Weather in Alaska can be quite unpredictable. Generally, Alaska experiences mild summers, with temperatures in the 50s and 60s (10s and 20s °C). It is not uncommon to have temperatures in the 70s (25° C) during the middle of the summer and on the rare occasion the 80s or 90s. The first week of June, the last two weeks of August, and all of September can be particularly unpredictable with a chance of snow and freezing temperatures. At the beginning and end of the season, plan for cold weather. Your best bet for comfort in Alaska is to dress in layers, as the weather can change rapidly. We have more suggestions on what to pack on our What to Bring page.
The currency used in the United States is called the United States Dollar (USD). The USD is accepted in denominations of $100, $50, $20, $10, $5, $1, 25¢ (called a “quarter”), 10¢ (called a “dime”), 5¢ (called a “nickel”), and 1¢ (called a “penny”).
Currency can be exchanged at airports or foreign exchange services, but the best exchange rate is to be found at any of the United States banks. The major banks are: Wells Fargo, First National Bank, Alaska USA, Alaska Pacific Bank and Northrim Bank. Minimum hours of operation will be from 10 AM to 3 PM, Monday to Friday. Extended hours can be found in some cities. We recommend carrying USD travelers checks, as they are accepted as currency at most hotels, stores and restaurants.
Automated teller machines (ATMs) are common throughout Alaska, and as well as being located in banks, they can be found in some grocery stores, gas stations, convenience stores, shopping centers, bus depots, train stations and elsewhere. Please note that often ATMs will charge a service fee for use if you do not regularly bank there. The machine will normally advise the amount of the fee before the transaction starts.
Most major credit cards are widely accepted across the country — principally Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
Currency can be exchanged at airports or foreign exchange services, but the best exchange rate is to found at any of the United States banks. The major banks are: Wells Fargo, First National Bank, Alaska USA, Alaska Pacific Bank and Northrim Bank. Minimum hours of operation will be from 10 AM to 3 PM Monday to Friday. Extended hours can be found in some cities. We recommend carrying USD travelers checks, as they are accepted as currency at most hotels, stores and restaurants.
Automated teller machines (ATMs) are common throughout Alaska, and as well as being located in banks, they can be found in some grocery stores, gas stations, convenience stores, shopping centers, bus depots, train stations and elsewhere. Please note that most ATMs will charge a service fee for use. The machine will normally advise the amount of the fee before the transaction starts.
Electricity is supplied at an alternating current of 110 volts. Plugs in the United States are either two flat, parallel prongs, or one cylindrical and two flat parallel prongs.
Advance notice and details of any disability will ensure the best possible assistance from airlines, hotels and transport companies. The Alaska Collection does not have wheelchair-accessible buses but we can accommodate collapsable wheelchairs on board in the luggage storage area.
Many cinemas and restaurants are happy to assist with special requests although not all have facilities for multiple wheelchairs. Most new buildings provide wheelchair access. Many of the national and state parks have accessible interpretive centers and some of the shorter nature trails and/or boardwalks have been designed with wheelchairs or self-propelled mobility aids in mind.
For further information, please contact directly: State of Alaska ADA Compliance Program or Alaska Department of Natural Resources- Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation
The State of Alaska currently does not have a sales and use tax. However, some local jurisdictions impose local sales taxes. Local sales tax rates range from a low of 1% to a high of 8%. The "typical" sales tax rates are from 2%-5%.
GENERAL TAX AS OF JANUARY 1, 2015:
Anchorage: 0% (Sales), 12% (Bed Tax), 8% (car rental); Delta Junction, 0%; Denali: 0% (sales), 7% (Bed); Fairbanks: 0% (Sales), 8% (bed), 5% (Alcohol), 8% (Tobacco); Homer: 7.5% (Sales); Seward: 7% (Sales), 4% (Bed); Valdez: 6% (Bed); Whittier 5% (Sales)
Meter-operated taxicab service is available in all major cities and towns; at transport terminals; major hotels, and can be hailed in the street. Refer to the Yellow Pages of the telephone directory. Fees include a minimum charge and then a charge for the distance travelled. It is customary to tip taxi drivers 10% to 15%. Passengers must wear seatbelts.
All international visitors must clear United States Customs and Immigration at the first US airport at which they arrive. Visitors will receive customs documents from in-flight personnel to complete before landing. Once on the ground, retrieve your luggage and follow the directions to the Customs Hall. Visitors will be required to state what articles they are bringing into the United States, country of origin, their U.S. destination and their duration of visit in the United States.
When leaving the United States, the regulations of the destination country will apply. Check with the airline customer service desk if you are uncertain about any of these regulations.
