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Getting Around
Miami has a Metrorail system and a free Metromover loop downtown, but much of the city is best navigated by rideshare or car, as public transit coverage thins significantly outside the urban core. Renting a car is practical for exploring Wynwood, Little Havana, and South Beach across multiple days.
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Cash or Card
Miami is thoroughly card-friendly, with nearly all restaurants, hotels, and shops accepting contactless and credit payment without hesitation. Cash remains useful for street food vendors, farmers markets, parking meters in certain neighborhoods, and tipping service staff in cash-preferred venues.
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Good to Know
Miami runs on a later schedule than most American cities, with dinner rarely starting before 8pm and nightlife not warming up until well after midnight in many neighborhoods. Dress codes at restaurants and clubs are taken seriously, particularly in South Beach, where appearance is quietly considered part of the cultural currency.
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ATMs
ATMs are widely available throughout Miami at banks, grocery stores, hotels, and convenience shops, making cash access reliably simple across all major neighborhoods. Out-of-network fees apply at many private ATMs in tourist-heavy areas like Ocean Drive and Bayside, so withdrawing from a bank-branded machine typically saves a few unnecessary dollars.
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Currency
The United States Dollar is the only currency in use, and foreign exchange is straightforward at banks, airport kiosks, and select hotels, though airport rates are typically less favorable than those at in-city banks. Miami's international character means currency is rarely a source of confusion, and USD is accepted universally with no rounding quirks or coin complications.
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Plugs
Type A and B outlets, 120V at 60Hz. Standard US plugs are used throughout, and visitors from outside North America will need a voltage converter along with an adapter.
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Safety
Miami is generally safe for visitors who stay oriented within well-trafficked areas like South Beach, Wynwood, Brickell, and Coral Gables, but situational awareness matters, especially late at night near transit hubs and in unfamiliar residential areas. Valuables left visible in parked cars are a consistent target, so keeping bags and electronics out of sight is a simple and worthwhile habit.
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Airports
Miami International Airport (MIA) is the primary gateway, serving direct routes to Europe, Latin America, and across the United States, and sitting approximately 11 kilometers from downtown. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is roughly 48 kilometers north and frequently offers lower fares, making it a popular secondary option for budget-conscious travelers.