Las Vegas is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
And, in a lot of ways, it’s designed to take your cash. From the moment you step off the plane, you’re greeted with the flashing lights and glitzy promise of easy money topped with a good time. Just put a dollar or 10 into the slot machines, and all your dreams might come true!
I’ve lived here for almost 20 years, and the first thing you learn as a local is that the house always wins. The second thing you learn is how to make sure it doesn’t win everything.
Here are a few things I think tourists should stop wasting money on when they visit Las Vegas.
ATMs on the Strip can have really high fees.
No one should come to Vegas without a plan, and that includes a gambling budget.
It’s rare for someone to walk through the winding maze of slot machines and not feel inclined to drop a few dollars. It’s like an adult video game that often comes with free drinks.
But the last thing you want is to find yourself in the middle of a gambling streak without any cash. Many casino ATM fees hover around $10 a transaction, but I’ve also seen worse.
Instead, stop by an ATM or a bank off the Strip. It might seem inconvenient, but between resort fees, room taxes, and inflated prices, the last thing you want is to lose money by simply taking out cash.
You’ll probably be paying a premium if you buy a drink at the first bar you see.
In my experience, if the bar is conveniently located, you’re probably going to pay too much for the drink. Even inside the casinos, the bars closest to the lobby will often be more expensive than others tucked in the back.
For example, in the same section of a casino, I once found two vendors selling nearly identical frozen cocktails, but the one closer to the action had prices double the other’s.
So, before ordering, walk around a bit and see if you can find a better deal.
And if you have the time, play a few dollars at the slots and wait for the cocktail server. Most casinos offer free drinks if you’re actively gambling.
Getting advanced tickets for shows is often way pricier than waiting until the day of.
Vegas is known for its broad selection of world-class shows. From Cirque du Soleil to any number of all-star residencies, there’s no shortage of killer entertainment on the Strip.
However, that doesn’t mean you have to pay full price for tickets. In fact, given how unpredictable a day in Las Vegas can be, waiting until the last minute has its perks.
Kiosks along the Strip often offer unsold, day-of tickets for around half the original price. Plus, several websites and other vendors have similar deals with casinos and entertainment venues.
This requires some flexibility and risk — not all shows have unsold tickets or offer lower prices every day. However, if you don’t mind some uncertainty and love a good deal, it’s easy enough to find cheap seats not long before a show starts.
Clothes, toiletries, and other essentials tend to cost a lot more on the Strip.
Whether you’re looking for designer duds or a toiletry you forgot, you’ll be able to find it in Vegas.
There are tons of shops conveniently located near every major casino property and all along the Strip.
However, at a lot of these places, you may find yourself paying a premium for basics and items that aren’t that special. For example, I’ve seen a four-pack of Motrin for $5 and a not-officially-licensed Las Vegas Raiders jacket going for $150.
So, pack your essentials from home whenever possible and be vigilant when you browse. And, if you want to do some shopping during your trip, head just north of the Strip to the Premium Outlets for better deals.
Parking fees can really add up.
For years, casinos didn’t charge for parking in their garages — and some still don’t. So knowing which ones do can stop you from wasting money.
Additionally, it might seem like renting a car is the way to go to save on rideshare or cab fees. However, if you don’t pay attention, you could easily spend way more on parking for a day than on a few rideshare trips.
Before you head to Vegas, definitely research parking garages and do a little math to see if it’s even worth having a car.
This story was originally published on January 6, 2024, and most recently updated on October 26, 2026.
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