Organize your stay San Francisco
Money San Francisco
The unit of currency is the dollar (US$). Denominations are 1, 2 (very rare), 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 US$. Denominations higher than US$50 are sometimes refused, particularly at metro ticket offices and in cabs, but also in certain stores and restaurants. Uniformly green and white, American banknotes all look alike and require a minimum of attention. Especially as they are all the same size. Make sure you don't make a mistake when paying, and always check the change you're given. As forcoins, they are 1 cent(penny), 5 cents(nickel), 10 cents(dime), 25 cents(quarter) - used in buses and laundromats -, 50 cents(half dollar) and, finally, 1 US$, which are now gold-plated(golden dollar). The 1 and 5 cent coins are all small and copper-colored; all the others are silver-colored.
The exchange rate changes daily, so check with your bank before you leave, or visit a specialized website such as www.xe.com. In June 2024, the exchange rate is as follows: 1 US$ = 0.93 €; 1 € = 1.07 US$.
Budget & Tips San Francisco
Money has a way of slipping through your fingers in San Francisco! The cost of living has risen dramatically in recent years. For European tourists, the USA is an increasingly expensive destination. A stay in San Francisco will generally leave you with lasting memories and a bank account that looks rather grim... It's hard to eat in a decent restaurant for less than US$20 or US$30, it's hard to stay in a barely salubrious hotel for less than US$150, public transport is expensive, it's hard to eat without leaving a 15-20% tip, and so on.
Passport and visas San Francisco
To enter the USA, you need a biometric passport. France is part of the Visa Waiver Pilot (VWP) program, which allows all French nationals to enter the USA without a visa, for a maximum stay of 90 days. Since January 2009, to benefit from this visa waiver, it is necessary to make an online declaration for tourist stays in the USA. To do this, you need to fill in the ESTA form online at www.esta.cbp.dhs.gov (and only on this site!) and pay the US$21 administration fee. Within a few days, you'll receive your ESTA, valid for two years. Be sure to fill in the form at least 72 hours beforehand, and only via the above-mentioned site. Your ESTA will be requested when you board your flight to the USA.
Warning. Many fraudulent sites offer to take care of this administrative procedure for exorbitant fees. To enter the United States, all you need is a valid biometric passport, the ESTA and a non-refundable round-trip ticket, and no intention of extending your stay. Finally, for any stay of more than 90 days, visitors must be in possession of a visa. There are several types of visa (student, work, etc.), but they are all fairly difficult to obtain.
To find out everything you need to know about the type of visa to apply for and the procedures to follow, visit www.r.usembassy.gov/fr/visas-fr/. To obtain a visa for the United States, you need to go to the US Embassy in Paris (www.fr.usembassy.gov). If you're not in France, here's a complete list of American consulates and embassies where you can apply for a visa: www. usembassy.gov
Driver's license San Francisco
For stays of less than three months, a French driver's license valid for more than one year is valid in all states. You must be at least 21 years old (in some cases 25) to rent a car in the USA. As soon as your stay exceeds three months, your French driver's license is no longer sufficient, and you are required to obtain a driver's license in your state of residence. As laws vary from state to state, we advise you to contact the French consulate in the state concerned.
Health San Francisco
There are no health risks involved in traveling to San Francisco and the United States.
Mandatory vaccination San Francisco
The travel ban, introduced in March 2020 in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic for travelers from the Schengen area, was lifted on November 8, 2021. There is no longer any vaccination requirement to enter the United States.
Security San Francisco
San Francisco is a safe city. But beware of the Tenderloin and Civic Center neighborhoods, where hundreds, if not thousands, of homeless drug addicts roam day and night... It's a real no-go zone, so don't try to get around unless you're taking a cab to a specific location.
Time difference San Francisco
The time difference with France is 9 hours. When it's 5pm in Paris, it's 8am in San Francisco. This is true in winter as well as in summer, since daylight saing time takes place on roughly the same dates in France and the USA (give or take a week or two).
Spoken languages San Francisco
English is, of course, the official language in California. San Francisco is a polyglot city, with Spanish and Chinese widely spoken.
Communication San Francisco
You won't be cut off from the world during your stay in San Francisco. Free wifi is available in many restaurants, stores and, of course, hotels.
Electricity and measurements San Francisco
The USA operates at 110 volts and 60 Hz frequency. Sockets have two flat plugs, and light bulb sockets are screw-in (no bayonets). Whether you bring electrical equipment with you or buy it locally, don't forget to bring adapters(converters), on sale at Best Buy and Duane Reade, among others. If you buy equipment locally, be sure to buy the adapter before you return. But be careful! American standards are totally different from French ones, so make sure you only buy compatible equipment. Distances are measured in inches , feet , yards and miles. Weights are measured in ounces, pounds and tons. Liquid measurements are even more complex and confusing: imperial (English) and American measurements are in pints and gallons, but are different (1 imperial pint = 1.25 american pint).
Luggage San Francisco
Sometimes you will be hot and sometimes cold. So, bring sunscreen (without hoping to be able to swim in the ocean which is too cold, but to sunbathe on the coast), a beach towel and a cap (although you will be able to find one to your liking on the spot), without forgetting sweaters. Sweaters are necessary in San Francisco, even in August (and of course in the mountains). You should also bring a windbreaker, which is useful if you go for a walk in the sea for example.
For nature lovers, a tent will be necessary for camping in the national parks. Take your own tent with you, as the local prices are high. You will also need a small flashlight, sleeping bags and sleeping mats to protect you from the humidity of the region, especially in winter and spring, before the first heat.
Those who want to hit the ski slopes of Mammoth Lakes will find all the equipment available for rent on site.
Santa Cruz is also full of surfboard rental stores.
Don't forget to bring an adapter for your electrical appliances, it is not always easy to find one on the spot (if not, you can find some in DIY stores).
