Visitors from all over the world enjoy the excitement of the International Drive Resort Area, Orlando's tourism corridor. The area offers famous theme parks, designer and outlet shopping, restaurants to satisfy every taste, non-stop evening entertainment, hotels and resorts for every budget and the convenient, I-Ride Trolley Service that provides easy transportation to all the fun!
The following information will assist in your holiday planning:
ATMs
Automated Teller Machines are conveniently located throughout I-Drive area in major hotels, grocery stores and shopping areas. There are also ATMs inside all of the major theme parks. Most ATMs are connected to national and international banking networks, allowing customers from around the world to access their money. Check with your bank to confirm the service charge applied to each transaction.
Currency Exchange
U.S. currency is available in units of dollars and cents. In this system, 100 cents equals 1 dollar. Bank notes are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars. Coins are available in 1, 5, 10 and 25 cent pieces. Click here for information on converting your currency.
International visitors find the I-Drive area has many convenient options for currency exchange. Upon arrival, Orlando International Airport has an exchange on-site with four locations and a Western Union office. Once arriving on International Drive currency exchange is available at the Orlando Official Visitor Center at 8723 International Drive, Orlando International Premium Outlets at 4951 International Drive and Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets at 8200 Vineland Ave. Be sure to check with your hotel as many offer this convenience for their guests.
Credit Cards
Attractions, restaurants and shops in the area accept most major credit cards.
Travelers' Checks
Travelers' Checks issued in U.S. dollars are accepted at attractions, most shops, restaurants and area banks.
Passports
According to the U.S. Department of State, all international visitors travelling to the United States need a passport.
Visas
Visitors from countries under the Visa Waiver Program (including the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Japan and Germany, amongst others) do not need a visa. Visitors from countries outside of the waiver program will need a nonimmigrant visa.
Resources
For more information on obtaining a visa, visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html/.
Driving
Americans drive on the right-hand side of the road! It is the law that everyone in the vehicle wear a seat belt and children under three years of age must travel in secured child-safety seats. Check with your rental car agent on where to obtain a seat. Right turns on red are permitted after a full stop, unless otherwise posted. Obey posted speed limits. Florida law carries a heavy penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol or having an open container of alcohol in the car.
Tipping
This is confusing in any country! It is customary to provide a 15 to 20 percent tip to service personnel such as table servers at dining venues, public transportation drivers, bartenders and beauticians. Porters are traditionally tipped $1-2 per bag. At many restaurants, the tip will already be added to the bill for groups of six or more. Ask if the tip has already been included when the server presents the check.
Safety Tips
You are on holiday and we want to you to have a good time but there are always safety tips that need to be followed, no matter where you travel! Keep these in mind:
- Follow a good map of the area.
- Be familiar with fire exits in your hotel.
- Use the double-lock in your hotel room and identify visitors visually before admitting them.
- Keep valuables and travel documents with you or in the hotel safe.
- Avoid using unofficial or unmarked taxis. Arrange for taxis through your hotel.
- Park in a well-lit area and as close to a hotel access point as possible.
- Remove all property from the car interior and place it in the trunk.
- Teach your children the rules of safety such as how to ask for help if they are separated from you.
- Avoid leaving valuables in your hotel room while you’re out.