San Francisco

Customs / Culture
San Francisco is an international city with a large proportion of Chinese and Hispanics although the largest group is white. It is a city renowned for its steep hills and cable cars that are pulled along by cables that run along grooves in the roads. The film ‘Bullitt’ (1968) starring Steve McQueen introduced San Francisco to a global audience, together with Scott McKenzie’s song ‘San Francisco’ : “If you’re going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair.”


Traditions
Originally established by the Spanish in the mid 18th century, San Francisco grew rapidly during the California Gold Rush in the mid 19th century. Much of the city was destroyed in an earthquake in 1906 although it was swiftly rebuilt. In the 1960s it became a focus for the ‘Summer of Love’ movement and is still a city that prides itself on valuing art and culture and gay rights.

Religion
All the principal religions are represented.

Traffic is very high in San Francisco and parking spaces very limited and if existing very expensive (up to USD15 per hour). Thus, public transportation is the best choice.


Airports


Public transport is available from SanFrancisco International Airport into the city centre. Renting a car is also aneasy option although takes courage when manoeuvring up and down the famous steep streets. Crimping your front wheels to the curb is a legal requirement.

 

Car rental
All major car rental companies are in downtown San Francisco (a big garage is at O'Farrell Street at the corner of Mason Street) as well as at the airport of San Francisco, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National.

Public transport
San Francisco has several public transportation systems:

• 
  
• Cable Cars (run only down town to Fisherman's Wharf), 
  
• underground (online one line that goes under market street and to the airport), 
  
• trams (some are available throughout the city) and 
  
• busses (best developed system - busses run from almost everywhere to downtown).
  

Bus tickets cost USD 2. With that ticket you may use the bus up to 4 hours.

Taxis
Taxis are a good way to get around for instance if it rains. It costs flat USD 3.30 and additionally USD 2.25 per mile. In order to get a cab wait at the side of the street and wave. Taxis are empty if their signs are turned on.