Time Difference

GMT -8 (-7 in summer) 

Phoning home

The prefix code to a UK phone no. is 00 44 followed by the area code without a zero.  Be careful of high call rates to the UK from the hotel and mobile phones. A much cheaper way to phone home is to buy a phone card which gives you a pin code you can use from payphones or hotel phones.

Weather 

                   Av temp (c)  Hrs sun          Mm rain

January        6                  8                  13 
February      9                  9                  13
March           12                10                10
April            16                11                5
May              21                12                8
June            26                14                3
July             30                12                8
August          29                12                13
September    26                12                8
October        19                10                5
November     12                9                  10
December     8                  10                10

If travelling to Vegas from March - October, make sure you use a high factor sun cream. Whatever time of year you travel be sure to take comfortable shoes - anywhere is a long walk - even just to your hotel room!

Airport

McCarran International - 5 miles from centre of Las Vegas.

Taxi from airport to Strip hotel approx $20.

Casino information

21 is the minimum age for gambling - this is the same for drinking alcohol.

Dress codes - these are very relaxed in the casinos (shorts and flip flops are a common sight at the tables) but bars, clubs and restaurants all operate stricter codes so check beforehand. Vegas is also quite prudish when it comes to topless sunbathing but several of the hotels now have "European style" pools where it is accepted behaviour.

Tipping etiquette - ANYONE providing a service (from bellhops to waiters) expects a tip in Vegas and the norm is approx 15%.

Photo ID

Regardless of your age, make sure you always have some form of photo ID on you when going to bars or clubs in Vegas.  State law sometimes requires photo ID is checked.

Shopping

Sales tax in Vegas is 8% and is added at the till so don't be surprised when your bill is higher than expected.