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Before arriving, contact the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau for an information pack. The Texas Department of Tourism also sends out valuable information, including a state map and the Texas State Travel Guide. Stop by the Visitor Information Center for maps, lists of current events, and discount coupons.

The San Antonio Express-News is the only daily newspaper. Several free monthly publications are also available – the Rio for events along the River Walk, the Fiesta and Qué Pasa for articles, event calendars, and coupons. Current, a free weekly, is the best source for what’s playing at clubs and nightspots.

Websites offer helpful information and tips about vacations, festivals, city services, transport, hotels, and restaurants.

A free map that highlights all major freeways and attractions is available from the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau. The San Antonio Illustrated Souvenir Map is excellent for navigating downtown and the River Walk. You can find detailed street maps in many stores or at the Auto Club office.

For visa information, all international travelers should check with their embassy or the US Department of State website well ahead of their arrival date.

Obtain travel and medical insurance before arriving in the US as medical care is very expensive. When renting a car, make sure that adequate insurance coverage for accident and theft is included.

San Antonio is a year-round destination. Summer is the busiest season, when attractions such as SeaWorld and Six Flags Fiesta Texas are open with extended hours daily. Spring and fall are when most of the major festivals are scheduled. Christmas time is popular, when visitors come to see the brilliantly decorated River Walk. January, February, and early March are the slowest months.

Casual dress is the best option. Summers are hot and humid, while spring and fall have warm days and cool nights. January and February can turn cold, but are often pleasant during the day. Rain may be expected at any time of the year.

San Antonio’s sights can be seen in four days or less. The River Walk is best enjoyed with several short visits, while outings to SeaWorld and the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park tend to take all day. Allow a few days to explore Hill Country, Austin, or the Gulf Coast.

San Antonio International Airport is located 8 miles 13 km north of downtown. Many major domestic carriers have flights to San Antonio, but the only non-stop international flights fly to and from Mexico. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is located on the site of the former Bergstrom Air Force Base, in southeast Austin on Texas Hwy 71. It is 8 miles 13 km southeast of downtown.

People 21 years or over, are allowed to bring one liter 0.26 gallons of beer, wine, or liquor and 200 cigarettes. Meats, fresh produce, and plants are prohibited. US citizens may bring in $400 worth of gifts, non-citizens only $100 worth. Cash exceeding $10,000 must be declared. Medi-cation containing habit-drugs must be identified and accompanied by a prescription.

Information on how to get around is available at booths in front of the airports. Options include car rentals, taxis, share-ride shuttles, limousines, public transport, and courtesy vehicles.

For hotels nearby that offer courtesy shuttles, check the boards inside the baggage claim areas. SATRANS provides shared-ride shuttle services, with departures to downtown hotels approximately every 15 minutes. Call ahead to reserve.

Taxis are available at the airports. Up to four people may share a taxi. Charges will be as per the metered distance.

San Antonio offers more than two dozen suppliers of limousine services to choose from. Options available range from airport pick-ups to personal chauffeurs. Call ahead to schedule a suitable pick-up.

The most economical $0.80 way to get to downtown San Antonio from the airport is to take the VIA Metropolitan Transit Route 2 bus at Terminal 2. To get around Austin, the Capital Metro buses are easily available.

The Texas Eagle travels daily between San Antonio and Chicago via Austin, Fort Worth, Little Rock, and St. Louis. The Sunset Ltd. heads east to Orlando via Houston, Lafayette, and New Orleans. It also travels west to Los Angeles via El Paso and Tucson.

Greyhound buses operate 24 hours daily, and cover most of the US and Canada. The North America Discovery Pass offers unlimited travel at a low price.

Brightly colored VIA Streetcars – trolleys that travel along four downtown routes – make it easy to get to the major attractions. They run from early morning till late in the evening, cost $80 a ride, and come by frequently. Find out more at any VIA Information Center.

San Antonio has an extensive and affordable VIA bus system. Route 7, the Sightseer Special, travels between downtown and the major attractions to the north, such as San Antonio Zoo, Witte Museum, and the Botanical Garden, while Route 2 travels between the airport, North Star Mall, and downtown.

A cruise is an exceptional way to get an overview of the River Walk. The River Cruise barges offer a narrated tour of the downtown area (see River Walk (El Paseo del Rio) ).

The River Taxi offers a convenient way to get from one part of the River Walk to another. Tickets are available onboard the taxi, or at the Rio ticket locations.

A car is unnecessary downtown since the attractions are within walking distance of each other. Also, the streetcar system is excellent and inexpensive while parking is a challenge. Beyond downtown, however, a car is most practical. The major national car rental firms have counters at the airport and offices throughout the city.

