Travel tips · Phoenix · United States
Phoenix travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: DPPed, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Phoenix is shaped by its desert setting, its Mexican-American population and the 22 federally recognised tribes of Arizona, whose art and history are central to the Heard Museum. Life follows the heat: winter is the social season, with snowbirds from colder states, while summer life moves indoors and into the early morning.
Key facts
- Language
- English and Spanish
- Currency
- USD
- Plugs
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe to drink, though some find the taste mineral; carry far more…
- Emergency
- 911 (police, fire, ambulance)
Things to know
- On trails, step aside for faster hikers and yield to people climbing up on narrow sections.
- Do not touch or climb on archaeological sites or petroglyphs.
- Ask before photographing people at Native events and powwows; some ceremonies forbid photography.
- Leave saguaros and other cacti untouched; they are protected by state law.
- Arizona does not observe daylight saving time, so check the time difference with neighbouring states in summer.
- Book Desert Botanical Garden ahead: Timed tickets are needed for busy periods and the December luminaria evenings sell out early.
- Book Taliesin West ahead: Visits are by guided tour only; book online ahead, especially from January to April.
- Book Sunrise hot-air balloon flight ahead: Flights operate only in calm weather and fill up in winter and spring; reserve ahead and expect a very early start.
- Hotel and resort prices fall by half or more from June to September; summer resort stays are a local favourite despite the heat.
Tipping
Tip 18–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, $1–$2 per drink at a counter, 15–20% for taxis and ride-hailing, and a few dollars per bag for hotel porters.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| The Valley | The Phoenix metropolitan area |
| Haboob | A large dust storm, common in monsoon season |
| Snowbirds | Winter residents from colder states and Canada |
What to wear
Wear light, loose clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen. Bring proper hiking shoes for the rocky trails and a warm layer for cool winter nights.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is safe to drink, though some find the taste mineral; carry far more water than usual in the dry heat.
- Emergency number
- 911 (police, fire, ambulance)
- Phone and internet
- Free Wi-Fi is available at Sky Harbor, in libraries and in most cafés; mobile coverage is good across the metro but patchy on some trails.
- Time zone
- America/Phoenix
Heat is the biggest risk: hikers are rescued every year, so start at dawn, carry plenty of water and turn back early. During monsoon season, avoid flooded washes and, if a dust storm hits while driving, pull off the road and turn off your lights. Leave nothing visible in parked cars.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check United States's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Phoenix?
Tip 18–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, $1–$2 per drink at a counter, 15–20% for taxis and ride-hailing, and a few dollars per bag for hotel porters.
+Can you drink the tap water in Phoenix?
Tap water is safe to drink, though some find the taste mineral; carry far more water than usual in the dry heat.
+What plugs are used in Phoenix?
Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
+What language is spoken in Phoenix?
English and Spanish.