San Francisco
San Francisco, located in Northern California, is a vibrant and eclectic city known for its stunning views, rich cultural history, and unique neighborhoods. It is a top destination for travelers seeking a blend of urban and natural beauty, with something for everyone to enjoy . It comes as no surprise when you consider the excitement that surrounds the place as seen in popular culture. Let's face it, we love the restaurant scene and the beloved US chefs that have the privilege of calling this amazing city their home. Enjoy the quirky collection of sightseeing activities like maybe a cruise to the infamous Alcatraz island? Hanging with the sea lions at Fisherman's Wharf is always on the itinerary and don't you dare skip out on a visit to Golden Gate Bridge. San Francisco's nightlife is diverse, with a wide range of bars, clubs, and music venues offering live music, dancing, and entertainment.
Tipping.
Restaurants and bars- In a full service sit down restaurant, 15-20% rounded up to the nearest dollar. 0–15% to the bar attendant and if given a complimentary drink, the tip should be about half the regular price.
Taxi- Less than 15% is a slight.
Hotels- Tip doormen $1 - $2 for hailing a cab. If carrying bags for you, $2 for the first bag and $1 for each one after that, unless they are especially heavy, then $2 per bag would be more appropriate. The same applies to bellhops.
Lingo in San Francisco.
Just like the rest of California, each native in their respective city talks in a way distinct to their city’s culture - we’re looking at the Bay Area natives right now! If you want to know if someone is from the Bay Area, watch out for the hip hop references and the all round trendy expressions and style these Northern Californians bring to the table.
General lingo.
Hella = Used instead of “very” or “a lot of”. Perhaps the most commonly used slang word
Tryna = Trying to.. / Would you like to? (For example, “Tryna get coffee?”)
415 = the area code for S.F., is sometimes used in lieu of saying “San Francisco”
Slaps = You say something “slaps” when you think it’s really good. This Bay Area slang word is usually used to describe good music, but it can be used for other things as well
Karl = The fog (For example, “Karl's crashing the party”)
Yadadamean = Do you know what I mean?
Smell me? = You feel me?
Fasheezy = For sure!
Got me bent = You got me f*cked up! / You’re wrong bro!
Eating out/ shopping lingo.
Swoop = To pick someone up (Example: I’ll swoop you at 7, OK?)
Outta pocket = Not chill, crossed the line (Example: That Tesla just cut me off. Hella outta pocket)
Giggin’ = Dancing, grooving
Cattin’ off = Screwing around
For the F = For free
Guap = Money
Tucked off = Gone off the radar
To the neck = To yourself (when ordering food) (Example: I am gonna take these chicken wings to the neck!)
Get your flirt on!
Why don’t you try these pickup lines?
Is that a 6 Plus in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?
Can I buy you a shot of Fernet?
My IPO just launched, but it's not that big of a big deal
I actually know the reservationist at State Bird Provisions, so...
Forgive me for staring, but you look exactly like this sexy professor I had at Stanford
Is this reclaimed-wood stool taken?
My office is right next to Sergey's
Are you cold? I've got some extra layers in my Timbuk2
Hello there, my name is Willie Brown
Shall we go back to my rent-controlled apartment or yours?
Transport from Oakland Airport.
There are 3 ways to get from Oakland Airport to San Francisco - by taxi, airport shuttle, BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)
Taxi/Uber/Lyft.
Picking a cab-hailing service or a ride-share, as they say in California, is a good idea, especially if you want to enjoy a private ride from Oakland to San Francisco. While you might be paying a higher fare, the privacy and comfort will be worth it. Two of the most common ride-sharing services are Uber and Lyft.
Airport shuttle.
A recommended option to travel to the city. There are many shuttle services out there and they will offer you to general types of shuttle - non-stop service and black car. Non-stop service would be perfect if you have a large group and lots of luggage - reach our destination in no time! Or else, if you’re going for a proper chauffeur and a driver to welcome at the baggage claim not to mention a comfier more stylish ride, go for black car.
BART (Bay Area Rapid Shuttle).
If you’re looking for the real San Francisco experience of a local, then the Bay Area Rapid Shuttle is by far the best option. You have even more reason to choose this option since it the most cost effective as well given that taxi and shuttle are just as reliable modes of transport. Click here for a guide on riding the BART!
Best time to travel.
September to November. Believe it or not, fall offers some of the city's warmest temperatures year-round, not to mention fewer crowds than summer. Spring is another good time to visit.
