Contacts & Resources

Business Hours

Banks are generally open weekdays 10-4. Most stores are open weekdays 10-9, Saturday 9-6, and Sunday 11-6. The souvenir shops on the Strip remain open until midnight. Holidays Major national holidays include New Year's Day (Jan. 1); Martin Luther King, Jr., Day (3rd Mon. in Jan.); President's Day (3rd Mon. in Feb.); Memorial Day (last Mon. in May); Independence Day (July 4); Labor Day (1st Mon. in Sept.); Thanksgiving Day (4th Thurs. in Nov.); Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (Dec. 24 and 25); and New Year's Eve (Dec. 31).

Customs & Duties

Arriving in the United States Non-U.S. residents ages 21 and older may import into the United States 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 2 kilograms of tobacco, 1 liter of alcohol, and gifts worth $100. Meat products, seeds, plants, and fruits are prohibited. For additional information, contact the U.S. Customs Service (inquiries, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20229, 202/927-6724; complaints, Office of Regulations and Rulings, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20229; registration of equipment, Resource Management, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20229, 202/927-0540).

Emergencies

Police, fire, ambulance (tel. 911). Hospital Emergency Rooms University Medical Center (1800 W. Charleston Blvd. at Shadow La., tel. 702/383-2000) has a 24-hour emergency service with outpatient and trauma-care facilities. Sunrise Hospital (3186 S. Maryland Pkwy., near Desert Inn Rd., tel. 702/731-8000) has an emergency room. Doctors & Dentists Clark County Medical Society (tel. 702/739-9989) and Clark County Dental Society (tel. 702/733-8700) offer referral service. Late-Night Pharmacy White Cross Drug (1700 Las Vegas Blvd. S, tel. 702/382-1733) is near the Stratosphere Tower and is open 24 hours a day. Embassies and Consulates Australia Australian Embassy (1601 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036, 202/797-3000, 202/797-3040). Canada Canadian Embassy (501 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001, 202/682-1740, 202/682-7726). New Zealand New Zealand Embassy (37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008, 202/328-4800, 202/667-5227). United Kingdom British Embassy (3100 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008, 202/588-7800, 202/588-7850).

Mail

Every address in the United States belongs to a specific zip-code district, and each zip code has five digits. Some addresses include a second sequence of four numbers following the first five numbers, but although this speeds mail delivery for large organizations, it is not necessary to use it. Each zip-code district has at least one post office, where you can buy stamps and aerograms, send parcels, or conduct other postal business. Occasionally you may find small stamp-dispensing machines in airports, train stations, bus terminals, large office buildings, hotel lobbies, drugstores, or grocery stores, but don't count on it. Most Americans go to the post office to buy their stamps, and the lines can be long. Official mailboxes are either the stout, royal blue steel bins on city sidewalks or mail chutes on the walls of post offices or in large office buildings. A schedule posted on mailboxes and mail slots should indicate when the mail is picked up. Sending Mail Home First-class letters (under one ounce) sent within the United States cost 33 cents; postcards are 20 cents. A one-ounce letter to Canada takes a 48-cent stamp and a postcard 45 cents; for Mexico, you'll need a 40-cent stamp for a half-ounce letter and 40 cents for a postcard. Airmail letters (under a half ounce) to other overseas destinations cost 60 cents, and postcards are 55 cents. For 60 cents, you can also buy an aerogram--a pre-stamped sheet of lightweight blue paper that folds into its own envelope. Receiving Mail If you wish to receive mail while traveling in the United States, have it sent c/o General Delivery at the city's main post office (be sure to use the right zip code). It will be held there for up to 30 days. You must pick it up in person, and bring identification with you. American Express offices in the United States do not hold mail.

