Juneau Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Communication Options

Staying connected in Juneau is straightforward. Options vary.

Mobile & Internet

Major U.S. mobile carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) cover Juneau. Purchase prepaid SIMs or ESIMs from Airalo.
Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, restaurants, cafes, and Juneau International Airport. Public libraries also offer internet.
Consider Solis Wi-Fi for portable internet access.

Language & Postal Services

English is the official language. No significant language barrier exists for English speakers.

Communication Essentials

Translation apps on your Smartphone can be for non-English speakers.
Learning a few Tlingit words (e.g., Gunalchéesh for "Thank you") displays respect for local Native cultures. Rosetta Stone is a language learning option.
United States Postal Service (USPS) offices are available in Juneau for sending postcards or packages.

Business Hours & Schedules

Juneau's business hours vary with the seasons.

Operating Times

Retail Shops (Downtown): 9 AM-5 PM off-season; 8 AM-8 PM or later in summer.
Restaurants: Breakfast 7-10 AM, lunch 11:30 AM-2 PM, dinner 5-9 PM.
Grocery Stores: Generally 7 AM-10 PM or 11 PM.

Banking & Holidays

Banking hours are standard. Holidays bring changes.

Financial & Seasonal Notes

Banks: Monday-Friday, 9 AM-5 PM. ATMs are widely available.
Federal holidays may cause closures or reduced hours. Alaska Day is October 18.
Seasonal Closures: Many tourist businesses reduce hours or close off-season (Oct-Apr). Confirm schedules beforehand.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Social & Dress

Greeting Customs: Casual "Hello" or "Hi." Handshakes for introductions.
Appropriate Attire: Generally casual. Focus on comfort and weather suitability.
Dining & Tipping: Tipping is standard. 15-20% for good service.
Photography: Acceptable in public. Ask permission before photographing individuals. Respect "no photography" signs.

Sensitivity & Inclusion

Taboos: Avoid discussing politics unless invited.
Respect Alaska Native cultures. Avoid generalizations or stereotypes.
Be mindful of personal space.
LGBTQ+ Information: Juneau is a progressive community. LGBTQ+ travelers are welcome.

Accessibility Advice

Juneau works on accessibility for all travelers. Newer buildings and major attractions are generally wheelchair accessible. Older downtown sidewalks can be uneven. Capital Transit buses are wheelchair accessible. Inquire with individual tour operators about their tours' accessibility. Limited specialized services for visual or hearing impairments exist. Arranging specific needs in advance by contacting attractions or tour operators directly is best. Travel Juneau provides information on accessible accommodations and activities. Online Accessible travel guides offer broader tips for traveling in the U.S.

Airport Services & Information

Juneau International Airport (JNU) handles air travel to and from the city. General airport services are available.

Airport Access

Juneau International Airport (JNU) is located approximately 9 miles northwest of downtown Juneau. Roads connect the airport to the city center. Taxis, ride-sharing services, and hotel shuttles are common transportation choices.

Facilities & Services

JNU offers basic passenger facilities, including baggage claim, check-in counters, and a small selection of dining and retail options. Wi-Fi is available. Restrooms and accessible facilities are present.

Lounge Access

For frequent travelers, Priority Pass access to independent airport lounges around the world. Check if Juneau International Airport has participating lounges, or if lounges are available at connecting airports.

Flight Disruptions

Flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding sometimes occur.

Compensation Services

Service for flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding compensation.
Compensair is a service that assists customers in receiving such compensation.
Documentation of your flight issues for a compensation claim is important.

Before Your Flight

Pre-flight checks can smooth the travel process.

Pre-Departure Advice

Confirm your flight status and gate information before arriving at the airport.
Allow ample time for check-in and security, especially during peak travel seasons.
Adhere to TSA guidelines for carry-on luggage and prohibited items.

Airline Information

Major Airlines

Alaska Airlines: The main carrier for Juneau.
Delta Airlines: Seasonal flights to certain hubs.
Smaller regional carriers connect to other Alaskan towns.

Connecting Flights

Most flights to Juneau connect through Seattle (SEA) or Anchorage (ANC).
Consider layover times when booking, especially during winter.
Check for direct flights during peak summer season.

Travel Considerations

Arriving and departing from Juneau is generally smooth. Knowing the airport layout and typical services ahead of time can simplify your journey.

Customs & Entry Requirements

Juneau is an U.S. Destination. Standard U.S. Entry requirements apply for international visitors.

U.S. Citizens & Residents

Travel within the United States for U.S. Citizens and permanent residents is straightforward.

Identification

U.S. Citizens need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, or another acceptable form of ID (e.g., passport).
U.S. Permanent residents need their Green Card (Form I-551).
Passports are always a valid form of identification for domestic air travel.

International Visitors

Entry to the United States for non-U.S. Citizens involves specific requirements.

Visa & ESTA

A valid passport is a requirement for all international visitors.
Visitors from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries need an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).
Visitors from non-VWP countries need a valid U.S. Visa.

Customs Declarations

All arriving travelers to the U.S. Must clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Required Information

Declare all items brought into the U.S.
Currency amounts over $10,000 USD (or foreign equivalent) must be reported.
Restrictions apply to certain food items, plants, and animal products.

Travel Security

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) maintains security protocols for air travel.

Airport Security

All travelers must undergo security screening at the airport.
Follow all instructions from TSA officers.
Have your boarding pass and acceptable ID ready for inspection.

Important Travel Documents

Required for Entry

Passport (for all international travelers).
Visa or ESTA (for non-U.S. Citizens, based on nationality).
Proof of onward travel or return ticket.

Additional Documents

Travel insurance documentation (recommended).
Accommodation booking confirmations.
Itinerary details (useful for customs questions).

Visa & Immigration Tips

Application Process

Apply for your visa or ESTA well in advance of your travel dates.
Only use official government websites for applications to avoid scams.
Processing times vary, especially for visas.

At Port of Entry

Be ready to answer questions about your trip purpose and duration.
Have all travel documents readily available.
Maintain a polite and cooperative demeanor with customs officers.

Final Reminder

Always verify current entry requirements with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country before your departure. Requirements can change.

Juneau Travel Tips