FAQ

California is a year-round travel destination, with weather that will please everyone from snowbirds to sun worshippers. The best time to visit really comes down to what you want to do and what you want to see.

Most people visit California between mid-June and August. It's summertime! Summer in California is undeniably delicious, but there are some things to consider: The state's top attractions (such as Disneyland and Yosemite) are jammed with visitors paying top dollar for lodging and waiting in long queues for popular sites. That said, it's never hard to hop off the beaten path and have forests, fields and even beaches all to yourself. If you're planning on visiting the Sierra Nevada high country, you have no choice but to wait until summer: roads above 8000ft (2450m) are often closed until late June or early July.

Spring (March through early May) is a marvellous time to visit California. Although it can still be cold at higher elevations, temperatures are comfortable throughout much of the state. The hillsides are green, the air is fresh, and wildflowers are blooming. During these months, you'll also encounter shorter queues and better deals: Many of the state's top tourist attractions are still operating at a slower pace, and hotels often charge low-season rates until June. California's desert areas are much more pleasant during spring than they are during the scorching heat of summer.

Autumn (September through November) is another good time to beat the crowds, and it can be an especially beautiful time to see Northern California and the state's wine regions. San Francisco, often shrouded in fog all summer long, sees some of its sunniest days during its "Indian Summer," which generally lasts from September through October.

If you plan to ski, visit between December and February, when the Sierra Nevada almost always has snow. It's not uncommon for ski resorts to open by late October, but the snow is rarely as good as it will be later in the season. Lift queues are mobbed between mid December and the first week of January, when everyone hits the slopes during their holiday break.

California is in the Pacific Time Zone (GMT minus 8 hours). The state observes daylight saving time. Daylight savings time is in effect from the 2nd weekend in March to the 1st weekend in November. During this time, clocks are set one hour ahead to maximize daylight hours.

You must complete customs and immigrations formalities at the first point of arrival in the U.S., whether or not it's your final destination.

Visitors over 21 years of age entering the U.S. may bring 1 litre (2 pints) of alcohol, gifts worth up to $100, and 200 cigarettes, 100 cigars or 3 pounds (1.4 kilograms) of tobacco, without paying duty. All food must be declared to inspectors. A number of food items are prohibited including cheese, fresh fruit and meat products.

There is no limit on the amount of money you may bring with you. However, if you are traveling with more than $10,000 in currency, travelers checks or other monetary instruments, you must declare it to a Customs Inspector. Failure to do so can result in the confiscation of your money. If two or more people are filing a joint declaration, they should declare the total amount of currency they are carrying. It is not necessary to declare credit cards.

One U.S. dollar is composed of 100 cents (¢). Cents come in coin denominations of 1¢ (called a penny), 5¢ (nickel), 10¢ (dime), 25¢ (quarter) and 50¢ (called a half-dollar or fifty-cent piece) . There are two US$1 coins (the smaller, copper-colour "Sacagawea" and the large, silver-colour "Susan B Anthony"), but they are seldom used. U.S. bills are all the same green colour and size and come in denominations of US$1, US$5, US$10, US$20, US$50 and US$100. The US$2 bill has been almost entirely removed from circulation, but it is still legal currency.

You should ensure that you have comprehensive travel insurance before you travel. If you intend to drive in California, you should check your car rental insurance covers occupants of your vehicle and any third party claims, including personal injury.

Airports at San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Jose and San Diego all have currency exchange offices.

The easiest and often most economical way to obtain cash in U.S. dollars is by withdrawing it from an automatic teller machine (ATM). Even the smallest towns in California usually have at least one ATM. Cirrus, Plus, Star and Maestro are the most commonly accepted networks, and these are available at nearly all ATMs. Most ATMs charge a service fee of between US$1 and US$2.50. Your bank may also charge a service fee on top of this. You may encounter problems if your personal identification number (PIN) is longer than four digits. If it is, contact your bank about creating a shorter PIN.

Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted throughout California. Whether you intend to pay with a credit card or not, credit cards are almost invariably required if you plan to rent or reserve just about anything.

Although not as commonly used as they once were, traveler's checks are still a good way to carry a large amount of cash that can be replaced in the case of loss or theft. Cheques in small denominations (US$20 to US$50) are widely accepted throughout California and can be used just like cash at many hotels and restaurants. Be sure they're in U.S. dollars unless you plan to change them into local currency at a bank or exchange bureau. American Express and Visa Travelers Checks are the most commonly accepted brands.

Get used to tipping. At restaurants, unless you order and pay at the counter, tipping is expected to the point of being a requirement. To leave less than 15% of the pre-tax total is to beseech the rabid scorn of the entire restaurant staff. It is common to tip 18% to 20% if the service is exceptional. Finer restaurants often include a 15% to 18% service charge for parties of six or more, which takes the place of a tip.

Tip bartenders between US$0.50 and US$1 per drink. Tip taxi drivers US$1 to US$3 (most people just round up to the nearest US$5). Tip hotel porters US$1 to US$3 per bag, and valet parkers the same upon returning your car. On package tours, guides and drivers usually get $10 per day from the group as a whole: check whether this has already been figured into your cost and pre-paid. For local sightseeing tours, you may individually tip the driver or guide if he or she has been helpful or informative; the amount is at your discretion. Tipping is also appropriate at a beauty salon or spa (haircut, manicure, massage, etc., at 15% of total bill.

