Colorado Springs Life and Visitor Travel Tips

(Colorado Springs, Colorado - CO, USA)

Colorado Springs enjoys the distinction of having been a resort town since its beginnings and was established mainly because of its stunning natural surrounds and its proximity to the mineral springs of Manitou Springs, a big drawcard for attracting wealthy easterners in the 19th century.

The city of Colorado Springs offers an excellent range of attractions from the cultural delights of various museums, galleries and performing arts to the natural beauty of Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods.

Tourism and Tourist Information

The Colorado Springs Convention and Visitors' Bureau provides a free visitor guide to Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region that includes advice for when you are planning your holiday and provides background information on a comprehensive list of attractions as well as logistics such as opening times and admission costs.

Visitor Information Center
Address: Cascade Avenue and Cimarron Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado CO, USA
Tel: +1 719 635 1723
Open hours: daily - 08:30 to 17:00, closed on weekends during winter

Language

Over 300 languages are spoken in the USA, including more than 170 that are indigenous to the area, with the most commonly spoken language in Colorado Springs being English. Many different ethnicities and nationalities are well represented in Colorado Springs and throughout America as a whole.

Visas

For details on whether you will require a visa for travel to Colorado Springs and the USA it is best to check with your nearest consulate or embassy for information specific to your country. Several types of visa are available, with tourists visiting Colorado Springs normally being required to obtain a non-immigrant visa that permits temporary stay.

Working

There are a number of categories for non-immigrant visas available to those wishing to work in Colorado Springs on a temporary basis. Working without a visa is strictly forbidden in Colorado Springs and there are harsh penalties for those who are caught breaking this law.

Tipping

Tipping is common in Colorado Springs, where the service has been at least satisfactory. When in restaurants, a 15 percent tip is standard, although always check first to see if a service charge already included in your bill.

Taxes and Refunds

Most states in the US operate a sales tax of between seven and eight percent on goods and services, although some states in America have no tax at all. Sales tax is not reclaimable by tourists on their departure from Colorado Springs. Should visitors have a relevant visa permitting them to work during their stay in Colorado Springs, then a partial or total refund of tax that is deducted from their salary may be reclaimed.

Smoking

Not long ago, Americans in Colorado Springs generally accepted smoking in public places without much fuss, but nowadays things have changed, with many states restricting the public areas in which people are able to smoke. Cigarette advertising is banned from the television and radio and most restaurants in Colorado Springs are required to have a non-smoking section. When smoking in Colorado Springs, it is always best to check whether or not smoking is permitted before starting to smoke.