Pensacola Life and Visitor Travel Tips

(Pensacola, Florida - FL, USA)

Life in Pensacola tends to be fairly laid back, with an unhurried atmosphere prevailing. Pensacola's close proximity to the beach and protected coastal reserves makes outdoor activities among the city's most popular attractions, while historical sites of interest provide interesting sightseeing alternatives.

Tourist information services are widespread and there is a good selection of visitor services offering travel tips and advice.

Tourism and Tourist Information

Information on Pensacola's attractions and facilities can be found at the Pensacola Visitors Information Center, which offers travel tips and information regarding opening times and other logistics. A wide range of information about the city and its surrounding areas can also be found on the Internet prior to arrival, while maps and other tips are readily available in a range of popular guide books. Here is Pensacola's main tourist information office:

Pensacola Visitors' Information Center
Address: 1401 East Gregory Street, Pensacola, Florida FL, 32502, USA
Tel: +1 800 874 1234

Language

Over 300 languages are spoken throughout America, including more than 170 languages that are indigenous to the area. The most commonly spoken language in Pensacola is English and different nationalities are well represented in America. Many other languages are on offer in language schools around Pensacola and Florida.

Visas

For information on whether you will require a visa for travel to the USA, Florida and Pensacola, it is best to check with your nearest consulate or embassy for information specific to your country. There are several different visas available, with visitors to Pensacola usually needing a non-immigrant visa that permits temporary stay. Citizens from Visa Waiver Program countries are allowed to enter America without a visa, providing they can meet specified requirements. It is always sensible to apply for visas several weeks before traveling to Pensacola.

Working

There are a number of categories of non-immigrant visas available for those intending to work in Pensacola, Florida and America temporarily. Working without a visa is against the law and there are penalties for those caught in breach of this. People intending to work in Pensacola need to apply for the relevant visa in their home country and may also require further documentation from their prospective American employer.

Smoking

Many eateries in Pensacola now operate a strict 'no smoking' policy and the attitude of locals towards smoking in public places has changed dramatically in recent years. Smoking is now also no longer permitted on public transportation in Pensacola, including bus and train travel. Before smoking in public areas in Pensacola, check with those around you first.

Tipping

Tipping is expected in Pensacola and in many cases required, unless the service has been particularly poor. Restaurants in Pensacola expect a tip of between 10 to 20 percent, as do taxi drivers. Bars in the city also appreciate tips and often leave a tips trays on the counter. Hotel staff in Pensacola, including luggage carriers and hotel porters, also expect a small tip, which can be just a dollar or two.