Lake Tahoe: Villégiature in the heights of the Sierra Nevada

Uses and customs

In the United States, tipping is a serious issue, especially for those professions that are paid only by the tip, which is legal in the USA. This is the case, for example, for waiters and waitresses, car valets and tour guides.

You should also leave a minimum of $1 for baggage handlers and porters, a barman for a drink ordered on its own or a taxi driver for a short journey. 10% for a café or fast-food restaurant.

In restaurants, it is customary to wait at the entrance to be seated.

Safety

Be careful in all situations, as travelling changes our habits. The high mountains surrounding Lake Tahoe have precipice areas that are not necessarily signposted or protected by railings. It's potentially dangerous, and you'll need to keep a particularly close eye on your children and warn them.

We've also told you about bears. In California, they don't attack humans, but are used to collecting rubbish. They enter built-up areas at night, so don't be afraid to come and inspect yours if you're staying in a lakeside lodge. Or in a tent in the forest. The key is food, which must be locked up in airtight, opaque tins so that the bears can't see or sniff the contents. You'll find bear boxes on site. This is what the rangers recommend. You should be aware, however, that Hank Le Tank, a handsome 220kg brown bear, devastated the interiors of 28 houses in the South Lake Tahoe region between summer 2021 and summer 2022 in search of food. If such an encounter - a rare one, it must be said - should occur, call 911 quickly and, above all, do not obstruct the animal.

You should also be aware that there are snakes around the lake, as there are all over California and Nevada, particularly garter snakes, which are not dangerous.

There are also several species of lynx, including the adorable bobcat, which is so shy you'll probably never see it. So no danger there.

California is not always safe, especially in the desert areas, but the Lake Tahoe region, which is very popular with tourists, is considered safe.

Finally, take care when practising lively or violent sports, extreme mountain sports, skiing and scuba diving in the lake. It's a real blow to end up in hospital, especially if you haven't taken out hospital insurance: hospitals are very expensive in the USA.

Health

Currently, the only compulsory vaccination is against COVID-19. You will need to be vaccinated according to a complete vaccination schedule if you are over 18 (with vaccines recognised by the US CDC), and quarantined if you are a non-vaccinated minor. The telephone number for the COVID-19 hotline in Lake Tahoe is 800-232-4636.

There is rabies and plague in California. In August 2021, the Californian authorities closed off areas of Lake Tahoe after a squirrel (chipmunk) was found dead of bubonic plague.

If you are bitten, scratched or even licked on the mouth, eyes or any other mucous membrane by a mammal, have an anti-rabies vaccine and its boosters administered immediately. Keep an eye on your children.

Keep an eye on the weather

Whether you're on the water or in the mountains, it's a good idea to keep an eye on the weather throughout your stay.

Where to shop?

The well-known shopping districts with luxury shops in Lake Tahoe are: Carnelian Bay / Tahoe Vista / Kings Beach, Incline Village, Northstar-at-Tahoe, Tahoe City, Squaw Creek Resort, Truckee, Squaw Valley Village.

Formalities for entering the United States

As a French citizen, you are automatically exempt from visa requirements (except if you are travelling for work), and must apply on the Internet for and obtain authorisation to travel to the USA (ESTA) at least 72 hours before departure. Do this as early as possible.

However, an electronic or biometric passport will be required for all family members, including infants.

Otherwise, you will need to obtain a visa.

As far as COVID is concerned, adults must still be vaccinated according to a complete vaccination schedule. However, it is no longer compulsory to present a negative virological test for Covid-19.

For more information, see the link below.

The US authorities pay particular attention to checks on people and goods in transit at airports. So take care not to be late at the airport, as the wait could be long. Also take care to pack your personal belongings well and not to carry any prohibited foodstuffs or bottles of prohibited sizes. They will end up in the bin and delay you.