Baltimore Life and Visitor Travel Tips

(Baltimore, Maryland - MD, USA)



Baltimoreans have a reputation for their love of life and this is undoubtedly one of the Baltimore's biggest attractions for both Americans and international visitors. Both the great food and scenery provided by the city's coastal location contribute greatly to its appeal.

Travel information on Baltimore can be found easily on the Internet or in popular guide books.

Tourism and Tourist Information

While perhaps not among the most popular of America's tourist cities, Baltimore still attracts its fair share of visitors. First time visitors to the area will find all manner of useful information at the Convention and Visitors Center, including maps and details of where to find accommodation.


Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Center
Address: 100 Light Street, 12th Floor Inner Harbor - Baltimore, Maryland (MD), USA
Tel: +1 410 659 7300
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00

Language

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

Visas

For information on whether you will require a visa for travel to the USA, Maryland and Baltimore, 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 Baltimore usually needing a non-immigrant visa, allowing stay on a temporary basis. 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 well in advance before your travel to Baltimore.

Working

There are a number of categories of non-immigrant visas available for those intending to work in Baltimore, Maryland 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 Baltimore need to apply for the relevant visa in their home country and may also require a letter from their prospective American employer.

Smoking

Many restaurants in Baltimore 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 Baltimore, including buses and trains. Before smoking in public areas in Baltimore, it is often a good idea to check with those nearby first.

Tipping

Tipping is commonplace in Baltimore and in many cases required, unless the service has been particularly poor. Restaurants in Baltimore 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 Baltimore, including luggage carriers and hotel porters, also expect a small tip, which can be as little as a dollar or two.