Swiss Visitors with a new "scan ready" passport are not required to get a visa for the United States. A stay for up to 3 months is possible, with a visitor visa up to 6 months. Swiss visitors with an "old" passport are required to apply for a visitor visa. Students: Intl. Student Info Au-Pairs: Visa Information More detailed information is provided by the following websites: Embassy of the United States of America in Berne, Switzerland Consulate General of Switzerland in Los Angeles, USA |
In this category we discuss the various ways of transportation Los Angeles has to offer. In addition we will take a closer look at how to buy a car. On Foot, Pedestrian Even though Los Angeles is known to be a "Car City", it might come as a surprise to most visitors, how much people actually move around on foot. We therefore recommend always wearing good and comfortable shoes. The most common areas requiring travel on foot are theme parks, museums, shopping malls and markets, parks and gardens, the beach, historical parts of the city and during certain sports activities. Along the beaches you will often find specially marked areas, which are reserved for pedestrians, inline skaters and cyclists. Information on Hiking Trails is available under the Cat. "Entertainment-Sports" > Hiking. Bicycle, Bike We recommended riding bicycles in either bike lanes or specially marked streets and areas, since drivers usually don't pay much attention to cyclists and therefore often force them to ride on sidewalks (very much to the annoyance of pedestrians). Numerous Bike rental places are located along most beaches. For more information see Cat. "Entertainment-Sports" > Bicycle. Horseback Riding There are numerous Equestrian Centers in Los Angeles, which offer horse rentals. Details about nice trails may be seen in the Cat. "Entertainment-Sports" > Horseback. Motorcycle, Bike Who hasn't dreamed of someday exploring America's endless roads riding a Harley-Davidson. Well, dreams are here to become true. There are many places that rent out Harleys and any other brand motorcycles: More information on motorcycle sports and tracks at Cat. "Entertainment-Sports" > Motorcycle. "Toeffli" (scooters) are not common in the U.S. Car Rental Cars and Vans are without a doubt the most flexible form of transportation. But the infamous LA traffic can be extremely nerve-wrecking, especially during rush hour. We therefore recommend avoiding freeways and main streets between the hours of 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Traffic jams are a daily occurrence in Los Angeles and especially on Fridays drivers tend to be more impatient. Special caution should be executed during the first days of rain, because roads are very slippery due to oil and dust. Every year hundreds of accidents occur just because drivers don't slow down. The first rainfalls are usually expected in November. Notice: Make sure to have your driver's license translated into English before you leave (by TCS for example). Discount Car Rental Deals - Compare rates and get the best deal. Some important traffic rules: Notice: The California Driver Handbook is available at all DMV locations. - It is permitted to turn right at a red light (except if a sign says No Turn on Red), but drivers have to yield to pedestrians, who are allowed to cross the street at this time. - Left turns are quite a challenge and often tourists are seen standing in the middle of intersections helplessly staring at the wall of cars coming towards them. If there is a green arrow, cars may turn left instantly. But when there is a green full light, drivers have to yield to oncoming traffic and let those cars pass first. Only then, drivers are permitted to pull into the intersection and make a left turn. Most of the time traffic is so heavy, that intersections can only be crossed during the orange light period. This will usually allow two to three cars to complete a left turn. - During certain hours some streets do not permit any turns in a particular direction. It is therefore always advisable to look for signs attached to traffic lights. - Never block intersections. This is a major traffic violation resulting in high fines. - On freeways it is permitted to pass cars on the left and the right side. - When parking in a street, cars always face the direction of traffic. When parking downhill, turn the front wheels to the right into the curb. When parking uphill, turn the front wheels to the left, away from the curb. - It is prohibited to stop, stand or park in red zones. Parking is not permitted within 5 meters of fire hydrants or fire station driveways. - Always check for the days and hours when street cleaning takes place. Cars parked in the street during this time will either be towed or fined. - Immediately yield to emergency vehicles using a siren or flashing lights. Pull to the right of the road, if possible, or stop and wait, until the emergency vehicle has passed. However, do not stop in an intersection; continue through the intersection and then pull to the right. Tickets for traffic violations have to be paid according to the court's order. Depending on the ticket, and if the number of tickets received within a year doesn't exceed the maximum, or the ticket should not register in the driver's file, there is the possibility of attending Traffic School. This course may be completed in a class room, by video or over the Internet. Pedestrians too, will receive hefty fines, if caught J-Walking (crossing main streets outside the pedestrian crosswalk). Tip: Even-numbered freeways usually go in the direction East/West Uneven-numbered freeways usually go in the direction North/South Car Purchase / Sale We distinguish between the purchase of new cars and used cars. Most of the time new cars are leased and contracts vary depending on the car dealership. We recommend carefully reading and understanding leases and paying special attention to microscopic text. If necessary bring along a translator. Car dealers are very crafty and perfectly understand how to confuse customers and distract them from disadvantages or crucial details. With used cars the situation is even more critical. Before a car is purchased we recommend doing extensive research and bringing along a personal car mechanic, who can thoroughly inspect and test drive the vehicle that's for sale. In most cases, used cars have some kind of mechanical or technical defect, often cleverly disguised. Oil leaks are stopped with a temporary sealing foam, heavy smoke coming from the muffler is made invisible with a honey-like fluid, odometers are turned back thousands of miles etc. The used car business has a very bad reputation and we advise every buyer to act with great caution. Lemons are easier to get than intact cars. If a used car is bought from a used car dealer, there often is the possibility of negotiating an installment plan. When buying a used car from a private party, cash is the only form of payment. In order to learn more about the true value of a used car, we recommend consulting the Kelley Blue Book or the Edmund's Car Guide. Both sources contain detailed pricing systems and offer valuable advice and great instructions. Car mechanics interested in repairing and re-selling cars should consider going to car auctions or car donation places where cars are sold at ridiculously low prices. Of course, all of these cars have mechanical and technical defects. Payments must be done right away and cars can not be test driven, only started (if possible at all). For repairs it's worth taking the time to look for a "good" garage. Often customers are being charged for parts that didn't need to be replaced or they pay the retail price for parts that have been purchased from the junk yard for a couple of Dollars. Junk yards are a mechanic's favorite playground and cars are being cannibalized to the last screw. By law, Smog Checks have to be done every two years or when selling a used car. Car insurance is required