Buffalo Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Communication Services

Options

Local SIM cards from AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon. Airalo for eSIM options.
Free Wi-Fi at hotels, cafes, Buffalo Niagara International Airport, and public spaces. Solis Wi-Fi for portable options.
USPS, FedEx, and UPS for postal services.

Language & Translation

English is the main language, with little to no language barrier for Anglophones.

Assistance

Most tourism and service workers speak English.
Translation apps (Google Translate, Microsoft Translator) for other languages. Rosetta Stone for language learning.
Bring an unlocked phone for local SIM use.

Business Hours

Typical operating hours for retail, restaurants, and attractions.

General Schedules

Retail shops: 10 AM - 6 PM (weekdays/Saturdays), 11:00 - 5 PM (Sundays)
Restaurants: Breakfast 7 IN the morning, Lunch FROM 11:30 AM, Dinner 5-6 PM
Attractions/Museums: 10 AM - 5 PM (often closed Mondays)

Banking & Holidays

Access to banking and understanding holiday closures.

Financials & Events

Banks: 9 AM - 5 PM weekdays, some Saturday hours
ATMs: Widely available at banks, stores, and retail centers
Major holidays: Businesses closed or reduced hours (e.g., New Year's Day, Christmas)

Seasonal Considerations

Local Events & Closures

Large festivals (Taste of Buffalo, Allentown Art Festival) can affect traffic and hours.
Seasonal outdoor attractions close for winter (Nov-Apr), e.g., Buffalo Naval & Military Park.
Tourist attractions may have reduced hours in low season (winter).
Always verify opening times on official websites.

Flight Compensation

Flight delays or cancellations may qualify for compensation.
Seek services that help with compensation claims.
This applies for refused entry onto the plane as well.
Compensair for flight issues.

Check Before You Go

Always check individual websites for current operating hours and any special closures, especially around holidays or during off-peak seasons.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Greeting Customs

Handshakes for formal introductions; "hello" for casual. Looking someone straight in the eye indicates sincerity.

Appropriate Attire

Buffalo is casual. Smart casual or business casual for fine dining, theater, or formal events.

Photography

Generally permissible in public. Ask permission before photographing individuals, particularly for kids.

Dining & Tipping

Tipping is a standard practice in U.S. Restaurants, bars, and for services.

Tipping Guidelines

Restaurant servers: 15-20% of the bill
Bartenders: $1-2 per drink or 15-20% of the tab
Hotel staff: $1-5 per service (bellhop, housekeeping)

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Avoid sensitive discussions and respect personal space.

Topics to Avoid

Politics or religion with strangers, unless initiated by them.
Be mindful of personal space; Americans prefer some distance.
Be mindful of privacy in residential areas.

Accessibility Information

Infrastructure

Most public buildings are ADA compliant (ramps, elevators).
Sidewalks vary; downtown areas have curb cuts.
NFTA Metro buses are wheelchair accessible.

Services & Resources

Audio guides/sign language interpretation on demand at some museums.
Service animals are typically permitted in open areas.
Contact attractions directly for specific needs. Priority Pass for lounge access.

Accessibility Note

For specific accessibility needs, contact your chosen accommodation, attractions, and transportation providers in advance. This approach helps them confirm facilities and services satisfy your requirements.

Local Customs & Considerations

Safety & Laws

Buffalo is generally a safe city. General safety measures are wise.

Important Information

Driving laws: Seatbelts are mandatory. Speed limits are posted.
Cannabis: Legal for fun employ for adults 21+ in NYS. Public consumption is limited.
Smoking: Banned in most indoor public places.