Money

Currency The basic unit of U.S. currency is the dollar, which is subdivided into 100 cents. Coins are the copper penny (1 cent) and four silver coins: the nickel (5 cents), the dime (10 cents), the quarter (25 cents), and the half-dollar (50 cents). Silver $1 coins are rarely seen in circulation; a "golden" dollar coin was introduced in 2000. Paper money comes in denominations of $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. All these bills are the same size and green in color; they are distinguishable only by the dollar amount indicated on them and by pictures of various famous American people and monuments. For the most favorable rates, change money through banks. Although fees charged for ATM transactions may be higher abroad than at home, Cirrus and Plus exchange rates are excellent, because they are based on wholesale rates offered only by major banks. You won't do as well at exchange booths in airports or rail and bus stations, in hotels, in restaurants, or in stores, although you may find their hours more convenient. To avoid lines at airport exchange booths, get a bit of local currency before you leave home. In general, U.S. banks will not cash a personal check for you unless you have an account at that bank (it doesn't have to be at that branch). Only in major cities are large bank branches equipped to exchange foreign currencies. Therefore, it's best to rely on credit cards, cash machines, and traveler's checks to handle expenses while you're traveling. Exchanging Money In the United States, it is not as easy to find places to exchange currency as it is in European cities. In major international cities, such as New York and Los Angeles, currency may be exchanged at some bank branches, as well as at currency-exchange booths in airports and at foreign-currency offices such as American Express Travel Service and Thomas Cook (check local directories for addresses and phone numbers). The best strategy is to buy traveler's checks in U.S. dollars before you come to the United States; although the rates may not be as good abroad, the time saved by not having to search constantly for exchange facilities far outweighs any financial loss. Money Orders, Funds Transfers Any U.S. bank is equipped to accept transfers of funds from foreign banks. It helps if you can plan dates to pick up money at specific bank branches. Your home bank can supply you with a list of its correspondent banks in the United States. If you have more time, and you have a U.S. address where you can receive mail, you can have someone send you a certified check, which you can cash at any bank, or a postal money order (for as much as $700, obtained for a fee of up to 85¢ at any U.S. post office and redeemable at any other post office). From overseas, you can have someone go to a bank to send you an international money order (also called a bank draft), which will cost a $15-$20 commission plus airmail postage. Always bring two valid pieces of identification, preferably with photos, to claim your money. Taxes There is a 7% sales tax in Las Vegas. In addition to the sales tax, there is an 8% tax on hotel accommodations and a 6% tax on car rentals.

Packing

Ever since the Last Frontier opened on the Las Vegas Highway, which later became the Strip, visitors have been invited to "Come as You Are." The warm weather and informal character of Las Vegas render casual clothing appropriate day and night. Some people like to spruce up for the evening-the women wearing cocktail dresses and the men donning jacket and tie. But only a handful of the fanciest restaurants in town require such attire. Shorts and sundresses can be worn from April through October. November through March, it's sweaters and overcoats. Comfortable shoes for walking are a must; no matter what your intentions may be, you'll find yourself covering a lot of ground on foot. If you pack light, you'll avoid long waits for the transfer of luggage to and from hotel rooms on arrival and departure. Electricity The U.S. electrical standard is 110 volts/60 cycles AC. Foreign visitors traveling with dual-voltage appliances will not need a converter, but they will need a plug adapter. The standard U.S. electrical outlet takes a plug of two flat pins set parallel to one another.

