Orlando Starter Pack

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the main hub, one of the busiest in the US.

Orlando Sanford International (SFB), north of the city, handles budget and charter carriers.

Uber, Lyft and taxis all operate from MCO; rental cars are heavily used given how car-dependent the area is.

Brightline high-speed rail now connects Orlando to Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.

SunRail commuter train covers parts of the metro but doesn't reach the airport.

Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) covers short tourist/business visits up to 90 days for eligible nationalities.

Everyone else needs a B-1/B-2 visitor visa from a US embassy or consulate before traveling.

Working legally requires a separate visa (H-1B, L-1, O-1) sponsored by an employer or petition.

The US has no digital nomad visa — working remotely for a foreign employer on a tourist visa is legally unsettled, so check with an immigration attorney.

A Social Security Number requires work authorization; it is not issued just for living here.

Check current rules at cbp.gov and uscis.gov before you travel.

Humid subtropical climate — hot, humid summers and mild winters.

Summer (Jun-Sep): daily afternoon thunderstorms are the norm, not the exception.

Hurricane season runs June through November — central Florida usually sees weaker effects than the coasts but still gets impacted.

Winter (Dec-Feb) is mild and dry, the most comfortable stretch of the year.

Tip: plan outdoor activities for the morning in summer, before the storms roll in.

Emergency Services (police, fire, ambulance)

211 — free, confidential community and health services referral line, available across the US

Many Florida cities also run a 311 non-emergency line — check orlando.gov for the current number.

Save 911 to your phone and know your hurricane evacuation zone before storm season.

Orlando is heavily car-dependent — a car makes daily life significantly easier.

The I-Ride Trolley covers the International Drive tourist corridor for visitors without a car.

SunRail commuter rail connects downtown to several suburbs, but coverage is limited.

Uber and Lyft are widely available and commonly used for airport runs.

Downtown, Winter Park and College Park are the most walkable pockets of the metro.

Major carriers: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, plus prepaid options like Mint Mobile and Visible.

Prepaid SIMs are sold at carrier stores, Walmart, Target and most pharmacies.

Home internet: Spectrum and AT&T are the two main providers in most of the metro.

Orlando has a growing tech and coworking scene, especially around Lake Nona and downtown.

Currency: US Dollar (USD).

Major national banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Truist) all have branches throughout the metro.

A Social Security Number is usually needed to open an account; some banks accept an ITIN for non-residents.

Cards and contactless payment are accepted almost everywhere.

Wise is a popular option for moving money internationally.

Winter Park: upscale, walkable, tree-lined brick streets north of downtown.

College Park: leafy and residential, popular with young families.

Lake Nona: a newer, master-planned community with a strong tech and medical presence.

Baldwin Park: walkable, planned neighborhood built around a lake, close to downtown.

Cost of living overall runs lower than Miami or the coasts, though tourism-driven demand keeps some pockets pricier.

Orlando's food scene has grown well beyond theme park fare — a genuinely diverse international mix.

The tourism industry workforce has helped build a strong Latin American and Caribbean food scene.

Mills 50 district is known for Vietnamese and other Asian cuisine.

Winter Park's Park Avenue is the go-to for a nicer dinner out.

Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando are the obvious draws — locals typically buy annual passes to make the cost worth it.

Winter Park's Scenic Boat Tour is a quieter, low-key local activity away from the parks.

Wekiwa Springs and other natural springs nearby are popular for swimming and kayaking, especially in summer.

Downtown Orlando has its own arts and nightlife scene separate from the tourist corridor.

Central Florida is dotted with freshwater lakes and springs — a different kind of outdoor life than the beach.

Lake Eola Park in downtown is a popular running and picnic spot.

The Atlantic and Gulf coasts are both about an hour's drive away for beach trips.

Orlando Magic (NBA) and Orlando City SC (MLS) both play downtown.

Spring training and youth sports tourism are a genuine part of the local economy.

Gyms and outdoor fitness groups are common given the year-round warm weather.

The theme parks drive traffic patterns — expect congestion near International Drive and the parks, especially on weekends.

A car is close to essential outside a handful of walkable neighborhoods.

Summer afternoon storms are predictable enough to plan around — mornings are usually clear.

Tipping norms follow the rest of the US: 18-20% at restaurants is standard.