Accommodations

Entering the United States

Visitors to the U.S. must have valid travel documentation, such as a passport. Depending on your nationality, a visa or an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) may also be required. All visitors must present their documentation upon arrival at a port of entry. For more information on visas, ESTA, business travel, and traveling with minors, please visit the U.S. Department of State website.

Like most countries, the U.S. restricts certain goods you can bring into the country, including items such as firearms, animals, and plants. All goods must be declared when you arrive at your port of entry. For more information, visit U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Currency

The monetary system in the U.S. is comprised of U.S. dollars and cents. Although some businesses may accept foreign currency, visitors are advised to exchange traveller’s cheques or their home currency for U.S. dollars. The best exchange rates are typically available at banks, credit unions, and airport or border exchange services. Each financial institution sets its own exchange rate. Some banks may charge a fee for cashing traveller’s cheques.

Tourism Taxes & Fees (Tallahassee, Florida)

Some U.S. states and cities may apply taxes or fees on hotel rooms, which vary depending on location. In Tallahassee (Leon County):

• State sales tax on purchases: 6 %

• Local surtax (Leon County): 1.5 %

• Total sales tax on most purchases: 7.5 %

• Hotel & lodging taxes: 6 % state sales tax + 5 % local Tourist Development Tax

• Total tax on hotel stays: ~11 %

Sales Tax

Sales tax in the U.S. is generally a state and local tax applied to most goods and services. There is no nationwide federal sales tax, and rates vary by state, county, and city.