Charleston Life and Visitor Travel Tips

(Charleston, South Carolina - SC, USA)

You can't help but get attached to the city when arriving in Charleston, due to the genuine warm Southern hospitality displayed by locals to visitors, whom they welcome with open arms.

Like a real life Gone with the Wind, Charleston boasts quaint antebellum mansions, beautiful gardens and loads of Old Southern charm and manners.

Tourism and Tourist Information

The Charleston Area Convention and Visitors' Bureau offers advice to visitors planning their holiday and provides information on a comprehensive list of attractions as well as logistics such as opening times and admission costs.

Charleston Area Convention and Visitors' Bureau (CACVB)
Address: 375 Meeting Street, Charleston, South Carolina SC, 29402, USA
Tel: +1 843 853 8000
Open hours: daily - 08:30 to 17:30

Language

There are literally hundreds of languages spoken all over the United States of America. The most common language in Charleston, South Carolina and throughout America is English.

Visas

Prior to your arrival in Charleston, always check with your nearest consulate or embassy to find out whether you require a visa for travel to Charleston and the USA. Visa applications should be made well in advance.

Working

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

Currency

Currency in circulation today in Charleston, South 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 Charleston 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 Charleston 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 Charleston and often required, unless the service has not been of an acceptable standard. Restaurants in Charleston usually expect a tip of between 10 to 20 percent, as do local taxi drivers. Bars in Charleston also appreciate tips and often have jars on the counter. Hotel staff often expect to be tipped, which may no more than a dollar.

Smoking

When eating out in Charleston's many restaurants, you will find that most now enforce a fairly strict 'no smoking' policy. Smoking is also no longer allowed on public transport in Charleston, which includes buses and trains. Before smoking in public areas in Charleston and South Carolina, check with anyone nearby first.