Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $30–60 | $100–200 |
| Food | $20–35 | $50–80 |
| Transport | $5–10 | $15–30 |
| Activities | $0–25 | $50–100 |
| Drinks | $10–20 | $30–50 |
| Daily Total | $65–150 | $245–460 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Visa Waiver Program countries need an ESTA ($21) — apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov at least 72 hours before travel
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is on the Strip's south end — 10-minute Uber to most hotels ($12–18)
- The airport monorail doesn't connect to the Strip. Use Uber, taxi ($18–25 flat rate to Strip), or hotel shuttles
Health & Safety
- Travel insurance essential — US healthcare costs are extreme. Urgent care visits from $150+, ER from $2,000+
- The Strip is well-lit and heavily surveilled. Be cautious on side streets after midnight. Drink spiking happens — watch your glass
- Desert dehydration is real — drink water constantly, especially with alcohol. The dry heat doesn't make you feel as thirsty as you are
Getting Around
- The Deuce bus runs the full Strip and to downtown Fremont Street — $8 all-day pass, $20 for 3 days. Runs 24/7
- The Strip is 4.2 miles long — walking feels short but adds up fast. Use the free trams between Bellagio/CityCenter/Park MGM and Mandalay/Luxor/Excalibur
- Uber/Lyft to anywhere on the Strip: $8–15. Airport to Strip: $12–18. To downtown: $15–22. Surge pricing after midnight
Connectivity
- Free WiFi in all casino hotels (lobby and room). Quality varies — the Cosmopolitan and Aria have the fastest
- Cell service is good on the Strip but spotty inside massive casino floors. Download offline content before going deep into a resort
- US SIM: T-Mobile or Mint Mobile eSIM. Buy at any phone store or the T-Mobile stores on the Strip
Money
- Cards accepted everywhere. Casinos are cash-heavy — ATMs charge $5–8 fees. Withdraw at your bank before arriving
- Tipping: 18–20% at restaurants, $1–2/drink at bars (even for "free" casino floor drinks), $2–5 for hotel staff
- Set a gambling budget and stick to it. Casino ATMs make it too easy to withdraw more. Leave cards in the safe if needed
Packing Tips
- Comfortable walking shoes — you'll cover 8–12 miles/day on casino floors alone. Bring blister bandaids
- Club attire for nightlife — men need collared shirts and dress shoes (no sneakers, shorts, or athletic wear). Women have more flexibility
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle. A light jacket for over-air-conditioned casinos and desert-cool evenings
Cultural tips
Tipping Everywhere
Tip 18–20% at restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars (even free casino drinks), $2–5 per bag for bellhops, $2–5/night for housekeeping. Vegas runs on tips — the service economy is everything.
Gambling Etiquette
Don't touch your bet after the cards are dealt. Don't give unsolicited advice at tables. Tip the dealer when you win ($1–5 per win). Know the table minimum before sitting down. Phones off at the table.
Free Casino Drinks
Casinos serve free drinks to anyone actively gambling — slot machines and table games. Tip the cocktail waitress $1–2 per drink. Drinks take 15–30 minutes to arrive. Don't abuse it — pace yourself.
Photography Rules
No photography at casino gaming tables — security will intervene. Hotel lobbies, exteriors, and public areas are fine. Ask before photographing performers or costumed characters on the Strip.
Age Restrictions
Must be 21+ to drink or gamble — always carry ID. Pool parties and nightclubs are 21+ (some 18+). Many restaurants and attractions are all-ages. Fake IDs are taken seriously — don't risk it.
Street Hustles
Ignore people handing out escort cards on the Strip. "Ticket sellers" for shows are often scams — buy from the venue box office or TodayTix. "Free" photos with costumed characters expect a $5–10 tip.
