Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $35–70 | $120–220 |
| Food | $20–35 | $50–85 |
| Transport | $0–10 | $15–30 |
| Activities | $0–15 | $30–60 |
| Drinks | $10–20 | $25–45 |
| Daily Total | $65–150 | $240–440 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Visa Waiver Program countries need an ESTA ($21) — apply at least 72 hours before travel
- Miami International Airport (MIA) is 20 minutes from South Beach. Uber to SoBe: $18–28. Miami Beach Airport Express bus: $2.25
- Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) is 40 minutes north — often has cheaper flights. Brightline train connects FLL to downtown Miami ($12–22)
Health & Safety
- Travel insurance essential — US healthcare is extremely expensive without coverage. Urgent care from $150+
- Miami is generally safe in tourist areas. Be cautious in Overtown and parts of Liberty City at night. SoBe is safe but watch for petty theft
- Intense subtropical sun — reapply SPF 50+ sunscreen every 2 hours. Mosquitoes are a nuisance, especially near the Everglades. Pack repellent
Getting Around
- Free trolleys run through South Beach, Brickell, Wynwood/Midtown, Design District, Coconut Grove, and Coral Gables — use the trolley tracker app
- Metromover (free downtown monorail) connects Brickell, Downtown, and Omni. Metrorail ($2.25) connects airport to Brickell and Coconut Grove
- Uber/Lyft are essential for South Beach to mainland. Rides cost $12–25. Surge pricing at bar close (2–3am) is brutal — plan ahead
Connectivity
- Free WiFi at most hotels, cafes, and public spaces. The free Miami Beach WiFi covers much of the beach area
- Cell service is excellent. US SIM: T-Mobile prepaid ($30/month unlimited). Available at phone stores and Walmart/Target
- Download the Miami Trolley Tracker app and Uber — you'll use both constantly
Money
- Cards accepted everywhere. Many South Beach restaurants add an automatic 18% gratuity — check your bill before tipping extra
- Tipping: 18–20% at restaurants (check if auto-gratuity is included), $1–2/drink at bars, 15–20% for rideshare
- ATMs everywhere. Avoid currency exchange booths on Ocean Drive — terrible rates. Bank ATMs give the best exchange rate
Packing Tips
- Light, breathable clothing year-round — Miami is hot and humid even in "winter." Linen and cotton are your friends
- Club attire for South Beach nightlife — men need collared shirts, no athletic wear. Women dress up. Beach cover-ups are fine for daytime restaurants
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+), insect repellent, reusable water bottle, and a compact umbrella for afternoon thunderstorms (Jun–Oct)
Cultural tips
Tipping & Auto-Gratuity
Many Miami Beach restaurants add 18–20% automatic gratuity to your bill. Check before tipping extra — you might double-tip accidentally. If service was great, add an extra 2–5% on top.
Cuban Culture
Miami is the Cuban-American capital of the world. Ordering a "coffee" at a ventanita means a cafecito (espresso with sugar). A cortadito adds milk. Colada is meant to share — it comes with tiny cups.
Spanish is Essential
Miami is genuinely bilingual — many residents speak Spanish as a first language. You'll hear more Spanish than English in Little Havana, Hialeah, and Doral. Basic Spanish phrases are helpful and deeply appreciated.
Beach Rules
No glass on the beach (strictly enforced). Topless sunbathing is common on South Beach. Haulover is an official nude beach (north section). No alcohol on the sand — lifeguards will fine you.
Miami Time
Miami runs on its own clock — dinner at 9pm, drinks at 11pm, clubs at 1am. Don't show up to a club before midnight. Brunch culture is strong — Sundays are sacred for long, boozy meals that stretch to 4pm.
Water Safety
Rip currents are real on Miami's Atlantic beaches. Swim near lifeguard stands. Purple flags mean marine pests (jellyfish). Red flags mean no swimming. Key Biscayne has calmer water protected by the reef.
