A
Addresses
In Seattle, avenues run north–south, while streets run east–west. Streets and avenues can be designated with numbers or names. When trying to locate an address, be sure to note whether the address includes directionals (north, south, east, or west). For example, E Madison Street or Queen Anne Avenue N will indicate the location in the east or north part of town.
Admission Charges
Fees to attractions can range from less than $10 to over $35, with reduced fees for children and seniors. We’ve indicated whether you’ll have to pay or not in the information on each attraction. On the first Thursday of the month, many museums have extended evening hours and offer free admission.
Most festivals at the Seattle Center are free, except for Bumbershoot, which charges a hefty admission price (more for the Platinum and Gold passes). The Seattle City Pass card allows you to visit six of the most popular Seattle attractions for $69 ($44 for kids); it’s available at www.citypass.com/seattle.
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Budgeting for Your Trip
It is best to research your trip in advance and look for internet discounts for hotels and attractions. Keep in mind the 9.5 percent sales tax added to all purchases.
When dining out, a glass of house wine costs around $6–9, and a beer $4–6. To get more bang for your buck, take advantage of the happy hour offerings at many restaurants and bars. An entrée at a budget restaurant will be less than $10, at a moderate restaurant $20–25, and at an expensive restaurant $35 and more.
Accommodations will set you back $100 or less for a budget option, $100–200 for a moderate hotel, and $200 plus for room in a deluxe hotel.
A taxi to and from the airport is in the region of $35–50. A single bus fare within Seattle is $2.50 peak times, and $2.25 off-peak, though fares are likely to increase.
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Climate
The temperature in western Washington (west of the Cascade Mountains) is usually mild. Daytime temperatures range from 70–79°F (21–26°C) in summer and 41–48°F (4.5–9°C) in winter.
From October through April, Seattle gets 80 percent of its annual quota of rain. In summer, Seattle is frequently covered by some form of marine mist or fog in the morning that dissipates by the afternoon. Seattleites, on average, receive the sun’s light and warmth uninterrupted for the whole day only about 55 times a year.
Snow tends to stay in the mountains, which keeps skiers and almost everyone else happy, but because of quirky weather patterns you can sometimes find yourself in a hail shower on one side of town while the other side of the city experiences clear skies and a rainbow.
What to Wear
A raincoat or umbrella are mandatory from October through April, and a warm coat, hat, and gloves are recommended for November through February. In spring and fall it’s advisable to dress in layers, due to the frequently changing conditions. Sandals, shorts, skirts, and light clothing are appropriate for summer, though do bring a light jacket. Seattle is a casual place, and jeans are acceptable at most places.
When to Visit
Late May to September brings the best weather, least rain – and the most visitors. July and August are the warmest and busiest months. For winter sports enthusiasts, the nearby mountains usually offer decent skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing from December through March, and the sights are far less crowded (though rain is definitely a factor).
Crime and Safety
The streets of Seattle and most adjoining neighborhoods and islands are relatively safe during the day. However, as with most large cities, at night caution is advised. It is best not to walk alone at night on deserted city streets. Lock your car and never leave luggage, cameras, or other valuables in view.
Never leave money, valuables, or jewelry in your hotel room, even for a short time. Instead, take advantage of the hotel’s safety deposit service or in-room safe. Carry only the cash you need; most visitors find it convenient to use credit cards, which are widely accepted, or traveler’s checks.
Customs Regulations
An individual over the age of 21 is allowed to bring one bottle of liquor free of tax and 200 cigarettes duty free into the USA. The maximum amount of currency allowed is less than $10,000 or a foreign equivalent.
Visitors and non-US residents are normally entitled to a personal exemption of $100 on all goods being brought into the US that will remain in the US; in most cases returning US residents are entitled to an $800 personal exemption on goods acquired while abroad. All goods must be declared.
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Disabled Travelers
Disabled travelers can obtain information about discounts, transportation, assistive technology, community resources, and more from the city’s Human Services website (www.seattle.gov/humanservices/seniorsdisabled) or by calling 206-684 2489.
