Virginia, USA
Major U.S. Mobile carriers include AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. These providers have prepaid SIM cards suitable for travelers. You can purchase these at their retail stores or from discount providers.
Wi-Fi is widely available and usually free in hotels, most cafes, restaurants, and public libraries throughout Richmond. Richmond International Airport (RIC) also has free Wi-Fi.
English is the official language and is universally spoken in Richmond. For non-English speakers, learning a few basic polite phrases in English can be helpful.
Banks are typically open Monday through Friday, with some Saturday morning hours. ATMs are widely available at banks, grocery stores, and convenience stores throughout the city.
Confirm business hours for attractions and restaurants, especially on public holidays, to plan your visit effectively.
Understand typical operating hours and holiday impacts for a smooth experience.
Generally open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM. Larger malls and department stores may have later hours. Many independent shops in Carytown open closer to 11:00 AM.
Lunch service runs from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Dinner service begins around 5:00 PM and continues until 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM, with later hours on weekends. Many independent restaurants are closed on Mondays.
Hours vary. Most are open from 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM. Many museums and attractions are closed on Mondays and/or Tuesdays. Always check specific websites for current hours before visiting.
Engage respectfully with local customs during your stay.
Tipping is customary for service industries in the U.S. A tip of 15-20% for good service is standard at restaurants and bars. Avoid tipping owners.
Richmond is welcoming. Politeness and respect for local customs will make your visit enjoyable.
Richmond aims for accessibility for all travelers, though historic sites may present challenges.
Newer buildings, public spaces, and transportation facilities in Richmond adhere to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Older, historic buildings may have limitations due to their age and preservation requirements.
Some trails within the James River Park System are paved and accessible, but many natural trails are rugged and uneven. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is largely accessible with paved paths.
Major U.S. Public Holidays include New Year's Day (Jan 1), Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day (Dec 25).
Some outdoor attractions or tour operators may have reduced hours or seasonal closures during the quieter winter months (roughly November to March).
Richmond Region Tourism's website (visitrichmondva.com) and the individual websites of specific attractions are the best for detailed accessibility information. For specific needs, contacting venues directly before your visit is highly recommended.
