MIAMI, FLORIDA
Location
The city of Miami is located in southern eastern Florida, on Miami River, between the Everglades (a subtropical marshland) and the Atlantic Ocean. It is the administrative seat of Miami-Dade County. According to estimations, Miami has a population of 455,000 people and is the fourth-largest urban area in the country, after Los Angeles, New York and Chicago.
Miami is the only United States city bordered by two national parks: Everglades to the west, and Biscayne National Park to the East.
The metropolitan area of Miami comprises several districts: Miami Beach, Doral, Key Biscayne, Coral Gables, Miami Springs, Hialeah, Miami Lakes, Aventura, Coconut Grove.
Economic activities
Miami is one of the main financial hubs of the United States. It is considered an urban center of worldwide relevance in terms of finance, commerce, media, entertainment and art. The city hosts the main office of many companies, banks and TV studios. It is also the international center of entertainment as regards music, fashion, movies and theatre.
Thanks to its privileged geographical location, Miami is the epicenter of international commerce between the Americas and hosted the rounds of negotiations of the Free Trade Area of the Americas. Miami Free Zone is the largest private commercial zone of the world.
Two of the key points that motorize Miami economy are the International Airport and the Port of Miami. Downtown Miami gathers the largest number of international banks in the country, located in Brickell, the financial district.
Notwithstanding the above, tourism is the major source of income of the city. The beaches, hotels, events, festivals and other meetings attract millions of visitors annually. South Beach historic art deco district is one of the finest districts of the world thanks to its famous beaches, old buildings, shoppings and night clubs.
Climate and temperature
Miami has a warm climate, with hot and humid summers. From November to March, cold fronts produce lower temperatures, with lows that tend to be over 50 ºF (10 ºC). The wet season is June, with temperatures around 82º F (28º C). The hottest month is August, with highs of 91ºF (33 ºC). In May temperatures range from 73 ºF (23 ºC) to 82 ºF (28 ºC).
Proper clothing
Given that Miami has a warm climate, it is recommended to bring light and comfortable clothes. It is also advisable to pack a hat and sunglasses, and comfortable shoes.
Entrance to the USA – Visa
A visa might be required to enter the country. The nationals of the following countries are exempted, among others: France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, The Netherlands, United Kingdom.
Nationals of the following countries must apply for a visa before traveling: Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Uruguay, Panama and Venezuela.
It is advisable to check if a visa is required according to the nationality and find out the requirements to begin the process before travelling.
Vaccination – COVID-19
While many countries around the world have relaxed Covid rules, the US have confirmed proof of vaccination (complete schedule) will be required for entry until April 10, 2023. We recommend checking the COVID regulations in force before traveling to Miami.
Currency
The US dollar is the country’s official currency. Main credit cards (Visa, Master Card, American Express, Diners Club, Discovery) are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops.
Tourist Information Offices
Miami’s Official Visitors Center
Bayside Marketplace
NE 4th St, Miami, FL 33132, USA
Miami DwnTwn Welcome & Visitors Center
103 NE 1st St, Miami, FL 33132,
USAPhone: +1 305-303-2333
Electricity
Electricity in the United States operates mainly on a 110-120-volt current. Plugs with two parallel pins type A and type B are used.
Means of Transport
Air
Miami International Airport, located 6 miles west of downtown Miami, is one of the busiest airports of the world. Millions of passengers walk along the facilities. It is the nation’s third airport for international passengers.
Sea
Miami has one of the largest ports of the country. It is also one of the most important cruise ports of the world.
Public transport
The city offers a suburban train (Tri-Rail), a rapid transit system (Metrorail), an elevated shuttle (Metromover) and a bus net.
The Tri-Rail connects Miami International Airport and West Palm Beach, to the North. It has 18 stations.
The Metrorail has 23 stations and 40 km. Some stops are specially interesting for tourists, like Coconut Grove, Vizcaya Museum and Coral Gables.
The Metromover is an operator-less elevated shuttle, free of charge. It serves the area of Downtown with three different lines.
The Metrobus is Miami-Dade county’s bus net. It includes more than one hundred routes.
Car rental
Car rental offices can be found in the downtown area, large shopping malls and the airport. Companies like Alamo, Hertz, Avis, Dollar or National, among others, offer large fleets to satisfy the tourists’ needs.
Taxis
Miami’s bright yellow taxis travel throughout the entire city. They have no fixed stops, save for the airport. It is advisable to order a taxi by phone.
