Travel tips · San Antonio · United States
San Antonio 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: Jouaienttoi, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
San Antonio is a majority-Hispanic city where Spanish is widely heard and Mexican-American culture shapes the food, music and festivals. Tejano and conjunto music, mariachi, Catholic traditions and the city's Spanish colonial roots mix with Texan ranching culture and a large military presence.
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.
- Emergency
- 911 (police, fire, ambulance)
Things to know
- Inside the Alamo church, men are asked to remove hats and visitors to keep their voices low; it is treated as a shrine.
- The mission churches are active parishes; avoid visiting during Mass unless you are attending.
- A few words of Spanish such as 'gracias' are appreciated, though English is spoken everywhere.
- During Fiesta, people trade and collect commemorative medals; it is fine to ask about them.
- On the River Walk, keep to the right on the narrow paths and watch children near edges without railings.
- Book The Alamo ahead: Church entry is free, but reserving a free time slot online can save a wait at busy times.
- The Alamo church, the four missions, the River Walk, the Japanese Tea Garden and Yanaguana Garden are all free.
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 |
|---|---|
| Viva Fiesta! | The greeting heard everywhere during Fiesta San Antonio |
| Gracias | Thank you |
| Remember the Alamo | The 1836 battle cry still used as a city slogan |
What to wear
Light, breathable clothes, a hat and sunscreen for most of the year; bring a jacket for the occasional winter cold front and modest clothing for the mission churches.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is safe to drink.
- Emergency number
- 911 (police, fire, ambulance)
- Phone and internet
- Free Wi-Fi is available at the airport, in public libraries and in most cafés; US prepaid SIMs and eSIMs are easy to buy.
- Time zone
- America/Chicago
Summer heat is the main hazard: carry water and avoid long midday walks from June to September. Heavy rain can cause sudden flash flooding in the region, so never drive through water over a road, and 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 San Antonio?
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 San Antonio?
Tap water is safe to drink.
+What plugs are used in San Antonio?
Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
+What language is spoken in San Antonio?
English and Spanish.