Except for American Express, there are virtually no exchange places as such, but you can go into any bank to exchange money. All in all, however, it’s best to avoid this ritual (see below).

This is the most sensible way to get the cash you need. If you have an ATM card of any sort, chances are it will work in almost any machine and you will be able to draw cash out any time, up to your daily limit. There will be a fee, but the time and hassle you save is worth it. Don’t forget your PIN!

Doing anything in the US without a credit card is almost unthinkable, especially in a hotel.

As a backup, travelers’ checks can be useful, but these days they are outdated and almost pointless.

Banks are numerous and all have walk-up ATM machines handily located. If you must perform some sort of transaction inside, the hours are usually 9am–4pm, Monday to Thursday, and 9am–6pm Friday. Some banks are also open on Saturday mornings.

Unlike in some countries, sales tax is not included in the marked price of anything, including restaurant meals. The only items sales tax is not added to are most groceries. Florida’s sales tax at present is 6 percent, but local taxes can bump that up considerably. Hoteliers in Miami add on 12.5 percent to your bill.

You’ll find these at gas stations, restaurants, hotels, on the sidewalk, and elsewhere. For long distance calls, it’s easier to use a phonecard, which you can buy from any convenience store. Using your credit card is possible, too, but pricey. For making any call in Miami, even next door, you must dial the 305 area code, but not the 1 before it.

If your cell phone (mobile) is not compatible with US networks, then renting a cell phone to use while here is a sensible option. You’ll find vendors at the airport upon arrival.

Post offices are usually open from 9am–5pm on weekdays, with some open on Saturday mornings, too. Stamps are sold in many drugstores, hotels, and grocery stores. All domestic mail goes first class, and you should use airmail for any overseas mail. If you want it to get there the next day in the US, go for Express Mail.

Internet cafés abound. Many hotels, and especially hostels, offer the service, too, usually for a charge. A good central Internet point in South Beach, just a block from the sand, is Devine Lounge. It’s also a lounge and a decent restaurant where a certain amount of people-watching goes on – after all, it’s SoBe!