Miami, USA

Visa Requirements

• Tourist Visa
  S. citizens can visit Miami without a visa. However, for non-U.S. citizens, a B-2 Tourist Visa is required for stays of up to 6 months. You’ll need to apply at a U.S. consulate or embassy in your home country.
• Visa on Arrival (VOA)
  The U.S. does not offer a visa on arrival. All tourists must obtain a visa prior to arrival, except for countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program (e.g., most European Union countries).
• Digital Nomad Visa
  While the U.S. does not have a specific Digital Nomad Visa, remote workers can work in the U.S. under a B-1 Business Visitor Visa, provided they do not engage in U.S.-based employment while staying.

For visa information, visit the U.S. Department of State.

Cost of Living

• Accommodation
  • Budget: Budget accommodations such as hostels or basic guesthouses range from $40-80 per night.
  • Mid-range: For more comfortable stays, hotels and private rentals typically cost between $100-250 per night.
  • Luxury: Upscale hotels and resorts in Miami can cost anywhere from $300-700 per night depending on location and amenities.
• Food
  • Street Food: Quick meals from food trucks or street vendors can range from $5-10 for tacos, sandwiches, or smoothies.
  • Mid-range Restaurants: A meal for two at a casual or mid-range restaurant will typically cost between $30-60.
  • Fine Dining: High-end dining options in Miami range from $80-150 per person for gourmet meals at upscale restaurants.
• Transportation
  • Local Transport: Miami’s public transportation system includes buses, the Metrorail, and the Metromover, with fares starting at $2.25 for a one-way ticket.
  • Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Taxi fares start at $2.50 plus additional charges for distance, while ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are similarly priced.
  • Car Rental: Renting a car costs between $40-70 per day.
• Healthcare
  Healthcare costs in the U.S. can be high, but Miami has a wide variety of hospitals and clinics. A basic consultation with a doctor typically costs between $100-300, while specialist consultations can run $200-500. It’s recommended to have health insurance or access to a healthcare plan.

Climate & Weather

• Summer (June-August): Miami’s summer is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 75°F-95°F (24°C-35°C). Thunderstorms are common, especially in the afternoons.
• Fall (September-November): Fall is a great time to visit with pleasant temperatures ranging from 70°F-85°F (21°C-29°C). Hurricane season peaks in September.
• Winter (December-February): Winter is mild, with temperatures ranging from 60°F-75°F (16°C-24°C), making it a popular time for tourists seeking a warm getaway.
• Spring (March-May): Spring sees temperatures ranging from 70°F-85°F (21°C-29°C), with lower humidity and fewer rain showers, making it an excellent time to visit.

Landscape

Miami’s landscape is characterized by its coastal beauty, including expansive beaches like South Beach and Miami Beach. The city also features scenic waterways, like Biscayne Bay, and numerous parks. Just outside the city, the Everglades National Park offers a unique wilderness experience. The city is largely flat but offers diverse ecosystems ranging from urban spaces to lush greenery and marine life.

Things to Do

• Heritage Sites
  • Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: A historic mansion with beautiful gardens, located along Biscayne Bay.
  • Little Havana: A cultural district offering a glimpse into Miami’s Cuban heritage, with colorful streets, restaurants, and live music.
  • Freedom Tower: A historical landmark that was once the headquarters of the Miami News and is now a museum of Cuban history.
• Adventure Activities
  • Jet Skiing and Watersports: Miami is known for its thrilling water sports, including jet skiing, parasailing, and kite surfing.
  • Everglades National Park: Take an airboat ride through the swamps to see wildlife like alligators, birds, and exotic plants.
• Nightlife
  Miami is famous for its nightlife, particularly in neighborhoods like South Beach and Wynwood. Clubs, bars, and lounges cater to all tastes, with world-renowned DJs performing regularly.
• Wellness Retreats
  Miami offers a wide array of wellness centers and spas focusing on everything from yoga to detox programs, including The Standard Spa Miami Beach and Canyon Ranch.
• Shopping
  Miami has many luxury shopping malls like Bal Harbour Shops and Aventura Mall, as well as boutique stores in Wynwood and Miami Design District.

Lifestyle

• Daily Life in Miami
  Miami is a fast-paced, cosmopolitan city where the daily life of its residents involves work, leisure, and outdoor activities. There is a strong focus on health and fitness, with many residents partaking in outdoor exercise and water sports.
• Cultural Integration and Social Life
  Miami is an international city with a mix of cultures, especially Latin American influences. It is easy to integrate as an expat, especially if you speak Spanish or Portuguese, though English is widely spoken.

Other Important Locations in the USA

• New York City: The vibrant cultural and financial hub of the United States.
• Los Angeles: Known for its entertainment industry, beaches, and sprawling urban landscape.
• San Francisco: Famous for its tech scene, architecture, and access to nature.
• Chicago: Known for its architecture, art scene, and cultural institutions.

Rental Accommodations

• Budget: Hostels and guesthouses typically cost $40-100 per night.
• Mid-range: Mid-range hotel rooms or apartment rentals cost between $120-250 per night.
• Luxury: Upscale hotels and resorts range from $300-600 per night.

Co-Working Facilities and Costs

Miami has a growing network of co-working spaces, especially in areas like Brickell and Downtown Miami. Some of the more popular ones include WeWork, Pipeline, and The LAB Miami. Monthly membership fees generally range from $200-500, depending on location and amenities.

Connectivity

• WiFi: Miami boasts fast and reliable WiFi in hotels, coworking spaces, and cafes. Free public WiFi is also available in parks, beaches, and public transportation hubs.
• SIM: AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon provide prepaid SIM cards with excellent coverage and generous data plans. SIMs are widely available at retail stores and convenience outlets.

Volunteering Opportunities

Miami offers many volunteering opportunities in areas such as environmental conservation, homeless outreach, and community development. Organizations like Miami Dade County Volunteer and The Volunteer Center provide platforms for expats and residents to get involved.

Local Employment Options

• Corporate roles in finance, marketing, or tech.
• Hospitality jobs in luxury hotels or restaurants.
• Opportunities in the entertainment or fashion industries.

Real Estate Investment Options

Miami’s real estate market is one of the most dynamic in the U.S., with opportunities in luxury condos, commercial properties, and vacation rentals. Properties in prime areas like South Beach and Brickell can range from $300,000 for condos to multi-million-dollar estates.

Start-Up Ecosystem

Miami’s startup ecosystem is booming, especially in the fields of tech, finance, and real estate. The city has attracted many entrepreneurs, thanks to favorable tax policies and growing access to venture capital. Miami Innovation District is an excellent space for networking.

Business Setup Process for Expats

1. Choose Your Business Structure: The most common structures are LLCs and Corporations.
2. Register with the State: File with the Florida Department of State to legally register your business.
3. Get a Federal Tax ID Number (EIN): This number is required for tax purposes.
4. Open a Business Bank Account: This is necessary for managing financial transactions.

1. Obtain Permits and Licenses: Depending on your business, certain licenses and permits may be required.
2. File Taxes: As a business owner, you will need to file taxes annually with both the federal government and the state of Florida.

Business Opportunities

• Tech Startups: Miami is quickly becoming a tech hub, with opportunities in software development, fintech, and AI.
• Tourism: Miami’s thriving tourism industry offers numerous opportunities in hospitality, travel services, and event management.
• Real Estate: With a rapidly growing market, real estate investment and development are highly profitable.
• E-commerce: Miami is an excellent location for establishing online retail businesses due to its proximity to Latin America and shipping ports.
• Health and Wellness: The demand for wellness products and services is growing, including fitness centers, health supplements, and wellness retreats.