International Visitors
Welcome from Santa Fe Mayor David Coss
Hello from Santa Fe,
As the second oldest city in America - we commemorate our 400th anniversary in 2010 - Santa Fe has been a part of the country's development from the very beginning. From the time of the great Native American nations to the arrival of the first Europeans and on to the exploration of the West right up to the present, Santa Fe has played a lasting role in the story of the U.S. That history is alive today and evident in our culture, our people, and our architecture.
Santa Fe is also a modern town. Behind the old adobe walls are the best in contemporary art galleries, museums, restaurants, and accommodations. It is a town of musicians and artists and scientists and writers and interesting people from all walks of life who are drawn here by the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and the city's sophistication and creative energy.
We're known as "The City Different" for many reasons; I hope you have a chance to visit us some day soon and discover some of them for yourself.
David Coss
Mayor, City of Santa Fe
Santa Fe draws visitors from all over the world who enjoy the city's historic style and charm as well as its world-renowned arts and culture. Here are some tips for travelers coming to Santa Fe from outside the United States:
Currency Exchange It's best to exchange foreign money for U.S. dollars before arriving in Santa Fe. If you find you can't do so, foreign currency services are available at Los Alamos National Bank branches located at 301 Griffin St. and 2009 Galisteo St., open during regular business hours and from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturdays.
Languages English is the dominant language in Santa Fe. Many residents speak Spanish, the city's historic language. Most Santa Fe tour companies can arrange foreign language tours. It is best to schedule them in advance.
Brochures translated into French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish containing general information about Santa Fe are available at the Santa Fe Convention and Visitors Bureau, 201 W. Marcy St.
The Santa Fe Council on International Relations, located at 1210 Louisa St., Suite #6, provides special assistance to international visitors. Call 505-982-4931.
Japanese visitors can contact the Santa Fe Japan Connection for tours and information. 3048 Cliff Palace, Santa Fe, NM 87505. 505-471-9022. Fax 505-474-8445.
Also see Japanese Santa Fe Visit Guide
Internet Connectivity For internet use, check with your hotel or go to a business/copy store where you can use an internet-connected computer for a fee. Free Wireless connectivity is also available at many of the cafe's and coffee shops throughout the City.
Driving Distances are much greater in the American Southwest than they may appear on a map. For example, from Santa Fe, it is 450 miles to the Grand Canyon.
Gratuities are not typically added to restaurant or hotel bills. Servers, housekeepers, parking valets, concierges, bellmen and tour guides may be tipped if you are happy with their service. The usual amount totals 15-25 percent of the bill.
Taxes are not included in the price of products or services and are added when you check out or pay for you bill.
Use of numbers Pay careful attention when writing down the numbers 1 and 7, so that it's clear which numeral you're using. The European style differs from the American style, and caution when using either number will help prevent billing errors.
Hello from Santa Fe,
As the second oldest city in America - we commemorate our 400th anniversary in 2010 - Santa Fe has been a part of the country's development from the very beginning. From the time of the great Native American nations to the arrival of the first Europeans and on to the exploration of the West right up to the present, Santa Fe has played a lasting role in the story of the U.S. That history is alive today and evident in our culture, our people, and our architecture.Santa Fe is also a modern town. Behind the old adobe walls are the best in contemporary art galleries, museums, restaurants, and accommodations. It is a town of musicians and artists and scientists and writers and interesting people from all walks of life who are drawn here by the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and the city's sophistication and creative energy.
We're known as "The City Different" for many reasons; I hope you have a chance to visit us some day soon and discover some of them for yourself.
David Coss
Mayor, City of Santa Fe
Santa Fe draws visitors from all over the world who enjoy the city's historic style and charm as well as its world-renowned arts and culture. Here are some tips for travelers coming to Santa Fe from outside the United States:
Currency Exchange It's best to exchange foreign money for U.S. dollars before arriving in Santa Fe. If you find you can't do so, foreign currency services are available at Los Alamos National Bank branches located at 301 Griffin St. and 2009 Galisteo St., open during regular business hours and from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturdays.
Languages English is the dominant language in Santa Fe. Many residents speak Spanish, the city's historic language. Most Santa Fe tour companies can arrange foreign language tours. It is best to schedule them in advance.
Brochures translated into French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish containing general information about Santa Fe are available at the Santa Fe Convention and Visitors Bureau, 201 W. Marcy St.
The Santa Fe Council on International Relations, located at 1210 Louisa St., Suite #6, provides special assistance to international visitors. Call 505-982-4931.
Japanese visitors can contact the Santa Fe Japan Connection for tours and information. 3048 Cliff Palace, Santa Fe, NM 87505. 505-471-9022. Fax 505-474-8445.
Also see Japanese Santa Fe Visit Guide
Internet Connectivity For internet use, check with your hotel or go to a business/copy store where you can use an internet-connected computer for a fee. Free Wireless connectivity is also available at many of the cafe's and coffee shops throughout the City.
Driving Distances are much greater in the American Southwest than they may appear on a map. For example, from Santa Fe, it is 450 miles to the Grand Canyon.
Gratuities are not typically added to restaurant or hotel bills. Servers, housekeepers, parking valets, concierges, bellmen and tour guides may be tipped if you are happy with their service. The usual amount totals 15-25 percent of the bill.
Taxes are not included in the price of products or services and are added when you check out or pay for you bill.
Use of numbers Pay careful attention when writing down the numbers 1 and 7, so that it's clear which numeral you're using. The European style differs from the American style, and caution when using either number will help prevent billing errors.
