City in Florida, United States
Fort Lauderdale
Beach city of canals, yachts and warm winters, with a big cruise port and a large gay scene. Good value-for-sun base for South Florida; car-dependent, hot and humid in summer.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$3,800–5,500Comfortable, one person · $3,800–5,500Details
- Value for money8/100Better value than 7% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–AprWarmest: Aug, 30°CDetails
- Internet307 MbpsFixed broadband, United States medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe; the city's treated water is potable, though some find it tastes strongly of chlorine.Details
- LGBTQ+5/5Very welcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$150–300Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless almost everywhere.Details
Where to stay in Fort Lauderdale
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Las Olas and Downtown | Dining, canals and walkable access to transit |
| Fort Lauderdale Beach | Beach stays, hotels and Las Olas Boulevard nightlife |
| Wilton Manors | LGBTQ+ friendly bars and restaurants, quieter streets |
| Victoria Park | Residential, tree-lined and close to Las Olas |
Apps that work in Fort Lauderdale
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: iMessage/SMS
- Transit: real-time public transport in most cities
- OpenTable: restaurant reservations
- Taxis: Taxis are available at the airport, port and hotels; apps are usually cheaper for other trips.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in United States.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless almost everywhere. Carry a few dollars for tips, beach vendors and parking meters.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs charge foreign cards about US$3–5; standalone ATMs in shops often more. Decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: Expected: 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, 15–20% for taxis and rideshare, US$1–2 per bar drink, US$2–5 per night for hotel housekeeping.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. Venmo, Cash App and Zelle generally need a US bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa Waiver travellers need an approved ESTA (US$40) before departure; apply only at esta.cbp.dhs.gov, ideally 72+ hours ahead.
- CBP has proposed making five years of social-media identifiers mandatory on ESTA; check the form's current questions and answer truthfully.
- Presidential proclamations since June 2025 restrict entry for nationals of a growing list of countries; check travel.state.gov before booking.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs at carrier stores, Walmart and Target, roughly US$25–50 for 30 days; no ID usually needed. A travel eSIM is easiest. eSIMs work for visitors.
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.