Passports & Visas

Entering the United States Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom who plan to stay in the United States for fewer than 90 days do not need entry visas. A valid passport, a return-trip ticket, and proof of financial solvency are required; you'll be asked to fill out the Visa Waiver Form, I-94W, upon entry. Travelers who plan to stay more than 90 days can apply for the appropriate visa at the United States embassy or consulates in their home country. Canadian citizens need valid identification but neither a passport nor a visa to enter the United States. At Home If you live in the U.K.: U.S. Embassy Visa Information Line (01891/200290; calls cost 49p per minute, 39p per minute cheap rate) for U.S. visa information. U.S. Embassy Visa Branch (5 Upper Grosvenor Sq., London W1A 1AE) for U.S. visa information; send a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Write the U.S. Consulate General (Queen's House, Queen St., Belfast BTI 6EO) if you live in Northern Ireland. Write the Office of Australia Affairs (59th fl., MLC Centre, 19-29 Martin Pl., Sydney NSW 2000) if you live in Australia. Write the Office of New Zealand Affairs (29 Fitzherbert Terr., Thorndon, Wellington) if you live in New Zealand. Passport Offices The best time to apply for a passport or to renew is during the fall and winter. Before any trip, check your passport's expiration date, and, if necessary, renew it as soon as possible. Australian Citizens Australian Passport Office (131-232). Canadian Citizens Passport Office (819/994-3500 or 800/567-6868). New Zealand Citizens New Zealand Passport Office (04/494-0700 for information on how to apply; 04/474-8000; 0800/225-050 in New Zealand for information on applications already submitted). U.K. Citizens London Passport Office (0990/210410) for fees and documentation requirements and to request an emergency passport. Embassies and Consulates Australia Australian Embassy (1601 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036, 202/797-3000, 202/797-3040). Canada Canadian Embassy (501 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001, 202/682-1740, 202/682-7726). New Zealand New Zealand Embassy (37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008, 202/328-4800, 202/667-5227). United Kingdom British Embassy (3100 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008, 202/588-7800, 202/588-7850).

Sightseeing Tours

Orientation Tours Gray Line (1550 S. Industrial Rd., tel. 702/384-1234 or 800/634-6579) offers a variety of bus, rafting, and flightseeing tours of Las Vegas and its environs. Itineraries include the Strip, Hoover Dam, and the Grand Canyon. City tours last 3 hours; tours beyond the area are all-day affairs. Gray Line will pick you up at your hotel and return you to it at the end of the tour. Tours run from $19.50 (city tour) to $172 (Grand Canyon). Reservations can be made by telephone at any hour. Key Tours (3305 W. Spring Mountain, tel. 702/362-9355) offers trips from Las Vegas to Laughlin, a gambling town that is about 90 miles from Las Vegas on the Colorado River at the Arizona state line, from $5 a person; a four-hour Hoover Dam tour for $14.50; and a six-hour Hoover Dam plus the city and lunch for $29. Ray and Ross Transport Inc. (300 W. Owens Ave., tel. 702/646-4661) has four-hour city tours for $18.35. Hotel pickup and return are included. Boat Tours Lake Mead Cruises (Lake Mead Marina, tel. 702/293-6180) offers narrated tours of the lower portion of the lake and the Hoover Dam on a 250-passenger sternwheeler, the Desert Princess. Cruises last 1 1/2 to three hours; some are sightseeing only, while others include breakfast, dinner, or dinner and live entertainment. Prices range from $14.50 to $43. Helicopter Tours Sundance Helicopter (5596 Haven St., tel. 702/736-0606, 800/653-1881, 702/736-4107 ) has a 10-minute helicopter tour of the Las Vegas Strip for $45 per person, as well as a 2 1/2-hour tour into the Grand Canyon (with a champagne landing) for $299 per person. Hot-Air Ballooning Reno's Natural High (tel. 702/747-0107) takes you on 45-minute flights over the region. Rafting Tours Black Canyon Raft Tours (1297 Nevada Hwy., Boulder City, NV 89005, tel. 702/293-3776, 602/767-3311, or 800/696-7238) offers float trips along an 11-mile stretch of the Colorado River from the foot of Hoover Dam to Willow Beach; the price of $69.95 includes the rafting, lunch, and transfers.

