Tampa Life and Visitor Travel Tips

(Tampa, Florida - FL, USA)

Tampa, Florida (FL) has plenty to offer domestic and international tourists alike. With the stunning natural beauty that Florida's moist tropical climate affords and a variety of great man-made attractions, the city is a delightful, eclectic mix that never fails to please its visitors.

The modern, cosmopolitan downtown district in Tampa is a burgeoning area that has an increasing appeal to tourists, with its delightful array of restaurants and comprehensive selection of shopping venues. With solid travel facilities complementing the tourist infrastructure, Tampa is the perfect place to begin sampling life in southeast Florida.

Tourism and Tourist Information

As a popular visitor destination, resources devoted to aiding tourists in Tampa are plentiful. Besides a wealth of printed material from popular travel guide publishers, the Internet is full of information relating to Tampa in every capacity. However, for information with a more personal touch visitors might wish to try one of Tampa's visitor information centers, where everything from hotel recommendations to tickets for the main attractions are available.

Visitors Information Center of Tampa Hillsborough
Address: 333 South Franklin Street, Tampa, Florida FL, 33602, USA
Tel: +1 813 223 1111
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 17:00

Tampa Bay Convention and Visitor Bureau
Address: 400 N Tampa Street # 2800, Tampa, Florida FL, 33602, USA
Tel: +1 813 223 2752
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 17:00

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 Tampa and Florida being English. Many different ethnicities and nationalities are well represented in Tampa and other languages in addition to English are generally available for study.

Visas

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

Working

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

Tipping

Tipping is common in Tampa and is generally required when you consider service to have been satisfactory. At Tampa's restaurants, a 15 percent tip is usual, unless a service charge has already been included in your bill. Bars in Tampa differ slightly and often contain a tips tray on the bar.

Taxes and Refunds

Most states in the US feature a sales tax of between seven and eight percent on goods and services, although some American states have no tax at all. Sales tax is not reclaimable by tourists on their departure from Florida and Tampa, unless visitors hold a relevant working visa.

Smoking

Not long ago, Americans accepted smoking in most public places without complaining, but nowadays things are very different, with Tampa's laws restricting the public areas where people are allowed to smoke.