To purchase or consume alcohol in California you must be 21 years of age. Proof of age is often requested, so carry photo identification that gives your date of birth. Some grocery stores sell beer and wine (and will also request a photo ID). It is illegal to carry open containers of alcohol in your car or any public area that isn't zoned for alcohol consumption, and it is illegal to drive while intoxicated. Choose a "designated driver" in your group (someone who will abstain from drinking alcohol) who will be responsible for driving you home.

California uses the same electrical current (110V, 60Hz) and outlet/plug types as Canada. Plugs either have two flat pins (Type A) or two flat pins plus a round grounding pin (Type B).

The U.S. uses a partial metric and English system of weights and measures. Metric equivalents are:
1 inch = 2.5 centimetres
1 foot (12 inches) = 0.3 meter
1 yard (3 feet) = 0.9 meter
1 mile (5280 feet) = 1.6 kilometres
60 miles per hour = 100 kilometre per hour
1 ounce = 28 grams
1 pound (16 ounces) = 0.45 kilogram
1 quart (liquid) = 0.9 litre.

(888) US-1-INFO provides free access to emergency services and travel assistance in more than 140 languages.

Smoking is prohibited in all public buildings (including restaurants, bars and casinos) and enclosed spaces throughout California. It is illegal to smoke within 20 feet of doorways or windows of government buildings. Most large hotels have designated smoking rooms; if you smoke, request one – most hotels will fine guests who smoke inside a non-smoking room. Many cities in California (including half the cities in San Diego County) have passed ordinances prohibiting smoking in all public places. It is even illegal to smoke on certain beaches in Southern California – watch for signs!

To place a call from your hotel, you often must first dial an access code. Check the instructions on the phone, or ask the concierge or front desk clerk for assistance. To reach the police, fire brigade or ambulance, dial 9-1-1. This number is only to be used in a true emergency. Most long-distance and international calls can be dialled directly from any phone.

For calls within the United States and to Canada, dial 1 followed by the area code and the seven-digit number. For international calls, dial 0-1-1 followed by the country code, city code, and the telephone number of the person you are calling. Calls to area codes 800, 888, 866, and 877 are freephone numbers, but a hotel access charge may still apply.

For reversed-charge or collect calls and for person-to-person calls, dial 0 (zero, not the letter "O") followed by the area code and number you want. Specify to the operator that you are calling collect or person-to-person, or both. If your operator-assisted call is international, ask for the overseas operator. For directory assistance within the U.S., dial 4-1-1.

Banks, government offices and post offices are closed on the national holidays listed below. In addition, some attractions and many stores, restaurants and museums may be closed or have limited hours (call ahead to check).

January 1 (New Year's Day)
the third Monday in January (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
the third Monday in February (Presidents' Day)
the last Monday in May (Memorial Day)
July 4 (Independence Day)
the first Monday in September (Labour Day)
the second Monday in October (Columbus Day)
November 11 (Veterans' Day)
the fourth Thursday in November (Thanksgiving Day)
December 25 (Christmas)
 

Safe and Healthy California Travel Tips
Fortunately, California holidays tend to be extremely safe without any unusual health risks or problems. But even the best-planned trip can hit a snag. To help you make a dream vacation stay that way, check out this list of good-sense tips and resources to reduce your risk of running into any health or safety problems during your stay, and where to turn if you need help.

Beach and ocean safety
California’s dramatic coastline and amazing beaches are undeniable must-sees. But don’t let the name “Pacific” fool you. Some coastal areas have unpredictable waves and dangerous currents. Also, ocean temperatures can be downright cold year-round, particularly in the north, with an annual average of only 9? to 13?C (48? to 55?F). Southern California waters tend to be just a bit warmer: 14? to 20?C (57? to 68?F). To find out the best beaches to fit your style—from family-friendly crescents to surfers’ hot spot—check with local visitor centres and, where available, California Welcome Centers (www.visitcwc.com ). Lifeguards do patrol some major beaches; look for trademark viewing towers and note any cautionary signs or flags.

Safe travels in mountains, deserts, and remote areas
California has spectacular wilderness areas and pristine parkland, and exploring these regions can be a vacation highlight. But because these areas can be remote, it’s important to be prepared. Let friends back home or in California know where and when you plan to explore—specific dates and locations can be extremely helpful in case of emergency. Bring good maps and carry a reliable GPS.

When packing your car, bring extra water (especially in desert regions), food, and warm clothing, and pack a good torch too. Consider renting an all-wheel drive car if you plan to drive on backcountry roads or in national forestlands, where dirt roads are common.

When heading into mountain regions, check road conditions—heavy storms can close even major highways. Bring snow chains or hire a vehicle with all-season tires. Many high mountain routes, including some at Lake Tahoe, Mount Shasta, Lassen and Yosemite, stay closed winter to early summer. For regularly updated road conditions when you are in the state, call CalTrans, 800/427-7623.

How to be smart and safe in cities
Most visitors explore California’s vibrant cities without any problems. Popular tourist areas and attractions are generally very safe, though, as is true in most busy cities, protect yourself against pickpockets and don’t flaunt expensive jewellery or cash. In general, avoid leaving valuables in parked cars and park in well-lit areas. To get extra confidence about any given region or attraction, contact the local tourism office or police; contact information usually available on line.

Medical or safety emergencies
To get police, fire, ambulance assistance, call 9-1-1 from any phone--no coins or phone cards necessary. Many major roadways also have emergency call boxes that can link you to roadside assistance; look for yellow boxes roughly every half-mile. For a list of public hospitals and health centres in the state, visit www.caph.org/memberdirectory.htm.