by law and without it, a car may not be registered. We recommend shopping around for the best quotes or consult a Broker. The department responsible for vehicle registrations and driver's licenses is the Department of Motor Vehicles, DMV. Since lines are usually very long and seats rarely available, we recommend calling in advance to make an appointment. Joining the American Automobile Association, AAA [triple A] is an excellent choice. Membership fees are low compared to the various services provided. Among many other advantages there is limited free towing, road service, accommodation and travel discounts, discounts at theme parks and various stores, great value life insurance, and an excellent selection of maps and travel documents, which members receive free of charge. Below are the most popular sources regarding car buys and sales. They are available online or at newsstands and supermarkets. Online catalog offering a vast variety of new and used cars: www.cars.com Gas stations: It's customary to first pay and then pump gas. Unleaded gas and diesel are the only forms of gasoline available in the United States. There are numerous Taxi Companies in LA. Attention: As soon as taxi drivers realize, that you are a foreigner, some will try to either manipulate the counter, drive into traffic jams or take detours. Another form of transportation are Limousines. Recreation Vehicle, Motorhome Traveling across the USA by motorhome is very popular. We recommend inspecting a motorhome thoroughly before renting it, since there is nothing more annoying than having to drive from one garage to the other instead of enjoying the trip. Bus Metro Bus or MTA is Los Angeles' largest bus transportation company, running one or more lines on almost every major street. Detailed information is provided on the MTA Website listing all bus lines, current schedules and fares etc. Fares are rather inexpensive and several options are available: Furthermore, the Metro Trip Planner is a great and helpful tool. At this point we would like to mention the seating habits on buses. Most people prefer aisle seats. Should there be an unoccupied window seat, it can not be expected from the person sitting in the aisle seat to move over. As the "new passenger" one rather has to climb over the seated person and squeeze into the window seat. "Stop-Buttons" are commonly found in form of wires stretching across the bus. Bus stops are not being announced, but the driver will gladly stop at any bus station requested. All passengers must enter the bus through the front door, even if holding a bus pass. Buses are equipped with a special lift system for passengers in wheelchairs > Info. Bicycles can be attached to a rack on the outside front of the bus, free of charge. Express Buses only run on Wilshire Blvd. and Ventura Blvd. LADOT is the second-largest transit fleet in Los Angeles and extremely popular. The buses are small, very comfortable, clean and most of them are powered by environment-friendly technology. Fares are very inexpensive. Greyhound is the largest and best-known provider of intercity bus transportation serving thousands of cities across the United States. Subway The subway system, Metro-Rail, has only been completed recently, connecting the Northern part of the city with the South. There are four lines, red, blue, green and gold. Details and schedules are available on the Metro-Rail website. Again, the Metro Trip Planner is a helpful tool. Although subway stations are being announced in the train, they can hardly be heard with all the noise going on. Be careful, doors close fast. Train, Rail Amtrak is the nation's leading passenger railroad company offering various tours across the United States. How about a ride along the West Coast? The following websites provide detailed information. For Train Enthusiasts - Whistle Stop Gardens: Website I Website II Ship, Boat There are various boat tours and cruises, departing from the Port of Los Angeles. Some are being mentioned here: LA Boat Tours Also see Cat. "Sightseeing" and Cat. "Restaurants". Airplane, Aircraft Since the international airport is located in Los Angeles, all airlines are being represented on the official LAX website. We therefore rather concentrate on domestic flights provided by "Western" airlines. Online tickets are very popular and often less expensive. We recommend constantly checking websites for special offers and discount fares. |
Telephone - Telecommunication 0 = Operator 411 = Telephone Directory Assistance 911 = Emergency number to call the fire department, the police and the ambulance Telecommunication companies responsible for Southern California and Los Angeles: Discounts for low-income customers. Inexpensive Phone Cards, Calling Cards with excellent international Rates are also available at Hollywood Bazaar & Food Market (Hollywood Blvd / Las Palmas). Radio Directory of all Radio stations FM/AM in the Los Angeles area Directory of all online Radio stations in the USA Cable TV Cable TV Providers for each area/city section TV Guide register for free to see TV-Program listings Some popular programs are: Oprah (ABC), Biography (A&E), Inside the Actor's Studio (Bravo), Larry King Live (CNN), FBI Files, New Detectives, Justice Files, Prosecutors (Discovery), True Hollywood Story (E!), Unsolved Mysteries, What should you do, True Story Movies, Intimate Portrait (Lifetime), Classic Sitcoms (Nick at Nite, TV Land), Behind the Music (VH-1). - Movie Classics, commercial-free (AMC, TCM) - New Movies, commercial-free (HBO, Cinemax, Starz, Showtime, Movie, Encore) - Art and independ. Films, some commercial-free (Independent, Sundance, Bravo) Sports (ESPN), Home&Garden (HGTV), History (History), Science Fiction (Sci-Fi), Family & Kids (Disney), Cartoons (Cartoon) and many more... Internet Services, Internet Access Providers Directory (by area code) Free Services Directory of Cyber Cafes / Internet Cafes |
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The U.S. Postal Service, USPS is a federal institution and offers various services. For details and current rates visit their official website. Mail boxes may be rented at the post office and stamp machines are located at almost any post office. Notice: Packages should never be wrapped in paper or with a string. It might be rejected by the clerk. It's best to use the shipping supplies and boxes provided by the postal service. Another popular private shipping company is: Mail Boxes Etc. Their rates are a little higher than the ones of the U.S. Postal Service, but they offer additional services like legal validation, copy machines, a wrapping service and a large variety of shipping supplies, gift wraps and greeting cards. Furthermore the atmosphere is more personal. Digital Postcards: Digital Postcards I Digital Postcards II |
