Fort Myers Life and Visitor Travel Tips

(Fort Myers, Florida - FL, USA)

Fort Myers in southwest Florida is a popular tourist destination that attracts international and US visitors alike. Its proximity to the sea also makes it especially popular as a retreat for Florida residents looking for a weekend away or a cheap annual vacation.

The area's deep history and glorious examples of Florida nature combined with great shopping and entertainment amenities are just a few of the reasons why the crowds flock to Fort Myers. Travel tips on Fort Myers are available from a range of sources including travel guides, tourist information offices and the Internet.

Tourism and Tourist Information

Since Fort Myers is relatively small, it doesn't have an abundance of facilities dedicated to providing visitors with information about the area. However, the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce operates a visitor center that provides free brochures and area information as well as details on accommodation and dining facilities. Meanwhile, an alternative visitor information bureau operates from out of the Daniels Crossing shopping center.

Visitor Information Center of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce
Address: 2310 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers, Florida FL, 33901-2815, USA
Tel: +1 239 332 3624
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 08:00 to 16:30

Lee County Visitor and Convention Center
Address: 2180 West 1st Street, Fort Myers, 33901, Florida FL, USA
Tel: +1 941 338 3500

Visitor Information at the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
Address: 2702 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, 33950, Florida FL, USA
Tel: +1 941 627 2222

Language

Over 300 languages are spoken in the USA, including over 170 that are indigenous to the area, with the most commonly spoken language in Fort Myers, Florida and throughout America being English. Many different ethnicities and nationalities are well represented in the Fort Myers.

Visas

For details on whether you will require a visa for travel to Fort Myers and Florida, it is advisable to check with your nearest consulate or embassy for information specific to your country. There are several different types of visa available, with tourists to Fort Myers normally being required to obtain a non-immigrant visa that permits temporary stay. Citizens from Visa Waiver Program countries are allowed to enter the Fort Myers and America without a visa if they can meet certain requirements. If you are applying for a visa before your arrival in Fort Myers, it is a good idea to apply well in advance as there are sometimes delays on processing applications.

Working

There are several categories of non-immigrant visas available to those wishing to work in the Fort Myers temporarily. Working without a visa is strictly forbidden in Fort Myers, Florida, and there are harsh penalties for those who are caught in breach of this law. Persons wishing to work in Fort Myers and throughout America must apply for the relevant visa in their home country and usually require a letter from their prospective employer in the US and other documentation.

Tipping

Tipping is commonplace in the in Fort Myers, when the service to has been satisfactory or greater. At Fort Myers' restaurants, a 15 percent tip is generally given, although service charges are often included in the bill automatically. Bars in Fort Myers differ slightly and there is often a tips tray at the counter.

Taxes and Refunds

Most states in the US have 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 Fort Myers, although visitors holding a working visa may be eligible.

Smoking

Not so long ago in Fort Myers and Florida, residents accepted smoking in public places without much fuss. Fort Myers no longer adopts this relaxed attitude towards smoking and all restaurants now have non-smoking areas, and smoking has also been banned from Portland's public transportation network.