COMMON QUESTIONS
Review tips for parking a vehicle in the U.S.A.
This section answers questions related to parking
for international patients visiting the United States of America for health
care and medical treatment.
Parking a Vehicle
Depending on the city or area of the country that you visit, options
for parking your car can range from a free public lot to paying money
to park in a private or public garage. Whether you are in a city or a
small town, sometimes finding a place to park your car can take a few
extra minutes, so be sure to give yourself at least an extra 10 minutes
if you are trying to get to an appointment on time.
On-Street Parking, Parking Garages, Valet Parking
and Free Public Lots
If you are visiting a hospital or clinic, you may be able to park your
car on the street near the hospital or park in the hospital garage or
another nearby pay garage. If you park on the street, be sure to have
quarters to put in the parking meters which measure the amount of time
you spend in that spot. (Most meters take quarters only.) If you don't
put in enough money, you may receive a parking ticket, which is a fee
you must pay for not keeping the meter timer running.
If you park in a garage, take a ticket from the machine at the gate when
you go in and put it in a safe place. (If for some reason you lose the
ticket, you may have to pay the full price of parking regardless of the
amount of time you stay.) Upon exiting the garage, you will usually hand
the ticket to the attendant who will then tell you how much money is due.
Other garages require that you take your ticket inside to pay a cashier.
Garages usually charge by the hour or by the day. You do not need to tip
parking attendants unless they park your car for you.
Most malls, shopping centers, and other businesses offer free parking
in their garages or parking lots. At museums, national parks and attractions,
and amusement parks, you may have to pay to park in a parking lot, but
many restaurants and other attractions offer free parking, street parking
or valet parking.
If you choose valet parking, an attendant will park your car for you
and retrieve it when you are ready to leave. A small gratuity can be given
to the attendant in addition to any costs involved.
NOTE: Look for restrictive signs. When
parking on the street, make sure to look for signs indicating where and
when it is appropriate for you to park. Watch for handicapped signs, permit
parking signs, and street cleaning signs with hour restrictions. Violation
of restrictions that are posted may result in your vehicle being towed
away and hefty fines.
Visit City/State Information to find out
more about parking in the city you will be visiting. Write to the Convention
and Visitor's Bureau in that city if you need assistance.
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