By law all new public buildings are wheelchair accessible. The majority of Seattle’s hotels and restaurants are wheelchair accessible, though some of the older buildings may not be; call ahead to confirm. Metro buses are equipped with a wheelchair lift; Sound Transit’s light rail link trains are fully wheelchair accessible; and the Seattle Streetcar features wheelchair ramps that deploy on the press of a button.
Electricity
The United States uses 110 volts. Electrical adaptors are readily available in electronics stores, luggage stores, and at many airport stores.
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Embassies/Consulates
The following embassies or consulates can be contacted in an emergency. For information on those of other countries, contact your embassy or consulate before leaving home:
Australia
575 Market Street, Suite 1800
San Francisco, CA 94105
Tel: 415-644 3620
Canada
1501 4th Avenue Suite 600
Seattle, WA 98101
Tel: 206-443 1777
Ireland
100 Pine Street, Suite 3350
San Francisco, CA 94111
Tel: 415-392 4214
Mexico
2132 3rd Avenue
Seattle, WA 98121
Tel: 206-448 3526
New Zealand
2425 Olympic Blvd, #600E
Santa Monica, CA 90404
310-566 6555
South Africa
6300 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Tel: 323-651 0902
UK
1 Sansome Street, Suite 850
San Francisco, CA 94104
Tel: 415-617 1300
Emergencies
For police, fire or medical emergencies, dial 911.
Coast Guard Emergencies
Tel: 206-217 6000 or the 911 emergency operator
Crisis Clinic
Tel: 206-461 3222
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Gay and Lesbian
Seattle has the second-largest gay community in the United States after San Francisco, with much of it concentrated in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, where there are bars, clubs, and businesses that cater to the LGBT community. Seattleites are generally open-minded and accepting of different lifestyles.
Gay City
517 E Pike Street; tel: 206-323 5428 (resource and referral line), 206-461 3222 (24-hour crisis line); www.gaycity.org; Mon–Fri 3–8pm, Sat 12.30–5pm. A valuable resource offering advocacy, legal and spiritual support, and many other types of support.
H
Health and Medical Care
Health care & Insurance
The medical care in Seattle is excellent, but as throughout the US, it is prohibitively expensive if a long hospital stay is required. To avoid unwelcome bills, it is vital that you have adequate health insurance before traveling to the US. Check with your current insurance provider that you are covered, and bring your health and travel insurance documents with you.
Most hospitals have a 24-hour emergency room service. Here are some major hospitals in the Seattle area that can provide emergency care:
In Seattle
Children’s Hospital and Medical Center
4800 Sand Point Way NE.
Tel: 206-987 2000
Harborview Medical Center
325 9th Avenue (corner of Jefferson Street)
Tel: 206-744 3300
Swedish Medical Center, First Hill
747 Broadway
Tel: 206-386 6000
Swedish Medical Center, Ballard
5300 Tallman Avenue NW
Tel: 206-782 2700
Swedish Medical Center, Cherry Hill
500 17th Avenue
Tel: 206-320 2000
University of Washington Medical Center
1959 NE Pacific Street
Tel: 206-598 3300
Virginia Mason Hospital
1100 9th Avenue
Tel: 206-223 6600
In Bellevue
Overlake Hospital Medical Center
1035 116th Avenue NE, Bellevue
Tel: 425-688 5000
In Kirkland
Evergreen Hospital Medical Center
12040 NE 128th Street, Kirkland
Tel: 425-899 2560
Referrals
King County Medical Society
Tel: 206-621 9393 (physician referral)
Seattle–King County Dental Society
Tel: 206-443 7607 (dentist referral)
Pharmacies
Certain drugs can only be prescribed by a doctor and purchased at a pharmacy. Bring any regular medication with you and a copy of your prescription if you will need a refill.
