Currency in Orlando
Notes in United States
American banknotes (bills) often confuse visitors: they're all the same size and the same colour. Be especially careful not to hand over too much cash, and always check your change carefully. Be careful not to accept incomplete or severely torn notes, as they can be refused; small rips are usually not a problem. Bills come in denominations of 1, 2 (rare), 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars.
Coins in United States
Coins come in 1 (penny), 5 (nickel), 10 (dime), 25 (quarter) cent and 50 cent denominations; there is also a dollar coin.
Preferred Form of Payment in Orlando
If you can't use your credit card in the US then you probably can't use it anywhere. ATMs are hard to miss, well networked and offer an even cheaper option if your card is set up to use them. Otherwise travellers cheques are almost as good as cash; you'll save yourself hassle and expense if they are in US dollars.
Changing Your Money in Orlando
Major credit and debit cards, including the Visa Cash Passport Card, are widely accepted. You can also access your bank account using US ATMs which are ubiquitous. Travellers cheques are easily converted to cash at any bank. You'll probably need to take your passport along to prove your identity.
Money Tips
If you camp or stay in hostels, catch buses and cook your own food, you could feasibly explore the country on around 50 USD a day. Staying in motels and eating at modest cafes will mean you'll hit the 100 USD mark, and enjoying the convenience of a rental car will push your daily budget up to 150 USD.
Using a Telephone in Orlando
The US phone system is very efficient, but it's geared to the needs of local users, and for foreign visitors it can be inconvenient and expensive. Try to bring a telephone card from your home phone company. It may not be the cheapest option, but it will probably offer better information and service than a US pay-phone company or a phone debit card.
Note that most telephone books have complete calling information, as well as local and international area codes, and even list community services, public transportation and things to see and do.
Using a Mobile Phone in Orlando
In the USA cell phones use GSM 1900 or CDMA 800, operating on different frequencies from systems in other countries. The only foreign phones that will work in the USA are tri-band models, operating on GSM 1900 as well as other frequencies. If you have a GSM tri-band phone, check with your service provider about using it in the USA, but be aware that calls will be more expensive than using your home network (because of the US service provider's charges).
Your mobile phone number stays the same, and callers at home will be connected to your phone automatically. You may be able to take the SIM card from your home phone, install it in a rented mobile phone that's compatible with the US systems, and use the rental phone as if it were your own phone - same number, same billing
basis. Ask your mobile phone company about using your SIM card for global (or international) roaming. You can rent a phone, but it's not cheap and rates vary. Phone shops in the USA will allow you to rent a GSM 1900 compatible phone with a set amount of prepaid call time. Pricing plans are complex, but generally this is an expensive option.
Doing Business in Orlando
Orlando is not exactly a business centre unless your business is somehow linked to tourists or theme parks. That said, the upmarket hotels in the area usually provide the standard business facilities. Phone ahead to be sure they can provide the services you require.
Business in Orlando tends to be of the tourist variety. This means that, although there is a downtown area, it's not exactly a commercial hub.
Media in Orlando
For a relatively small town, Orlando can boast that it's well-served for media, with a daily newspaper, a weekly alternative publication, several radio stations and, needless to say, all the major television networks. Of course, these media outlets serve more than just the city: the regional boom is in many ways their raison d'être.