San Antonio has very few bike lanes. Though traffic is generally considerate of cyclists, it is safest to avoid busy streets. Mission Trail , however, is an exception, as it is well-marked and very bicycle friendly.

Walking is an excellent way to explore downtown San Antonio. Popular sights such as the Alamo, La Villita, King William, San Fernando Cathedral, and the Market Square, are clustered around the River Walk area.

See the highlights of San Antonio on a guided bus or trolley tour. Join a walking or Segway tour of the downtown area. Take a self-paced cell-phone tour or an evening walking tour featuring ghosts and legends.

In downtown San Antonio it is easiest to park in one of the numerous parking lots. The most convenient, although the most expensive, is the parking garage at Rivercenter Mall. There are cheaper parking garages between Commerce and Market Streets. The parking lots just north of the Alamo charge $5 a day, but keep exact change. Get a map of parking lots and garages from the VIA Information Center.

One-way streets, heavy traffic, and hordes of pedestrians in the downtown area make it difficult to navigate by car, especially during rush hour. It is much easier and safer to park the car and then walk or take a streetcar.

The Loop 410 freeway can be very frustrating during the morning or afternoon rush hour. Consult a map before driving any distance as some of the major freeways, including Interstates 10 and 35, change direction in the downtown area.

The highway speed limits in the San Antonio area are very generous, and Texans drive fast. Speed limits are often lower at night, and can change suddenly near small towns. Speed traps are common in the small towns surrounding San Antonio as well as in the Hill Country.

San Antonio is a friendly city and most crime is limited to theft and car break-ins. The River Walk area is heavily patrolled by city police, but the poorer areas south and west of downtown are not. It is wise to observe a few guidelines to minimize the risk of crime. Don’t walk around at night, and never carry large amounts of cash, wear expensive jewelry, or keep your wallet in your back pocket. Sling hand-bags and cameras over one shoulder with the strap across your body. Keep your passport separate from your cash and traveler’s checks, and store valuables in hotel safes when available.

Handgun warning

The sun is very intense in this sub-tropical climate. Apply sunscreen liberally when outdoors, and wear a wide-brimmed hat for added protection. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare.

Temperatures can change rapidly here and it is common for the nights to be cold and the days hot in spring, fall, and winter.

Though infrequent, thunderstorms, tornados, and hailstorms are part of the Texas weather pattern. Check weather reports daily for early storm warnings.

The area along the San Antonio River is low lying, and when heavy rainstorms occur, some areas may flood. Check with the rangers at the National Park about road conditions. Avoid driving on unfamiliar country roads during heavy rains.

Cactus and sharp scrubby plants are common in the Texas countryside. The thorns may scratch or get caught in your clothes if you walk too close. Wear long sturdy pants and high boots for protection while hiking.

The best deals are usually found on an airline’s own website. Always compare prices for various airlines on travel websites before choosing a flight.

Room rates fluctuate widely depending on the time of year and whether festivals or conventions are being held or not. Check any of the hotels’ own websites, or speak with their reservations departments for details on the best deals.

Two of the best museums in San Antonio, The McNay Art Museum and the Fort Sam Houston US Army Medical Department Museum, are always free. Also free on Tuesday afternoons and evenings are the San Antonio Museum of Art from 4–9pm and the Witte from 3–8pm.

The San Antonio Visitor Information Center is a great source for discount coupons for restaurants, hotels, and attractions. Free monthly magazines such as Fiesta and Qué Pasa (see Media ) also have coupons. Check the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau website for eCoupons and SAVE coupons.

Most of San Antonio’s Top Ten attractions, such as the Alamo and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, are free. Visit Market Square for free entertainment or enjoy live music along the River Walk.

Parking is most expensive downtown. Arrive early in the morning, before rush hour, to park in one of the self-pay lots north of the Alamo near the Post Office. During fiestas or other major events check with VIA for park and ride bus options (see VIA Buses ).

Take advantage of unlimited rides on the streetcars and all buses, except the express bus, with the one-day VIA Tripper Pass. Purchase online or at any VIA Center ).

April through October is the busiest time of the year and hotel rates will be high. Late August and early September are less busy than other warm weather months while January and February are the slowest months of the year. During the rest of the year you can obtain lower hotel rates by calling ahead to avoid major festivals, holidays, and large conventions.

Travel websites often offer package deals that include airfare, hotel, and a rental car. The San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau website has a Savings section with deals on SeaWorld San Antonio, golf, spa visits, and many more. When making hotel reservations ask about special deals.

