Las Vegas

Orientation

Las Vegas is located at the southern part of the state of Nevada, about 85 kilometres (50 miles) east of the California border and 50 kilometres (30 miles) west of the Arizona border. The city is divided into two main parts, the Glitter Gulch, which is the compact downtown area; and the Strip, a corridor of hotels and casino south of the downtown area.

The gaming and entertainment has been bringing big business to Las Vegas, while the rugged yet stunning natural scenery complements the city's status as the perfect holiday destination.

City Facts

• Las Vegas Population: 989,000 (Source: UN Population Division 2000 estimate)
• USA Population: 277,825,000 (Source: UN Population Division 2000 estimate)
• Currency: US Dollar ($)
• Time Zone: GMT-8
• Language: English
  

Weather

Weather Forecast

Climate

The Las Vegas weather can be easily summed-up as hot and dry. The city enjoys an annual average of 294 days of sunshine and 4 inches of rain. Temperatures can soar to 38°C (100°F) during the day while it can drop down to 24°C (75°F) at night. Humidity rarely exceeds 20%.

Travel Tips

When to Visit - Arts and Events

Las Vegas is a city of events and entertainment that hosts a wide range of casino cabarets and shows, and it is often included in major international pop and rock acts' U.S. tour. High profile boxing matches are also held in Las Vegas.

Annual cultural events include the green celebration of the Irish on 17 March - St. Patrick's Day; the Rodeo and Western Festival, which include rodeo competitions, in May and the Jaycees States Fair and the Cashman Field PGA International Golf Tournament in October.

Dining

Visitors to Las Vegas have shifted their spending from the gaming industry to dining and entertainment in recent years, which resulted in a boost to the dining industry in the city. Since there are only little foods native to Las Vegas, the city is a melting pot of U.S. and international cuisines, like the "Tex-Mex" and southwest U.S. influenced foods, as well as French, Italian and Chinese cuisines.

Tipping Advice

Tipping is highly-appreciated by service personnel in Las Vegas. Waiters, bartenders and taxi drivers expect a 15% tip. It is customary to give a US$1 tip per bag for baggage handlers at hotels and airports.

Transportation

Las Vegas is well-connected by air as well as a comprehensive set of rail and road links.

Arriving by Air

McCarran International Airport (LAS) is Las Vegas' international airport, which just one mile from the city.

Getting Around Las Vegas

Major hotels in Las Vegas provide transport to and from the airport, while visitors are urged to hire a limousine for the true Vegas experience.

Visitors wishing to travel between the Glitter Gulch and the Strip can use the 24-hour city buses, but traveling by car is the best way to see the deserts surrounding the city. Major car rental companies are set up in Las Vegas.

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