Banks: 09:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 09:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops:10:00 to 21:00, daily, some closed on Sundays
Museums: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday, some open at weekends
Business Offices: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday

Although most people indulge in a bit of harmless gambling while they are here, it is easy to get carried away in an environment such as Las Vegas. The casinos are designed to make you relax and spend money.  Set yourself a limit when you go gambling, or you could find that your holiday cost you more than you bargained for.

With so much money around and attractive temptations vying for your attention, it is easy to be careless with your belongings and money. While you keep one eye on the slot machines, it is also important to keep close guard of you wallet or purse. Security at the casinos is excellent and there are CCTV cameras everywhere, but thefts still happen, making it wise to take some sensible precautions. If you make a big win, consider asking security to escort you to your car in the parking lot on your way home.

While you may be free from the threat of pickpockets in the establishments along the Strip, outdoor shows, themed attractions and rides all attracts their fair share of opportunists, while public transport also presents a risk. 

Keep large sums of cash, credit cards and travel documents in your hotel safe and calculate the risk of wearing expensive jewellery out and about.

110V AC, all plugs are two-pronged.

The risk of getting an infectious disease in Las Vegas is minimal as the city boasts excellent health and hygiene standards. Should you need medical treatment during your stay, most of the large hotels have an in-house doctor on hand for advice and minor treatment. Pharmacies are widespread and can deliver to your hotel, while more serious concerns can be treated at a number of clinics and hospitals.

Visitors to Las Vegas should make sure they are insured for medical necessities prior to their departure, to ensure any emergency treatment is covered. Minor procedures or consultations will have to be paid for up front, while emergency care is available for all, with no pre-payment necessary.

It is also a sensible precaution to make sure that you are up-to-date with standard vaccinations prior to leaving home. The tap water in Las Vegas is safe to drink, but many prefer to drink bottled water.

If you intend to sunbathe at your hotel swimming pool, make sure you use sufficient sun cream at a high factor as the sun can be very strong, burning skin in a matter of minutes. Likewise, when you walk around in the heat of the day, protect your skin and take a hat, sunglasses and plenty of water with you.

Boulder City Hospital: +1 702 293 4111 

Emergency services: Dial 911

The official language of the USA is English and you will find that English is the most widely spoken language in Las Vegas.

The US dollar is the USA’s official currency, with banknotes in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 as well as higher denominations and coins come in 50, 25, 10, 5, and 1 cents.

Visitors arriving in Las Vegas by air will be able to change their money into US dollars at McCarran International Airport. Alternatively, banks and exchange bureaux are widespread, especially along the Strip, where accessing money is widely encouraged. ATMs are visible nearly everywhere you look in the heart of the city. In the suburbs and downtown, you may have to search a little harder, with ATMs located at all banks and major stores.

There is little need for carrying your money in cash in Las Vegas, with the exception of using it in the slot machines. Major credit and debit cards are accepted everywhere, but it is wise to keep some small change on you for low-cost purchases. Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express are the most widely accepted. 

In an emergency, you can have money wired to you from home through an international service such as Thomas Cook, Moneygram and Western Union; however, be mindful that these services do charge hefty transfer fees.

You will be asked to complete a customs declaration form upon entering the USA, which should be submitted as you pass through customs. There are a number of products that visitors are prohibited from bringing into the country including fresh food and agricultural products. Duty-free allowance is 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars, a litre of spirits and there are strict regulations on the importation of drugs and firearms.

You will find that almost anything goes in Las Vegas, so there is no particular dress code except in the higher class restaurants and clubs.   

It may also be worth brushing up on your casino etiquette. Only adults over 21 are allowed to gamble in the casinos – no exceptions.  Electronic items cannot be used while seated at casino games, so it’s worth switching off your mobile phone as you enter.

Tipping is also standard etiquette in Las Vegas, with everyone from your dealers in the casino to waiting staff and valet parkers expecting as much as a 10 per cent gratuity for their services.

If you want to dine out at the top spots, reserve your table in advance as walk-in tables are often full after 21:00.  Many up-scale restaurants will require a dress code. 

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority can be contacted on: +1 800 332 5334. There is a visitor centre at the Convention Center at 3150 Paradise road that is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00. The centre can be contacted by telephone at: +1 702 892 7575; or alternatively, visit their website at: www.vegasfreedom.com.

European Union nationals need to fill out a form requesting a visa at least 72 hours before they plan to travel to the US. You may need to show evidence of funds and an onward ticket. Canadians also require a passport to enter the US.