ATM machines, Versatels are located at every bank, at most supermarkets and gas stations. Credit Cards are the most used and popular form of payment in the USA, also because all payments are automatically insured. The most common credit cards are Visa, Master Card, American Express and Discover. Secured Credit Cards are given to people, who have a bad, an insufficient or no Credit History at all. This means, that the applicant has to deposit a certain amount of money, which will serve as the "Credit Limit". Usually after 12 months, and once the applicant has proven to the bank, that payments can be made on a regular basis and the account is in good standing, the bank will consider offering the client a "real" credit card and provide a credit limit. At first this credit limit will be approximately US$ 500.00, but once regular payments are made and the bank's trust has been earned, the limit will be increased. The goal is to build a good Credit History. Without that, it's almost impossible to get a credit card, a loan, purchase or lease a new car or even an apartment or a house. The slightest incident will be reported and indicated on the Credit Report, which may be seen by everyone authorized. The 3 Agencies updating and maintaining the Credit History and printing Credit Reports are: In case of a dispute, all three agencies have to be contacted and dealt with. The amazing fact is, that Americans have debts of an average amount of US$ 8'000.00. Most banks will provide their customers with a Debit Card, which enables clients to make withdrawals and deposits at the ATM machine. Nowadays most of these cards carry a Visa or Master Card logo so they may be used for non-cash transactions, as for example with purchases via the Internet. But in contrast to credit cards, accounts are being charged immediately. Personal Checks are, along with credit cards, the most used form of payment in the United States. Customers receive personal checks when opening a bank account (a checking account that is). Most monthly payments and salaries are paid by check. The risk of accepting personal checks is, that they might bounce because there are not sufficient funds in the payer's account. Not too many people are familiar with Online-Banking yet. Money Order is another form of "secured" payment. Money orders may be made at banks, post offices and even supermarkets. Compared to personal checks, money orders have to be paid upfront. This will protect the payee from receiving a check that might bounce because of insufficient funds in the payers account. U.S. Dollar Traveler Checks may be used like cash and payments can be done almost anywhere. Most traveler check payments require some form of identification, mostly a passport. Notice: Thomas Cook TC are very difficult to cash in. American Express TC on the other hand, are widely spread and accepted almost anywhere. |
LOS ANGELES - Excellent information sources and thousands of links 911 Emergency number to call the fire department, the police and the ambulance 411 Telephone Directory Assistance |
California Welcome Center Beverly Ctr California Official Website Excellent! California Visitor Info Very good! LA Active Attractions, Aquatics LA Almanac Fun Facts LA Past-Present-Future Time-window USA History History and dates Lonely Planet In-depth information Map Quest Trip planner, directions Ticket Master Tickets |
Recreation Vehicles/Motorhomes see Cat. "Transportation-Traffic" |
Detailed Lodging Directories offering various search options: More directories in the Cat. "General Information Sources" |
Helpful Tools Foreign Language Guide for Travelers Covers approx. 80 languages Online Encyclopedia A-Z Britannica Millions of terms, articles and images How do I...? Approx. 15'000 solutions to common problems and questions Complete Resources Extensive resource directory U.S. Search Extensive info service, personal data search Notice: A nation-wide Retail Sales Tax applies to all products, except food. In California the tax is 8.25%. Public accommodations might ask for up to 15%. |
Stores for House and Garden (For store locations see websites) Martha Stewart Great advice on home, garden, food and decor. |
The most common utilities in rental properties are: Gas, power, telecommunication and cable TV. Water is usually paid by the landlord. With Single- and Bachelor-apartments gas and power are often included in the rent. Home owners will have to consider paying for water and garbage/trash disposal in addition to the above mentioned utilities. All of these services have to be requested from the responsible companies directly. Often they will ask for a security deposit, which will be either refunded after a certain time or deducted from invoices sporadically. Low-income customers are given the opportunity to receive major discounts by simply stating a few financial facts. Utility companies responsible for the area of Southern California and Los Angeles: Cable TV: Directory for each area/city section |
With the signing of a new lease, tenants must pay the first + last rent and a security deposit in the approximate amount of the rent. The security deposit will either be refunded when moving out or it will be used to restore the apartment's original condition. In some areas, landlords must pay tenants an annual interest on the security deposit. In most cases there is a 1 year commitment with new leases, which may be extended later. Attention: There are always landlords who will try to force tenants into illegal contracts. We therefore recommend consulting and getting familiar with the current Tenants Rights. BEFORE signing the lease also make sure, that the selected building falls under the rent stabilization RSO. If not, landlords are free to increase rents anytime and by any amount they wish. In this case, the only choice left is to either accept the increase or move out. CES offers legal help and support to tenants. Buyers and future home owners must provide a down payment of 5-20% of the sales price. The higher the down payment, the better the mortgage. More details on this subject are offered by the websites "Home Finder" and "New Home Network", listed below. |
Excellent Sources on finding Housing and Accommodations are Popular and excellent website containing various accommodation offers. More than 1'400 ads regarding homes and apartments in Los Angeles and the Los Angeles area. The Recycler is published every Thursday and is available at newsstands. The online-search is free of charge, however the most recent ads may only be seen on Saturday, instead of Thursday. By registering with Early Access and paying a small fee, all ads are shown instantly. LA Times Has collaborated with HOME SCAPE (see below). Home Scape HS All in one! The 4 departments in detail below: HS Apartments Containing approx. 3'000'000 apartments in the USA. HS Home Finder Containing approx. 900'000 homes in the USA. HS New Home Network Containing approx. 1'000'000 new homes in the USA. This website also offers helpful information and links on home financing. Los Angeles Apartments Only a few ads, but many helpful tips. HS Moving Center Offering great support on the subjects moving and relocation. Moving to LA Helpful links on moving to Los Angeles. |
Housing, Private Accommodation Finding a private accommodation takes time and we recommend considering at least 2+ months for the search. The good thing is, that rental properties are available all year round and leases can be signed at any time. In the past, anybody could call the manager, landlord or owner of a certain facility, take a look at the place and apply for the accommodation. Today most properties for rent or sale are being represented by a housing or Real Estate company. Usually several parties show interest in the same accommodation, which requires them to fill in an application form. A thorough and careful evaluation follows. The Credit History, see Cat. "Postal Service-Banks", plays a major role in this process and could decide over being considered as a future tenant or owner. People new to the United States and without a Credit History must be able to present adequate income or securities. We recommend applying for several accommodations at the same time, since nice places usually are in high demand. In addition, applicants are not being informed, when an accommodation has been rented or sold. At schools, students are always on the lookout for roommates. Many students share an apartment, which sure is the cheapest way to go in the beginning, but could lead to problems in the long run. Pets and kids are not always welcome. Make sure to be clear on those subjects, BEFORE a lease is signed. Parking spaces are often included in the rent. Some facilities provide underground parking, closed spaces or car ports, others merely an uncovered parking spot. In the worst case street parking is the only option. Notice: Always check for the days and hours when street cleaning takes place. Cars parking in the street during this time will either be towed or fined. |
