Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
In some cities and towns, smoking outdoors within a certain distance of any public busi-
ness is illegal.
Money
California state sales tax (7.5%) is added to the retail price of most goods and services
(gasoline is an exception). Local and city sales taxes may tack on up to an additional
2.5%. Lodging taxes average over 12%.
Most ATMs are connected to international networks and offer decent foreign-exchange
rates. Expect a minimum surcharge of around $3 per transaction, plus any fees charged
by your home bank.
Exchange cash and traveler's checks (the latter have largely fallen out of use) at major
airports, big-city banks and currency-exchange offices such as
American Express
(
www.americanexpress.com
) or
Travelex
(
www.travelex.com
).
Outside major cities, exchanging money may be a problem, so make sure you have a
credit card and sufficient cash. Some businesses refuse to accept bills over $20.
Visa, MasterCard and American Express are the most widely accepted credit cards.
TIPPING
Tipping is notoptional. Only withhold tips in cases of outrageously bad service.
Airport skycaps & hotel bellhops
$2 per bag, minimum per cart $5
Bartenders
10% to 15% per round, minimum $1 per drink
Concierges
Nothing for providing simple information, up to $10 for securing last-minute
restaurant reservations, sold-out show tickets etc
Housekeepers
$2 to $4 daily, left under the card provided; more if you're messy
Parking valets
At least $2 when handed back your car keys
Restaurant servers & room service
18% to 20%, unless a gratuity is already charged
(common for groups of six or more)
Taxi drivers
10% to 15% of metered fare, rounded up to the next dollar
