Denver, Colorado Hotels and City Guide

Denver - Visa and Passports

Visitors from foreign countries must have a valid passport or visa to enter the United States. Those who plan to visit the Denver area or other American destinations do not have to have a visa if they plan on staying for three months or less and if they come from a country participating in a visa waiver agreement with the United States.

There is a Visa Waiver Pilot Program in which visitors from certain countries may travel to the US for less than ninety days for business or leisure with a passport. Visas, for those who meet the requirements, are not necessary. The new passport regulations require that visitors:

• Limit their American stay to fewer than 90 days
• Have a passport which will be valid for at least six months after intended visit
• Provide evidence that you intend to leave the US after your visit (such as a return ticket)
• Be of “good character”
• Be a citizen of a participating country. These are: Andorra, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brunei, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
• You must show a machine-readable passport (MRP) issued on or after 10.26.05; an MRP issued between 10.26.05 and 10.25.06 with a digital photo printed on the data page or an integrated data chip); an MRP issued on or after 10.26.06 with an integrated data chip (e-passport).

If your passport does not meet these new regulations, then you need to apply for a B Visa. If your stay will extend to three months or longer or if you are going to Denver to conduct business, then you will need a Tourist or Business Visitor Visa.

Local Customs & Language (including Tipping)
Customs
A brief handshake is appropriate when meeting new acquaintances or when greeting a business associate or contact. Listen to how others are introduced and refer to them according to their preferences. It is respectful and appropriate to introduce yourself with your first and last name. Mile High citizens take great pride in both their city and their health, so smoking is often seen as taboo in public. There is a Colorado-wide smoking ban in public places, including bars and restaurants, though you may find some restaurants or pubs with outdoor smoking areas. Always look for signs indicating if you are permitted to smoke, especially when in Denver’s parks. It is considered very impolite to smoke in front of children and other nonsmokers, in open-air markets, or at outdoor festivals.

Language: English is the official language of Denver. However, there are large Asian and Hispanic communities in which Chinese, Vietnamese, Spanish, and other languages are spoken widely.

Tipping: As with elsewhere in the United States, tipping is not mandatory, nor are tips usually included in the bill. If you are dining with a large party, a gratuity may be attached to your bill. In all other cases, you may decide whether or not to tip. American waitstaff, hotel staff, drivers, and other service-related workers often rely on tips to form a large portion of their income. So while tipping is voluntary, it is seen as customary. The following are standard tips, though if unsure, it is always better to tip a bit higher:

• Waiters and waitresses – 15 to 20 percent
• Counter service or buffet – 10 percent
• Delivery people - $1-2
• Taxi drivers – 15 percent
• Valets - $1-2
• Baggage handlers/bellhops - $1-2 for first bag, 50 cents for each additional bag
• Hairdressers - 15 percent
• Coat check - $1 if service is free
• Hotel housekeeping - $1-3 per day if you stay more than one night
• Room service waiters – 15 percent
• Concierge – a tip of $10 - $20 is appreciated if the concierge is especially helpful during your stay
• Tip jars. Many cafes, coffee shops, or informal eateries often have tip jars. Coins or $1-$2 is appreciated.

Security
For a city of its size, Denver is considered very safe. While this is true, visitors must always exercise caution and common sense. In any large city, it is a good idea to travel in well-lighted, public areas. At night, do not walk alone. If you are on secluded trails, take a cell phone or a few friends. Though tourists are not commonly accosted, it is always better to be cautious. Some cities have neighborhoods where tourists are warned not to go: Denver really has no off-limits areas, though some neighborhoods off Downtown may be better left unexplored at night. LoDo has an active nightlife and is generally safe even at night – though, again, even in safe cities, never walk alone at night.

There is a low rate of violent crime, but avoid keeping valuables in your car if possible. If you have to leave expensive items, like cameras, skis, or cash in your vehicle, keep them out of sight or in the locked trunk. If you can, keep them at the hotel or with you.

Disabled Travelers: Disabled travelers will find many accommodations in Denver’s businesses, transportation centers, and attractions. Visitors can call for information on accommodations for the Light Rail at 1.800.872.7245.

Tax Refunds: Foreign visitors to Denver will not be entitled to a tax refund on purchases made in the city. In fact, Louisiana is the only US state in which foreign nationals can claim a refund of sales tax.

Hotels in Denver, Colorado