Helpful Information

Osprey

All about Money
The American currency consists of 1 (penny), 5 (nickel), 10 (dime) and 25 (quarter) cents, and notes of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars. Credit cards such as VISA, MasterCard and American Express are a convenient payment, since they are accepted in Florida almost everywhere. Without a credit card, the reservation by phone of hotel rooms and event tickets as well as the r4eservation of rental cars is almost not possible. Foreign currencies are difficult to exchange in Florida. They can only exchanged to reasonable conditions at airports, major banks and exchange offices. Traveler's checks, however, are an easy and secure payment, they are accepted at all restaurants and shops, and can easily be replaced if lost.

Customs
Food of animal origin, plants, vegetables and fruit may cannot be imported into the U.S. Upon entry, the customs limit for tourists for gifts is $ 100, and at exit the value is at $ 350

Country code from the U.S.

Germany 011 49
Switzerland 011 41
Austria 011 43

Important Phone Numbers

Emergency call: 911 (police, doctor, ambulance)
Information: 411 (phone numbers, addresses, etc.)

Consulates

German Consulate General Miami (305) 358 0290
German Honorary Consul of Cape Coral (941) 945 1174
Austria Consulate of Miami (305) 325 1561
Switzerland Consulate Miami (305) 274 4210

Electric
The alternating current (AC) of 110 volts is used in the United States. Transformers and adapters are available in electrical shops.

Post Offices
The post offices are normally open Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Time Difference
The time difference between Southwest Florida (called Eastern Standard Time - EST), and Germany / Austria / Switzerland is 6 hours, e.g. at 12 noon in Berlin or Zurich, it is only 6 a.m. in Cape Haze.

Public holidays in Southwest Florida

New Years Day January 1
Martin Luther King Jr’s. Birthday third Monday in January
Washington's Birthday third Monday in February
Memorial Day, last Monday in May
Independence Day July 4
Labor Day first Monday in September
Columbus Day Second Monday in October
Veteran's Day 11 November
Thanksgiving 4 Thursday in November
Christmas Day December 25

Medical care
The ambulance, the fire brigade and the police can be reached under the emergency number 911. If a doctor is needed, the hotel reception or the local maintenance person can help you. In case of an accident or if no other doctor can be found, you can also go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital or to the many Family Clinics. European travelers are treated as a private patients and have either to pay cash or by credit card. It is recommended that a health insurance with US coverage is purchased/available before leaving Europe. Medications are available in supermarkets and drugstores.