First Time Here

Get fast facts and information to assist you during your visit.

Area code
The area code for the Richmond Region is 804.

Elevation
The elevation above mean tide ranges from zero feet along the James River to 312 feet in the western part of the Region.

Gratuities
Tips are customary in local restaurants and bars and are not usually added to the bill. (Check your bill if you're with a large party.) Generally, a gratuity of 15-20 percent of the bill is appropriate, depending on the quality of service. It's also customary to tip taxi drivers (15 percent), bellmen, porters and skycaps ($1 per bag).

Liquor laws
The legal drinking age in Virginia is 21. Beer and wine may be purchased at grocery and convenience stores, and liquor can be purchased at state-run ABC stores, which are closed on Sundays and holidays.

Population
The Richmond Region has a population of 853,700. (Greater Richmond Partnership, Inc.)

Safe travels
Radar detectors are illegal in Virginia. Safety belts must be worn by both the driver and front-seat passenger in all vehicles and anyone under the age of 16, regardless of where they are seated. All children under age six must be properly secured in an approved child safety seat or booster seat. Click here for more Virginia travel tips.

Taxes
Virginia sales tax is 5 percent. Restaurants in the City of Richmond charge a 10 percent meal tax, which includes sales tax. Outside the city limits, the meal tax is the same as sales tax, 5 percent. The Region-wide lodging tax is 13 percent, which also includes sales tax.

Time zone
Virginia is in the Eastern Time Zone and observes Daylight Savings Time from the first Sunday in April through the last Sunday in October.

Weather
The Richmond Region enjoys four distinct seasons. Richmond's average daily temperatures range from a maximum of 88 degrees (F) in July to a minimum of 28 degrees (F) in January. The normal annual precipitation is less than 44 inches, and our annual snowfall is 14 inches.

What to wear
Your best bet is to dress according to weather and preference. Layered clothing is always helpful as the Richmond Region often has cool days and nights, particularly in the spring and fall. Much of the Richmond Region follows a casual or business casual dress code for restaurants, cultural performances and some nightclubs.

You heard it here
Check out our Guest Book, and find out why other visitors think the Richmond Region is easy to love!

Important phone numbers
Emergency - 911
Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau - 1-888-RICHMOND or 804-782-2777
Virginia highway and traffic conditions- 511 or 1-800-578-4111
Airport information - 804-226-3000
Directory assistance - 411

Want to Know More?

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