Tax and Visas....

[Hannahh25]

Hi everyone

It will be our first trip to WDW (and the US!) in June but we don't know anything about getting the visa for each of us (how much it costs, where from etc.), would anyone be able to point us in the right direction?

Also am I right in thinking that prices shown online for restaurant menus do not include tax? How much is the tax in Florida? Would be nice to have an idea of how much spending money to take each day

Thanks!!

 

[Woodview]

You will need a Visa . Every Person MUST have their Own.

You use the OFFICIAL USA Government Site

EACH VISA COSTS $ 14 to $ 15 ONLY . ( NO MORE )

Look up ESTA .Gov (?)

NO VISA >>>>> NO Boarding of Plane

..........

ALL Prices for Anything in Florida is MARKED PLUS TAX atCheckout

Say shoes at $ 20 or a loaf of Bread $2

At Checkout this turns into $ 22 Plus Tax

This Tax varies from County to County

 

[mickg7dyd]

Hi,
Providing you meet the requirements (No criminal record etc.) you will need what's known as an ESTA. There is "sticky" link on the top of the main UK Trip Planning page giving full details. If you don't meet the requirements you will need to apply the US Embassy for a Visa,
Sale tax varies county to county but in most of Disney it's 6.5% and you are right most prices exclude this. Also don't forget to factor in a tip of about 15 to 20%.
Mick.

 

[Elise79]

You will need to apply for an ESTA which is an electronic authorisation to travel. If your ESTA is not approved then you would have to apply for a Visa. ESTAs ate $14 each.

Apply on this website only: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/. There are others out there that will charge you more.

Regarding sales tax nearly everything is plus tax. The only exceptions are the ice cream and drink carts in the parks and the include tax. Florida's general sales tax rate is 6% though individual counties are allowed to charge a surcharge meaning the Tax does vary by county - Orange county is 6.5% this covers WDW, Lake buena vista, I-Drive and Universal. Osceola county is 7% and covers part of disney (All stars) and the western end of the 192.

 

[chmurf]

regarding restaurants, also factor in the tips.
tips are integral part of the waiter's paycheck. You only tip at sit down restaurants (not counter service)

offsite a 15% tip is expected. At Disney you get a suggested tip between 18 and 20% of the pre-tax check

so, say your restaurant check is $80, what will you pay ?

$80 => 18% tip = $14.4 / 20% tip = $16
$80 => 6.5% tax = $5.2

your total check will be $80 + $5.2 (check + tax) = $85.2 and you'll need to add the tip for example $15, total you'll pay will be $100.2

outstanding service will get a big tip (on the 20% side), standard service will get 15 to 18%. Poor service = very low tip (if any)

you're also expected to tip taxis (10 to 15%)

there are quite a few threads and websites about tipping in the US, but since it's your first visit, I think it's important to get you up to speed on that subject.

 

[flortlebap]

If there's any chance your ESTA app won't be accepted then I would do it as soon as possible, there have been nightmare reports of people having to wait up to six months for visa approval!

It's pretty rare though and unless you've ever been arrested, unlikely to cause a problem.

 

[wilma-bride]

You will need a Visa . Every Person MUST have their Own.

You use the OFFICIAL USA Government Site

EACH VISA COSTS $ 14 to $ 15 ONLY . ( NO MORE )

Look up ESTA .Gov (?)

NO VISA >>>>> NO Boarding of Plane

Just to be clear, the ESTA is NOT a visa. The ESTA is only the authorisation to travel to the USA and only for those people who are eligible for the Visa Waiver Programme.

OP, I am sure that ESTA is what you meant but, be aware that if anyone in your party does need a visa, this can be a long and drawn out process and it would be best to get a visa before even booking a trip.