Excellent sources with in-depth descriptions of the American Way of Life are: Life in the USA and the book "Living in the U.S.A." is one of the most popular websites with an excellent reputation. Contains ads regarding accommodation, jobs, services, contacts, things to buy and for sale, freebies. LA's main newspaper. Very credible, published daily, available by subscription, in street boxes or at newsstands. (Newspaper and online). Events, concerts, movie show times. Published every week. (Newspaper and online). Black fingers are common after reading this newspaper! Classified ads regarding apartments, homes, cars, jobs, computers, electronics, collectibles, services, contacts, music, travel, sports, hobbies, animals, freebies. Published every Thursday. (Newspaper and online). Newsstands are another popular source to find any kind of information. These places offer a vast variety of newspapers and magazines from all over the world. |
Digital City Type in "Los Angeles CA" Los Angeles Click on map sections Los Angeles @ Travelocity Excellent! City of Los Angeles I Departments City of Los Angeles II Departments |
US$ Dollar: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 Quarter: 25 cents Dime: 10 cents Nickel: 5 cents Penny: 1 cent Recently the 2-Dollar bill and the 1-Dollar coin have been added to the U.S. currency. Notice: The 100-Dollar bill is the most counterfeit bill in the world and therefore not very popular in the USA. We do not recommend bringing or carrying these bills. Exchange Rates CNN Currency Exchange Rates and automatic rate calculator. |
Time: America does not use the 24-hour system. The day is divided in half: a.m. (ante meridiem) and p.m. (post meridiem). The first half lasts from midnight to noon, the second half lasts from noon to midnight. Instead of midnight, the term midnite is common too. So, for example 7.50h = 7.50 a.m. and 21.05h = 9.05 p.m. 1 minute after midnight is 12.01 a.m., 1 minute after noon is 12.01 p.m. Date: In the U.S., the month is mentioned before the day. The 15. Oktober 2001 therefore is October 15, 2001. Most forms will use the following version: mm/dd/yy ---> 10/15/01. The twelve months of the year are: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. In the USA, Daylight Saving Time begins on the first Sunday in April at 2 a.m. (> turn clocks to 3 a.m.) and ends on the last Sunday in October at 2 a.m. (> turn clocks to 1 a.m.). The Time Difference between Switzerland and Los Angeles is 9 hours. Los Angeles is in the Pacific Standard Time Zone. Most Calendars start the week with Sunday and not with Monday. It's therefore: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday or abbreviated: S M T W T F S |
The current in the USA is 110-120 volts, 60 cycles. It is therefore necessary to either bring adjustable electric equipment or use transformers. In either case, adapters are required, which should be purchased before departure. In the USA, temperatures are measured in Fahrenheit. 32 degrees Fahrenheit equal 0 degree Celsius. The following calculation applies: X degrees Fahrenheit minus 32, divided by 9, multiplied by 5 = X Celsius Normal body temperature: 98.6F = 37C Room temperature: 68F = 20C Automatic Converter for all measurements and temperatures. |
There are numerous holidays in the U.S., but Whitsunday is not known and December 26 and Easter Monday are not holidays. Good Friday may be celebrated with half a day, depending on the State. On official holidays, banks, post offices and other governmental institutions are closed, most stores remain open though. Official Holidays New Year's Day January 1 (Day of the famous Rose Parade in Pasadena) Martin Luther King Day third Monday in January President's Day third Monday in February Easter Sunday Sunday in March or April Memorial Day last Monday in May Independence Day July 4 Labor Day first Monday in September Columbus Day second Monday in October Veterans Day November 11 Thanksgiving last Thursday in November Tips for the Turkey Dinner Christmas Day December 25 Some of the returning events being celebrated are: Valentine's Day February 14 Mother's Day Mid May Father's Day Mid June Halloween Evening of October 31 Pumpkin Carving 101 Hollywood Christmas Parade Last Sunday in November |
Los Angeles is, after New York, the second-largest city in the United States. Los Angeles International Airport, also known as LAX, is the third-largest airport in the world according to the number of passengers handled. Approx. 2000 airplanes start and land at this airport on a daily basis and in the year 2000 more than 67.3 million passengers traveled through LAX. The following rules apply: - It is prohibited to bring any kind of agricultural products like fruits, vegetables, meat and cheese into the United States. - In order to avoid problems, ALWAYS indicate a U.S. address on the Entry Form. Don't worry, if you only spend one night at that particular location, as long as you put that address on the form. - The Immigration Officer at the airport decides, how long you will be allowed to stay in the United States, no matter what the visa says or the Embassy in Berne approved. So, let's hope he's in a good mood that day. Ontario is another international airport located northeast of Los Angeles. Various smaller airports in the Los Angeles area, taking care of passengers on domestic flights, are: Notice: Due to the events of September 11, 2001, air-traffic has decreased by 33% compared to September 2000. For these reasons and the latest events, security measures have been drastically changed and increased. Make sure to arrive early and be prepared for long lines and hours of waiting. Daily updates are available at Los Angeles International Airport or at the above-mentioned airport websites. Travel Warnings are posted and updated by the U.S. Government. The Flight Tracker allows you to track the status of a current flight on your monitor. |
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4SWISS.com |
Los Angeles is, after New York, the second-largest city in the United States. Los Angeles International Airport, also known as LAX, is the third-largest airport in the world according to the number of passengers handled. Approx. 2000 airplanes start and land at this airport on a daily basis and in the year 2000 more than 67.3 million passengers traveled through LAX. The following rules apply: - It is prohibited to bring any kind of agricultural products like fruits, vegetables, meat and cheese into the United States. - In order to avoid problems, ALWAYS indicate a U.S. address on the Entry Form. Don't worry, if you only spend one night at that particular location, as long as you put that address on the form. - The Immigration Officer at the airport decides, how long you will be allowed to stay in the United States, no matter what the visa says or the Embassy in Berne approved. So, let's hope he's in a good mood that day. Ontario is another international airport located northeast of Los Angeles. Various smaller airports in the Los Angeles area, taking care of passengers on domestic flights, are: Notice: Due to the events of September 11, 2001, air-traffic has decreased by 33% compared to September 2000. For these reasons and the latest events, security measures have been drastically changed and increased. Make sure to arrive early and be prepared for long lines and hours of waiting. Daily updates are available at Los Angeles International Airport or at the above-mentioned airport websites. Travel Warnings are posted and updated by the U.S. Government. The Flight Tracker allows you to track the status of a current flight on your monitor. |
Lodging, Public Accommodation There are plenty of public accommodations in the U.S. and we therefore will only mention a few websites. In order to make reservations, accommodations usually ask for credit card information. The actual payment is done when checking out. Notice: - In the U.S. rates refer to rooms, not the number of persons staying at the room! - Bed sizes are: Double, Twin, Queen and King. Queen and King offer enough space for two people. |
