Travel tips · Salt Lake City · United States
Salt Lake City 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: Invictus323, CC BY 4.0
Quick answer
Salt Lake City is the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whose members are a large share of Utah's population, though the city itself is more religiously and politically diverse than the state as a whole. Its culture blends pioneer heritage, outdoor sports, a big university, a growing tech industry and a notable arts scene including Ballet West and the Utah Symphony.
Key facts
- Language
- English
- Currency
- USD
- Plugs
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe to drink; the dry, high-altitude air makes it important to…
- Emergency
- 911 (police, fire, ambulance)
Things to know
- Dress modestly and avoid smoking or vaping on Temple Square and church properties.
- Respect that the temple itself is open only to church members.
- Addresses follow a grid from Temple Square: '400 South 200 East' means four blocks south and two blocks east.
- Expect some shops and restaurants to close on Sundays.
- In the mountains, yield to uphill hikers and pack out everything.
- Use the downtown free-fare zone and TRAX from the airport instead of taxis.
Tipping
Tip 18–20% at restaurants, $1–$2 per drink at bars, 15–20% for taxis and ride-hailing, and a few dollars to ski valets and hotel staff.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Oh my heck | Local mild exclamation instead of swearing |
| Fry sauce | Ketchup-and-mayo dip for fries |
| The Greatest Snow on Earth | Utah's ski-marketing slogan |
| General Conference | Twice-yearly church gathering that fills hotels |
What to wear
Casual and outdoorsy; layers for big day-night temperature swings, sun protection at altitude, and warm, waterproof gear for winter.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is safe to drink; the dry, high-altitude air makes it important to drink plenty.
- Emergency number
- 911 (police, fire, ambulance)
- Phone and internet
- Good coverage across the valley; signal is patchy in the canyons and on rural roads.
- Time zone
- America/Denver
Salt Lake City is generally comfortable for visitors; use normal precautions around Pioneer Park and parts of downtown at night. The bigger risks are environmental: altitude and dry heat in summer, winter driving and avalanche danger in the canyons, and periodic poor air quality during winter inversions or summer wildfire smoke.
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 Salt Lake City?
Tip 18–20% at restaurants, $1–$2 per drink at bars, 15–20% for taxis and ride-hailing, and a few dollars to ski valets and hotel staff.
+Can you drink the tap water in Salt Lake City?
Tap water is safe to drink; the dry, high-altitude air makes it important to drink plenty.
+What plugs are used in Salt Lake City?
Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
+What language is spoken in Salt Lake City?
English.