Passport/Visa Requirements: Citizens of Australia and the U.K. need a passport but usually do not require a visa for stays of 90 days or less. Because the terms of the visa-waiver program are subject to change, it's wise to check with a U.S. Embassy prior to travel.
All U.S. citizens must have a passport when traveling by air to or from Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Central and South America and Mexico. Citizens of Canada, Mexico and the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda also must have a passport or other designated secure document to enter the U.S.
Beginning 1 June 2009, passports are required for land crossings at the Canadian and Mexican borders with the U.S. and for cruise passengers returning to the U.S. from Mexico, the Caribbean, Canada or Bermuda. Reconfirm travel-document requirements with your carrier prior to departure.
Population: 11,793.
Languages: English.
Predominant Religions: Christian (Protestant and Catholic).
Time Zone: 5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-5 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is observed from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November.
Voltage Requirements: 110 volts.
Telephone Codes: 757, area code;
| Currency Exchange | Top  |
The easiest way to access cash is at any of the ATMs located throughout the city at banks, shopping centers, convenience stores and grocery stores. Several banks also have branches within walking distance of shopping and tourist areas to assist with money orders or traveler's checks.
In addition to the Virginia state sales tax of 5%, there is a room and meal tax of 5% in the city of Williamsburg. Guests staying overnight are also subject to a US$2 per night (per room) lodging tax.
Tip 15%-20% in restaurants, more for exceptional service. Hotel attendants should receive about US$1 per bag and housekeeping about US$1 per day.
Williamsburg has a very moderate climate with a long spring and fall. Daytime temperatures rarely drop below 60 F/16 C between April and October. July and August are the two rainiest months, averaging about 5 in/13 cm of rain each. This makes for a very humid summer, with temperatures often swelling above 90 F/35 C.
December, January and February are the coldest months, with average highs of 50 F/10 C and lows of about 30 F/-1 C. One large snowstorm and a few sprinklings of snow in the winter are typical.
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Williamsburg's moderate climate allows visitors to dress lightly March-October. Colonial Williamsburg is extremely tourist friendly, and shorts and tank tops are welcome during the warmer months. It's a good idea to take along a light sweater, though, as some air-conditioned places can get a bit chilly. Many of the taverns and pubs welcome casual dress for dinner, but if you plan on visiting a more upscale restaurant, it's probably a good idea for men to pack a coat and tie. In the summer, don't forget a swimsuit if you are taking a day trip to Water Country USA.
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| Internet Access | Top |
Most hotels offer high-speed Internet access in their rooms. Many Starbucks locations offer Wi-Fi access.
Free Wi-Fi access for patrons. 140 Second St., Williamsburg. Phone 757-220-2286. http://www.secondst.com.
You can access the Internet in the public computer stations—no library card is required, but time limits are enforced. 7770 Croaker Road, Williamsburg. Phone 757-259-4040. http://www.wrl.org/index.html.
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Last collection time Monday-Saturday is at 5:30 pm. Open Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm, Saturday 9 am-2 pm. 425 N. Boundary St., Williamsburg. Toll-free 800-275-8777.
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For their daily news, Williamsburg residents rely on the
Daily Press and
The Virginian Pilot. Although the main focus of these papers is other cities in the Hampton Roads area (Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach), they also cover events and news for the Williamsburg area. They can be found in convenience stores, grocery stores and outdoor distribution boxes. The twice-a-week
Virginia Gazette was first printed in 1736, and today it serves as Williamsburg's community paper. You can find it in most places that distribute the larger dailies.
Williamsburg Magazine is published monthly by the Virginia Gazette. It contains interesting local articles that are geared toward out-of-town visitors. It is widely distributed throughout the city in shops and restaurants.
The area code for the City of Williamsburg is 757. If you are dialing within the city you do not need to dial the area code. Pay phones can still be found in drug stores and public buildings but are disappearing as more cell phones are being used. Cell phone service is good in the Williamsburg area.
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Visitors staying downtown can easily explore on foot. Winding paths throughout the College of William and Mary campus lead you to the popular Duke of Gloucester Street. Strolling the alleyways and historic streets—many of which are pedestrian-only—is a great way to get the true feel of the town.
Although it's possible to stay in Williamsburg's historic district without a car, renting one (for at least a day or two) allows you to visit the rest of the Historic Triangle—as well as explore the theme parks and outlet malls on the outskirts of town.
When you're navigating within the city by car, be prepared for the crazy V-shaped intersection of Richmond and Jamestown roads near the William and Mary campus and Colonial Williamsburg. (If you get confused, don't fret—locals are accustomed to helping visitors out with directions.) If you have a little time on your hands, drive Highway 5 between Williamsburg and Richmond to view some of the area's most impressive riverside plantations, or ride the free ferry over the James River between Jamestown and Scotland, Virginia.
The Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) is 17 mi/27 km from the city. Taxis, rental cars and Williamsburg shuttle services are available at the airport. See the Web site for more information. http://www.nnwairport.com. Major airlines also serve the area at Norfolk International Airport (ORF), which is about 45 mi/72 km from Williamsburg, and Richmond International Airport (RIC), which is about 50 mi/80 km from Williamsburg.
Williamsburg makes it easy to travel by car. Route 199 passes through Williamsburg going east and west. Route 199 West saves time traveling between the downtown district and areas such as Toano and Lightfoot. Going east on Route 199 will connect drivers with Interstate 64 East. One exit west on I-64 are Busch Gardens and Water Country USA.
Taxis are available in the city, but you'll have to call ahead for a pickup at your hotel or in Colonial Williamsburg.
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| Convention & Visitors Bureau | Top |
Provides the best overview of the area's historic sites, theme parks, recreation, lodging and dining. Staff members send out visitor's guides and vacation planners on the Williamsburg area. Conventions and meetings can also be arranged. Monday-Friday 8:30 am-5 pm. 421 N. Boundary St., Williamsburg. Toll-free 800-368-6511. http://www.visitwilliamsburg.com.
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A one-stop information clearinghouse for all things colonial. This visitors center is highly recommended—if not mandatory—for anyone wishing to get the most out of a visit to the historic area. You can view an excellent film (
Williamsburg: The Story of a Patriot), buy admission passes or catch an area visitors' bus. Daily 8:45 am-9 pm. 102 Visitors Center Drive, Williamsburg. Toll-free 800-447-8679. http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com.