There are numerous holidays in the U.S., but Whitsunday is not known and December 26 and Easter Monday are not holidays. Good Friday may be celebrated with half a day, depending on the State. On official holidays, banks, post offices and other governmental institutions are closed, most stores remain open though. Official Holidays New Year's Day January 1 (Day of the famous Rose Parade in Pasadena) Martin Luther King Day third Monday in January President's Day third Monday in February Easter Sunday Sunday in March or April Memorial Day last Monday in May Independence Day July 4 Labor Day first Monday in September Columbus Day second Monday in October Veterans Day November 11 Thanksgiving last Thursday in November Tips for the Turkey Dinner Christmas Day December 25 Some of the returning events being celebrated are: Valentine's Day February 14 Mother's Day Mid May Father's Day Mid June Halloween Evening of October 31 Pumpkin Carving 101 Hollywood Christmas Parade Last Sunday in November |
WELCOME TO LOS ANGELES Part 1 |
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Welcome to Los Angeles, the City of Angels and melting pot of nationalities from all over the world. Los Angeles is very interesting, versatile and multi-layered; so take the time and look for the jewels this city has to offer, giving it its unforgettable uniqueness. Enjoy the treasure hunt! |
The current in the USA is 110-120 volts, 60 cycles. It is therefore necessary to either bring adjustable electric equipment or use transformers. In either case, adapters are required, which should be purchased before departure. In the USA, temperatures are measured in Fahrenheit. 32 degrees Fahrenheit equal 0 degree Celsius. The following calculation applies: X degrees Fahrenheit minus 32, divided by 9, multiplied by 5 = X Celsius Normal body temperature: 98.6F = 37C Room temperature: 68F = 20C Automatic Converter for all measurements and temperatures. |
Time: America does not use the 24-hour system. The day is divided in half: a.m. (ante meridiem) and p.m. (post meridiem). The first half lasts from midnight to noon, the second half lasts from noon to midnight. Instead of midnight, the term midnite is common too. So, for example 7.50h = 7.50 a.m. and 21.05h = 9.05 p.m. 1 minute after midnight is 12.01 a.m., 1 minute after noon is 12.01 p.m. Date: In the U.S., the month is mentioned before the day. The 15. Oktober 2001 therefore is October 15, 2001. Most forms will use the following version: mm/dd/yy ---> 10/15/01. The twelve months of the year are: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. In the USA, Daylight Saving Time begins on the first Sunday in April at 2 a.m. (> turn clocks to 3 a.m.) and ends on the last Sunday in October at 2 a.m. (> turn clocks to 1 a.m.). The Time Difference between Switzerland and Los Angeles is 9 hours. Los Angeles is in the Pacific Standard Time Zone. Most Calendars start the week with Sunday and not with Monday. It's therefore: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday or abbreviated: S M T W T F S |
US$ Dollar: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 Quarter: 25 cents Dime: 10 cents Nickel: 5 cents Penny: 1 cent Recently the 2-Dollar bill and the 1-Dollar coin have been added to the U.S. currency. Notice: The 100-Dollar bill is the most counterfeit bill in the world and therefore not very popular in the USA. We do not recommend bringing or carrying these bills. Exchange Rates CNN Currency Exchange Rates and automatic rate calculator. |
The weather in Los Angeles is mostly dry and warm with an average of 328 sunshine days a year. Winters are mild, but occasional fog along the coast can cause quite a drop in temperatures. During the summer the city battles Smog, which can be extremely bothersome to people suffering from asthma. From June - October the temperatures lie between 22-36 degrees Celsius, from November - May between 8-22 degrees Celsius. |
Weather - Climate |
Measures - Sizes |
Holidays |
Time - Date |
Currency |
Postal Service - Banks |
Transportation - Traffic |
Arrival |
Visa |
Digital City Type in "Los Angeles CA" Los Angeles Click on map sections Los Angeles @ Travelocity Excellent! City of Los Angeles I Departments City of Los Angeles II Departments |
General Information Sources |
Housing - Lodging |
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Notice: We recommend always bringing a sweater or a light jacket along, because temperatures between the outdoors and air-conditioned indoor facilities can vary by 10-15 degrees Celsius. |
Current Weather Conditions |
Excellent sources with in-depth descriptions of the American Way of Life are: Life in the USA and the book "Living in the U.S.A." is one of the most popular websites with an excellent reputation. Contains ads regarding accommodation, jobs, services, contacts, things to buy and for sale, freebies. LA's main newspaper. Very credible, published daily, available by subscription, in street boxes or at newsstands. (Newspaper and online). Events, concerts, movie show times. Published every week. (Newspaper and online). Black fingers are common after reading this newspaper! Classified ads regarding apartments, homes, cars, jobs, computers, electronics, collectibles, services, contacts, music, travel, sports, hobbies, animals, freebies. Published every Thursday. (Newspaper and online). Newsstands are another popular source to find any kind of information. These places offer a vast variety of newspapers and magazines from all over the world. |
Communication creates new friendships! Keep in touch with your family and loved ones! |
Patio, Deck Balcony Yard Garden |
X-ing Crossing |
Zip Code Postal Code |
In the USA accommodations are measured by the number of bedrooms, not rooms. So, if you are looking for a "3-room" accommodation according to Swiss standards, you have to check the "2 Bedroom" section. The number of bathrooms will always be indicated as well. The most common abbreviations are BR for Bedroom and BA for Bathroom. The term Toilet is not used in the USA! Living space is measured in square feet (sq ft). With apartments the terms spacious or large also apply. Many rental properties feature basic appliances like a refrigerator, microwave, gas-operated fireplace, closets, dish washer, washer and dryer, carpets- or hardwood floors. |
1 room Studio without kitchen = Bachelors 1 room Studio with kitchen = Single Swiss 2-room Home = 1 Bedroom Swiss 3-room Home = 2 Bedroom Swiss 4-room Home = 3 Bedroom Swiss 5-room Home = 4 Bedroom The term for 1/2 room is +Den Lofts are a common feature |
1 Bath = Toilet + Tub 2 Baths = Toilet + Tub each 1.5 Baths = 1 Toilet + Tub / 1 Toilet The Master Bedroom usually has its own adj. bathroom. |
Housing, Private Accommodation Finding a private accommodation takes time and we recommend considering at least 2+ months for the search. The good thing is, that rental properties are available all year round and leases can be signed at any time. In the past, anybody could call the manager, landlord or owner of a certain facility, take a look at the place and apply for the accommodation. Today most properties for rent or sale are being represented by a housing or Real Estate company. Usually several parties show interest in the same accommodation, which requires them to fill in an application form. A thorough and careful evaluation follows. The Credit History, see Cat. "Postal Service-Banks", plays a major role in this process and could decide over being considered as a future tenant or owner. People new to the United States and without a Credit History must be able to present adequate income or securities. We recommend applying for several accommodations at the same time, since nice places usually are in high demand. In addition, applicants are not being informed, when an accommodation has been rented or sold. At schools, students are always on the lookout for roommates. Many students share an apartment, which sure is the cheapest way to go in the beginning, but could lead to problems in the long run. Pets and kids are not always welcome. Make sure to be clear on those subjects, BEFORE a lease is signed. Parking spaces are often included in the rent. Some facilities provide underground parking, closed spaces or car ports, others merely an uncovered parking spot. In the worst case street parking is the only option. Notice: Always check for the days and hours when street cleaning takes place. Cars parking in the street during this time will either be towed or fined. |
