Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
service stations. Gasoline costs less here than it does in Europe, and taxes
are already included in the printed price. One U.S. gallon equals 3.8 liters
or .85 Imperial gallons.
Holidays
Banks, government offices, post offices, and many stores, restau-
rants, and museums are closed on the following legal national holidays:
January 1 (New Year's Day), the third Monday in January (Martin Luther
King Jr. Day), the third Monday in February (Presidents' Day, Washington's
Birthday), the last Monday in May (Memorial Day), July 4 (Independence
Day), the first Monday in September (Labor Day), the second Monday in
October (Columbus Day), November 11 (Veterans' Day/Armistice Day), the
fourth Thursday in November (Thanksgiving Day), and December 25
(Christmas Day). Also, the Tuesday following the first Monday in November
is Election Day and is a federal government holiday in presidential-election
years (held every 4 years).
Legal Aid
If you are “pulled over” for a minor infraction (such as speed-
ing), never attempt to pay the fine directly to a police officer; this could
be construed as attempted bribery, a much more serious crime. Pay fines
by mail, or directly into the hands of the clerk of the court. If accused of
a more serious offense, say and do nothing before consulting a lawyer.
Here the burden is on the state to prove a person's guilt beyond a rea-
sonable doubt, and everyone has the right to remain silent, whether he
or she is suspected of a crime or actually arrested. Once arrested, a per-
son can make one telephone call to a party of his or her choice. Call your
embassy or consulate.
Mail
Mailboxes are blue with a red-and-white stripe and carry the
inscription
U
.
S
.
MAIL
. Outside of major urban areas, such mailboxes can be
difficult to locate. Look in front of supermarkets and at other large shop-
ping centers. If your mail is addressed to a U.S. destination, don't forget
to add the five-digit postal code (or ZIP code), after the two-letter abbre-
viation of the state to which the mail is addressed.
Domestic postage rates are 25¢ for a postcard and 35¢ for a letter.
International mail rates vary. For example, a 1-ounce first-class letter to
Europe or Asia costs 80¢ (60¢ to Canada and Mexico); a first-class postcard
to Europe or Asia costs 70¢ (50¢ to Canada and Mexico).
Medical Emergencies
To call an ambulance, dial
&
911
from any phone.
No coins are needed.
Newspapers & Magazines
National newspapers include the
New York
Times, USA Today,
and the
Wall Street Journal.
National newsweeklies
include
Newsweek, Time,
and
U.S. News & World Report.
For information
on local publications, see the “Fast Facts” section of chapter 4.
Restrooms
You won't find public toilets on the streets in most U.S. cities,
but they can be found in hotel lobbies, bars, restaurants, museums,
department stores, shopping malls, railway and bus stations, and service
stations. Note, however, that restaurants and bars in resorts or heavily vis-
ited areas may reserve their restrooms for the use of their patrons. Some
establishments display a notice that toilets are for the use of patrons
only. You can ignore this sign or, better yet, avoid arguments by paying
for a cup of coffee or a soft drink, which will qualify you as a patron.
