Travel Information

U.S. Cultural Norms

• Tips are expected, so it's a good idea to have small bills on hand. If paying by credit card, you can usually add a tip at checkout.
  • Tipping 15-20% or more on dining and rideshares is typical in California.
  • Even for Americans tipping is complicated in the US, so you may want to use this reference. Tipping | Dashew Center
• Taxes: Sales tax is not included in posted prices and will be added at checkout or when you receive your bill at a restaurant. Sales tax in Ventura is 7.75%. Many surrounding cities are a little higher, up to 10.75%.
• Drinking age: 21+ & most will request ID for age verification.
• Smoking isn’t allowed in public buildings, hotels and most public places. There are typically designated “smoking areas”.
• Timeliness: Americans value punctuality, especially in professional settings. If you're running late, it's polite to let people know, and you can call your host if you're more than 10–15 minutes late. You do not need to notify us if you are an attendee running late for a conference session.
• Always wear your seat belt when driving and require your passengers to wear seatbelts, too. It is required by law. Car seats are required for children 8 and under, refer to specific requirements by age group if you are traveling with young children. Child Passenger Safety | Office of Traffic Safety
• There are no toll roads/bridges between the Los Angeles airport and Ventura, but if you are traveling south of Los Angeles there are a couple of toll roads (which are easily avoided if desired) and there are toll roads and bridges in the San Francisco/Bay Area. You can pay your toll online in advance, or within 5 days of travel. There are no toll booths for cash tolls anywhere in California. You may be able to prepay tolls when renting a car, but this is not needed if you are traveling in the area between LAX, Ventura, Santa Barbara and Disneyland. Home | The Toll Roads
• In the U.S., people get in line and wait for their turn when buying tickets, shopping, using the restroom, or waiting for a bus, etc. It is considered rude to cut in line or push your way through.
• Smiles are basic signals of politeness, a non-verbal way of being friendly.
• “Small talk” is acceptable & is considered “nice”.
• Most people shake hands firmly and briefly when they meet for the first time or in a formal situation.
• Bike helmets are worn and are required for anyone under 18.
• If you are planning to go surfing, please review surf etiquette Etiquette on the Waves–Preserving the Vibe
• Driving
  • In California you are allowed to turn right on red (after stopping and if no cars are coming) unless there is a posted sign stating otherwise.
  • Passing on the right is common on California highways.
• Charging devices: The U.S. uses different outlets than most of the rest of the world. Be sure to pack appropriate adaptors. Most U.S. outlets (except those used for large appliances like refrigerators) are 120V. Most laptop chargers are designed to work with both 120V and 220V, but check your device before plugging it in. Power converters may not work with high power devices like hair dryers (hair dryers are usually provided by hotels).
• Some businesses have gone "cashless" and only accept credit cards.