Forms of Housing Apartment Townhouse Duplex Condominium (Condo) Guesthouse House |
Excellent Sources on finding Housing and Accommodations are Popular and excellent website containing various accommodation offers. More than 1'400 ads regarding homes and apartments in Los Angeles and the Los Angeles area. The Recycler is published every Thursday and is available at newsstands. The online-search is free of charge, however the most recent ads may only be seen on Saturday, instead of Thursday. By registering with Early Access and paying a small fee, all ads are shown instantly. LA Times Has collaborated with HOME SCAPE (see below). Home Scape HS All in one! The 4 departments in detail below: HS Apartments Containing approx. 3'000'000 apartments in the USA. HS Home Finder Containing approx. 900'000 homes in the USA. HS New Home Network Containing approx. 1'000'000 new homes in the USA. This website also offers helpful information and links on home financing. Los Angeles Apartments Only a few ads, but many helpful tips. HS Moving Center Offering great support on the subjects moving and relocation. Moving to LA Helpful links on moving to Los Angeles. |
With the signing of a new lease, tenants must pay the first + last rent and a security deposit in the approximate amount of the rent. The security deposit will either be refunded when moving out or it will be used to restore the apartment's original condition. In some areas, landlords must pay tenants an annual interest on the security deposit. In most cases there is a 1 year commitment with new leases, which may be extended later. Attention: There are always landlords who will try to force tenants into illegal contracts. We therefore recommend consulting and getting familiar with the current Tenants Rights. BEFORE signing the lease also make sure, that the selected building falls under the rent stabilization RSO. If not, landlords are free to increase rents anytime and by any amount they wish. In this case, the only choice left is to either accept the increase or move out. CES offers legal help and support to tenants. Buyers and future home owners must provide a down payment of 5-20% of the sales price. The higher the down payment, the better the mortgage. More details on this subject are offered by the websites "Home Finder" and "New Home Network", listed below. |
The most common utilities in rental properties are: Gas, power, telecommunication and cable TV. Water is usually paid by the landlord. With Single- and Bachelor-apartments gas and power are often included in the rent. Home owners will have to consider paying for water and garbage/trash disposal in addition to the above mentioned utilities. All of these services have to be requested from the responsible companies directly. Often they will ask for a security deposit, which will be either refunded after a certain time or deducted from invoices sporadically. Low-income customers are given the opportunity to receive major discounts by simply stating a few financial facts. Utility companies responsible for the area of Southern California and Los Angeles: Cable TV: Directory for each area/city section |
Stores for House and Garden (For store locations see websites) Martha Stewart Great advice on home, garden, food and decor. |
Helpful Tools Foreign Language Guide for Travelers Covers approx. 80 languages Online Encyclopedia A-Z Britannica Millions of terms, articles and images How do I...? Approx. 15'000 solutions to common problems and questions Complete Resources Extensive resource directory U.S. Search Extensive info service, personal data search Notice: A nation-wide Retail Sales Tax applies to all products, except food. In California the tax is 8.25%. Public accommodations might ask for up to 15%. |
Detailed Lodging Directories offering various search options: More directories in the Cat. "General Information Sources" |
Recreation Vehicles/Motorhomes see Cat. "Transportation-Traffic" |
The many styles of accommodations Hotel, Motel, Bed and Breakfast, Inn, Lodge, Cottage, Chalet, Cabin, Villa, Guest House, Suite, Hostel, Resort, Ranch, Farm, Campground, RV, Dorm, Student Housing |
Communication - Phone - Radio - TV |
1-800-... Toll-Free Numbers |
California Welcome Center Beverly Ctr California Official Website Excellent! California Visitor Info Very good! LA Active Attractions, Aquatics LA Almanac Fun Facts LA Past-Present-Future Time-window USA History History and dates Lonely Planet In-depth information Map Quest Trip planner, directions Ticket Master Tickets |
LOS ANGELES - Excellent information sources and thousands of links 911 Emergency number to call the fire department, the police and the ambulance 411 Telephone Directory Assistance |
ATM machines, Versatels are located at every bank, at most supermarkets and gas stations. Credit Cards are the most used and popular form of payment in the USA, also because all payments are automatically insured. The most common credit cards are Visa, Master Card, American Express and Discover. Secured Credit Cards are given to people, who have a bad, an insufficient or no Credit History at all. This means, that the applicant has to deposit a certain amount of money, which will serve as the "Credit Limit". Usually after 12 months, and once the applicant has proven to the bank, that payments can be made on a regular basis and the account is in good standing, the bank will consider offering the client a "real" credit card and provide a credit limit. At first this credit limit will be approximately US$ 500.00, but once regular payments are made and the bank's trust has been earned, the limit will be increased. The goal is to build a good Credit History. Without that, it's almost impossible to get a credit card, a loan, purchase or lease a new car or even an apartment or a house. The slightest incident will be reported and indicated on the Credit Report, which may be seen by everyone authorized. The 3 Agencies updating and maintaining the Credit History and printing Credit Reports are: In case of a dispute, all three agencies have to be contacted and dealt with. The amazing fact is, that Americans have debts of an average amount of US$ 8'000.00. Most banks will provide their customers with a Debit Card, which enables clients to make withdrawals and deposits at the ATM machine. Nowadays most of these cards carry a Visa or Master Card logo so they may be used for non-cash transactions, as for example with purchases via the Internet. But in contrast to credit cards, accounts are being charged immediately. Personal Checks are, along with credit cards, the most used form of payment in the United States. Customers receive personal checks when opening a bank account (a checking account that is). Most monthly payments and salaries are paid by check. The risk of accepting personal checks is, that they might bounce because there are not sufficient funds in the payer's account. Not too many people are familiar with Online-Banking yet. Money Order is another form of "secured" payment. Money orders may be made at banks, post offices and even supermarkets. Compared to personal checks, money orders have to be paid upfront. This will protect the payee from receiving a check that might bounce because of insufficient funds in the payers account. U.S. Dollar Traveler Checks may be used like cash and payments can be done almost anywhere. Most traveler check payments require some form of identification, mostly a passport. Notice: Thomas Cook TC are very difficult to cash in. American Express TC on the other hand, are widely spread and accepted almost anywhere. |
