SteveI’ve been fortunate to have visited Las Vegas 4 times now, and I don’t expect to stop there! You can pretty much get anything you want in Vegas, but it’s important to pack and prepare correctly beforehand. Here’s my list of the absolute essentials if you are going to Las Vegas.
Money
This is an obvious one, but take some time to think about how you will be bringing money into the US. You can bring in as much cash as you like, but anything over $10,000 will need to be declared on arrival to those lovely TSA agents. I would also advise on bringing some small-dollar bills too, as these are very handy for tipping. I might do a separate post on tipping one day because it is a BIG thing in America – especially Las Vegas!
Traveller’s cheques are still a thing, especially in good old ‘Merica. They are readily exchanged for cash at casino cashiers cages, banks and most hotels. They are also easily replaced if lost or stolen. I’ve used traveller’s cheques on a few occasions, and would recommend getting them in high denominations so you don’t have too many signatures to write!
Most of us would simply take a bank debit card or a prepaid travel cash card, but beware of the ATM withdrawal fees here. They can be particularly high at Adult establishments (you know what I mean here) and inside the casinos themselves. Sometimes as high as $10 per withdrawal!
Lastly, don’t forget your credit card. You’ll need this to check into a hotel in Vegas, as well as having the ability to splurge if the moment arises. Fancy a nice new Omega watch sir? Oh, go on then.
Visa requirements
Depending on where you live in the world, you will either need a visa to enter the US or a visa waiver (commonly known as an ESTA). Citizens of the following countries are able to apply for a visa waiver: United Kingdom, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium Brunei, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Korea, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Taiwan.
Luckily for me, the visa waiver was all that is required. You can of course still apply for a visa if you wish, but this is a more complicated process that usually requires an interview. More details on this are here.
The site to apply for a visa waiver is here. It’s a fairly simple online process, and only costs $14 and last for 2 years. Beware of other sites offering this as a service, and charging considerably more! Once approved, you can download a copy to take with you, just in case of any cock-ups at immigration. I’ve visited the US 6 times in total, and have never had to show my paper copy as it is all on file.
Without a visa waiver or a visa, you ain’t getting in! It goes without saying that you need a passport too, right?
Travel insurance
Another obvious one, but this is something that you should really not miss out on. Loads of places offer travel insurance, but it is worth checking if your bank account offers this too. My bank account gives me worldwide travel insurance including winter sports cover for myself and Amy. This means it’s one less thing to think about when travelling.
Anything can happen when you are travelling, so it’s simply just not worth the risk of not having insurance. It’s not just about being mugged or burgled, because the medical cover is just as important, if not more so. Las Vegas is a place where you will be drinking alcohol. Quite a bit in fact. All kinds of funny things happen when you throw booze in the mix, and accidents happen!
And in no particular order . . .
I’ve seen loads of packing lists for holiday destinations on the internet. So here’s mine and Amy’s for Vegas. It not exhaustive, because I’ve got better things to write about! It does cover the essentials though.
Photocopy of passport (you know, in case you lose it)
Mobile phone service (some UK providers allow free US roaming, others are paid)
Lip balm (you’re in a Desert remember!)
Sun cream (you’re in a Desert remember!)
Sunglasses (you’re in a Desert remember!)
Comfy shoes
Scissors (no idea, Amy’s suggestion)
Kindle
Tablet
Headphones (for the plane, noise-cancelling of course)
Camera
Camcorder
US electrical plug adaptors
Plasters
Motion sickness pills
Inform bank and credit card providers that you will be travelling abroad
Power bank
Phone charger
Hand wipes
Earplugs
For the ladies, comfy shoes are probably the most important item to pack. Thing is, Vegas is spread out. Even walking from one casino to another on the strip can take a while due to their size. Wearing a nice frock and shoe combo will make you look fabulous, but maybe pack a pair of flats in your handbag. You’ll know what I mean if you’ve been!
