About Clearwater

Weather/Climate
The state of Florida is located in the Southeastern part of the United States of America on the Gulf Coast and Atlantic Ocean. The city of Clearwater, situated on the west coast of Florida, has cool weather in January with temperatures ranging from 50F (10C) to 70F (21C). This is generally when the most pleasant weather is found when the humidity becomes bearable and winds from the Bay and Gulf keep temperatures moderate.

Language
The State of Florida has no official language, but English and Spanish are both widely spoken.

Time Zone
Clearwater uses Eastern Standard Time, which is five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time. Florida observes Daylight Savings Time.

Money, Currency and Exchange
Florida uses the U.S. dollar. To change your currency into U.S. dollars, you can visit most major banks, several independent currency exchange bureaus, and major hotels. Both the Tampa and St. Petersburg Clearwater Airports also have currency exchange offices at various locations. Typically, however, the best rates of exchange are available through major banks. An alternative to exchanging money is to use Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). They are located at most banks, shopping malls, and in many convenience stores and gas stations. Most are linked to international banking networks and are a convenient way to withdraw cash, as long as users are prepared to pay withdrawal fees.

Other options of payment include credit cards and traveler’s cheques. Credit cards are widely used in Florida at most hotels, restaurants, and retail stores. Traveler's Cheques are also widely accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and large stores. It is usually better to cash your traveler’s cheques at a bank and then pay in cash (remember to take identification when changing a traveler’s cheque).
Taxes

Florida's general sales tax rate is 6%. Each retail sale, admission charge, storage, use, or rental is taxable, along with some services.

Tipping
It is customary to leave a fifteen percent tip in restaurants and bars. With large parties, gratuities may be included in the bill. Please check out the following website for more details: www.florida.worldweb.com/TravelEssentials/LocalCustomsEtiquette/

Transportation

• Jolley Trolley: a ride on this easy-to-spot red and yellow trolley that runs along Clearwater Beach is always a lot of fun.
• PSTA Dial-a-Ride: offers bus and trolley service up and down the beaches and downtown St. Petersburg (fee: $ 2.50 per ride).
• There are a number of car rental services and cab services (e.g. Clearwater Yellow Cab, phone: (727) 799 2222) available for transportation in Clearwater and the Tampa Bay Area.

Clearwater/ Tampa Bay Tourist Information
The surrounding area of Clearwater and Tampa Bay offers plenty of activities:

• Clearwater Marine Aquarium: Catch a glimpse of dolphins, otters, sea turtles and many more!
• Dolphin Encounter: Watch the dolphins in their natural habitat aboard a double-deck high-speed catamaran.
• Busch Gardens: Watch exotic animals and go for wild rides.
• Adventure Island: a water theme park with a lot of thrilling water rides, which is perfect if you are bringing your family.
• Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI)
• Lowry Park Zoo
• Florida Aquarium: Catch a glimpse of thousands of underwater creatures and go for a Dolphin Encounter.

And what about doing a short road trip to Orlando and see…

• Disney World Orlando: Have a day of fun with your family in this magical theme park.
• Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure: This blockbuster entertainment made up of comic book superheroes and wild roller coasters is not to be missed.
• SeaWorld Orlando: A unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of killer whales, sharks, and, of course, dolphins.

Nightlife
In terms of nightlife, the Tampa Bay Area can offer you a lot: there is the historic Ybor City, which is known for its Latin flavor, Spanish atmosphere and a wide range of Spanish and south American restaurants. If you want to enjoy a show during dinner, you can be entertained at one of the area’s three outstanding performing arts theatres: Ruth Eckerd Hall, Mahaffey Hall and the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.

For a dazzling night out, spend your evening on a dinner cruise on “The Starlite Majesty” or the “Starlite Princess Riverboat”, which both depart from Clearwater Beach Marina. Or, if you are feeling lucky, board the Majesty I Casino Cruises of John’s Pass in Madeira Beach for a night of dinner, drinks and excitement!

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