nightlife. Very affordable, clean rooms, nice pool.
• Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront, 333 1st St S, Saint Petersburg, Florida, 33701-4342, USA (From Interstate 275, take Exit 22: Interstate 175, which is the same exit as that for the Bayfront Center. At fourth traffic light turn left onto 1st Street S. Hotel two blocks on left.), ☎ +1 727 894-5000.
• Grand Plaza Hotel Resort, 5250 Gulf Boulevard. St. Pete Beach resort on the Gulf of Mexico, 3 restaurants including Spinners Revolving Restaurant, beach theme weddings and conference centers.
• Best Western Beachfront, 6200 Gulf Boulevard. Best Western Hotel on St. Pete Beach, discounted loding directly on the beach, restaurants and live entertainment.
• Dolphin Beach Resort, 4900 Gulf Boulevard, ☎ +1 727 360-7011, fax: +1 727 367-5909. St. Pete Beach. Florida beach front resort, the Dolphin Beach Resort is located right on the Gulf of Mexico.
• Alden Beach Resort, 5900 Gulf Boulevard, ☎ +1 727 360-7081, fax: +1 727 360-5957. St. Pete Beach. The St Pete Alden Beach Resort overlooks the Gulf of Mexico and is only 30 minutes from St Petersburg, Clearwater, and Tampa International Airport. Special features include 900 sq. feet of meeting space, two heated pools, two whirlpool spas, two lighted tennis courts, a children's playground, basketball court, an arcade room, and direct beach access.
• Bayview Plaza Waterfront Resort, 4321 Gulf Blvd, ☎ +1 727 367-2791. Family owned and operated since 1988, sits directly across the street from the beach and is on the Boca Ciega Bay, small property
• Plaza Beach Hotel, 4506 Gulf Blvd, toll-free: +1-800-257-8998. Family owned and operated since 1988, our collection of beach and waterfront resorts are characterized by small-by-design, family-focused lodging - that means plenty of space and a variety of amenities at a real value.
• The Ponce De Leon Hotel, 95 Central Ave (From I-275 take exit 23A for I-375 which puts you onto 4th Ave N. When it ends at Beach Drive Make a Right. Make another Right on Central Ave. Is on the Right Side.), ☎ +1 727 550-9300. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. This stylish Mediterranean boutique hotel's decor captures the epitome of sleek style with the comfort of home for business and leisure travelers alike. For those looking for travel to the warm weather that Florida has to offer year round; The Ponce De Leon welcomes you with air conditioned rooms featuring flat screen cable TV, wireless internet, microwaves, refrigerators, mini-bars, in room coffee and on-premises Laundry. Start at $89.
• Magnuson Hotel Marina Cove, 6800 Sunshine Skyway Lane, ☎ +1 727 867-1151. Magnuson Hotel Marina Cove is located 5 minutes from Fort Desoto Park and the Gulf beaches.

Keep Connected

Internet

There is a very small internet bar/cafe culture in the USA. Even then most of the internet bars/cafes tend be located in major urban centers. Accessible WiFi networks, however, are common. The most generally useful WiFi spots are in coffee shops, fast-food chains, and bookshops, but also restaurants and hotels more and more have a network to connect on. Some of them might require you to buy something and you might need a password too, especially in hotels.

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

The general emergency phone number is 911. The USA has a great landline phone system that is easy to use. The country code for the U.S. is +1. The rest of the telephone number consists of 10 digits: a 3-digit area code, and a 7-digit number. Any small grocery store or pharmacy has pre paid domestic or international phone cards. These phone cards are very cheap and offer good rates. The once ubiquitous pay phone is now much harder to find. Likely locations include in or near stores and restaurants, and near bus stops. The cellphone network in the states is slowly getting better but is still not as good when compared to other western countries. Cell phones tend to operate using different frequencies (850 MHz and 1900 MHz) from those used elsewhere in the world (2100 MHz). This used to prevent most foreign phones from working in America. Phones must be tri- or quad-band to work in the U.S. Fortunately, technology has meant that most phones should now be able to pick up one of the U.S. networks. Prepaid phones and top-up cards can be purchased at mobile phone boutiques and at many discount, electronics, office supply and convenience stores. A very basic handset with some credit can be had for under $40.

Post

The US Postal Service is a very good and well priced mail system. There are post offices in every small and large town for sending packages internationally or domestically. Although some might keep longer hours, most are open at least between 9:00am and 5:00pm. If wanting to send a letter or postcard it is best just to leave it in a blue mail box with the proper postage. First-class international airmail postcards and letters (up 28.5 grams) cost $1.10. There are also private postal services like FedEx, UPS, TNT and DHL, which might be better value sometimes and are generally very quick and reliable too.

External Links

• Official Website