VEGAS TIPS

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Welcome to Las Vegas
Welcome to Las Vegas, The Entertainment Capital of the World! Whether you're here for a well-earned vacation or just squeezing in the sights and sounds between meetings, you'll want to make the most of every moment! Where should you start? What "must sees" should be on your agenda? There is much more to Las Vegas than just the strip! The entire valley offers fun and excitement as well as the natural beauty of the desert. Have you ever seen a desert sunset? The following guide will acquaint you with Las Vegas and help you make the most of your visit.

What to Wear
Casual clothes are fine to wear in and out of casinos during the day, but for the evening, women seem to favor cocktail dresses, suits, or the latest fashions. While men prefer to wear sports clothes or jackets and ties. Shorts, jeans and sundresses are worn from April though October; while woolens sweaters and warm jackets are worn from November through March.

Liquor
Las Vegas has some of the most liberal laws in the county for those over 21. There is NO closing hours for liquor sales or consumption of alcohol, which has helped Las Vegas earn the "24-hour town" label. Remember, although the laws are liberal, the penalties for DUI are tough. If you're drinking, please be sure to hand someone else the car keys!

Money Matters
If you've missed the mark on your vacation budget, or made one too many passes at the tables, you will find ready access ATM automated teller machines for PLUS, CIRRUS or INSTANT-TELLER networks. These ATMs also accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover for a $1-$3.50 service charge. Another option for you is Western Union, with locations in alomost every hotel. Call 800-325-6000 for a nearby location.

If you prefer to write a personal check or a cashier check the hotels will often cash either one with proper identification (driver's license and a credit card). Visitors can also make use of the check cashing business that handle out-of-state personal checks, money orders and savings account passbooks. Verification and personal identification are required and fees may be charged. Once approved, the customer is given another check, written and guaranteed by the check-cashing company. Casinos will cash the check 24 hours a day.

Parking
Many hotels Downtown and on the Strip have their own large parking lots or garages for free parking. In addition, most provide valet service. You drive up to the entrance, hand your keys to the valet, and step right into the lobby. The valet appreciates the customary $1 or $2 tip when he brings your car back.

RV Parks
Sam's Town and Showboat, Silverton, the Circus Circus Hotel/Casino in the strip and the Primadonna RV Village, provide convenient RV camping grounds for the visitors arriving with their own bed and board facilities, but still wanting to be close to casino action. KOA and other campgrounds are available throughout the locations.Rates are as low as $15 a night.

Safety
Las Vegas has a continuous bright and lively holiday glow, which sometimes distracts both pedestrians and drivers. It's good to be cautious when crossing the bust street or when cruising the Strip or Downtown.

Tipping
During your stay in Las Vegas, you'll run into many people who will add to your comfort and well being. Sometimes it can be confusing wondering when and how much to tip. Of course, leaving a gratuity is always a personal matter; but, when in doubt, it is a good idea to give a couple bucks to anyone who provides a service to you. Here are some of the situations you'll encounter:

Casinos - If you get lucky while playing the slot or video poker machines it is good to give a couple bucks to the change person and change cashier. For dealers at the table games, the custom is a little different. Either tip them a few chips before you leave the tables or place a bet for them when you are winning. One perk of gambling is that drinks are free at most casinos.... So be sure to give the cocktail waitress $1-$2 each time she brings you a refreshing beverage. Bartenders generally get $1-$2 a drink.

Hotels - Bellmen and doormen customarily receive $1-$2 for each bag they handle for you. Hotel maids and housekeepers traditionally get $1-$2 a day at the end of your visit. Pool attendants should get $1-$2 for bringing you towels or finding you a lounge chair. Room-service attendants tend to expect the standard 15%-20% (be sure to look at the bill first because at some hotels it is already added.) Washroom attendants also appreciate $.50 or $1 for their helpful service.

Showrooms - Many showrooms now sell reserved tickets - meaning that you purchase them in advance and are given assigned seats. These tickets often included the tip in the price, but check first to be sure. Even with a reserved seat, you should give the usher a tip especially if the tickets are comps or you are moved to a better seat. In showrooms that specifically use maitre d's, a tip of $5-$20 will improve your seating. Showroom waiters should receive $5-$10 for cocktail service or $10-$20 for dinner service for parties of four people.

Restaurants/Buffets - Waiters and waitress expect the standard 15%-20% tip for a good service. Buffet servers usually receive $1 per head when they get your drinks.

Transportation - Taxi drivers are given $1-$2 for a fare below $10. If the total is higher and the driver is friendly and helps with you luggage, a 15%-20% tip is proper. Limousine drivers should be tipped 15%-20% for their service. It is also nice to tip tour guides and bus drivers at the end of a trip. For valet parking attendants, $2 is standard for quick service. And don't forget to give skycaps $1-$2 per bag.