Huntington Beach General Information

Currency Exchange

Thomas Cook Money Exchange in Costa Mesa can convert any foreign currency into U.S. dollars at their posted rate. They also cash and sell traveler's checks. They are located at South Coast Plaza on Level 1, Carousel Court. Address: 3333 Bristol St., Suite 1874. Call: 714-751-1203.

Drinking

California state law requires individuals to be 21 years of age or older to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) is a very serious offense with harsh consequences. A person is considered legally intoxicated when their blood alcohol level is .08% or higher. Alcohol is not permitted on the beach unless you participate in a group outing where a special event permit has been obtained.

Electrical Current & Computer Standards

U.S. electrical current is 110 volts A/C. Telephone jacks for computer modems and faxes use the RJ11 standard.

Emergencies

For emergencies, dial 911 for immediate assistance. For non-emergency matters requiring the police, call (714) 960-8843. For non-emergency fire assistance, call (714) 536-5411.

Fishing Licenses

Any person 16-years-old or older must possess a California Fishing License before attempting to catch fish or shellfish. Licenses are available from marine and sporting good vendors.

Hospital

Huntington Beach Medical Center has an emergency room. 17772 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach (714) 843-5011

How to Dress

Casual, comfortable clothing is fine all year round. In fact, Hawaiian shirts always look good—and right at home—in Huntington Beach. Jackets and ties are optional even in the most elegant of restaurants. During evenings and winter days when the ocean breezes turn cool, you’ll want a jacket, sweater or sweatshirt. Dress in layers so you can remove clothing as the day warms up and replace it as the day cools off, particularly if you plan to stay on the beach.

Seat Belts

Drivers and passengers are required by law to wear seat belts at all times. Any child weighing less than 60 pounds (27 kg) must be in a child safety seat secured by a seat belt.

Smoking

The legal smoking age is 18. As is true throughout California, however, smoking is prohibited in all restaurants, bars, theaters, auditoriums, museums and most public buildings. This is also true in hotels, except for designated areas and smoking floors.

Telephone

The area code for most of Huntington Beach is 714; a portion of the city is served by the 562 area code, too. Toll-free phone numbers have area codes of 800, 888 or 877.