If you’re visiting from out of the country, or even out of the state, here is some helpful information about the culture in Denver, Colorado, USA.

Denver Tips
Colorado Tips
USA Tips

Things to know about Denver

  • City of Denver sales tax is 4.75% (plus the state tax)
  • The air is clean, but also thin and dry. Drink lots of water and wear lots of lotion and sunscreen.
  • The altitude also means alcohol will be stronger. Drink slower and less than you do at home to see how you can tolerate it.

Things to know about Colorado

  • Colorado state sales tax is 2.9%
  • Recreational marijuana age is 21
    • It is illegal to smoke outside or in public places. Consumption is not allowed in private vehicles on public roads or parking lots, in bars, walking down the street, at concerts, etc.
    • If you plan on purchasing any, please do so from reputable stores. You must show your government issue ID to enter.
    • You cannot take it out of the state, so do not cross state lines, and certainly do not try to take it on the plane.
  • Although Colorado is known for 300 days of sunshine, it also has drastically changing weather, even within the day. Bring layers of clothes. It has snowed in May, and not in February.
  • It is a dog friendly state. It is not unusual for dogs to be in stores, and even bars and restaurants.
  • You should allow your body to adjust to the altitude (1-2 days) before doing anything strenuous.

Things to know about the United States

  • If there is an emergency and you need to call police, dial 911.
  • 18 years old is the legal age to smoke cigarettes and buy lottery tickets.
  • 21 years old is the legal age to drink and gamble.
  • Currency is the US Dollar. Try researching currency exchange places for the best rates. Airports have the highest exchange rates.
    • Paper: $1, $2 (rare), $5, $10, $20, $50, $100. Some smaller establishments won’t take bills larger than $20
    • Coins: 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, 50¢ (rare), $1 (rare)
  • There is sales tax on most things, that won’t be listed on the item. Each state has a different percent, and some cities might have additional taxes.
  • Smoking is not allowed inside most buildings, including bars/taverns/pubs and restaurants.
  • Cars drive on the right side of the street.
    • Unless there is a sign saying otherwise, you can make a turn at a red light (after a complete stop) as long as it’s not crossing another lane. Usually this means you can make a “right turn on red.” But it can also mean a left turn from a one way street to another one way street.
    • If a police officer wants you to stop driving, safely pull over, park, and turn off the engine. Do not get out of the car, lower the window, and wait for them to walk up to you.
  • Most jobs are from 9am to 5pm which means the roads may be busier from 7-10am and 4-7pm.
  • Paying an additional tip is customary in service industries:
    • Bartender – $1/drink
    • Restaurant with a server – 10-20% of the total check (before tax); general rule: usually if you like the service you should give 20% (pre-tax)
    • Taxi Cab – 15-20%
    • Uber/Lyft driver – $1-2 for a short ride, 10% on longer rides
    • Bellhop/Concierge – $1-2/bag (more for a nicer place)
    • Tour Guide – a few dollars to 10%, depending on how much work they do (NOTE: Denver Greeters do not provide a tour, but rather a local experience. Greeters are not permitted to take tips, but we do suggest that visitors donate to the organization to help with operation costs. Suggested donation of $5-20USD per visitor)
    • Hotel housekeeping – $1-10/day, and you leave it in the room when you check-out.
    • Coat Check – $1/item
  • It is polite and expected to wait your turn in a line (or queue) when making a purchase or asking a question in an establishment. However, if you want to order at a bar, find open space and gesture to the bartender when you catch their eye.
  • It’s courteous to be on time. And if you’re not, try to notify the other people involved.
  • Traffic and parking laws are well-enforced. Signs/signals are the law, not suggestions.
  • Unfortunately we do not use the metric system.
    • Weather is in Fahrenheit (F = 1.8*C + 32)
    • Length is in miles/feet/inches, thus speed limits are miles per hour (1 mile = 1.61 kilometers; 1 mile = 5280 feet; 1 foot = 12 inches)
    • Weight is in pounds and ounces (1 stone = 14 pounds; 1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds; 1 pound = 16 ounces)