24-hour Pharmacies
Bartell Drugs
600 First Avenue N
Tel: 206-284 1354
Walgreens
5409 15th Avenue NW
Tel: 206-781 0056
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Internet
Seattle is one of the most wired cities in the world, and it’s very easy to find internet access. Most hotels offer Wi-fi free or for a fee; often, there is free access in the lobby. The majority of Seattle coffee shops have free Wi-fi; you may need to ask the barista for the password. Several public spaces offer free Wi-fi, including parks in Columbia City, the University District, and Downtown. Select Community Transit and Metro buses also have Wi-fi, as do many of the ferries that ply back and forth across Puget Sound. Email can be sent from most branches of FedEx/Kinko’s copy shops. All branches of the Seattle Public Library offer free Wi-fi; you can use one of their computer terminals free or for a small fee.
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Lost Property
If valuables are lost or stolen, report them to the local police department. A description of the items will be filed, and if they turn up, the police will return them as soon as possible.
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Maps
The Seattle Convention and Visitors’ Bureau (Washington State Convention Center, 800 Convention Place; tel: 206-694 5000) offers free maps to tourists. If these maps are insufficient for a particular destination, the American Automobile Association, better known as the ‘Triple A,’ can offer advice on planning trips, the best routes to take, and detailed maps, for a fee.
AAA, 4734 42nd Avenue SW; tel: 206-937 8222; www.aaawa.com
The Thomas Guides contain detailed street maps in a book format. They are available in most bookstores. Metsker Maps (for more information, click here) has plenty of maps and guides.
Seattle Television and Radio Channels
Television:
4 KOMO ABC affiliate
5 KING NBC affiliate
7 KIRO CBS affiliate
9 KCTS PBS
11 CW11 Independent
13 KCPQ Fox
22 KTWB Independent
Radio – AM stations:
570 KVI Talk
630 KCIS Christian
710 KIRO News /sports/talk
770 KTTH Talk
820 KGNW Christian
880 KIXI Nostalgic pop hits
950 KJR Sports/talk
1000 KOMO News
1050 KBLE Catholic
1090 KPTK Liberal talk
1150 KKNW CNN News
1210 KNWX Spanish
1250 KKDZ Radio Disney
1300 KOL Conservative Talk
1360 KKMO Spanish
1380 KRKO News/talk – Everett
1420 KRIZ Classic soul/R&B
1540 KXPA Spanish music
1560 KZIZ Gospel
1590 KLFE Ethnic
1620 KYIZ Urban contemporary
Radio – FM stations:
88.5 KPLU Jazz/news/NPR
89.5 KNHC Top 40/dance
89.9 KGRG Alternative rock
90.3 KEXP Alt/world music
90.7 KSER Public affairs/world music
91.3 KBCS Jazz/folk/world music
92.5 KQMV 1970s, ’80s, ’90s pop hits
93.3 KUBE Rhythmic Top 40
94.1 KMPS Country
94.9 KUOW News/NPR
95.7 KJR 1960s/’70s hits
96.5 KJAQ 1980s popular music
97.3 KBSQ Oldies
98.1 KING Classical
98.9 KWJZ Smooth jazz
99.9 KISW Rock
100.7 KKWF Country
101.5 KPLZ 1980s, ’90s, and contemporary music
102.5 KZOK Classic rock
103.7 KMTT Adult alternative
104.5 KMIH Contemporary hits
105.3 KCMS Christian
106.1 KISS Pop rock
106.5 KWPZ Contemporary praise music
106.9 KRWM Soft rock
107.7 KNDD Modern rock
Media
Seattle’s last-standing daily newspaper is The Seattle Times, though the Seattle Post-Intelligencer continues an online presence at www.seattlepi.com. The Times’ Friday tabloid section is a useful guide to weekend events. However, the most complete guides to the week’s recreation and entertainment, including visual arts, theater, music, and film, are found in the two fabulous free weeklies, the Seattle Weekly (www.seattleweekly.com) and The Stranger (www.thestranger.com) available from bars, coffee shops, and other locations throughout the city. Also included is dining and shopping information. The Puget Sound Business Journal is published weekly.
Foreign-language newspapers include the North American Post, a Japanese daily, the Northwest Asian Weekly, and El Hispanic News (weekly).
Public libraries offer reading rooms stacked with periodicals and, often, a good selection of foreign newspapers and magazines.
