Miami, United States

• Miami feels more like Latin America than the rest of the United States. Over 70% of residents speak Spanish as their first language, and you'll hear it constantly - in restaurants, shops, taxis, everywhere. The weather stays hot year-round with temperatures rarely below 70°F, but summer humidity from June to September makes it feel much hotter and brings daily afternoon thunderstorms.
• The city breaks into very different neighborhoods. South Beach has the Art Deco buildings and beach scene everyone knows from photos. Brickell is the financial district with glass towers and rooftop bars. Coral Gables has tree-lined streets and old money atmosphere. Wynwood is the arts district with murals and nightlife. Where you stay matters because the neighborhoods don't really connect well - you'll need to take rideshares between them.
• Public transportation is limited. The Metrorail runs 5am to midnight at $2.25 per trip and connects some major areas. The Metromover is free but only covers downtown and Brickell. Most people use cars or Uber/Lyft because the city sprawls. Traffic can be aggressive and parking is expensive in popular areas.
• Safety varies a lot by neighborhood and time of day. Coral Gables, Brickell, and Key Biscayne have low crime rates. South Beach, Wynwood, and Little Havana are generally safe during the day but need more caution at night - stick to well-lit, busy streets. Avoid Overtown, Liberty City, and Opa-Locka completely. Pickpocketing and bag-snatching happen in tourist areas, especially South Beach and Bayside Marketplace.

English is the official language, but over 70% of Miami residents speak Spanish as their primary language. Most tourist areas, hotels, and major restaurants have English-speaking staff. Emergency services (911) have multilingual operators. Spanish is extremely useful in neighborhoods like Little Havana and when dealing with taxis or local businesses.

• Spanish is the main language for most locals. You don't need to speak it, but basic phrases help - 'hola', 'gracias', 'por favor', 'la cuenta' (the check). Many menus and signs are Spanish-only, especially in Little Havana and local spots. Restaurant staff in tourist areas speak English, but taxi drivers and shop workers often don't.
• Tipping works like the rest of the U.S. - 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, $2-5 for hotel staff. South Beach restaurants often add 18-20% gratuity automatically, so check your bill before tipping extra. If a menu doesn't list prices, especially for cocktails in South Beach, it's expensive. Ask first.
• Miami runs on a late schedule. Dinner starts around 8-10pm on weekends. Nightlife doesn't really start until 11pm or midnight. Weekend brunch spots have hour-long waits from 10am-2pm. Social events run late and people are relaxed about time, but show up on time for tours, reservations, and transportation.
• People dress up more than in most U.S. cities. South Beach and Brickell nightlife means short dresses, heels, makeup. Some upscale restaurants have dress codes - no flip-flops, tank tops, or beachwear. During the day near the beach, beach clothes are fine. Cover up when you go into shops, restaurants, or inland neighborhoods like Coral Gables.
• Beach safety: Only swim where there are lifeguards, stay between the flags, don't swim alone or after dark. Rip currents are serious and kill people every year. Leave valuables at your hotel - beach theft is common. Don't leave drinks or bags unattended. Ocean Drive restaurants are tourist traps with inflated prices. Walk through for photos but eat somewhere else.

• The Metrorail runs 5am to midnight at $2.25 per trip. It connects the airport through downtown to southern areas like Coral Gables and Kendall. Service gets less frequent after 8pm. It's useful for specific routes but doesn't cover most of the city.
• The Metromover is free and runs 5am to midnight, looping through downtown and Brickell. Good for getting around the financial district, but that's about it. Most neighborhoods aren't connected.
• Uber and Lyft are how most people get around Miami, especially at night or between neighborhoods. Rideshares work better than taxis - they're safer and you know the price upfront. Weekend nights will have surge pricing. Miami drivers can be aggressive, so the backseat is more comfortable.
• If you do take a taxi, use official yellow cabs and make sure they turn on the meter. Overcharging is common - drivers will say the meter's broken or quote inflated flat rates. Check the estimated fare first or just use a rideshare app instead.
• You can walk within neighborhoods during the day. South Beach, Coral Gables, and Coconut Grove are walkable. But neighborhoods are far apart and the heat makes long walks miserable, especially in summer. After dark, only walk in the busiest parts of South Beach and Brickell. Use rideshare everywhere else at night.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.
• For peace of mind on arrival, book your airport pickup in advance.

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