Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MONEY MATTERS
Every casino in town—which in Vegas means about half the buildings in the tourist
areas—scatter
ATM or bank machines
alongside the slots. They are ubiquitous—
the casinos want you to have easy access to your cash, after all (that's why local
casinos deviously offer locals check-cashing services with lottery drawings; you'll
see the lines every Fri). Because thievery is the norm here, the ATMs charge the
highest fees I've seen anywhere: as much as $4.50 in a casino, and $3.50 in local
banks. It's frustrating, but for those changing a foreign currency, ATMs are the
name of the game: Banks are located far from the tourist areas, and the few
Change Bureaus on the Strip (also hard to find) charge even higher fees.
Traveler's checks
will elicit a confused stare from many waiters and shop
clerks. With ATMs so common, hardly anyone uses these little slips of paper any-
more, and there can be significant fees attached to their exchange at some banks.
If you want the security of a traveler's check and ease of use, I'd recommend get-
ting one of the new check cards, available from American Express. These have a
pre-set limit on them, so if one gets stolen, the thief cannot wipe out your bank
account or run up an ugly credit card bill. And like traveler's checks, American
Express promises that lost cards can be replaced within 24 hours. Go to
www.americanexpress.com
for more information.
Credit cards
are widely accepted and can be used in hotels, restaurants, shops,
and even Monorail ticket vending machines. In some cases, a $15 minimum will
be required for credit card use, but this is such a plastic-happy town, that even
that minimum is often waived. Do ask first, though.
HEALTH & SAFETY
One of the most dangerous things you can do in Las Vegas is to cross the street.
No joke, Vegas has one of the highest rates of pedestrian deaths in the United
States. To combat this, police in this town take jaywalking seriously, and will issue
tickets to those dodging between cars, refusing to wait for the light, or otherwise
bucking the traffic laws.
Jaywalking isn't the only law that's strictly enforced, so if you're coming here
because you feel this is an “anything goes” type destination, you're in for a rude
surprise (and possibly a stint in the clink). Prostitution is illegal in Las Vegas
(despite all evidence to the contrary) and soliciting risks heavy fines and possible
jail time, as does the use of narcotics and other illegal substances. Recently, the
law was changed to outlaw open containers of liquor on the streets, so though you
may be tempted to parade with your Eiffel-Tower-shaped drink down the
Boulevard (and many do), know that you are risking a fine.
To steer clear of those who are breaking the law—and with a city where this
much cash is floating around, there will be pickpockets and other thieves—be
sure to guard your valuables. When gambling, keep your pocketbook in sight at
all times, and consider carrying your wallet in a jacket pocket rather than on your
fanny. Speaking of that, avoid fanny packs altogether: They're extremely easy to
lift. If you win big at the machines or at a table, ask the pit boss or slot attendant
to cut you a check; much safer than carrying around cash. You may also want to
ask security to escort you to your car or taxi. Beyond the casinos, the shopping
malls and large outdoor spectacles (the fountains at the Bellagio, the pirate show