The U.S. Postal Service, USPS is a federal institution and offers various services. For details and current rates visit their official website. Mail boxes may be rented at the post office and stamp machines are located at almost any post office. Notice: Packages should never be wrapped in paper or with a string. It might be rejected by the clerk. It's best to use the shipping supplies and boxes provided by the postal service. Another popular private shipping company is: Mail Boxes Etc. Their rates are a little higher than the ones of the U.S. Postal Service, but they offer additional services like legal validation, copy machines, a wrapping service and a large variety of shipping supplies, gift wraps and greeting cards. Furthermore the atmosphere is more personal. Digital Postcards: Digital Postcards I Digital Postcards II |
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Sizes - Regular S, M, L, XL, XXL - Women's wear Small = up to 10 (-38) - Women's wear Medium = 12-16 (40-44) - Women's wear Large = 16 and up (44+) - Men's wear = 14 1/2 to 18 (37-45) - Women shoes: 5 to 10 (36-41) - Men shoes: 8 to 13 (41-47) |
1 inch = approx. 2.5 cm 1 foot = approx. 30 cm 1 yard = approx. 90 cm 1 mile = approx. 1.6 km 1 acre = approx. 0.40 ha 1 cup = approx. 2.5 dl 1 gallon = approx. 3.8 liter 1 ounce = approx. 28 gr 1 pound = approx. 450 gr |
Telephone - Telecommunication 0 = Operator 411 = Telephone Directory Assistance 911 = Emergency number to call the fire department, the police and the ambulance Telecommunication companies responsible for Southern California and Los Angeles: Discounts for low-income customers. Inexpensive Phone Cards, Calling Cards with excellent international Rates are also available at Hollywood Bazaar & Food Market (Hollywood Blvd / Las Palmas). Radio Directory of all Radio stations FM/AM in the Los Angeles area Directory of all online Radio stations in the USA Cable TV Cable TV Providers for each area/city section TV Guide register for free to see TV-Program listings Some popular programs are: Oprah (ABC), Biography (A&E), Inside the Actor's Studio (Bravo), Larry King Live (CNN), FBI Files, New Detectives, Justice Files, Prosecutors (Discovery), True Hollywood Story (E!), Unsolved Mysteries, What should you do, True Story Movies, Intimate Portrait (Lifetime), Classic Sitcoms (Nick at Nite, TV Land), Behind the Music (VH-1). - Movie Classics, commercial-free (AMC, TCM) - New Movies, commercial-free (HBO, Cinemax, Starz, Showtime, Movie, Encore) - Art and independ. Films, some commercial-free (Independent, Sundance, Bravo) Sports (ESPN), Home&Garden (HGTV), History (History), Science Fiction (Sci-Fi), Family & Kids (Disney), Cartoons (Cartoon) and many more... Internet Services, Internet Access Providers Directory (by area code) Free Services Directory of Cyber Cafes / Internet Cafes |
Please be patient Large File |
In this category we discuss the various ways of transportation Los Angeles has to offer. In addition we will take a closer look at how to buy a car. On Foot, Pedestrian Even though Los Angeles is known to be a "Car City", it might come as a surprise to most visitors, how much people actually move around on foot. We therefore recommend always wearing good and comfortable shoes. The most common areas requiring travel on foot are theme parks, museums, shopping malls and markets, parks and gardens, the beach, historical parts of the city and during certain sports activities. Along the beaches you will often find specially marked areas, which are reserved for pedestrians, inline skaters and cyclists. Information on Hiking Trails is available under the Cat. "Entertainment-Sports" > Hiking. Bicycle, Bike We recommended riding bicycles in either bike lanes or specially marked streets and areas, since drivers usually don't pay much attention to cyclists and therefore often force them to ride on sidewalks (very much to the annoyance of pedestrians). Numerous Bike rental places are located along most beaches. For more information see Cat. "Entertainment-Sports" > Bicycle. Horseback Riding There are numerous Equestrian Centers in Los Angeles, which offer horse rentals. Details about nice trails may be seen in the Cat. "Entertainment-Sports" > Horseback. Motorcycle, Bike Who hasn't dreamed of someday exploring America's endless roads riding a Harley-Davidson. Well, dreams are here to become true. There are many places that rent out Harleys and any other brand motorcycles: More information on motorcycle sports and tracks at Cat. "Entertainment-Sports" > Motorcycle. "Toeffli" (scooters) are not common in the U.S. Car Rental Cars and Vans are without a doubt the most flexible form of transportation. But the infamous LA traffic can be extremely nerve-wrecking, especially during rush hour. We therefore recommend avoiding freeways and main streets between the hours of 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Traffic jams are a daily occurrence in Los Angeles and especially on Fridays drivers tend to be more impatient. Special caution should be executed during the first days of rain, because roads are very slippery due to oil and dust. Every year hundreds of accidents occur just because drivers don't slow down. The first rainfalls are usually expected in November. Notice: Make sure to have your driver's license translated into English before you leave (by TCS for example). Discount Car Rental Deals - Compare rates and get the best deal. Some important traffic rules: Notice: The California Driver Handbook is available at all DMV locations. - It is permitted to turn right at a red light (except if a sign says No Turn on Red), but drivers have to yield to pedestrians, who are allowed to cross the street at this time. - Left turns are quite a challenge and often tourists are seen standing in the middle of intersections helplessly staring at the wall of cars coming towards them. If there is a green arrow, cars may turn left instantly. But when there is a green full light, drivers have to yield to oncoming traffic and let those cars pass first. Only then, drivers are permitted to pull into the intersection and make a left turn. Most of the time traffic is so heavy, that intersections can only be crossed during the orange light period. This will usually allow two to three cars to complete a left turn. - During certain hours some streets do not permit any turns in a particular direction. It is therefore always advisable to look for signs attached to traffic lights. - Never block intersections. This is a major traffic violation resulting in high fines. - On freeways it is permitted to pass cars on the left and the right side. - When parking in a street, cars always face the direction of traffic. When parking downhill, turn the front wheels to the right into the curb. When parking uphill, turn the front wheels to the left, away from the curb. - It is prohibited to stop, stand or park in red zones. Parking is not permitted within 5 meters of fire hydrants or fire station driveways. - Always check for the days and hours when street cleaning takes place. Cars parked in the street during this time will either be towed or fined. - Immediately yield to emergency vehicles using a siren or flashing lights. Pull to the right of the road, if possible, or stop and wait, until the emergency vehicle has passed. However, do not stop in an intersection; continue through the intersection and then pull to the right. Tickets for traffic violations have to be paid according to the court's order. Depending on the ticket, and if the number of tickets received within a year doesn't exceed the maximum, or the ticket should not register in the driver's file, there is the possibility of attending Traffic School. This course may be completed in a class room, by video or over the Internet. Pedestrians too, will