The Salt Lake City Convention and Visitors Bureau has a great website full of information about the city and surrounding area. Please take a few minutes to “visit” Salt Lake City before you arrive at http://www.visitsaltlake.com/visit/.
Climate
Fall in Salt Lake is a time of transition. Nearby canyons are filled with vibrant colors as the trees prepare for winter, while temperatures remain warm enough for comfortable outdoor recreation. Evenings can be chilly and toward the end of Fall snow is typical in both mountains and valley. The Ski Salt Lake resorts have had enough snow to open as early as Halloween, with typical opening days in mid to late November. Average daily temperature in September – High 78°F/26°C Low: 57°F/14°C. Click here for more information on Salt Lake City weather.
Currency
The unit of currency in the United States is the US Dollar, which is divided into 100 cents. All major currencies can be exchanged easily in the main tourist centers and at upscale hotels. Restaurants and stores generally accept major credit cards.
Electricity
Outlets are type A (two flat) or B – North American 3-pin (two flat one round ground). Electrical current 110-120 Volts AC, 60 Hz. An adapter is needed for electrical appliances using another type of current, such as the 220-volt European system. Delegates are encouraged to bring their own transformers if they are required for electronic devices.
Geography
Salt Lake lies in a mountain valley with the Wasatch Mountains to the east and north. The Oquirrh (pronounced “oaker”) Mountains border the western edge of the valley. Salt Lake’s official elevation is 4,330 feet/1,320 meters above sea level. The city is situated on land once covered by the prehistoric Lake Bonneville. This ancient lake existed within portions of Utah, Nevada, and Idaho, with an elevation rising from 4,200 feet to 5,200 feet (1,280 meters to 1,585 meters) at some points. The eastern and northern portions of the city are located on a series of terraces, or former beaches, which are known locally as “the benches.”
The Great Salt Lake
The lake is so salty that you will float like a cork!
Liquor Laws
Misperceptions abound when it comes to Utah’s liquor laws. It is as easy to get a drink in Salt Lake as it is to order a meal. In Salt Lake City, bars are open from 11 am to 2 am. Restaurants can serve liquor, wine, and heavy beer (over 3.2%) from noon to midnight.
Please do not drink and drive. Salt Lake is 4,300 feet above sea level – consume alcohol cautiously as it has more effect at this altitude.
National Parks
Utah is truly nature’s playground—and Salt Lake is the perfect base camp. With 21 National Parks and Monuments within a few hours’ drive, Salt Lake is the perfect gateway for some of the world’s most acclaimed outdoor escapades. And nearly 80% of of Utah is managed for public use by federal and state agencies – meaning there are miles and miles of natural playground just waiting for hiking, biking, boating, floating, camping and other outdoor fun. So gear up and get out there already. Click here for more information on State and National Parks.
Religious Services
Salt Lake’s citizens are a blend of religious and cultural backgrounds. Most of the world’s denominations are represented in Salt Lake.
Taxes
Sales tax in Salt Lake City is 6.85% Retail, 7.85% Restaurant, 12.6% Hotel, and 16.35% Rental Car (as of last page update) (source: http://tax.utah.gov/sales/rates).
Time Zone
Utah is in the USA Mountain Time Zone (2 hours behind New York) and uses Daylight Savings Time. World Time Clock
Tipping
It is customary for patrons to tip wait staff in restaurants (service charges are not automatically added to restaurant bills, except in the case of large groups). An average tip for satisfactory service is 15% to 20% of the total bill. Taxi drivers are usually tipped at the same rate, while bellhops, doormen, porters and similar service providers at hotels, airports and stations are generally paid $1.00 per item of luggage carried.
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