Taxi companies
Miami Taxi Services: +1 786-309-8805
Yellow Taxi Services: +1 786-486-0400
South Beach Yellow Taxi Cab: +1 305-333-7589
Taxis at Miami Airport
Taxicabs are readily available at the Airport, located on the Arrivals (ground) level of the airport, outside of the baggage claim areas. The average price for the trip to the InterContinental hotel is 26 dollars. The hotel is 15 minutes from Miami International Airport (MIA) and 30 minutes from Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL)
Getting oriented in Miami
Miami is divided into four quadrants:
NE (North East)
SE (South East)
NW (North West)
SW (South West)
Most Miami addresses refer to these quadrants, that are drawn by two roads:
Flager Street goes from East to West, dividing the city into the North and the South sections.
Miami Avenue runs from North to South, creating the East and the West parts of the city.
Gastronomy
The entire area displays a variety of cultures arising from immigration, and the cuisine also reflects this mix. Local food is in some way influenced by the gastronomy of Italy, China, Cuba, France, Thailand and Latin America.
The city has around 400 restaurants for all tastes and demands, from classic food to sophisticated international cuisine.
Tips
In Miami, tipping is normal. The standard tip in bars and restaurants is 15% to 20%, but tips may be already included in the bill.
Main touristic attractions
Downtown Miami
Area of shops, public buildings, skyscrapers, cultural centers and symbolic monuments. The Port of Miami is also located in this area. One of the main streets is called Brickell Avenue, and has an array of finance companies, banks and money exchange offices. Around SW Sixth Street a pleasant night activity develops in bars and nightclubs. The Bayside Marketplace in 401 Biscayne Boulevard, near the dock, offers bars, shops and handcraft stands. Beyond the dock, there is an exclusive area called Fisher Island, with celebrities’ luxury mansions.
South Beach
An area of beautiful beaches and an attractive gastronomical, cultural and nightlife offer extends from Lincoln Road Mall to South Point Park. Lummus Park, the main access, surrounds Ocean Drive, one of the best parks. However, many visitors chose this area to admire its Art Decó buildings, painted with pastel colors and illuminated by incandescent neon lights.
Miami Beach
This island is connected to the metropolitan city of Miami by several causeways and has important cities like Surfside, Sunny Isles beach, Goleen Beach y Bel Harbour.
The beaches extend from Lincoln Road Mall to the north up to 87th Street. It is a beautiful place for walking and playing nautical sports, among other activities.
Little Havana
This neighborhood emerged as a result of the big 1959 Cuban immigration, when Fidel Castro took power. It is a colorful area, with plenty of Spanish icons, restaurants, bars, cigar factories and stands with handcrafts and typical and natural food.
Key Biscayne
This barrier island is located east of Miami and is connected to the mainland by Rickenbacker Causeway. It is a residential and exclusive area with beautiful beaches and calm sea.
Coconut Grove
It is one of the oldest areas of Miami, especially attractive to artists and intellectuals coming from new England and Bahamas. Although it is a quiet area, visitors can find restaurants, coffee-shops, theaters, art galleries, night clubs and shops.
Coral Gables
It is a Mediterranean-style residential area located 15 kilometers southwest of downtown Miami. Characterized by its mansions, art galleries, restaurants and luxury shops, it also has a small historic zone. The area is widely known by the art exhibitions and the Miracle Mile road.
Other places worth visiting in Miami
Miami Seaquarium, Zoo Miami, Jungle Island, Coral Castle, Monkey Jungle.
Museums and art galleries: Museum of Sciences, Historical Museum of Southern Florida, Bass Museum of Art, Wolfsonian Museum, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.
Shopping Malls
Aventura Mall: One of the largest and best-known shopping centers, where you can find stores like Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s. Location: 19501 Biscayne Boulevard, Aventura.
Sawgrass Mills: Upscale clothes stores, with big discounts. Location: 12801 West Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale.
Bal Harbour: It hosts famous stores like Tiffany and Gucci. Location: 9700 Collins Avenue.
Dolphin Mall: Large shopping mall where you can find excellent discounts. Location: 11401 N.W. 12 Street, Miami, FL 33172.
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Information for the event
Dress code
For the welcome cocktail and the sponsored dinner on Monday elegant casual clothes are recommended, and no jeans. No tie is necessary. For the farewell dinner on Wednesday, the dress code recommended is formal attire, with a tie.
Punctuality
Punctuality is indispensable and will be welcomed for all programmed events.
Badges
You will be requested to show your identification card / badge at all the social and academic events to be allowed into the meeting rooms.
Don´t forget to bring with you
Prescribed glasses, personal medicines, bathing suit, comfortable and smart shoes.
Luggage
We suggest that you identify your luggage with bag tags (name and surname).
Insurance
The organizers assume no responsibility for medical, travel, robbery or personal insurance.
Emergency
In case of needing medical attention at the hotel please call Reception (24 hours). Hotels usually have a basic first-aid kit for simple situations.
Medical alert: 911
