Albuquerque Life and Visitor Travel Tips

(Albuquerque, New Mexico - NM, USA)

Albuquerque is a culturally diverse city and its international influences have had an impact on all facets of city life, including cuisine and shopping, adding to the tourist appeal of this fascinating city. The city of Albuquerque contains a wealth of interesting architecture, historical attractions and museums.

Add to this Albuquerque's regeneration and redevelopment and you have a city that's increasingly popular with visitors. Travel guides and travel tips are available at visitor information centers in Albuquerque or online before arrival.

Tourism and Tourist Information

Albuquerque offers excellent tourist information facilities and there are plenty of online sources providing free information, guides and travel tips. Tourist information centers and travel agencies in Albuquerque can assist you with travel information and details on attractions, while free guides, brochures, maps and tourist magazines are often distributed at tourist offices and hotels throughout the city. Here is Albuquerque's main tourist information office:

Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau (Downtown)
Address: 2nd Street / Copper Avenue, Albuquerque, New Mexico NM, USA
Tel: +1 505 842 9918
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 16:00

Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau (Old Town)
Address: 303 Romero Street Northwest, Albuquerque, New Mexico NM, USA
Tel: +1 505 243 3215
Open hours: daily, October to May - 10:00 to 17:00; June to September - 10:00 to 18:00

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 Albuquerque is English and different nationalities are well represented in America. Many other languages are on offer in language schools around Albuquerque and New Mexico.

Visas

For information on whether you will require a visa for travel to the USA, New Mexico and Albuquerque, 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 Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque.

Working

There are a number of categories of non-immigrant visas available for those intending to work in Albuquerque, New Mexico 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 Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque, including bus and train travel. Before smoking in public areas in Albuquerque, check with those around you first.

Tipping

Tipping is usual in Albuquerque and in many cases required, unless the service has been particularly poor. Restaurants in Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque, including luggage carriers and hotel porters, also expect a small tip, which can be just a dollar.