In this guide we are going to see some useful Miami general tips and useful apps that will surely help you:
TRANSPORTATION
The reality is that it is very necessary to have a CAR. There are many things to do and they are all quite far from each other.
We recommend renting well in advance since at the moment or the closer you get to the date, the more expensive it is. There are many RENTAL CARS stores, just look at the cheapest one and keep in mind that the car you choose has a reference photo that describes the category of the car, know that you won't not necessarily get that exact one.
The earlier you arrive, the better chance you have a better option.
In any case, know that they cannot give you a lower category than what you paid for, if they do not have more stock, they must give you something superior! You can rent it from one destination and return it to another without problem. Just keep in mind that if you want to return it on another country it is MUCH more expensive. If you are going to need it as soon as you arrive, it is convenient to pick it up at the airport and the same thing upon return.
It is very necessary to have GPS. You can rent it with the car or else at the moment. But you might not need to do so having the maps on your phone.
You can buy a local chip for this and it even helps you stay connected on your stay.
If you are not going to want to buy a chip and you need to use the phone's maps, we recommend downloading the Miami map before traveling, on Google Maps!
Another option besides renting a car is TAXI or UBER. Our recommendation is UBER. In the US it works very well, and you don't have to stand there waiting for a taxi to come over.
Mind rating the driver to help the community so that the next passenger knows if that driver is recommended or not. The driver also rates you as a passenger.
If you feel like doing a little exercise, you can look for the bike stands and rent them by the hour. You can do so at bike rental stores or in some bike spots on the streets with a credit card and can pick it up at one spot and return it at another within Miami Beach.
TAX REFUND
In the US, they do not return the TAX! So don't mind saving tickets.
USEFUL APPS
A very useful app is YELP. You can see different places of interest that are located near you or in the area you choose, with user ratings and comments and photos of the place. Also information for opening days and hours. You can also order food delivery, check service stations' points, shopping malls, pharmacies... everything! You need to be connected to wifi or have a phone chip for this.
UBER to move around, as we explained above. You also have UBEREATS to order food!
TRIPOSO… a good option for those who don't have internet! It is an app that has maps and points of interest for each city. What you need is to download the cities on advance when you do have an internet connection, and once downloaded, you don't need to have a connection any longer.
CONNECTIVITY
As told before, you can buy a chip or just use the wifi of the hotel, shoppings/malls/restaurants/bars... Some clothing stores also have free wifi.
You'll also find free wifi at Apple stores and Starbucks!
If you are going to choose not to buy a phone chip and use WiFi, don't forget to turn off mobile data so you don't get charged from your local carrier. You can deactivate it from the "Settings" or directly leave the phone in AIRPLANE mode during the entire stay and only leave the WIFI on.
LUGGAGE
Check with your company the number of luggage you can carry and the maximum weight.
Remember that it is not cumulative; that is to say, if it tells you 2 suitcases of 23kg, it cannot be one of 46kg! This is simply because the weight is based on what the airport staff can carry for safety reasons. Legally they cannot be lifting bags of more than 23kg. Therefore, distribute your items and before leaving weigh them because they are very strict.
In any case, if you already know that you are going shopping, try traveling light or take an extra empty suitcase and then fill it with your purchases. You can always buy another suitcase, in some stores they are very cheap!
If you go to the SAWGRASS outlet they have suitcase stores at discount prices. In our BUYING TIPS guide you can find useful information on shopping malls/outlets.
OTHER TIPS
Do not forget to authorize your credit cards before traveling, and rent a travel insurance! Before booking the insurance, check with your credit card because sometimes, depending on your category, you already have it included.
We hope these #GuestTravelTips have been useful!
OTHER USEFUL GUIDES
The art district: Wynwood
All the best Buying tips
Where to go out at night- Bars, Rooftops and Nightclubs
The best beaches