Los Angeles Tourism

Los Angeles is a city in California, USA. It is the largest city in California and the second largest in the United States after New York City. Los Angeles is famous for being the center of the American entertainment industry, including Hollywood, and is home to many movie studios, television networks, and music companies. It is also a cultural hub with a diverse population, including a large Hispanic community. The city is known for its warm climate, beaches, and attractions such as the Hollywood Sign, Disneyland, and Universal Studios. However, it also faces challenges such as traffic congestion, air pollution, and homelessness.

Essential travel information and Los Angeles tips for your visit

Time Zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC 08:00)

Currency: USD

Electricity and Internet

  • Set at 110 Volts and 60 cycles. 220 Volt power is used in homes only for large appliances like stoves, water heaters and clothes dryers. It is not normally available for personal appliances.
  • If you bring any electrical appliance to the USA, you may need an adaptor to fit the US electrical receptacles. You may also need a converter to change the voltage from 110 volts to 220 volts.
  • Most common appliances will function with either 50 or 60 cycle current. Electrical frequency can affect electric clocks, audio equipment and some other electronic gear. You should check your electrical equipment for compatibility with 60-cycle current before you bring it to the USA.
  • Most areas and hotels have a free wi-fi or reasonable packages for you to stay connected.

Languages

  • Spanish is the most widely spoken first language in Los Angeles. Other languages that are commonly found are Korean, Filipino, Armenian, Chinese, and Persian.
  • Everybody speaks in English as well and everybody around California, the most spoken language is English.

SECURITY

Security Numbers

  • Call 9-1-1 when there is a life-threatening emergency that requires the immediate response of emergency services such as police, fire or paramedic.
  • Call 3-1-1 for any non-emergency City services.
  • Non-emergency Police: 877-275-5273
  • TTY Service: 213-847-0652
  • Park-related emergencies: 323-913-7390
  • Water Service: 800-342-5397
  • Power Service: 800-342-5397
  • Gas Service: 800-427-2200
  • Traffic Signals: 213-580-1177
  • Road closures (Cal Trans): 800-427-7623
  • Street Lights: 800-996-2489
  • American Red Cross public information: 213-739-5200
  • Animal Services: 888-452-7381
  • Building Inspection: 888-524-2845
  • Storm damage/mud slide reports: 888-524-2845
  • Refuse collection: 800-773-2489
  • Sewer/storm drain problems: 800-773-2489
  • Trees down/debris removal & related problems: 800-996-2489

SECURITY ADVICE

  • Walking at night in some areas of the city (and some suburban cities as well) should be conducted with caution; and depending on the area, in groups.
  • If traveling by car there is little threat of being harassed day or night, provided you avoid driving around neighborhoods that are known for gang activity.
  • In L.A., where the automobile is worshipped-and will be, no matter how high gas prices go-the freeways are the best way for you to get around town.
  • Renting a Car: Definitely plan to do it at the airport. It's also a good idea to spring for a GPS system.
  • Parking: With the exception of Downtown high-rises, where parking costs can be exorbitant, parking in L.A. is not inexpensive and plentiful.
  • Avoid rush hour (before 10 am and between 5 and 7 pm) if at all possible, and remember that even-numbered freeways run east–west, and odd-numbered ones run north–south.
  • Ride: sharing services like Uber, Sidecar, and Lyft are other options.
  • The air pollution in L.A. may affect sensitive people in different ways. When pollution levels are high, it's a good idea to plan a day indoors or on a windy beach.
  • The sun can burn even on overcast days, and the dry heat can dehydrate, so wear hats, sunglasses, and sunblock and carry water with you.
  • Los Angeles is not a 24-hour city like New York, but in many places business hours extend well into the evening, especially for bigger stores and shopping centers. On Monday, many bars, restaurants, and shops (including outdoor sports outlets) remain closed.
  • Many L.A. museums are closed on Monday and major holidays. A few of the preeminent art museums, including the Norton Simon and Los Angeles County Museum of Art, stay open on Monday.

Tipping

  • If any (restaurants, guides, drivers)
  • About 20% in restaurants.
  • 5-10 dollars for anybody providing service to you.

Customs

All transit rates start at a base fare of $1.75. In addition to a single-ride fare, options include the Metro Day Pass ($7) and the 7-Day Pass ($25). On the Metro Rail and the Metro Orange Line, single-ride fares, passes and stored value must be loaded on a Metro TAP card.

Suggestion

Check the availability of Los Angeles tours to book them to explore the beautiful city.

Los Angeles Trip Planner

Plan your customized day by day trip plan for Los Angeles. Choose from various experinces categories as adventure, romantic and family and kids friendly for your trip using using Los Angeles trip planner.

The best tours and activities in the city, guided by experts to give you a local insight to the best of Los Angeles