Charlotte Life and Visitor Travel Tips

(Charlotte, North Carolina - NC, USA)

Charlotte has it all, from a thriving arts and cultural scene to an equally energetic sporting calendar, meaning that a visit to 'Queen City' will never leave you bored. A prosperous city that is home to numerous profitable companies, Charlotte and its residents haven't lost their old Southern charm or forgotten how to make traditional Southern cuisine.

However, the city's mushrooming suburban districts, complete with huge strip malls, means that city life has taken on a distinctly New South and modern flavor.

Tourism and Tourist Information

The Charlotte Convention and Visitors Bureau offers advice when planning your holiday and provides information on a comprehensive list of attractions as well as logistics such as opening times and admission costs. Visitors are recommended to visit the city's tourist information offices for valuable advice and travel tips.

Charlotte Convention and Visitors Bureau
Address: 330 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina NC, 28202, USA
Tel: +1 704 331 2700
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 08:30 to 17:00, Saturday - 09:00 to 15:00

Language

Over 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 nationalities are well represented in the state of North Carolina, in the city of Charlotte and throughout America.

Visas

Prior to your arrival in Charlotte, be sure to check with your nearest consulate or embassy to find out if you need a visa for travel to Charlotte and the USA. Visa applications should be made well in advance.

Working

A range of different categories for non-immigrant visas are available for those hoping to work in Charlotte and the USA temporarily. Working without a visa is against the law in America and penalties are strict. Those intending to work in Charlotte should apply for the relevant working visa in their home country and may need some paperwork from their prospective Charlotte employer.

Currency

Currency in circulation today in Charlotte, North Carolina, is typical of the United States of America. The American dollar is the official currency of the USA and is also referred to as a 'buck'. Dollar bank notes in Charlotte are generally called bills, in denominations of $1, $2 (unusual), $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. The dollar is divided into 100 cents and coins in Charlotte come in denominations of 1 cent (penny), 5 cents (nickel), 10 cents (dime) and 25 cents (quarter) and a 1 dollar coin.

Tipping

Tipping is commonplace throughout Charlotte and often excepted, unless service has not been as expected. Restaurants in Charlotte expect a tip of around 10 or 20 percent, as do local taxi drivers. Bars in Charlotte appreciate some kind of gratuity and often place tipping trays or jars on the counter. Hotel staff in Charlotte also expect to be tipped, which may be simply a dollar or more.

Smoking

When eating out in Charlotte's countless restaurants, you will find that most operate a strictly 'no smoking' policy. Smoking is also no longer allowed on all public transport in Charlotte.