Los Angeles Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go

Practical tips for Los Angeles

• Rush hour runs 7–10am and 3–7pm — plan drives around it.

• Beach parking fills by mid-morning at weekends.

• Tipping 18–20% at restaurants is standard.

Staying safe and comfortable

Local emergency number: 911.

• Tourist areas (Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, WeHo, DTLA financial district) safe day + night.

• Avoid Skid Row (east of DTLA) at all hours; alert around Hollywood Blvd late.

• Never leave valuables visible in parked cars — smash-and-grab risk.

• Emergency 911 (all services).

Visas and entry

Entry policy: mixed, typically up to 90 days. VWP nationals (UK, EU, Japan, Korea, Australia, NZ, Singapore + others) need ESTA US$21 before boarding — 72h+ ahead. Canadians enter with passport only. Everyone else needs B-1/B-2 visa — apply months ahead at US embassy.

Budgeting your trip

Accommodation is the largest controllable cost in Los Angeles. Compare live rates for your dates and neighbourhood shortlist before locking in flights — the difference between areas is often larger than the difference between travel weeks.