Telephones

The country code for the United States is 1. The area code for Las Vegas is 702. All U.S. telephone numbers consist of 10 digits--the three-digit area code, followed by a seven-digit local number. If you're calling a number from another area-code region, dial "1" then all 10 digits. If you're calling from a distance but within the same area code, dial "1" then the last seven digits. For calls within the same local calling area, just dial the seven-digit number. A map of U.S. area codes is printed in the front of most local telephone directories. Four special prefixes, "800," "888," "877," and "900," are not area codes but indicators of particular kinds of service. "800," "888," and "877" numbers can be dialed free from anywhere in the country--usually they are prepaid commercial lines that make it easier for consumers to obtain information, products, or services. The "900" numbers charge you for making the call and generally offer some kind of entertainment, such as horoscope readings, sports scores, or sexually suggestive conversations. These services can be very expensive, so know what you're getting into before you dial a "900" number. Credit-Card Calls U.S. telephone credit cards are not like the magnetic cards used in some European countries, which pay for calls in advance; they simply represent an account that lets you charge a call to your home or business phone. On any phone, you can make a credit-card call by punching in your individual account number or by telling the operator that number. Certain specially marked pay phones (usually found in airports, hotel lobbies, and so on) can be used only for credit-card calls. To get a credit card, contact your long-distance telephone carrier, such as AT&T, MCI, or Sprint. Directory & Operator Information For assistance from an operator, dial "0". To find out a telephone number within the same area code you're calling from, dial 411; in a few places it is necessary to dial 555-1212. If you want to charge a long-distance call to the person you're calling, call collect by dialing "0" instead of "1" before the 10-digit number, and an operator will come on the line to assist you (the party you're calling, however, has the right to refuse the call). International Calls International calls can be direct-dialed from most phones; dial 011, followed by the country code and then the local number (the front pages of many local telephone directories include a list of overseas country codes). To have an operator assist you, dial "0" and ask for the overseas operator. The country code for Australia is 61; New Zealand, 64; and the United Kingdom, 44. To reach Canada, dial 1 + area code + number. Long-Distance Calls Competitive long-distance carriers make calling within the United States relatively convenient and let you avoid hotel surcharges. By dialing an 800 number, you can get connected to the long-distance company of your choice. For details, contact AT&T (800/225-5288), MCI (800/888-8000), or Sprint (800/366-2255). Public Phones The most common pay phone in operation today is the coin-operated type. To use one, pick up the receiver, deposit your money (the minimum amount is posted on the machine), and then dial the number. An automated message will alert you to deposit more money, if needed. Telephone-card phones, so popular elsewhere in the world, are becoming increasingly common. Grocery stores, newsstands, and other establishments sell the disposable phone cards, available in varying amounts from $5 and up. To activate the card, dial the code number and follow the instructions printed on the card.

Tipping

At restaurants, a 15% tip is standard for waiters; up to 20% may be expected at more expensive establishments. The same goes for taxi drivers, bartenders, and hairdressers. Coat-check operators usually expect $1; bellhops and porters should get 50 cents to $1 per bag; hotel maids in upscale hotels should get about $1 per day of your stay. On package tours, conductors and drivers usually get $10 per day from the group as a whole; check whether this has already been figured into your cost. For local sightseeing tours, you may individually tip the driver-guide $1 if he or she has been helpful or informative. Ushers in theaters do not expect tips.

Visitor Information

Tourist Offices In Las Vegas Contact the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (3150 Paradise Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89109, tel. 702/892-0711, fax 702/892-2824) or the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce (711 E. Desert Inn Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89109, tel. 702/735-1616, fax 702/735-2011). For maps and brochures of Las Vegas and the rest of Nevada, contact the Nevada Commission on Tourism (Capitol Complex, 5151 S. Carson St., Carson City, NV 89710, tel. 702/687-4322 or 800/237-0774, fax 702/687-6779). The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority is next door to the Las Vegas Hilton and can provide brochures and general information. Hotels and gift shops on the Strip have maps, brochures, pamphlets, and free events magazines-What's On in Las Vegas, Las Vegas Today, and Tourguide-that list shows and buffets and offer discounts to area attractions. You can also contact the Better Business Bureau of Las Vegas (1022 E. Sahara Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89104, tel. 702/735-6900). The "Las Vegas Advisor" (3687 S. Procyon Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89103, tel. 702/252-0655 or 800/244-2224), a 12-page monthly newsletter, keeps up-to-the-minute track of the constantly changing Las Vegas landscapes of gambling, accommodations, dining, entertainment, Top Ten Values, complimentaries, and more. It's indispensable for any Las Vegas visitor - send $5 for a sample issue. At Home In the United Kingdom, contact the United States Travel and Tourism Administration (Box 1EN, London W1A 1EN, tel. 020/7495-4466). For a free USA pack, write the USTTA at Box 170, Ashford, Kent TN24 0ZX; enclose stamps worth £1.50. Canadian travelers can contact Travel USA (tel. 905/890-5662 or 800/268-3482 in Ontario).

