FAQs

Have a question about visiting Arizona? Chat live with an Arizona vacation specialist anytime here, or select from some of our most frequently asked questions below:

Where can I find information about airports?
Do you have any tips on tipping?
Where can I find information about currency exchange?
What time is it in Arizona?
What is Arizona's climate?
When is peak season?
What should I wear?
What can you tell me about Arizona's highways?
How can I get current road conditions?
What are your laws regarding alcoholic beverages?
What are your laws regarding seat belts and child seats/restraints?
What is your state's concealed weapon law?
What should I know about visiting tribal lands?

Where can I find information about airports?
See Getting to Arizona on this site.

Do you have any tips on tipping?
Tipping is voluntary in Arizona and generally not included in the bill. (There are exceptions. Some restaurants may automatically add a 15-20 percent gratuity for groups of a certain size). Generally, restaurant servers and taxi drivers are tipped 15-20 percent. Bellhops receive $1 to $2 per bag taken to a room and airport skycaps are tipped $1 per bag.

Where can I find information about currency exchange?
For currencies, exchange locations and hours of operation, please contact individual banking institutions, see your hotel concierge or consult the Yellow Pages. Also, a Travelex foreign currency exchange office is conveniently located at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

What time is it in Arizona?
Arizona is in the Mountain Standard Time zone. With the exception of the Navajo Nation in the northeast corner of the state, Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time.

What is Arizona's climate?
From the desert floor to the highest pine covered mountain peak, Arizona's renowned sunshine ensures that nearly every day is a perfect one for sightseeing, playing a round of golf, skiing a slope, or simply relaxing by a sparkling swimming pool.

For more information, see Arizona's Weather.

When is peak season?
During any season in Arizona, some part of the state enjoys near-perfect weather.

Generally, the peak, or busiest season in the desert areas (southern half of the state) lasts from January through March; the next most popular shoulder season is from April to May and September through December; and the season when visitors can find the greatest values is June through August.

Peak and value seasons in the mountainous regions (in the northern half of the state) are the opposite of the desert areas. Generally, peak season is from June through August, shoulder season is April to May and September through December, and value season is January through March.

Peak season in some mid-climate areas of the state, such as Sedona, is from March to May and September through October, with shoulder season from January to February.

What should I wear?
Depending on the time of year and where you plan to travel in Arizona, anything from a swimsuit to a winter jacket may be appropriate. Overall, dress is pretty casual in Arizona, with an emphasis on comfort. Few restaurants require jackets and ties for dining, so throughout the year just about anything goes. If you plan on attending a cultural event or dining at one of our finer restaurants, do bring along a couple of more formal outfits.

During the summer, throughout the state, shorts and sandals are appropriate during the day and a sweater or light jacket is perfect for the evenings. In the cooler months, a sweater or light jacket is perfect in the desert areas for evenings and a winter jacket is recommended in the mountain regions. Also, wide-brim hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended year-round.

What can you tell me about Arizona's highways?
All of Arizona is accessible by federal and state highways. The speed limit on most interstate freeways is 75 miles per hour; it drops to 65 or 55 near metropolitan areas. The speed limit on most state highways and U.S. routes in rural Arizona is 65 miles per hour.

How can I get current road conditions?
See Driving in Arizona on this site, or visit az511.

What are your laws regarding alcoholic beverages?
Arizona law prohibits anyone younger than age 21 from purchasing or consuming alcoholic beverages. Liquor is not sold between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. Monday-Saturday and between 2 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Sundays. It is against the law to drink in a motor vehicle or from the original container in public places.

For more information, visit the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control.

What are your laws regarding seat belts and child seats/restraints?
Arizona law requires that each front seat occupant must have the lap and shoulder belt properly adjusted and fastened while the vehicle is in motion. Children under 5 years of age must be properly secured in a child restraint device that meets federal standards.

For more information, including what types of restraints are appropriate for your child, visit the Governor's Office of Highway Safety.

What is your state's concealed weapon law?

For complete information on Arizona's concealed weapons laws, visit the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

What should I know about visiting tribal lands?
For a general overview, see our Tribal Lands page.