Reserved parking spaces are marked by a blue and white wheelchair logo on the pavement and by a sign. A special disabled placard must be displayed in the car at all times.

Major hotels will have accessible acommodation. Always call in advance to reserve an ADAs compliant room, and discuss specific needs. When making restaurant reservations, specify that you require access, and clarify the accessibility available.

The River Walk is wheelchair accessible, with a limited number of elevators, ramps, and restrooms. These are indicated in San Antonio’s Accessible River Walk which is available on the Disability Access Office website. The free Rio magazine also has a map that indicates the level of ADA compliance for restaurants, attractions, and services that are on and near the River Walk.

All the River Cruise and River Taxi barges are equipped to carry passengers in wheel-chairs and have the required ramps.

Most VIA buses are equipped with accessibility features and extra aid, including lift or ramp activation, as well as securing wheelchairs, is provided (see VIA Buses ). Check the Disability Access Office website for wheelchair size and weight limits. A few of the downtown streetcars are also wheelchair accessible.

Yellow Checker Cab offers a wheelchair accessible taxi service when requested by phone. Prior arrangements can also be made with SATRANS for ADA compliant airport shuttle vehicles (see Shuttles and Courtesy Vehicles ).

San Antonio strives to provide excellent accessibility and much progress has been made throughout the city to comply with the intent of the law.

Numerous travel agencies offer packages and itineraries suitable for travelers with disabilities. The Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality maintains a list of agencies that support a broad range of special needs. Flying Wheels Travel specializes in world-wide travel for people with disabilities.

The Access-Able Travel Source and the Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality are two national organizations which offer travel advice to those with disabilities. Advice ranges from how to rent specially adapted cars to qualifying for parking permits.

International visitors who lose a passport, or have an emergency, should contact their embassy or consulate. All embassies are located in Washington, DC but some countries have their consulates in other cities too. Check the Washington, DC Embassy Directory Assistance to locate the consulate closest to you.

Before leaving home, make photocopies of all important documents, such as your passport and visa, as well as serial numbers of traveler’s checks and credit cards, in the event they are stolen or lost (see Traveler’s Checks ).

Dial 911 for all medical, police, and fire emergencies. Provide the details of your location. Calling 911 is free from any phone.

San Antonio has very good hospitals with emergency rooms. It’s a good idea to call your insurance provider for a referral to a local clinic or medical doctor.

Texas MedClinics are privately owned walk-in clinics, located all over the area. They specialize in occupational medicine and treat all minor medical needs and emergencies. Service is prompt and the costs are comparatively lesser than at a hospital emergency room.

Pharmacies are located throughout the area, many of which have evening hours, but if you require one late at night, there are several 24-hour CVS and Walgreen’s pharmacies.

Call 911 if anyone is injured. Drivers must exchange driver’s license information and all vehicle insurance details. If you are in a rental car, report all accidents to the agency immediately. Contact the police if the property damage appears to be over $500, or if you require a police report.

Texas law requires the driver and all front-seat passengers to wear seatbelts. All backseat passengers under 16 must wear seatbelts. Children under four or under 36 inches 91.4 cm in height must be secured in a car safety seat. If renting a car, request a child safety seat in advance.

All major attractions have public restrooms, as do gas stations and restaurants. Shopping centers, public buildings, libraries, and large hotels are other places to try.

It is best to exchange your money before you arrive in the US. Though banks provide the best exchange rates, not all exchange money, or will exchange only certain currencies. For daily expenses, use credit cards, traveler’s checks in US dollars, and ATMs for cash withdrawals.

There are many 24-hour ATMs in San Antonio and the surrounding area. Look on the back of your ATM or credit card to clarify which banking network it is associated with. ATMs inside convenience stores or malls charge you for the convenience, as does your own bank if you go outside its network.

Many major banks can be found in the greater San Antonio area. Banking hours are generally 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. Most banks are open Saturday mornings and those in malls are open on Sundays as well.

By far the safest form of money, traveler’s checks in US currency are accepted almost everywhere in the city. Change is given in cash. Lost or stolen traveler’s checks are easily replaced.

Before using a phone at a hotel, ask about specific charges for local and long-distance calls. Coin-operated pay phones can be found at hotels, and at some restaurants and gas stations, but very few of them take incoming calls.

Pre-paid telephone cards are easily available. Read the fine print before buying one. Be aware of the minimum calling charge, especially for international calls.

Most hotel rooms are wired for Internet access, but check to see if the service is dial-up or not. Many of the larger hotels have business centers with Internet access. Many coffee shops offer wireless Internet access, but you will need to have a laptop with you.

