Hilton Head IslandHilton Head Island, SC

The questions people ask first about Hilton Head Island, 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
• SafetyVery safe for a US beach resort: the real risks are rip currents, unlit bike paths after dark, summer heat and weekend US 278 traffic.

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

• Coffeecheck$4–6
• Sit-down mealSit-down dinner maincheck$24–45
• BeerDraught beer at a beach barcheck$7–10
• Budget bedVilla or condo (up to 4), a night, per roomUS$200
• Mid-range bedBudget motel or inn room, a night, per roomUS$180
• High-end bedBudget motel or inn room, a night, per roomUS$260

A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$90 · Mid US$170 · High US$320

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

HHH Hilton Head Island Airport (On the island, a short drive from Coligny; American Airlines year-round from Charlotte and Atlanta, otherwise mostly general aviation (check current routes and drive time).) · SAV Savannah/Hilton Head International (About 1 h by car; more airlines and often cheaper fares than HHH (check). Directly on I-95.)

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Budget

$90–150 excl. bed

Mid

$150–260 excl. bed

High

$260+ excl. bed

• Weekend arrival and departure traffic on US 278 is heavy: cross on a weekday if you can.
• Sea Pines and some other communities charge a gate fee for non-residents and restrict parking; keep the pass visible (check the current fee and rules).
• Summer restaurant waits jump after about 18:00 — eat at 17:45 or expect a wait (check).Summer restaurant waits jump after about 6:00 PM — eat at 5:45 PM or expect a wait (check).
• Rip currents are possible and not every beach stretch is staffed: swim near a lifeguarded access point and check the day's flags (check).
• Hurricane season runs Aug–Oct; know your evacuation route and check the forecast before a late-summer booking.