How to Greet Someone
Be warned: Angelenos are huggers. They don’t do the European double-cheek air kiss; instead, they go straight for the torso-to-torso death grip. Hold for about two seconds, then release. Say how great it is to see the person. Upon leaving, be sure to emphatically state how the two of you should grab drinks or coffee soon. You can even go so far as to set a date. (Don’t worry; none of this counts as an actual plan.)
How to Dress
Don't: Ignore the thermometer. Yes, it’s December and it’s 65 degrees out, but that doesn’t mean you’re at liberty to avail yourself of your winter clothing. You don’t have to make yourself sweat to the point of exhaustion by wearing a down jacket, but avoid the impulse to don shorts and tank top. Wear jeans and a T-shirt if you must wear lighter clothing, but adding a vest or a scarf will bring the whole thing together.
Don’t: Overdress. The old adage about Angelenos dressing casually for everything—from work to fancy dinners—is true. If you’re a man, nice jeans and a striped button-down (untucked!) will suffice in nearly every professional and social setting. If you’re a woman, the same goes for jeans and heels.
Do: Wear cutoffs and Uggs if you want to. It's totally okay. But don’t embrace the wrong kind of casual: Never wear capris, and don't wear athletic sneakers unless you’re working out.
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Do: Flaunt your commitment to your physical health. It's okay to wear athletic gear around town, but make sure you've got the right kind of workout clothes: tight, clean and relatively new.
How to Walk and Talk
Don’t Walk anywhere, ever. The only exception to this rule is if you’re shopping on Melrose Avenue. Should you opt to take a stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame—as many tourists are wont to do—just know that people driving by will immediately ascertain that you’re not from around here.
Do Be nice. Angelenos have a reputation for being somewhat saccharine sweet, but we come by it honestly. We really want to like and be liked (that’s why so many residents are pursuing acting careers). So let your Southern hospitality, or your Midwest congeniality, or your Canadian friendliness fly. Curtness, snobbery, and rudeness won't fly with L.A. locals.
Getting Around
Until about a year ago, visitors to L.A. had no choice but to rent a car. But in the past 12 months, ride-sharing apps Uber and Lyft have changed how locals get around—they use them to go to the airport, or when they want to go out at night. It's worth downloading the apps into your smartphone just in case. Of course, you also have the option to bike; L.A. is home to a die-hard cycling community. There are also public transportation options—check out How to Navigate Los Angeles Without a Car for details.
