Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
San Francisco proclaims itself as “Everybody's
Favorite City,” an accolade that is confirmed
by the many awards heaped on its facilities.
All visitors, from the economy-minded to the
extravagant, will find a wide range of hotels
(see pp212-15)
, restaurants
(pp222-9)
, shops
(pp232-45)
, entertainment options
(pp246-
61)
, and guided tours
(p281)
to suit their
budget. Getting around the city is easy and
usually safe, provided you use common
sense
(p270)
. The practical information on
these pages will help you locate banks
(pp272-3)
and medical resources
(p283)
, and
the tips included here address everything
from making long-distance phone calls
(p274)
to riding a cable car
(pp284-5)
.
Visas and Passports
Holders of a valid European
Union, Australian, or New
Zealand passport who are also
in possession of a return ticket
are not required to have visas if
staying in the US for 90 days or
less. However, they must
register online via the Electronic
System for Travel Authorization
(https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov).
Applications must be made at
least 72 hours before travel and
there is a charge.
Canadians and returning
Americans must have a
passport or other accepted
form of official ID.
Entry requirements are
prone to change so contact
your local US embassy for
current requirements.
Rows of brochures at the San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau
(2 pints) of alcohol; and gifts
that are worth no more than
$100. Meat or meat products
(even in cans), illegal drugs,
cheese, seeds, live plants, and
fresh fruit are not allowed.
Foreign visitors to the US may
bring in or take out up to
$10,000 in US or foreign currency.
lists the major arts and
entertainment events in the
city. Other good sources of
information are Friday's
“Weekend” section of the
San
Francisco Examiner
and the
listings in
The Bay Guardian
and
SF Weekly
(both free).
Customs Information
Upon arrival at San Francisco
International Airport
(see
pp276-7)
, travelers from
outside the US should follow
the signs that read “Other
than American Passports”
to immigration counters for
passport inspection and
stamping. Proceed to customs,
where an officer will check your
passport, take your finger prints
and a digital picture, and
review the declaration you
filled in on your flight. You will
then be directed either to the
exit or to another officer who
may search your luggage. It
takes on average 30-60
minutes (including the wait)
to complete these formalities.
Customs allowances for
visitors over the age of 21
entering the US are: 200
cigarettes, 100 cigars (not
from Cuba), or 3 lb (1.4 kg) of
tobacco; no more than 1 liter
Admission Charges
Although there are a number of
free entertainment options in the
city, most attractions charge an
admission fee of between $5 and
$10. The Conservatory of Flowers
and Japanese Tea Garden, both
in Golden Gate Park
(see pp145-
57)
, charge $8 and $7
respectively. A trip to Alcatraz
(see pp84-7)
, including the ferry
ride there and
back, costs $38
($45 for the
night tour),
with discounts
for seniors and
children under
11; kids under the
age of 4 go free
(see p287)
.
San Francisco is well known
for its live music scene, which
features both emerging local
bands and established
international artists. Cover
Tourist Information
Maps, guides, listings, and
passes for attractions and
public transportation can be
found at the
San Francisco
Visitor Information Center
(see
p119)
. This office also has two
free guides for visitors: the
San Francisco Book
details
concerts, shows, nightclubs, and
restaurants;
while
San
Francisco Arts
Monthly
has
film, theater,
visual arts,
music, and
dance listings.
This
Week in San Francisco
and the
monthly
Where Magazine
are available free from hotels
and stores.
The “Datebook” section of
Sunday's
San Francisco Chronicle
CityPASS ticket
Cars zooming across the Bay Bridge in the evening
