Best Time to Visit

Las Vegas is not only known for its casinos and its entertainment but also for its extremely hot weather — the city is smack in the middle of the desert after all. The best time to visit the city is in autumn, from September to November, and in spring, from March to May, when the temperatures are around 70–77 F (20-25 C). During the winter time, the amount of tourists is great, especially during the holidays, so try to plan a mid-week trip, as both the plane tickets and hotel prices are significantly lower in comparison to the weekend.

Information

Passport / Visa

Citizens of the Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the Kingdom of Brunei can visit the United States for up to 90 days without applying for a visa (as well as citizens of Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco and San Marino). Citizens of these countries must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before traveling. All other travelers must obtain a visa before visiting the United States. International travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip to enter the country.

FAQ

– What's the cheapest month to go to Vegas? You are most likely to find cheap flights and hotel deals in Las Vegas in January. August and October are also worth checking. To stay within budget avoid traveling during major holidays such as Valentine's Day and New Year’s. – What is the 20 dollar trick in Vegas? The so-called $20 trick is an attempt to get a room upgrade by slipping a $20 to the hotel receptionist when you give them your credit card and ID. There is no certainty that this will workout, but being extra nice and tipping may well lead to some perks. – Does Vegas get cold at night? Some may find it counterintuitive, but deserts can get pretty cold at night. While from July to August the temperature rarely dips below 70 F (21 C), on about half of winter nights the temperature does drop below 40 F (4 C). – What should I avoid in Las Vegas? When in Vegas, avoid wearing uncomfortable shoes. Remember to stay hydrated. ATMs at casinos usually have high withdrawal fees, so get your cash elsewhere. Tip well for better service. – Are drinks still free in Vegas? You can order almost any type of drink for free when gambling on the casino floor in Las Vegas. Most casinos have a limit of two drinks per person per order — be that fruit juice or shots. Drinks may be free, but remember to leave a tip. $1-2 per drink is customary. – Is Las Vegas safe for a single woman? Las Vegas is as safe as any other large city where people consume alcohol. As a solo traveler, it’s a good idea to stick to the well-lit tourist areas. Use the same common-sense safety practices as anywhere else in the world: mind your drinks, don't go to private places with new friends, and if you do — make sure someone you trust knows where you are and with whom. – How to get around in Las Vegas? Obviously, the car is king, but renting your own vehicle might not be the most practical option. The best way to get around Las Vegas is by taxi, a ride-hailing option like Uber or Lyft. The cheapest option is to take a municipal bus, but it’s also the slowest option.

Taxi

Taxis are one of the most used means of transportation in Las Vegas. Every hotel and casino has a taxi stand at the front door. Keep in mind that there is a small charge for the time the taxi has to wait for its passengers. One of the many taxi companies is Kabit. You can book a cab through their website. Of course, Uber and Lyft have a large presence in the transportation market, too.

Public Transport

Sidewalks are always packed, during both day and night, but the well-lit streets and elevated crossovers make it safe and easy to traverse the busy Las Vegas Boulevard. The Strip is divided into three sections, and if you want to visit another casino in the same area, walking is certainly the best option. If you wish to navigate from the South Strip to the North Strip, however, you will need to take a taxi, private car or bus. RTC Buses are run by the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC). The Bonneville Transit Center is the transfer point for many routes. While most routes cost around $2 or $1, you can also buy a 24-hours pass for $8. Launched July 2004, the Monorail has stations at Sahara’s, Las Vegas Hilton, Harrah's/Imperial Palace, Bally’s, Paris and the MGM Grand. The first station of the Monorail is the SLS station, where tickets can also be purchased.

Pharmacy

Chain pharmacies — CVS Pharmacy, Rite Aid Pharmacy, Walgreens etc. — and smaller neighborhood stores operate Las Vegas. While working hours may greatly vary, a few are open 24/7. Pharmacy signs are often in red and white, and they are often located inside department stores. Most pharmacies sell both prescription and over the counter medicine.

Player’s Cards

Every casino will offer a Player's Card that can be purchased free of charge after a short application of about 5 minutes, but you will need a driver's license or another form of identification. Every time you play a slot machine, insert the card into the appropriate slot so that it will track the amount of play: the longer you play, the more credits you will receive. You can also get credit on your card for table games, so simply hand the card to the dealers, and they will add credits depending on the amount of your play. Your credits accumulate and they can be used for small gifts, free meals and even free nights at a hotel — even penny slots gather quite a few credits. Some cards cover multiple casinos, and you can use it at any venue listed on the card. Do not worry about losing your card, as all the information is stored centrally and the staff will gladly issue you a new card free of charge.