Travel Essentials

We are so excited to welcome you to Seattle for our reception weekend!

For those traveling from afar, we have put together a few helpful notes to assist with planning your trip, so you can relax and fully enjoy your time here.

Visa & Entry Requirements

Guests traveling from outside the United States may need a visa (such as a B1/B2 visitor visa) or may be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), depending on their country of citizenship.

You can check your eligibility, visa requirements, and visa process on the official U.S. Department of State website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html

We recommend starting the visa application process as early as possible, as wait times for interview appointments can vary significantly by country.

If you require an invitation letter or any supporting documents for your application, please let us know in the RSVP form. We are happy to help.

For Chinese citizens:
If you are traveling on a valid B1/B2 visa, you will also need to enroll in the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) prior to travel. EVUS enrollment is required every two years (or when you receive a new passport or visa), and must be completed before entering the United States.

Travel Insurance

We strongly encourage guests traveling from outside the United States to obtain travel medical insurance for the duration of their trip. Coverage for unexpected illness, injuries, or trip disruptions can provide important protection and peace of mind while traveling.

Medical care in the U.S. can be costly, and having appropriate coverage can help avoid unexpected expenses.

SIM Cards & Mobile Data

Staying connected during your trip can be helpful for navigation, communication, and accessing travel information. Below are a few options to consider:

Using your home carrier (roaming)
You may choose to use your existing mobile plan with international roaming in the United States. This is often the most convenient option.

For guests traveling from China, please note that when using your home carrier’s roaming service, access to certain websites and apps (such as Google services) may be restricted.

Purchasing a SIM card in the U.S.
You may also purchase a local SIM card upon arrival, including at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) or nearby retail stores.

We recommend purchasing from official retail counters or stores. Please note that SIM card vending machines at the airport are not recommended, as they may be unreliable or difficult to use.

Getting Around

There are several convenient ways to get around during your stay in Seattle:

Driving
If you have a driver’s license, driving is the most convenient way to get around. Street parking is widely available and can be paid using PayByPhone, and parking spots can also be reserved in advance through APPs like SpotHero.

For travel between Seattle and our venues, we recommend driving as the most flexible and reliable option.

Rideshare
Guests may also consider using rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft, which are widely available throughout Seattle and the surrounding areas. This is a convenient alternative, especially for those who prefer not to drive.

Public Transportation
Public transportation is available within the city of Seattle. However, it may be less convenient for reaching the venue or traveling between event locations. Some neighborhoods are better connected than others. If you plan to rely on public transit, we recommend referring to the “Where to Stay” page for guidance.

Car Rental

Rental cars are available at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and throughout the city.

If you plan to attend multiple events or explore beyond Seattle, renting a car can be one of the most flexible and convenient options. We recommend booking in advance, especially during the summer.

Several major rental car companies operate at SEA, including:

Alamo
Avis
Budget
Dollar
Enterprise
Hertz
National
Payless
Sixt
Thrifty
Fox

All rental companies operate from a centralized rental car facility near the airport, which can be accessed via a free shuttle from the terminal. Check out SEA car rental page for more details.

Weather

Summer in the Seattle area is typically warm and pleasant, with daytime temperatures around 70–80°F (21–27°C).

Evenings may be cooler, especially outdoors, so we recommend layering (e.g., a T-shirt and a light jacket) to stay comfortable throughout the day.

Local tips

Tipping: In the U.S., tipping is customary. In restaurants, a tip of 18–22% is typical. Tipping is also appreciated for services such as taxis and rideshare drivers.
Sales Tax: Prices on restaurant menus or stores usually do not include tax. In Seattle, sales tax is approximately 10% and will be added at checkout.
Drinking Age: The legal drinking age in the U.S. is 21, and a valid photo ID may be required upon ordering alcohol drinks. Photos or scans of the ID are usually not accepted.
Payment Methods: Credit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted. Some smaller businesses might have cash-only policy.
Power Outlets: The U.S. uses Type A/B plugs (120V). Most rechargeable electronic devices (such as phones and laptops) can be used with U.S. outlets, though a plug adapter may be needed. We recommend checking the voltage range of your devices before use.

Have more questions about travel, RSVP, or the weekend schedule?

Check out our "FAQ" page or contact us directly.