San Bernardino

The questions people ask first about San Bernardino, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

• Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
• SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
• Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
• TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
• Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
• SafetySan Bernardino has a higher crime rate than most US cities its size, and downtown is quiet at night.

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

• Coffee$3–6
• Sit-down mealSit-down dinner, before tax and tip$18–35
• BeerBeer at a bar$7–10
• Metro or bus rideMetrolink, San Bernardino to Los Angeles Union Stationabout $13–15 one way (check)
• SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week$10–25
• Budget bedBudget motel room, a night, per roomUS$65
• Mid-range bedBudget motel room, a night, per roomUS$95
• High-end bedBudget motel room, a night, per roomUS$140

A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$70 · Mid US$120 · High US$200

Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Airports

SBD San Bernardino International (About 3 mi east of downtown on the former Norton Air Force Base; commercial service is limited — check current routes before booking.) · ONT Ontario International (About 22 mi west on I-10; the practical airport for this area, with more flights and usually lower fares than LAX.) · LAX Los Angeles International (About 76 mi west; use it only if the fare gap is large — allow 1.5–2.5 h by road.)

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Budget

$70–110 excl. bed

Mid

$110–180 excl. bed

High

$180+ excl. bed

• Summer heat: highs average around 36°C (96°F) in July and August, with occasional days above 42°C (107°F) — carry water and plan indoor stops midday.Summer heat: highs average around 96°F (36°C) in July and August, with occasional days above 107°F (42°C) — carry water and plan indoor stops midday.
• Downtown is quiet after dark and some blocks are run-down; keep to lit streets and drive between areas at night.
• Intercity buses stop at separate stations across town (Mill St, the Downtown Transit Center, the Santa Fe Depot) — check which one your ticket uses before you book a transfer.
• Winter mountain roads: chains or snow tyres may be required on Highway 18 and Highway 330 — check Caltrans conditions before driving up.