San Jose Life and Visitor Travel Tips

(San Jose, California - CA, USA)



San Jose is located to the southeast of San Francisco and is home to many of Silicon Valley's technical wizards. Cosmopolitan San Jose has transformed itself from a sleepy backwater into a thriving city of numerous attractions and successful businesses.

The city of San Jose boasts an international airport on its doorstep and a quality public travel network, while the arts are represented favorably at the city's many galleries, museums and theaters. The nightlife, restaurants and visitor facilities in San Jose are also second to none.


Tourism and Tourist Information

You will never be stuck for advice on where to go or what to see in San Jose as the city's collection of visitor bureaus and travel agencies are in plentiful supply. Here you can find maps, hotel accommodation assistance, current events details and other basic travel information for making your stay in San Jose all the more enjoyable.

San Jose Convention and Visitors' Bureau
Address: 408 Almaden Boulevard, San Jose, California CA, 95110, USA
Tel: +1 408 295 9600

Language

There are literally hundreds of languages spoken all over the United States of America. The most common language in San Jose, California and throughout America is English.

Visas

Prior to your arrival in San Jose, always check with your nearest consulate or embassy to find out if you need a visa for travel to San Jose and the USA. Visa applications should be made well in advance.

Working

A number of different categories for non-immigrant visas are available for those wishing to work in San Jose and the USA temporarily. Working without a visa is against the law in America and strict penalties are enforced. Those intending to work in San Jose should apply for the relevant working visa in their home country and may need some paperwork from their prospective San Jose employer.

Currency

Currency in circulation today in San Jose, California, is typical of the United States of America. The American dollar is the official currency of the USA and is also referred to as a 'buck'. Dollar bank notes in San Jose are generally called bills, in denominations of $1, $2 (unusual), $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. The dollar is divided into 100 cents and coins in San Jose come in denominations of 1 cent (penny), 5 cents (nickel), 10 cents (dime) and 25 cents (quarter) and a 1 dollar coin.

Tipping

Tipping is expected throughout San Jose and usually required, unless service has not been acceptable. Restaurants in San Jose usually expect to be tipped around 10 to 20 percent, together with local taxi drivers. Bars in the city also appreciate tipping and often have special trays on the counter. Hotel staff in San Jose usually expect to be tipped and this may be just a dollar or two.

Smoking

When eating out in the San Jose area, you will find that most restaurants now operate a strict 'no smoking' policy. Smoking is also no longer permitted on public transportation in San Jose and in many enclosed, indoor public spaces.