Key West Life and Visitor Travel Tips

(Key West, Florida - FL, USA)



Most famously known as home to renowned author Ernest Hemingway, Key West is the most southwesterly point of the Florida Keys. The fabulous 160 km / 100 mile journey through the Keys from the tip of the Florida peninsular takes you across hundreds of bridges affording views of the coral formations in the crystal clear waters below.

Key West life offers visitors a lively atmosphere with a Caribbean flavor set within an artistic community, as well as opportunities to explore the wonderful marine life that surrounds the island. For useful travel tips before you arrive, the Internet provides some extensive travel guides on attractions and things to do in Key West.


Tourism and Tourist Information

Tourist information on Key West is easily accessible with maps, online visitor centers, accommodation and travel guides, as well as brochures outlining the islands top attractions all readily available before or after your arrival. There are hundreds of travel agencies throughout the Keys that can assist and provide you with essential tourist information and travel tips. The following office is the main tourist information outlet in Key West.

Key West Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center
Address: 402 Wall Street, Key West, 33040, Florida FL, USA
Tel: +1 305 294 2587

Language

More than 300 languages are spoken in the USA, including over 170 that are indigenous to the area, with the most commonly spoken language being English. Many different ethnicities and nationalities are well represented in Key West, Florida FL, USA and additional languages are available for study in schools and language centers.

Visas

For details on whether you will require a visa for travel to Key West, Florida FL, USA it is always sensible to check with your nearest consulate or embassy for information specific to your country. There are many different types of visa available, with tourists visiting Key West normally being required to obtain a non-immigrant visa that permits temporary stay. Citizens from Visa Waiver Program countries are permitted to enter the USA without a visa, provided that they can meet certain requirements. When applying for a visa, it is best to apply well in advance to avoid delays on processing applications.

Working

There are several categories available of non-immigrant visas, for to those wishing to work in the USA on a temporary basis. Working without a visa is strictly forbidden in Key West and there are harsh penalties for anyone caught in breach of this law. Persons wishing to work in Key West must always apply for the relevant visa in their home country and usually require a letter from their prospective US employer and possibly further documentation.

Tipping

Tipping is common in Key West and throughout the USA; however, tipping is only necessary should you consider service to have been satisfactory. When dining out, a 15 percent tip is standard, although service charges may already included in your bill. Bars differ slightly in the way that there is generally a tips tray at the counter where customers are expected to leave a small tip on their way out.

Taxes and Refunds

Most states in the USA operate a sales tax of between seven and eight percent on most of their goods and services; although, some several states have no tax at all. Sales tax is not reclaimable by tourists on their departure from Key West and Florida, unless visitors have a relevant visa permitting them to work during their stay, then a partial or total refund of tax may be reclaimed.

Smoking

Several decades ago most Americans accepted smoking in public places without much fuss, but nowadays things are quite different, with several states having laws restricting the public areas where people are permitted to smoke. Cigarette advertising is banned from TV and radio and most eateries operate a non-smoking section. Airplanes, trains and all public transport in Key West prohibit smoking. If you are a smoker, it is sensible to politely check whether smoking is permitted before lighting up in Key West.