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San Francisco Travel Guide and Activities
San Francisco is a colourful, creative city, revelling in freedom and openness. Often eccentric, always charming, this vibrant destination has much to offer, from its eclectic neighbourhoods and stunning surroundings to its wonderful seafood and architecture.
5 things to see
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Chinatown
- Alcatraz Island
- Fisherman's Wharf
- See the city from Coit Tower
5 things to do
- Ride a cable car
- Explore the districts
- Shop at Union Square
- Walk along Ocean Beach
- Try Sourdough French Bread
Climate
San Francisco is characteristic of the cool, dry summer and mild, wet winters. Temperatures exceed 75 °F (24 °C) on average only 28 days a year. Whatever time of the year you visit San Francisco; it is always wise to carry a jacket or sweater with you!
Money
Currency: $ (US Dollars)
Public holidays falling on a weekday
11 November 2021, 25 November, 26 November 2021, 24 December 2021, 31 December 2021, 17 Jan 2022, 21 Feb 2022, 31 Mar 2022, 30 May 2022, 20 Jun 2022, 04 Jul 2022, 05 Sep 2022, 10 Oct 2022, 11 Nov 2022, 24 Nov 2022, 25 Nov 2022, 26 Dec 2022
Telephone Country Code
+1 - 415Electricity
110 V; 60Hz - 2 flat-pin plugTap water
Tap water is safe unless there’s a sign to the contrary.
Public Transport Info
- Bus: $2.25 or valid single-ride ticket
- Cable car: $6 each ride (An All-Day Passport is sold for $14 by the conductors on the cable cars)
- Muni Passports: 1-day Passport $15; 7-day Passport $29 (Muni Passports are good for unlimited rides on Muni, including cable cars)
- Bicycle: Bicycles can be rented for $28 to $50
- Muni Transit
- Muni System map
Visa
For Visa information please read Applying for a Visa in USA
Cost of Living
| Coffee/Cappuccino (Starbucks) | $3.50-$5.00 |
| Bottle of water/soda (0.33 litre) | $1.00-$2.50 |
| Fast-Food combo meal | $7.00-$10.00 |
| Meal, inexpensive restaurant | $12.00-$20.00 |
| Fitness club (monthly, 1 adult) | $45.00-$150.00 |
| Public transport (local transport) | $2.50-$2.75 |
| Public transport (monthly pass) | $75.00-$90.00 |
Other Useful Information
Driving Age
The minimum driving age is 16 years but most rental companies require that you be at least 25 years old, have an international driving license, a second form of identity and a major credit card.
Alcohol Age
Legal age for drinking in the US is 21 and many places will ask for identification.
Insurance
All EC San Francisco students must be covered by health insurance for the entire length of their stay in the U.S.