Normal post office hours are from 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. Some branches open on Saturday mornings until noon. Stamps are either available from machines in the post office lobby, which have signs that indicate the cost of postage for domestic and international locations, or from the clerks behind the counter. Hotels will often post letters for you.

A UPS franchise is the best option for boxes, packing materials, and tape to prepare items for shipping domestically. PacMail is a full-service agent for FedEx and DHL domestic and international courier and shipping services. They pack or ship even large and bulky items.

Hours for shops, specialty stores, and boutiques may vary, but they are generally open from 9 or 10am to 5:30 or 6pm Monday through Saturday. Some are either closed on Sunday or open for shorter hours. Most of the shopping malls are open from 10am–9pm Monday to Saturday and from noon–6pm on Sunday.

Several major chains have 24-hour stores in San Antonio, such as CVS, Walgreen’s, HEB Grocery Stores, and Wal-Mart Supercenter. All of these stores offer a large selection of items as well as convenience. Wal-Mart offers some of the lowest cost merchandise in the city. You can find practical clothing for the entire family as well as sunglasses, carryalls, and even souvenirs, though they will be more often than not made in China.

The current sales tax rate in San Antonio is 8.125 percent. Food items at grocery stores are not taxed, but non-food items, prepared food, and drinks are.

Glitzy shopping malls in San Antonio, such as the Rivercenter Mall, North Star Mall, and Shops at La Cantera, offer an incredible selection of merchandise. Visitors from Mexico, Texas, and the South-west come here to shop for everything from clothing and electronics to high fashion and luxury items.

San Antonio’s out-of-town outlet malls are huge and offer a dazzling array of items. Many of them are of high quality and have standard pricing, but you can find great bargains on last year’s merchandise. The factory clearance stores have tempting offers for the bargain-hunter. The outlet malls in San Marcos are among the largest in the country.

Hats and boots are the two critical com-ponents for dressing Texan. These can be purchased readymade or custom-ordered. Belts, shirts, accessories, and jeans complete the look. It is fun to browse and shop at the specialty stores where the selection is huge, and the variety of colors and styles is dazzling.

San Antonio’s museums offer some of the most unique shops in the city. The merchandise reflects the museums’ collections, so selections vary from Western kitsch at the Buckhorn to Asian imports at the San Antonio Museum of Art .

Senior discounts are offered at some movie halls, attractions, hotels, restaurants, and shops. The age at which senior status begins may vary from 55 to 65. Some retail outlets offer discount days. Have an AARP card or ID ready.

Mexican souvenirs are extremely popular, and most visitors head to Market Square where the selection is extensive. Be aware that the quality varies, and definitely check where the merchandise was actually made.

Dining at restaurants that offer early-bird specials, between 4:30 and 6:30pm, can prove to be cost-effective. The menu is often limited to a few entrées but the quality and service are the same.

Entrées on lunch menus are often less expensive than in the evening, and many restaurants offer daily lunch specials. Budget-watchers who enjoy fine dining can lunch at upscale restaurants and save money.

The legal drinking age in Texas is 21. Under-age drinking is allowed if the person is with a legal-age parent or spouse, with documentation proving the relationship. Open containers in public or in vehicles are prohibited.

Barbeque and Tex-Mex restaurants are the most economical dining option. For budget meals in the downtown area, try the many cafés (see Top 10 Cafés, Delis, and Diners ) or the food court at the Rivercenter Mall, where good options include salads, entrées, and fast food. River Walk restaurants are some of the most expensive in the city. Many locals also like to choose from the restaurants along Broadway, north of downtown, for lower cost dining options.

Tips help ensure prompt and courteous service. In restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, tip waitstaff 15–20 percent of the check, and bartenders 10–15 percent. In hotels, bellhops receive $1 or more per bag, room cleaning $1–2 daily, valet parking $1 each time. The concierge or doorman are tipped only when they perform a special service.

Hotel rooms in San Antonio have a 16.75 percent tax rate, while the sales tax on restaurant meals is lower, at 8.125 percent.

Motel chains offer standardized accommodations. They can be found throughout San Antonio, but the lowest priced ones are usually near the major freeways or the airport. Those near the River Walk are more expensive.

One of the best ways to find accommodations to fit a specific personal requirement, such as a pet-friendly hotel or an exercise-room onsite, is to check the free Texas Accommodations Guide, which is sent out with requests for Texas travel information.

Some hotels and motels offer kitchenettes and suites that can be an economical alternative to eating out. The kitchen may either be minimal, with just a microwave and refrigerator, or full-size. Many also offer guest laundry facilities. Always ask what amenities are included.