Los Angeles United States

Mediterranean

• Airport

  Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · 27 km southwest of downtown

• Transfers

  LAX FlyAway Bus (30-60 min, $9.75) · Metro C Line + Bus (60-90 min, $1.75) · Taxi (30-60 min, $50-80) · Uber/Lyft (30-60 min, $35-70) · Rental Car (Variable, $40-100/day)

• Transit

  Metro Rail, Metro Bus, DASH Bus

• Tips

  LA is car-centric - public transit limited compared to other major cities · Metro Rail connects downtown, Hollywood, Santa Monica, Long Beach · Traffic terrible 7-9am and 4-7pm - plan accordingly · Rental car essential for beaches, attractions, flexibility · Uber/Lyft widely available but expensive during peak times · Many neighborhoods walkable locally but far apart

• Walkability

  low

• Language

  English, Spanish widely spoken

• Currency

  US Dollar ($, USD)

• Customs

  Car culture - driving is essential · Casual, laid-back lifestyle · Health and fitness conscious culture · Entertainment industry influences everything · Beach and outdoor lifestyle · Diverse multicultural neighborhoods

• Etiquette

  Personal space - maintain distance · Tipping expected in all service situations · Casual greetings - "Hey, how are you?" · Don't honk unnecessarily in traffic · Queue/wait in line respectfully

• Visa

  ESTA required for visa waiver program countries ($21, apply online). Others need visa.

• Power

  120V, 60Hz · A, B

• Healthcare

  Excellent but extremely expensive. Travel insurance essential. World-class hospitals and clinics.

• Safety

  MODERATE · Safe in most tourist areas but varies by neighborhood · Downtown LA and some areas unsafe at night · Car break-ins common - never leave valuables visible · Homelessness visible in many areas - generally harmless but stay alert · Use rideshare apps late at night rather than walking · Beach areas generally safe but watch belongings

• Emergency

  Police 911 · Ambulance 911