Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Christmas). 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, and next in 2008). In addition, many city offices
are closed in Chicago for Casimir Pulaski Day, marking the birthday of a
Polish-born Revolutionary War hero, which is observed on the first Mon-
day in March.
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
If you aren't sure what your address will be in the United States,
mail can be sent to you, in your name, c/o General Delivery at the main
post office of the city or region where you expect to be. (Call
&
800/275-
8777
for information on the nearest post office.) The addressee must pick
up mail in person and must produce proof of identity (driver's license,
passport). Most post offices will hold your mail for up to 1 month and are
open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, and Saturday from 9am to 3pm.
Chicago's main post office is at 433 W. Van Buren St. (
&
312/654-3895
).
Generally found at intersections, mailboxes are blue with a red-and-
white stripe and carry the inscription
U
.
S
.
MAIL
. 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 abbreviation of the state to which the mail is
addressed. This is essential to prompt delivery.
At press time, domestic postage rates were 23¢ for a postcard and 37¢
for a letter. For international mail, a first-class letter of up to one-half
ounce costs 80¢ (60¢ to Canada and Mexico); a first-class postcard costs
70¢ (50¢ to Canada and Mexico); and a preprinted postal aerogramme
costs 70¢.
Measurements
See the chart on the inside front cover of this topic for
details on converting metric measurements to U.S. equivalents.
Taxes
The United States has no value-added tax (VAT) or other indirect
tax at the national level. Every state, county, and city has the right to levy
its own local tax on all purchases, including hotel and restaurant checks,
airline tickets, and so on.
Telephone, Telegraph, Telex & Fax
The telephone system in the United
States is run by private corporations, so rates, especially for long-distance
service and operator-assisted calls, can vary widely. Generally, hotel sur-
charges on long-distance and local calls are astronomical, so you're usu-
ally better off using a
public pay telephone,
which you'll find clearly
marked in most public buildings and private establishments as well as on
the street. Convenience grocery stores and gas stations always have them.
Many convenience groceries and packaging services sell
prepaid calling
