Question 1

Where can I buy a SIM card at Miami airport?

Accepted Answer

A popular option is a Mint Mobile eSIM, about $50 for the minimum 3-month term; a physical Mint SIM is delivered within a couple of days when ordered. At Miami Airport, SIM cards are sold almost at the exit (from a vendor) for about $100, but such a SIM may not work in some phones.

Question 2

Do I need to fill out a form for a stopover in Istanbul when flying Turkish Airlines to Miami via Istanbul for 2 nights?

Accepted Answer

No forms (Turkish visa) are required for the stopover — nothing needs to be filled out at check-in. Turkish Airlines covers one hotel night under the stopover program; to use it, you need to request the hotel and excursion from them in advance.

Question 3

Is there free WiFi at Miami airport?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Miami Airport has free WiFi, which travelers use upon arrival.

Question 4

Where in Miami can you see crocodiles: parks, areas, spots?

Accepted Answer

Crocodiles can be seen in the Everglades. An American crocodile also lives in West Lake Park in Hollywood, Florida — it likes to swim up to people on the pier.

Question 5

Which offline map of Miami and the US should I download on iPhone to work without internet?

Accepted Answer

Organic Maps or Maps.me apps work well. You can also download offline maps in Google Maps.

Question 6

Is there a Monnalisa children's store in Miami and where is it located?

Accepted Answer

There is no Monnalisa store in Miami itself, but there is one at the Sawgrass Mills mall nearby, as well as at Bal Harbour Mall.

Question 7

Do they check hotel bookings when crossing the US border in Miami, and can you show it on your phone?

Accepted Answer

Usually no one looks at the booking — they ask about the purpose of your visit and where you will stay; the answer should match the information in your visa application. Sometimes you may be asked to show the booking, and a phone screen is enough.

Question 8

Can I buy Apple products with cash in Apple stores?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can buy Apple products with cash in Apple stores without any problems.

Question 9

Does Uber in Miami offer a child seat option for trips with a 7-year-old?

Accepted Answer

There is no child seat option in Uber in Miami. However, a child seat is not required for a 7-year-old.

Question 10

What is the weather like in Miami in October — is it high season or already cool?

Accepted Answer

In October it is hot in Miami — it is full season. It is cool only for a month or so in winter.

Question 11

Which area of Miami should I stay in to have a beach, restaurants and places to walk nearby?

Accepted Answer

The best option is Miami Beach; accommodation can be found on Airbnb and Booking. As an alternative, rent a car and drive route 1 north from Miami through Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Boca Raton: there are continuous beaches and affordable motels remain on the second line. All the nightlife crowd is concentrated on Miami Beach, while further north it is quieter and simpler.

Question 12

How to prove a residential address in Miami for opening a bank account when the bank requires proof of residence?

Accepted Answer

There is no concept of official registration in the US. The bank requires a rental agreement in your name or utility bills in your name — to get them, you need to sign contracts with the relevant companies.

Question 13

What is the sales tax (VAT) rate in Miami?

Accepted Answer

The sales tax (VAT) in Miami is 7%.

Question 14

How can I find out how long I am allowed to stay in the US?

Accepted Answer

The permitted length of stay in the US can be checked via Form I-94 on the CBP website.

Question 15

Is Uber the most convenient mode of transport in Miami, and what are the alternatives?

Accepted Answer

Besides Uber, Lyft is also convenient in Miami — it is the main alternative.

Question 16

Which bank in Miami can issue a bank card within a few days if ordered on Monday for Friday?

Accepted Answer

TD Bank in Miami issues the card right away in your presence, so you will have it by Friday.

Question 17

How do you declare more than $10,000 when entering the US?

Accepted Answer

When entering the US, amounts over $10,000 must be declared by filling out a declaration at the border.

Question 18

Can you get a tax refund for purchases in Miami?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot get a tax refund for purchases in Miami.

Question 19

How does passport control work in Miami when entering on a tourist visa with hotel bookings and a return ticket?

Accepted Answer

With a tourist visa, hotel bookings for the entire stay, and a return ticket, passport control in Miami goes smoothly.

Question 20

What is the weather like in Miami in August — are there many rains and how hot is it between August 11 and 18?

Accepted Answer

August in Miami is extremely hot, and it is also hurricane season, so frequent rains are possible.

Question 21

What is the typical weather in Miami in July — is it really extremely hot?

Accepted Answer

July in Miami is very hot — it will be comfortable only for those who tolerate extreme heat well.

Question 22

How long after passing the exams at the Miami DMV does the plastic card arrive by mail?

Accepted Answer

After passing the exams at the Miami DMV, the plastic card arrives by mail within a few weeks to one and a half or two months.

Question 23

Is Miami airport open at night for passengers with an overnight layover, for example on a Havana — Miami — Los Angeles ticket with an 8-hour wait?

Accepted Answer

Miami airport operates at night, but the cafes close around 8–9 pm, so there will be nowhere to grab a bite at night.

Question 24

Which app can be used to pay for public transport passes in Miami and travel around the city?

Accepted Answer

There is no app for paying for a Miami transit pass of the kind in question.