Charleston South Carolina, USA Travel Guide
Citizens of certain countries travel to the U.S. For tourism or business. Stays must be 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. An approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application is needed. Apply online at least 72 hours before your travel date. The cost is $21.
Travelers from countries not part of the VWP must obtain a B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourism) nonimmigrant visa. The application includes completing Form DS-160, attending an interview at an U.S. Embassy or consulate, and paying a fee. This fee is currently $185 for B visas. Begin this process well in advance of your planned travel.
No general entry fees apply beyond the visa or ESTA application costs. Upon arrival, immigration procedures will take place. This includes presenting your passport and documentation to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. They will collect biometric data, including fingerprints and a photograph.
Be ready to answer questions about the purpose of your visit, your length of stay, and your accommodation. No special permits are generally needed for tourism within Charleston or the surrounding areas for international visitors. Most tourist activities do not require additional governmental authorizations.
No specific vaccination requirements for entry.
Ensure routine vaccinations (MMR, DTaP, Varicella, Polio) are current. An annual flu shot is also suggested.
Requirements can change, so staying informed about any updates to entry policies is always a good idea.
Currency: United States Dollar (USD or $)
ATMs are widely available. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) are broadly accepted.
ATMs often offer better exchange rates than dedicated currency exchange counters.
Excludes international flights, assume solo traveler.
$75 - $150 USD per day (hostel dorm, casual dining, walking, free attractions).
$350+ USD per day (luxury hotel, fine dining, private transport, exclusive tours).
Hostel Dorm: $40-60/night. Budget Hotel/Motel: $80-150/night. Mid-range Hotel: $150-300/night. Luxury Hotel/Boutique Inn: $300-600+/night. Vacation Rental: $150-500+/night. Breakfast: $10-25. Lunch: $15-35. Dinner: $30-70+ per person. Street food/casual: $8-15.
CARTA Bus Day Pass: $3.50-$7. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): $10-30. Bike Rental: $25-40/day. Museums/Historic Houses: $15-30. Plantation Tours: $25-40. Boat Tours: $30-60. Walking Tours: $25-40.
15-20% of the bill for good service.
$1-2 per drink or 15-20% of the bill.
15-20% of the fare.
$2-5 per night.
15-20% of tour cost, or $5-20 for shorter, free tours.
Charleston has a modern healthcare system. Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies. This number connects you directly to emergency dispatchers.
Major hospitals include MUSC Health University Medical Center, Roper Hospital, and Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital. For non-life-threatening conditions, numerous urgent care clinics are available.
Tap water in Charleston is safe to drink. It meets U.S. Water quality standards. Food safety standards are high in Charleston restaurants and eateries.
Carry a list of important contacts, both digital and physical.
Be aware of common health issues and strategies for their prevention. Charleston is generally a safe city for visitors, notably the historic downtown and tourist areas.
Make your budget stretch further with these Charleston-focused tips. Price ranges for accommodations, meals, transportation, and attractions cater to various budgets.
These estimates exclude international flights and assume a solo traveler. Adjustment for multiple travelers or specific preferences may be needed.
Budget Traveler Daily Costs: $75 - $150 USD. Mid-range Traveler Daily Costs: $150 - $350 USD. Luxury Traveler Daily Costs: $350+ USD.
Charleston's historic core is flat and walkable. This saves transportation costs and enables detailed exploration.
Explore historic streets and hidden alleyways on foot.
Avoid the cost and hassle of parking in busy downtown areas.
CARTA buses are an economical way to travel longer distances. The DASH shuttle has free transport within the historic district.
Day passes available for CARTA for extended travel.
DASH shuttle is free, reducing walking distances between main attractions.
If your accommodation includes kitchen facilities, buying groceries and preparing some meals reduces dining expenses. Many restaurants offer discounted happy hour specials.
Cook meals to save on restaurant costs.
Enjoy discounted drinks and appetizers during happy hours.
| Category | Budget Traveler ($75-$150) | Mid-Range Traveler ($150-$350) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $40-80 (hostel/budget motel) | $100-200 (mid-range hotel/guesthouse) |
| Meals | $25-50 (groceries/casual eateries) | $50-100 (mix of casual/sit-down) |
| Transportation & Activities | $10-20 (walking/bus/limited paid entry) | $40-70 (rideshare/bike/multiple paid attractions) |