When to Go

Las Vegas is a year-round destination. Except for the first three weeks in December and weekdays during July, you can assume that Las Vegas will be running at full bore. Weekends, always crowded, are especially jam-packed for the Super Bowl, Valentine's Day, President's Day, the NCAA Final Four, Easter, Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day. The week between Christmas and New Year's is about the most crowded week of the year. In addition, nearly 50 conventions of more than 10,000 participants are held here every year. During these busy times, prices skyrocket, availability plummets, and the hordes fill every open space. Sporting events, such as boxing matches, golf tournaments, and the National Finals Rodeo, also have a major impact on the crowd situation. It's a good idea to call the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority to find out who or what will be in town at the time you're planning to visit. During a "normal" week-no conventions, holidays, title fights, or local events-you can count on the weekdays, Sunday through Thursday, to be less crowded, less expensive, and less stressful than the weekends. During even a routine weekend, however, traffic jams, along with competition for rooms, restaurant and show reservations, and spots at the slots or tables, can be ferocious. Climate Weather-wise, the most comfortable times to be in Las Vegas are the spring and fall. In April and May, daytime temperatures are delightful, in the 70s and 80s. The Las Vegas you see pictured in the ads-women lying by the pools, saxophone players performing on the street, visitors dressed in shorts and T-shirts, but not sweating like pigs-begins when the pools open in April. In September and October, the summer heat has abated, and the pools remain open. Winter is a distinctly different season, with snowcapped mountains in the distance, windy and chilly days, and surprisingly cold nights. The two weeks before Christmas find Las Vegas nearly deserted, with rooms going for bargain rates, and hardly a traffic jam on the Strip. Summer is a time of dry, uncomfortably hot weather (sometimes literally 110 degrees in the shade), when lounging at an outdoor pool requires protection from the relentless desert sun. You'll probably find yourself continuously thirsty. At the height of the heat, however, hotels offer their lowest rates. Because Las Vegas is in the desert, extreme ranges in temperature are not uncommon. Once the sun goes down in the evening, Las Vegas temperatures drop dramatically. The average daily maximum and minimum temperatures for Las Vegas are: December-February 30-66°F (-1-19°C); March-May and October-November 39-89°F (4-32°C); June and September 57-98°F (14-37°C); July-August 66-102°F (19-39°C). Festivals & Seasonal Events Las Vegas is not known for specific celebrations-the Strip is the venue for a never-ending parade. Still, a number of annual events do attract wide attention. Winter December Early December: National Finals Rodeo, the Super Bowl of rodeos, brings together 15 finalists to compete in each of seven events; there are 10 performances in nine days at the Thomas and Mack Center. When the rodeo comes to town, the showrooms all feature country music, and it seems as though everyone on the street is wearing jeans, boots, and a cowboy hat. Tel. 702/731-2115. December 31: New Year's Eve is celebrated with fireworks over Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas and televised nationally. Tel. 702/382-6397. March The LPGA Invitational golf tournament draws top women golfers who compete for a money prize. Tel. 702/382-6616. Spring April-May The World Series of Poker draws crowds to the Binion's Horseshoe casino to watch the poker faces of players from around the world. This monthlong tournament culminates in a four-day final round, in which nearly 300 players each invest $10,000 in hopes of winning first prize: $1 million. Tel. 702/366-7397. Early May Over-50s gather at the Desert Inn for the four-day Senior Classic golf tournament, started in 1985. Tel. 702/382-6616. May or June Helldorado Days and Rodeo celebrates the Old West with parades, contests, western costumes, and a championship rodeo at the Thomas and Mack Center. Tel. 702/870-1221. Autumn September Mid-September: Football season begins at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Tel. 702/895-3900. October Mid-October: The Las Vegas Invitational golf tournament, a five-day event, is played on three courses, with television coverage. Tel. 702/382-6616. Mid-October: The U.S. Triathlon Series national championships and world invitational draws top competitors from around the globe. Tel. 702/731-2115.

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