City in Florida, United States
Orlando
Built around Disney, Universal and SeaWorld; great with a car and a theme-park plan, awkward alone without one. Hot, humid and spread out, with ample cheap flights and rooms.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$3,200–4,600Comfortable, one person · $3,200–4,600Details
- Value for money15/100Better value than 14% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goFeb–Apr, NovWarmest: May, 31°CDetails
- Air quality6.7 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2022) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet307 MbpsFixed broadband, United States medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe but can taste of sulphur from groundwater; many visitors prefer bottled or filtered.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$150–300Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and phone pay work almost everywhere, including theme parks; keep small bills for tips and some food stands.Details
Where to stay in Orlando
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Lake Buena Vista / Disney area | Park-focused stays with shuttle access |
| International Drive | Mid-priced hotels, restaurants and attractions |
| Downtown Orlando and Thornton Park | Bars, cafés, SunRail and local life |
| Winter Park | Leafy, upscale, walkable village and museums |
| Mills 50 | Asian restaurants, breweries and quirky bars |
Apps that work in Orlando
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: iMessage/SMS
- Transit: real-time public transport in most cities
- OpenTable: restaurant reservations
- Taxis: Taxis are scarce outside the airport and big hotels; use Uber or Lyft. Disney resorts also run free shuttles for guests.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in United States.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and phone pay work almost everywhere, including theme parks; keep small bills for tips and some food stands.
- 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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Going to Orlando solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Orlando meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- LYNX (Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority)
- SunRail
- Orlando International Airport
- Visit Orlando
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.