Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Saturday hours (major Citibank branches tend to open Sat 9am-3pm). Major banks - such
as Citibank and Chase - will exchange travellers' cheques and currency at a standard rate.
For banking services - particularly currency exchange - outside normal business hours and
on weekends, try major hotels, though the rate won't be as good.
OPENING HOURS
The opening hours of specific attractions are given throughout the Guide. As a general rule,
most museums are open Tuesday through Sunday, 10am-5 or 6pm, though most have one
night per week where they stay open at least a few hours later. Government offices, includ-
ing post offices, are open during regular business hours, usually 9am-5pm. Store hours
vary widely, though you can generally count on them being open Monday-Saturday from
around 10am-6pm, with limited Sunday hours. Many of the larger chain or department
stores will stay open to 9pm or later, and you generally don't have to walk more than a few
blocks anywhere to find a 24-hour deli. On national public holidays, banks and offices are
likely to be closed all day, and some shops have reduced hours.
PHONES
In the US, AT&T and T-Mobile use the GSM standard for mobile phones, and most foreign
companies partner with them to provide service to travelling customers. Note that unless
you have a tri-band phone, it is unlikely that a mobile bought for use outside the US or
Canada will work inside the States. If you have a Blackberry or smartphone these should
work in the US, but roaming charges, especially for data, can be extortionate; even check-
ing voicemail can result in hefty charges. Check with your phone company before you
travel.
The cost of a local call on a public payphone is 25¢ for three or four minutes, depending
on the carrier (each phone company runs their own booths). Calls elsewhere within the US
are usually 25-50¢ for one minute; overseas rates are much pricier, so buy a prepaid calling
card ($5, $10 or $20), from a grocery store or newsstand.
To call home internationally: dial 011 + country code + number, minus the initial 0 (to call
Canada, just start with the area code). Country codes are as follows: Australia (61), New
Zealand (64), UK & Northern Ireland (44), and Ireland (353).
POST
International letters and postcards usually take about a week to reach their destination; rates
are currently $1.15 for all international letters and postcards. To find a post office or check
up-to-date rates, see
www.usps.com
or call
1 800 275 8777.
