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. |