Editing Orange County (section)

==Orientation==

===Finding A Couch===

Orange County is smaller than Los Angeles, but still quite spread out and densely developed causing confusion and frustration to the first-time visitors.  When looking for a host to surf with, you may want to clarify exactly where he/she is located and how easily you can access public transportation during daytime work hours.  Hosts in Orange County get less requests than in Los Angeles, but '''you should still contact several people directly two weeks before your intended arrival'''.  Mass emailing is not appreciated and may not receive any replies. Try to personalize your request and take some time to read up on your host.  If you still cannot find a host, contact a city ambassador or '''post an emergency couch request''' in the [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=14715 Orange County Last Minute/Emergency Couchsurfing group].

As a general rule for Couchsurfers, no matter which country you are in, it is highly recommended that you have a hostel/hotel in mind as a backup plan in case your host cannot accommodate you or a problem arises. Use common sense and be prepared as you would be if on your own.

===Getting Around===

====Public Transit (Bus/Subway System)====
Public transportation in Orange County is much worse than in Los Angeles is limited to only major streets and all service is normally stopped by 11 pm.  [http://www.octa.net OC Transit] is the main system for Orange County.  You can [http://socaltransport.org/tm_pub_start.php search for public transit routes] by entering your current location (i.e main intersection) and your destination. There are a few other bus companies that provide service to Orange County and they will show up if you use the search website.  

Bus drivers do not carry change, so you should have the exact cash fare when you board.  If you do not want to use any form of public transportation, '''car rentals''' are recommended since '''taxis''' can be fairly expensive, especially during rush hour or high traffic.

====Regional Passenger Train====

[http://www.metrolinktrains.com/home/ Metro Link] is the regional passenger connection system, a train system connecting Orange County with adjacent counties which goes as far south as San Diego County, as far east as San Bernadino and Riverside Counties and as far north as Los Angeles and Ventura County. Major destinations it would connect you to include Anaheim (Disneyland), San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente in Orange County, just north of the San Diego county line, Downtown Los Angeles and the Burbank-Bob Hope Airport.


===Tips===

If you plan on staying in California for at least a month, consider buying a SIM card or a pay-as-you-go phone. You can purchase one at Target for as cheap as $20 USD which includes a SIM card, a charger and the phone.

===Wireless Internet / Hotspots===

These are all free options for internet and wifi access in the Los Angeles. Some are open 24 hours or access is available outside the buildings after hours.

* Public libraries
	
* Most hotels and hostels, some larger malls/shopping centers

* Vons, Pavillions, Ralph supermarkets (certain locations) and Whole Foods supermarkets

* Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (may require purchase), most McDonald's (with and without purchase), and nearly all stand-alone Starbucks