Edit (10 August 2009) - added a coupleof little checklists and a tips n taxes cheet sheet - any suggestions pass 'em on ;)

Edit (08/08/09) - meh i have been far too busy with work stuff :( - still aiming to get some sort fo pdf ready this week tho as I fly out next Saturday - just might not be as good as I was hoping

Edit (02/07/09) website now active www.shadowoutpost.org will be working on this over the next week or so - I'll post major updates here as well
Edit (10/06/09) Added a vehicle security tip and a link to the US TSA travellers website as provided by
Streborahp (Kilrogg US) - I totally forgot that this post would show up on the blue tracker websites :)

I also now have an email address specifically for blizzcon things - shadowblizzcon@googlemail.com
If anyone wants help with anything then feel free to email - I'll do my best to help - tho there is nothing to stop you posting here - whilst I know a chunk of stuff I'm not the be all and end all - plenty more brainy people on here :)

Link to the US Blizzcon forums survival guide post -

http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=16903572994&sid=1

Tips for visitors to Blizzcon 09
Compiled from a variety of sources
by Shadowscout (Draenor EU Realms) (was Aszune last year ;op )
credits to all posters on the US & EU forums who have helped by posting hints

Currency
US Dollar
When changing money remember to ask for some smaller notes (ie one dollar bills) for use
for tipping etc for when you arrive at the airport / taxi hotel etc) In the UK the Post Office
is usually good for this and usually has a no-commission deal for dollars
http://www.postoffice.co.uk its under the travel tab if people give me good links for
countries other than the UK I'll add them here.

Timezone
Pacific Timezone (GMT -8 hours)

Useful Phone numbers
Emergency 24 hours ambulance, fire, police:911
Directory assistance for local numbers, dial 411. For long-distance directory assistance, dial 1 plus area code and
555-1212. For assistance with toll-free phone number, dial 800-555-1212.
Area code for most of the Orange County area is either 714 or 949. Toll-free phone calls have area codes of 800,
866, 877 or 888; however, not all toll-free numbers work outside the U.S.

Hotel Securtiy
Determine the most direct route to and from your room to the fire escapes, elevators and
nearest telephone.
Use all auxiliary locking devices on doors and windows.
Use the door viewer to identify anyone requesting entry. Open the door only if you are
certain the person has a legitimate reason to enter your room. If in doubt, call the front desk.
Report any lost or stolen items to the management and to the police.
Never leave money, checks, credit cards, jewelry and other valuables, extra room keys or car
keys in the room. Take valuables with you or leave them in the hotel safety deposit box.
Report to the hotel management any suspicious activities in the corridors or rooms.
Remember - the only way to stop crime is to get involved in crime prevention.

Local Drinking Laws
The legal drinking age in the US is 21. You will regularly be asked to provide photographic
proof of age, carry your passport with you is the best bet.
Alcohol may not be served, purchased or consumed in public establishments from 2 – 6am.
As of January 2008 alcohol is no longer permitted on any of the beaches in the San Diego or
Orange County areas. There are locals bars and restaurants on the shoreline where you can
drink – just don’t take anything onto the beach area.
Also several of the local boardwalk and parks are alcohol free zones – if in doubt check for
signs and / or ask lifeguards or police.

Smoking Laws
You must be at least 18 years of age to purchase or use tobacco products. Throughout California, smoking is
prohibited in most public buildings, all restaurants and many beach areas.

Convention visitors
Remove badges when leaving the convention area.
Create a buddy system with someone and check up on each other every so often.
When out at night, use lighted sidewalks (pavements) and don’t travel alone if possible.
Downtown San Diego businesses have initiated a successful Clean and Safe program with
trained ambassadors to assist visitors. They are visible in khaki and blue baseball hats and
white logo shirts. Identification cards are visible.

Staff Tipping
Although tipping is voluntary, restaurant and bar staff are customarily given a gratuity of 15-
20% of the bill.
Taxi drivers are tipped 15% of the fare.
Bellhops receive $1-2 per bag to carry luggage to your room or $5 per person.
Hotel door attendants, valet parking and other service personel $3
Housekeeping staff $2 per room/daily
Airport skycaps are tipped 50 cents per bag or generally a $1/ 2 minimum.
Please note that unlike the UK it is generally ‘expected’ in the US that you will tip staff. This
is generally a good idea if you are going to be in the same area for a few days and trust me
you will notice the difference in service. In some cases (bars etc) the actual staff wages are a
bit on the low side as it is expected that customers will tip thereby making up a larger part of
the staffs actual take-home wage.

Nice information! Stickied for greater visibility :-)