Passport/Visa Requirements: All U.S. citizens must have a passport when traveling by air to or from Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Central and South America and Mexico. Citizens of Canada, Mexico and the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda also must have a passport or other designated secure document to enter the U.S.
Beginning 1 June 2009, passports are required for land crossings at the Canadian and Mexican borders with the U.S. and for cruise passengers returning to the U.S. from Mexico, the Caribbean, Canada or Bermuda. Reconfirm travel-document requirements with your carrier prior to departure.
Population: 33,838.
Telephone Codes: 843,
| Currency Exchange | Top  |
Major banks and hotels offer currency exchange. Ask the manager or concierge. Any card with a four-digit PIN can be used to access cash at one of the many ATMs in retail districts around the island.
| Banking Hours | Top |
Most of the banks on Hilton Head open at 9 am. ATMs are located almost everywhere on the island in grocery stores and at stand-alone kiosks, particularly on the south end.
The state of South Carolina charges a 5% sales tax, but people age 85 or older pay only 4%. There is also a statewide accommodations tax of 2%, and Hilton Head Island imposes an additional 3% accommodations tax.
Tipping on Hilton Head is expected as it is at any resort destination. Tip your bellhop US$2 per piece of luggage or a flat US$5, tip the cart attendant at the golf course at least US$2, and tip the waitstaff anywhere from 18% to 30% of the bill, depending on the service.
Hilton Head's climate is characterized by hot and humid summers, and mild winters. Summer weather starts in late March-early April, when temperatures begin consistently hitting the low 80s F/26 C. High temperatures May-August can reach 90 F/32 C, but the humidity often makes it feel hotter. Rainfall can be heavy during summer with brief afternoon showers. Those who are not used to high humidity may want to rest during the early afternoon.
Locals tend to enjoy the weather in early March and October. The mornings are typically mild and less humid, and temperatures hover in the mid-70s F/21-25 C during the afternoon. November is the driest month of the year, making it popular with golfers.
Winter months are mild with days in the 50s F/10 C, and some nights temperatures dip below freezing. Visitors should note that hurricane season is June-November and be aware of evacuation routes.
| What to Wear | Top  |
Like most warm-weather island destinations, Hilton Head's fashion style is resort casual. A popular refrain is that "even the lawyers don't wear a tie on Hilton Head." Although this may be stretching the truth, it is true that a lightweight sport coat over golf clothes should suffice for even the most formal occasions. Women can stick to lightweight pants, skirts or dresses.
Layering is recommended for the majority of the year, as the days can be hot and humid and the evenings cool. Always wear sunscreen to protect your skin and remember to reapply throughout the day. Beach attire is worn only at the beaches or pool.
Golfers should plan to wear golf attire. Some clubs have a strict dress code.
| Communication | Top |
| Internet Access | Top |
The Hilton Head Public Library provides Internet access, and all of the resorts on the island have wireless Internet connections in their meeting areas (fee policies vary per resort). Free Wi-Fi is also found at Barnes & Noble and Starbucks.
This cafe has several Internet stations with DSL and printers available. It is also a Wi-Fi hot spot. I-7 Coligny Plaza, Hilton Head Island. Phone 843-785-6600.
| Mail & Package Services | Top |
There are two main postal branches on the island. The North branch is off William Hilton Parkway at Gumtree Road. The South branch, which has a self-service machine in the lobby, is open Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm, Saturday 8 am-12:30 pm. 10 Bow Circle, Hilton Head Island. Phone 843-785-2179.
| Newspapers & Magazines | Top |
The Island Packet is the main daily newspaper on the island. Hilton Head Monthly is a popular magazine delivered to subscribers, and there is no shortage of free entertainment guides for visitors, including the bimonthly Golfer's Guide, 101 Things to Do, Island Events and Where to Go magazine. The visitor guides are found outside major shopping areas, in grocery stores and at the visitors center.
Cell phone reception around most of the island is fairly reliable. The weakest areas are within private, gated plantations where few visitors travel. Pay phones can be found in some hotels and restaurants, but are not a common sight throughout the rest of the island.
| Transportation | Top |
Travelers can fly directly onto the island through Hilton Head Airport (HHH), currently serviced by US Airways with flights through Charlotte, North Carolina. The Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is located about 45 minutes west of Hilton Head, off Interstate 95 in nearby Savannah, Georgia. Rental car agencies are located at both airports. If you plan to rent a vehicle at the Hilton Head Airport, make reservations ahead of time. Agencies often run out of vehicles during tourist season.
Taxi services operate out of both airports, but you will need to arrange for one to pick you up ahead of time.
Driving on Hilton Head requires patience. There are 2.5 million tourists who visit the island every year, flooding the roads with cars. Considering that many of the destinations on the island are built behind lush vegetation and there is a lack of streetlights, it is a good idea to get precise directions to your location ahead of time. Navigating traffic circles also causes problems for visitors, but remember to stay in your lane as "scooting" across lanes is considered rude. During heavy rains, many of the island's roads and traffic circles will flood. The water can take up to a day to drain.
One of the most popular modes of transportation is bicycling over the many miles/kilometers of bike paths around the island. Bikes can be rented at most Hilton Head resorts and through a number of specialty shops around the island.
The main thoroughfare is Highway 278 (known as Fording Island Road in Bluffton and as William Hilton Parkway on Hilton Head). The road is now three lanes wide in Bluffon, from the J. Williams Grave Bridge to Simmonsville Road.
Highway 278 experiences heavy volume during rush hours. The eastbound lane is usually slow 7-9 am, and the westbound lane is bumper-to-bumper 5-7 pm.
| For More Information | Top |
| Tourist Offices | Top |
This nonprofit organization sponsors festivals and shows on the island throughout the year. It also provides information on island activities. Open Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm. Carolina Office Park, 21 Office Park Road, Suite 106-A, Hilton Head Island. Phone 843-686-4944. Toll-free 800-424-3387. http://hiltonheadhospitalityassociation.com.
Conveniently located midisland, this office has lots of information for visitors to the Lowcountry. Open Monday-Friday 8:30 am-5 pm. 1 Chamber Drive, Hilton Head Island. Phone 843-785-3673. Toll-free 800-523-3373.
