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Sometimes it is easy to forget just how popular of a travel destination Las Vegas really is. Vegas is more than just a playground for Americans, it’s also a very popular stop for international travelers, over two million a year to be exact. Also, Vegas can also be one of the first stops for foreigners on a tour of the U.S. So, here are some tips for those of you traveling to Vegas from outside the U.S.
Many people come to Vegas with the preconceived stereotype on Vegas as an “adult playground." While this is true, keep in mind that Vegas is still located in the United States and all federal laws still apply. The drinking and gambling age in Las Vegas is 21. Drugs and prostitution are illegal in Las Vegas. However, prostitution is legal in several counties outside Las Vegas. As far as identification is concerned, foreign travelers may want to keep their passports on them at all times, especially young travelers who may appear to be under 21 years of age. Many places will accept foreign ID cards as proof of age. However, visitors from countries with easily duplicated IDs (such as paper ID cards) may want to carry their passport just in case. Valuables like passports and other important documents should be locked inside your hotel safe if you chose to leave them in the hotel room.
For non-English speaking visitors, there are still several shows and activities that easily transcend language barriers. Cirque du Soleil shows like O, KA, and Mystere have little dialogue and they can be enjoyed by people from any cultural background. Another type of show that requires little English are magic shows like Lance Burton.
Another important topic that confuses many international travelers are the rules of tipping. Tipping varies throughout the world. In Las Vegas (as with most places in America) tipping is expected by ANYONE who provides you with a service. Many people in America work almost entirely off tips. Waiters, waitresses, bell hops, concierge personnel, cab drivers, housekeeping, and card dealers will all expect a tip. In most cases 15% to 20% of the total check is considered an acceptable tip.
Other fun activities for non-English speakers are some of the great Las Vegas tours. The Strip Helicopter Tour will show you the sights of Las Vegas without having to say a word. There are also several tours of the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Colorado River that require almost no English.
When it comes to dining, many foreign visitors will be looking for typical American cuisine. One of the best places in town to enjoy the traditional burger and fries is at Mandalay Bay’s Burger Bar. This restaurant serves any burger or topping known to man; they even serve dessert burgers. If you’re looking to taste some traditional American steakhouse cuisine, check out N9NE steakhouse. N9NE is also a great place to spot some famous American movie stars, as this is one of their favorite places to dine in Las Vegas.
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