Los Angeles

Population:

15.2 million

Money:

$ US dollars. Despite being a large metropolis, it's fairly difficult to exchange money in Los Angeles city, so it's preferable to change at least some before you travel. ATMs are the easiest way to get cash once you arrive, although be aware of and charges your bank might impose. Cards are taken practically everywhere but here too bank charges can add up.

Language:

American English is spoken throughout so there are generally no communication problems. Los Angeles is known for its cultural diversity though so you may hear languages from around the world from Gujurathi to Polish and Vietnamese!

Dialling codes:

+1 for USA followed by 213 and 310 for Los Angeles centre, 562 for Los Angeles metro area, and 626 for the suburban area. Further out dial 818 for the Pasadena area and 714 for Orange County.

Dangers

Los Angeles has a bad reputation for being quite dangerous, but if you stick to the tourist areas there is very little chance of anything remotely bad happening.

Entry:

Visitors from the UK may stay up to 90 days without a visa but must apply to the ESTA program to authorise travel at least 72 hours before travel. Click here to apply for an ESTA online.

Current Foreign Office Advice for USA