Banks: 9:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 9:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 10:00 to 21:00, daily, some closed on Sundays
Museums: 9:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday, some open on weekends
Business Offices: 9:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday
Although Richmond is considered to be a relatively safe place to visit, there is a significant level of petty crime here, although not particularly aimed at tourists. It’s a good idea to keep cash and jewellery well out of sight and to keep the belongings that you carry secure. Whenever possible, it’s recommended that you keep valuables locked in a hotel safe to prevent loss or theft.
Richmond is subject to hurricanes during the months of June to November. If you are visiting during the hurricane season, be sure to follow any advice that is broadcast regarding the approach of a storm.
The US dollar is the national currency. Most commonly encountered US currency notes are in the denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1, but higher denominations exist as well. Coins are found in the amounts of US$1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cent.
Most businesses and shops in Richmond accept major credit and debit cards, but when dealing with smaller vendors it’s a good idea to carry small amounts of cash. The airports and banks will house currency exchanges and bank branches throughout Richmond will cash travellers’ cheques.
ATMs are abundant and you shouldn’t have any problem withdrawing cash with an internationally-recognised bank card. The most widely-accepted cards are American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. You can wire funds by Thomas Cook, Moneygram and Western Union, but be prepared to pay steep transfer fees.
All visitors arriving from outside the US must complete a customs declaration form on entering the country. Agricultural products and fresh foods cannot be brought into the country, nor can any items from Cuba or North Korea. Drugs and firearms are both strictly regulated. You are allowed to bring in 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars and one litre of sprits duty-free.
Southerners are known for their hospitality and laid-back lifestyle. If visitors follow their example, it’s possible to relax and enjoy a holiday even more. Most people who live here are friendly and will do their best to be accommodating to visitors. You will enjoy your stay in Richmond even more if you take the time to show appreciation for the hospitality of the locals, by following basic guidelines of regional etiquette.
There aren’t any strict rules, but as a visiting guest it’s more or less expected that you’ll reciprocate the friendliness and be polite to the locals that you come across, engaging in casual conversation with shop clerks and service personnel. The dress code in Richmond is fairly casual, although getting dressed up for dinner or an evening out is expected at better restaurants and cultural events. It is important to remember that when you’re waiting for service, to take your place at the end of a queue and that you do not smoke in designated ‘no smoking’ areas.
When dining, it is customary to wait until everyone in your party is served before beginning to eat and if someone raises a glass to make a toast, it is expected that you will wait until they have finished speaking. At a restaurant, you aren’t expected to eat everything that’s served to you, as portions may be quite large; it is, however, polite to do so when eating at someone’s home.
Alcohol is often served during meals and dessert, coffee and tea are normally served after the main courses. When you’re finished, it’s customary to place the knife and fork parallel to each other at the side of your plate. Whenever you invite people to dine at a restaurant with you, they may assume that you will pay the bill.
Standards of health care in Richmond are high and there are a number of excellent medical facilities in the city. If you require medical care while on holiday, you’ll be expected to pay for routine services when they are received as well as prescription medications. Treatment at hospital emergency rooms will normally be billed after treatment. Comprehensive travel insurance to cover all unexpected medical expenses and emergencies is highly recommended, as costs in the US can be high.
No specific inoculations are required to enter the US, but it is a good idea to make sure that your standard vaccinations are current. Tap water is safe to drink. It’s unlikely for you to experience problems with food served in restaurants. If you visit parklands or forests, you should carry and use insect repellent, and also be on the lookout for wildlife, maintaining a safe and respectable distance, to avoid injury.
VCU Health System – Urgent Care
Tel: +1 804 828 5250
Emergency services: 911
English is the official language of the US, although you’ll find that spoken American English has a strong regional (southern) accent here which can sometimes prove difficult for visitors to understand.
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.
Richmond’s official visitor centre is located at North 3rd Street, on the first floor of Richmond’s Convention Center. You can contact them on +1 804 783 7450.