Newsstands that sell foreign publications include:
Bulldog News
4208 University Way NE
Tel: 206-632 6397
First & Pike News
93 Pike Place (in Pike Place Market)
Tel: 206-624 0140
Television and Radio
Excluding cable television, seven major stations serve the Seattle area. The public broadcast station is KCTS. It does not air commercials, but supports itself through public donations and grants.
There are numerous radio stations in the city to cater to all tastes (see box).
Money
Traveler’s checks and credit/debit cards are the easiest ways to bring money to Seattle, and cards are accepted at most places. ATMs are widely available, so you can withdraw money in Seattle directly from your bank back home (usually for a fee; check with your bank before you travel).
Currency & Credit Cards
Foreign currency exchange is available at Sea-Tac Airport, major Seattle banks, and at some major downtown hotels. Daily newspapers print exchange rates for most major currencies.
Having a credit card can be valuable for emergencies and transactions such as renting a car. Visa and American Express are widely accepted throughout the United States. In case of a lost or stolen card, use their toll-free numbers to report the incident immediately:
Visa Tel: 1-800-336 8472
American Express Tel: 1-800-528 4800.
Traveler’s Checks
American-dollar traveler’s checks are the safest form of currency. If lost or stolen, most can be replaced. In addition, they are as acceptable as cash in many stores, restaurants, and hotels in the US. Banks will generally cash large amounts of traveler’s checks. Always keep a record of the check numbers separate from the checks themselves. Remember to take your passport with you in case you are asked to produce it as identification. To report stolen or lost traveler’s checks call:
American Express
Tel: 1-800-221 7282
MasterCard
Tel: 1-800-223 9920
Visa
Tel: 1-800-227 6811
O
Opening Hours
Most businesses in central and greater Seattle are generally open from 9am–5pm Monday–Friday and are closed or have shorter hours on Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays.
Banks are usually open from 9am–6pm Monday–Friday, with many in Downtown also opening on Saturday mornings. Most banks, government agencies such as the post office, and some other businesses close on public holidays.
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Postal Services
The United States Postal Service is easy to use. The main post office in Downtown is at 301 Union Street, Seattle, WA 98101; tel: 206-748 5417; Mon–Fri 8.30am–5.30pm. Travelers uncertain of their address in a particular town may have mail addressed in their name, sent care of General Delivery at the main post office of that town. Mail will be held there for you to pick up (be sure to bring current picture identification).
You can buy stamps, envelopes, packing materials, and even wrapping paper at post office branches. Be sure to include a five-digit zip code for all addresses within the US. For overseas packages, a customs declaration form needs to be filled out. Overnight delivery service and Express Mail is also provided by the post office and some private companies.
Stamps may also be purchased from vending machines, which can often be found in hotels, stores, airports, and bus and train stations.
Dark blue mailboxes are located on many street corners, or you can post your letters at the post office itself.
Public Holidays
New Year’s Day January 1
Martin Luther King’s Birthday 3rd Monday in January
President’s Day 3rd Monday in February
Memorial Day last Monday in May
Independence Day July 4
Labor Day 1st Monday in September
Columbus Day 2nd Monday in October
Veteran’s Day November 11
Thanksgiving 4th Thursday in November
Christmas December 25
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Religious Services
Many different faiths are represented in Seattle, including Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist. To find a place of worship contact:
Church Council of Greater Seattle
4 Nickerson, Suite 300; tel: 206-525 1213; www.churchcouncil.org
Jewish Federation Of Greater Seattle
2031 Third Avenue; tel: 206-443 5400; www.jewishinseattle.org
Islamic Educational Center Of Seattle
23204 55th Avenue W; tel: 206-438 1970; www.iecseattle.org
Seattle Buddhist Center
12056 15th Avenue NE, Unit C-2; tel: 801-872 8332; www.seattlebuddhistcenter.org
Hindu Temple and Cultural Center
3818 212th St SE, Bothell; tel: 425-483 7115; www.htccwa.org
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Smoking
Seattle has one of the toughest no-smoking laws in the nation. It is prohibited in all public places, workspaces, bars, and restaurants. Smokers must be at least 25ft (7.6 meters) away from doors, windows, and vents when smoking. The vast majority of Seattle hotels are 100 percent non-smoking.
