Charleston Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards & Mobile Providers

Major mobile phone providers in the United States include AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. Sprint has largely merged with T-Mobile.

Acquiring a SIM or eSIM

You can get prepaid ESIMs or physical SIM cards from carrier retail stores, large retailers like Walmart and Target, or online.
Your phone must be unlocked to accept a new SIM card.
Prepaid plans hold various data, talk, and text options suitable for visitors.

Internet Access & Wi-Fi Availability

Most hotels, B&Bs, and vacation rentals in Charleston offer complimentary Wi-Fi for guests.

Connecting Online

Many cafes, coffee shops, and restaurants share free Wi-Fi for customers.
Consider a Portable Wi-Fi hotspot device or your phone's hotspot feature for steady internet.
Limited public Wi-Fi zones are in some downtown areas, but they are not widespread.

Postal Services

The United States Postal Service (USPS) runs post offices throughout Charleston.

Sending Mail

You can send postcards, letters, or packages from these locations.
Blue mailboxes are common on street corners for dropping off letters.
Look for official USPS signs to locate branches.

Language Barriers & Translation Resources

English is the official language and is universally understood in tourist areas.

Communication Assistance

If English is not your first language, translation apps like Google Translate may be useful.
Local people are generally accommodating and helpful.
Consider a Language learning platform to learn common phrases.

Important Phrases

Common Greetings

As English is widely used, specific pronunciation guides for phrases are not necessary.
Charlestonians often speak with a Southern accent, adding to the local charm.
Expect common American greetings like "Hey," "Hello," or "How y'all doing?"
Southern hospitality is a real and noticeable aspect of interactions here.

While the accent might be unfamiliar, clear communication is always possible.
Do not hesitate to politely ask someone to repeat themselves if needed.
Many locals enjoy sharing their unique dialect.

Essential Note

As English is widely used in tourist areas, specific phrases with pronunciation guides are not needed.

Business Hours & Schedules

Retail Shops

Generally open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Shops on King Street may stay open later on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Restaurants

Lunch service is typically 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Dinner begins around 5:00 PM and runs until 10:00 PM; some bars stay open later.

Attractions & Museums

Most open around 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM and close between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Confirm with individual websites for specific times.

Banking Hours & ATM Locations

Most banks operate from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Some branches may open for a few hours on Saturday mornings.

Accessing Funds

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are widely available.
Locate ATMs at banks, grocery stores, convenience stores, and various other businesses.
ATMs hold 24/7 access to cash.

Religious & Public Holidays

Services may be limited or closed on major U.S. Federal holidays.

Holiday Impact

Federal holidays include New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4th), Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
Many businesses close or run on reduced schedules during these times.
While Charleston is known as the "Holy City," religious holidays do not usually impact general business hours for most establishments.

Specific Information

Reduced Schedules

Some smaller attractions or restaurants may show reduced hours during the lowest tourist season.
This typically falls in January and February, or parts of summer due to heat.
Always check ahead if you plan to visit during these times.

Restaurant Notes

Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner service.
Some establishments, notably bars, extend their hours into late evening.
Confirm specific dining times directly with the venue.

Planning Ahead

Some attractions or restaurants may have limited hours during off-peak times. Always check their websites before your visit.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Embrace the local customs and cultural traditions to make your Charleston visit more enriching.

Greeting Customs

Charlestonians are generally friendly. Expect common American greetings like "Hey," "Hello," or "How y'all doing?" (a common Southern plural for "you").

Southern Hospitality

Southern hospitality is a real and noticeable aspect of interactions.
Polite and friendly interactions are common.
A warm welcome generally greets visitors.

Appropriate Attire

Casual and comfortable clothing is suitable for most daytime activities. Charleston's relaxed pace extends to fashion.

Evening Wear

For dinner at most restaurants, smart casual attire is proper.
Some fine dining establishments may prefer or have more formal attire, like business casual or a jacket for men.
Check specific restaurant policies if in doubt.

Dining & Tipping

Tipping is customary for dining etiquette. Be ready to tip 15-20% for good service in restaurants and bars. This is a common practice.

Tipping Guidelines

For exceptional service, a tip towards the higher end (20%) is a good idea.
Tips are a significant part of service workers' wages.
Consider tipping other service providers as well (e.g., taxi drivers, hotel housekeepers).

Photography Permissions & Restrictions

Generally, taking pictures is allowed in public spaces. Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially children.

Respectful Photography

Be especially considerate when photographing Gullah sweetgrass basket weavers.
Note "no photography" signs in museums, private residences, or religious sites.
Respect private property and do not trespass.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Historical Sensitivities

Charleston's history links to slavery and the Civil War.
Approach these topics with sensitivity and respect.
Seek out historical sites and museums that present accurate perspectives.

General Interactions

Like anywhere, generally avoid heated political discussions with strangers.
Do not ask overly personal questions to people you have just met.
Politeness goes a long way in all exchanges.

Gender Considerations & LGBTQ+ Information

Welcoming Environment

Charleston is generally welcoming and inclusive.
Major cities in the U.S. Have anti-discrimination laws protecting individuals based on gender and sexual orientation.
You can expect to be treated with respect.

Community & Resources

Local groups and resources for LGBTQ+ travelers are present.
Research specific community events if you have particular interests.
The city has a growing inclusive atmosphere.

Inclusivity Note

Charleston is generally welcoming. Anti-discrimination laws protect individuals based on gender and sexual orientation, setting a tone of respect.

Accessibility Information

Charleston works to make travel approachable for visitors with mobility considerations.

Infrastructure for Mobility Challenges

Many sidewalks in the historic district are brick or cobblestone, which can be uneven for wheelchairs or those with limited movement. Curb cuts are generally present at street crossings.

Building Access

Newer buildings and many renovated historic ones meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
Older historic homes and attractions may present limited accessibility due to preservation rules.
Expect stairs, narrow doorways, or uneven floors in some historic structures.

Accessible Attractions & Transportation

Several sites and transport choices are made to accommodate all visitors.

Getting Around

All CARTA buses, including the complimentary DASH shuttle, are wheelchair friendly.
Most major museums, like The Charleston Museum and the Gibbes Museum of Art, hold accessible entrances and elevators.
Waterfront Park, with its paved pathways and flat design, is fully accessible.

Visual or Hearing Impairments

Check with individual attractions for specific accommodations for visitors with visual or hearing impairments.

Available Support

Some may present audio guides or large-print materials.
Sign language interpreters are available upon request with advance notice.

Resources & Organizations

Access South Carolina is a resource that holds information on travel within the state.

Further Information

Consult individual attraction websites.
They often have dedicated accessibility pages.
These pages detail specific features and limitations.

Accessibility Tip

While many sites are accessible, it is always a good practice to confirm specific accessibility features with attractions beforehand, especially for historic buildings.

Charleston Travel Tips