Miami Useful Facts

Weather

Miami is located at the south-eastern tip of the Florida peninsula and benefits from a tropical climate, ensuring plenty of sunshine all year round. Average temperatures range from around 26°C in January, to highs in the mid-thirties in August.  Rainfall is minimal from November to May, with higher rainfall and tropical showers from June through to September.

Flights and Airports

There are frequent direct flights from the UK to Miami with various scheduled airlines including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, plus many indirect flights and add-ons from regional airports. Flying time is approximately nine hours. If you want to see other parts of Florida such as the Gulf Coast, then you could book a flight into Miami and return from Tampa, or perhaps go onto the theme parks of Orlando and fly back to the UK from here. You can discuss the best options for you with your American Sky travel consultant.

Your journey from the airport

If you have pre-booked a taxi or minibus transfer with us you will be met on arrival by our American Sky representative who will guide you to your transfer vehicle. If you have pre-booked car hire follow the instructions given on your booking itinerary. There is a now an efficient shuttle train from the terminal to the car hire depot - the “MIA Mover”, making the process of picking up your car hire a much cooler experience.

Miami airport is located around five miles north of Downtown and 13 miles west of Miami Beach. Depending on traffic it will take about 20 minutes to drive to South Beach, and includes a spectacular stretch on the MacArthur Causeway where you’ll have great views of the bay and islands.

Time difference

(-5) GMT

Visa Requirements

Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the return date to the UK.

All travellers should check full entry requirements prior to travel by visiting the FCO website or by contacting the relevant embassy.

USA entry procedures have changed and UK travellers to the USA under the Visa Waiver Scheme must now complete the I-94W form online using the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) system - for more details, look at the US Embassy site. Any other nationalities must seek the advice of their embassy.

Currency

American Dollar. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and many restaurants and shops.

Electricity

120V 60 Hertz. All plugs are a flat blade 2 pin. Converters are readily available in the UK for the USA.

Vaccination & Health

As health requirements change please consult with your GP or specialist travel clinic well in advance of your holiday for specific information related to your travel and medical history. Additional information can be found by visiting NaTHNaC or MASTA Travel health.

Dialling Code

Miami +1 305 786

Language, People and Culture

The Cubans have flocked to Miami making up a large part of the population, and Spanish is spoken by the majority of Miami residents.  However obviously English is widely spoken, sometimes with a distinct Miami accent, developed by second and third generation Hispanics.

The cuisine also reflects this diverse population, and has a heavy influence from the Caribbean and Latin America, creating a unique style of cooking known as Floribbean cuisine.

Location and Getting Around

Located on the Atlantic coast in south-eastern Florida, Miami is a city which sprawls out over a large area, which includes six major causeways connecting the various islands together with the mainland and each other. Getting around is most convenient by taxi or car.

By car: To rent a car, the driver must be over 21, have a valid credit card and English language drivers licence. Your passport must also be presented. American Sky can pre-book your car at favourable rates.

By public transport: The mainstay of the Miami public transport system is the Metrobus however the network is large, and it takes some time to get used to. The fare is standard to any destination. If you need to change buses, ask for a transfer when buying your ticket, which costs extra.

By train: There is also an elevated train service called the Metrorail, which connects North and South Miami with stations at one mile intervals, and an elevated monorail, the Metromover, which offers great views of downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay and connects with buses and trains.

On foot: The South Beach area is wonderful for strolling, either along the beach boardwalk or around the Art Deco district.