Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
608
608
are located in major U.S. cities, and most
nations have a mission to the United
Nations in New York City. If your country
isn't listed below, call for directory infor-
mation in Washington, D.C. (
&
202/555-
1212
) or check
www.embassy.org/
embassies
.
The embassy of
Australia
is at 1601
Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC
20036 (
&
202/797-3000;
usa.embassy.
gov/au).
The embassy of
Canada
is at 501 Penn-
sylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
20001 (
&
202/682-1740;
www.canadian
embassy.org). Other Canadian consulates
are in Buffalo (New York), Detroit, Los
Angeles, New York, and Seattle.
The embassy of
Ireland
is at 2234 Mas-
sachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC
20008 (
&
202/462-3939;
www.ireland
emb.org). Irish consulates are in Boston,
Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and
other cities. See the website for complete
listing.
The embassy of
New Zealand
is at
37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington,
DC 20008 (
&
202/328-4800;
www.nz
embassy.com). New Zealand consulates
are in Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, San
Francisco, and Seattle.
The embassy of the
United Kingdom
is at 3100 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Wash-
ington, DC 20008 (
&
202/588-7800;
www.britainusa.com). British consulates
are in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleve-
land, Houston, Los Angeles, New York,
San Francisco, and Seattle.
EMERGENCIES
In case of emergency,
dial
&
911.
GASOLINE
PETROL
In the past year
the cost of gasoline has fluctuated wildly.
In the Southwest, prices run a little above
the national average. Taxes are already
included in the printed price. One U.S.
gallon equals 3.8 liters or .85 imperial gal-
lons.
HOLIDAYS
Banks, government offices,
post offices, and many stores, restaurants,
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),
the last Monday in May (Memorial Day),
July 4 (Independence Day), the first Mon-
day 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). The Tuesday after the first
Monday in November is Election Day, a
federal government holiday in presiden-
tial-election years (held every 4 years, and
next in 2012). For more information on
holidays see “Calendar of Events,” on
p. 31.
HOSPITALS
See the “Fast Facts” sec-
tion in the major city chapters.
INSURANCE
For information on trav-
eler's insurance, trip cancellation insur-
ance, and medical insurance while
traveling, please visit www.frommers.com/
planning.
INTERNET ACCESS
Although you will
find the some cybercafes in the Southwest,
they are not as common as in more popu-
lated regions. Your best bet, other than
using access provided by your hotel or
resort, is to head to the nearest public
library or copy shop, such as FedEx
Kinko's. To find a cyber cafe in your city,
try www.cybercafe.com. Also see the “Fast
Facts” sections in individual chapters.
LEGAL AID
If you are “pulled over” for
a minor infraction (such as speeding),
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
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