Facts & Info

The facts and information section will assist you to make the most of your visit to Lehigh Valley. Here you will find lots of useful information covering what you might need to know from when you get here to when you leave. It covers everything from sales tax to tipping.

Speed Limit:
65mph for all vehicles on freeways where the department has posted a 65mph speed limit.   55 mph in other locations.
Buckle Up - It's the law in Pennsylvania.

Business Hours-- Offices are usually open weekdays from 9am to 5pm. Banks are open weekdays from 9am to 3pm or later and sometimes Saturday mornings. Stores typically open between 9 and 10am and close between 5 and 6pm from Monday through Saturday. Stores in shopping complexes or malls tend to stay open late: until about 9pm on weekdays and weekends, and many malls and larger department stores are open on Sundays.

Drinking Laws-- The legal age for purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages is 21; proof of age is required and often requested at bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, so it's always a good idea to bring ID when you go out. In Pennsylvania, liquor and wine are sold only in state-run stores, but you can purchase beer at many delis and at some bars.

Taxes-- There is no sales tax on clothing in Pennsylvania, which makes it a popular shopping destination. Lehigh Valley's sales tax on other items is 6%.

Tipping-- Tips are a very important part of certain workers' income, and gratuities are the standard way of showing appreciation for services provided. In hotels, tip bellhops at least $1 per bag ($2-$3 if you have a lot of luggage) and tip the chamber staff $1 to $2 per day (more if you've left a disaster area for him or her to clean up). Tip the doorman or concierge only if he or she has provided you with some specific service (for example, calling a cab for you or obtaining difficult-to-get theater tickets).

In restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, tip service staff 15% to 20% of the check and tip bartenders 10% to 15%.

As for other service personnel, tip cab drivers 15% of the fare; tip skycaps at airports at least $1 per bag ($2-$3 if you have a lot of luggage); and tip hairdressers and barbers 15% to 20%.