receive hefty fines, if caught J-Walking (crossing main streets outside the pedestrian crosswalk). Tip: Even-numbered freeways usually go in the direction East/West Uneven-numbered freeways usually go in the direction North/South Car Purchase / Sale We distinguish between the purchase of new cars and used cars. Most of the time new cars are leased and contracts vary depending on the car dealership. We recommend carefully reading and understanding leases and paying special attention to microscopic text. If necessary bring along a translator. Car dealers are very crafty and perfectly understand how to confuse customers and distract them from disadvantages or crucial details. With used cars the situation is even more critical. Before a car is purchased we recommend doing extensive research and bringing along a personal car mechanic, who can thoroughly inspect and test drive the vehicle that's for sale. In most cases, used cars have some kind of mechanical or technical defect, often cleverly disguised. Oil leaks are stopped with a temporary sealing foam, heavy smoke coming from the muffler is made invisible with a honey-like fluid, odometers are turned back thousands of miles etc. The used car business has a very bad reputation and we advise every buyer to act with great caution. Lemons are easier to get than intact cars. If a used car is bought from a used car dealer, there often is the possibility of negotiating an installment plan. When buying a used car from a private party, cash is the only form of payment. In order to learn more about the true value of a used car, we recommend consulting the Kelley Blue Book or the Edmund's Car Guide. Both sources contain detailed pricing systems and offer valuable advice and great instructions. Car mechanics interested in repairing and re-selling cars should consider going to car auctions or car donation places where cars are sold at ridiculously low prices. Of course, all of these cars have mechanical and technical defects. Payments must be done right away and cars can not be test driven, only started (if possible at all). For repairs it's worth taking the time to look for a "good" garage. Often customers are being charged for parts that didn't need to be replaced or they pay the retail price for parts that have been purchased from the junk yard for a couple of Dollars. Junk yards are a mechanic's favorite playground and cars are being cannibalized to the last screw. By law, Smog Checks have to be done every two years or when selling a used car. Car insurance is required by law and without it, a car may not be registered. We recommend shopping around for the best quotes or consult a Broker. The department responsible for vehicle registrations and driver's licenses is the Department of Motor Vehicles, DMV. Since lines are usually very long and seats rarely available, we recommend calling in advance to make an appointment. Joining the American Automobile Association, AAA [triple A] is an excellent choice. Membership fees are low compared to the various services provided. Among many other advantages there is limited free towing, road service, accommodation and travel discounts, discounts at theme parks and various stores, great value life insurance, and an excellent selection of maps and travel documents, which members receive free of charge. Below are the most popular sources regarding car buys and sales. They are available online or at newsstands and supermarkets. Online catalog offering a vast variety of new and used cars: www.cars.com Gas stations: It's customary to first pay and then pump gas. Unleaded gas and diesel are the only forms of gasoline available in the United States. There are numerous Taxi Companies in LA. Attention: As soon as taxi drivers realize, that you are a foreigner, some will try to either manipulate the counter, drive into traffic jams or take detours. Another form of transportation are Limousines. Recreation Vehicle, Motorhome Traveling across the USA by motorhome is very popular. We recommend inspecting a motorhome thoroughly before renting it, since there is nothing more annoying than having to drive from one garage to the other instead of enjoying the trip. Bus Metro Bus or MTA is Los Angeles' largest bus transportation company, running one or more lines on almost every major street. Detailed information is provided on the MTA Website listing all bus lines, current schedules and fares etc. Fares are rather inexpensive and several options are available: Furthermore, the Metro Trip Planner is a great and helpful tool. At this point we would like to mention the seating habits on buses. Most people prefer aisle seats. Should there be an unoccupied window seat, it can not be expected from the person sitting in the aisle seat to move over. As the "new passenger" one rather has to climb over the seated person and squeeze into the window seat. "Stop-Buttons" are commonly found in form of wires stretching across the bus. Bus stops are not being announced, but the driver will gladly stop at any bus station requested. All passengers must enter the bus through the front door, even if holding a bus pass. Buses are equipped with a special lift system for passengers in wheelchairs > Info. Bicycles can be attached to a rack on the outside front of the bus, free of charge. Express Buses only run on Wilshire Blvd. and Ventura Blvd. LADOT is the second-largest transit fleet in Los Angeles and extremely popular. The buses are small, very comfortable, clean and most of them are powered by environment-friendly technology. Fares are very inexpensive. Greyhound is the largest and best-known provider of intercity bus transportation serving thousands of cities across the United States. Subway The subway system, Metro-Rail, has only been completed recently, connecting the Northern part of the city with the South. There are four lines, red, blue, green and gold. Details and schedules are available on the Metro-Rail website. Again, the Metro Trip Planner is a helpful tool. Although subway stations are being announced in the train, they can hardly be heard with all the noise going on. Be careful, doors close fast. Train, Rail Amtrak is the nation's leading passenger railroad company offering various tours across the United States. How about a ride along the West Coast? The following websites provide detailed information. For Train Enthusiasts - Whistle Stop Gardens: Website I Website II Ship, Boat There are various boat tours and cruises, departing from the Port of Los Angeles. Some are being mentioned here: LA Boat Tours Also see Cat. "Sightseeing" and Cat. "Restaurants". Airplane, Aircraft Since the international airport is located in Los Angeles, all airlines are being represented on the official LAX website. We therefore rather concentrate on domestic flights provided by "Western" airlines. Online tickets are very popular and often less expensive. We recommend constantly checking websites for special offers and discount fares. |
Stick Shift Manual Transmission |
Bucks Slang for Dollars |
The information and links provided on this website are subject to changes and its usage the sole responsibility of the user. USAfuerSCHWEIZER / USA4SWISS makes no representation as to accuracy, timeliness or completeness of that information and can therefore not be held responsible and shall not be liable. Copyright 2001-2006 USAfuerSCHWEIZER.com. All rights reserved. Copyright 2001-2006 USA4SWISS.com. All rights reserved. Last update: 02 / 2006 |
Swiss Visitors with a new "scan ready" passport are not required to get a visa for the United States. A stay for up to 3 months is possible, with a visitor visa up to 6 months. Swiss visitors with an "old" passport are required to apply for a visitor visa. Students: Intl. Student Info Au-Pairs: Visa Information More detailed information is provided by the following websites: Embassy of the United States of America in Berne, Switzerland Consulate General of Switzerland in Los Angeles, USA |