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Tax
In Seattle, a 9.5 percent sales tax is added to all purchases, with an additional 9.7 percent rental car tax, 6.1 percent hotel tax, and 0.5 percent restaurant tax on top of the sales tax. Be sure to check if prices quoted, for example when reserving accommodations, include all taxes or not.
Telephones
There are several area codes in the Puget Sound region: Seattle (206), the Eastside and northern suburbs (425), Tacoma and southern suburbs (253), and outlying areas (360). Calling long-distance between area codes requires a ‘1’ to be dialed before the area code and phone number. To call Seattle from abroad, dial your country’s exit code, then the US country code (1), followed by the area code and phone number.
For assistance in long-distance dialing, first dial zero and an operator will assist you. Phone numbers that are preceded by 1-800, 1-866, 1-877, and 1-888 are free of charge only when dialed from within the US.
To place an international call, dial 011 followed by the country code, city code, and telephone number. Some useful country codes are Australia (61), Ireland (353), New Zealand (64), South Africa (27), and the UK (44).
Public payphones are a rare sight nowadays, but you can find them in airports, bus and train stations, and in the public libraries. Local calls cost 50 cents; most payphones accept quarters, dimes, and nickels.
Visitors from abroad should check with their cell phone service provider as to what rates will be charged for using the phone in the US. In the US, GSM operates on the primary mobile communication bands 850 MHz and 1900 MHz. Most phones today are multi-band phones that can be used in the US with local roaming. Visitors can also purchase a pre-paid cell phone in the US that you top up as needed.
Telegraph and Fax
Telegraph services are available through Western Union.
Tel: 1-800-325 6000.
Fax machines can be found at most hotels and at the airport and are located throughout the city. See the Yellow Pages under ‘facsimile’ for information.
Time Zone
Seattle is within the Pacific Standard Time Zone, which is two hours behind Chicago, three hours behind New York City and seven (during daylight saving time) or eight hours behind GMT. Daylight Saving Time begins at 2am on the second Sunday of March and ends at 2am on the first Sunday of November.
Tipping
Tips are intended to show appreciation for good service and should reflect the quality of service rendered. The accepted rate is 15–20 percent of the bill in restaurants for waiting staff (10 percent for bar staff), 10–15 percent for taxi drivers and hairstylists. Porters and bellhops generally warrant 50 cents to $1 per bag; valets $1 to $2.
Tourist Information
A wealth of information on attractions, activities, accommodations, and restaurants is available from the Seattle Convention and Visitors Bureau in the Washington State Convention Center (One Convention Place, 701 Pike Street; tel: 206-461 5840; www.visitseattle.org; Mon–Fri 7am–9pm).
The bureau also operates an information center at the southwest corner of 1st Avenue and Pike Street at the Pike Place Market (daily 10am–6pm).
Washington State Tourism can provide information on the entire state; you can request a travel planner to help you plan your trip. Tel: 1-800-544 1800. www.experiencewa.com.
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Visas and Passports
To enter the US you must have a valid passport. Currently most nationals of 36 countries (including Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and the UK) can enter the US on the Visa Waiver Program, for stays of 90 days or less. Note that the Department of Homeland Security requires those participating in the Visa Waiver Program to fill in the automated Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before traveling; this can be done online any time in advance of your trip up until 72 hours before you depart. Visit https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/. Always check the latest regulations before traveling.
Check with the US embassy in your home country to see if you require a visa; visas must be obtained prior to traveling to the US. All Canadian or US citizens traveling to their neighboring country need valid passports, whether by car, train, boat, or plane. For more information, go to http://travel.state.gov.
Weights and Measures
The US uses the imperial system of weights and measures.
1 inch = 2.54 centimeters
1 foot = 0.3048 meters
1 mile = 1.609 kilometers
1 quart = 0.9464 liters
1 ounce = 28.3 grams
1 pound = 453.5 grams
1 yard = 0.9144 meters