Business Hours--Banking hours vary, but most banks are open weekdays from 9am to 3pm. Several stay open until 5pm or so at least 1 day during the week, and most banks feature automated teller machines (ATMs) for 24-hour banking. Most stores are open daily from 10am to 6pm; however, there are many exceptions. As far as business offices are concerned, Miami is generally a 9-to-5ish town.
Dentists--If you’re in absolute need of a dentist, go to 1800dentist.com. A lot of strip-mall chain dentists like Aspen Dental offer emergency walk-in visits, too.
Emergencies--To reach the police, an ambulance, or the fire department, dial 911 from any phone. For a list of crisis hotlines in Miami, go to www.lovediscovery.org/crisis-hotlines.
Internet Access--Internet access is available via free Wi-Fi in many parts of the city including downtown and Miami Beach.
Liquor Laws--Only adults 21 or older may legally purchase or consume alcohol in the state of Florida. Minors are usually permitted in bars, as long as the bars also serve food. Liquor laws are strictly enforced; if you look young, carry identification. Beer and wine are sold in most supermarkets and convenience stores.
Lost Property--If you lose something at the airport, call the Airport Lost and Found office (05/876-7377). If you lose something on the bus, Metrorail, or Metromover, call Metro-Dade Transit Agency (305/770-3131). If you lose something anywhere else, phone the Miami Dade County Police (305/603-6640). You may also want to fill out a police report for insurance purposes.
Newspapers --The Miami Herald is the city’s only English-language daily. The most respected alternative weekly is the giveaway tabloid, New Times, which contains up-to-date listings and reviews of food, films, theater, music, and whatever else is happening in town.
Pharmacies--Walgreens Pharmacy has countless locations all over town. Then there’s CVS, which is usually located wherever there’s a Walgreens.
Police--For emergencies, dial 911 from any phone. The City of Miami Police Department can be reached at 305/603-6640.
Post Office--The Main Post Office, 2200 NW 72nd Ave (800/275-8777), is located west of the Miami International Airport. Conveniently located post offices include 20 Miracle Mile in Coral Gables, 1101 Brickell Ave., in downtown, 1300 Washington Ave. in South Beach and 3191 Grand Ave. in Coconut Grove. There is one central number for all post offices: 800/275-8777.
Restrooms--Stores rarely let customers use their restrooms, and many restaurants offer their facilities only for their patrons. However, mostmalls have restrooms, as do many fast-food restaurants. Public beaches and large parks often provide toilets, though in some places you have to pay or tip an attendant. Most large hotels have clean restrooms in their lobbies.
Safety--As always, use your common sense and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Don’t walk alone at night, and be extra wary when walking or driving though certain desolate parts of downtown Miami and surrounding areas. For some good visitor safety tips, visit www.miamidade.gov/global/police/visitor-safety.page.
Taxes-- A 6 percent state sales tax (plus 1 percent local tax, for a total of 7 percent in Miami-Dade County, from Homestead to North Miami Beach) is added on at the register for all goods and services purchased in Florida. In addition, most municipalities levy special taxes on restaurants and hotels. In 2023, Miami was named the country’s 5th city with the highest tourist tax. In Miami Beach, the resort tax is 6 percent. For properties off Miami Beach the resort tax is 3 percent.
Time Zone--Miami, like New York, is in the Eastern Standard Time (EST) zone. Between the second Sunday of March and the first Sunday of November, daylight saving time is adopted, and clocks are set 1 hour ahead.
Transit Information--For Metrorail or Metromover schedule information, phone 305/770-3131 or surf over to www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/mdta. For bus schedules, go to www.miamidade.gov/transportation-publicworks/routes.asp.
Weather--Hurricane season in Miami runs June through November. For an up-to-date recording of current weather conditions and forecast reports, call 305/229-4522 or head to weather.gov.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
