San Francisco Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go

Practical tips for San Francisco

• Pack layers year-round — SF can go 12°C to 24°C in a single afternoon as fog rolls in.

• Tipping 18–22% at restaurants + SF Health Mandate surcharge often on bill (already tip-inclusive-adjacent).

• Never leave valuables in parked cars — smash-and-grab is the #1 tourist issue city-wide.

Staying safe and comfortable

Local emergency number: 911.

• Tourist areas (Union Square, Marina, Wharf, Presidio, Nob Hill) safe day + night.

• Avoid Tenderloin + 6th Street corridor day + night; open drug use visible.

• NEVER leave anything visible in parked cars — smash-and-grab is the #1 tourist issue.

• Emergency 911.

Visas and entry

Entry policy: mixed, typically up to 90 days. Same US rules everywhere: VWP nationals need ESTA US$21 72h+ ahead; Canadians with passport; everyone else B-1/B-2 visa via US embassy.

Budgeting your trip

Accommodation is the largest controllable cost in San Francisco. 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.