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Accommodations
The highest concentration of hotels is Downtown, though they are on the luxurious side. More economical choices can be found in the surrounding areas of Pioneer Square and the International District, Capitol Hill, or South Lake Union. All of these areas are within easy reach of the main sights, and are easily accessible by public transportation. However, many folks will tell you that although Pioneer Square and the International District are fun to visit by day, they usually aren’t the best spots for lodging. If you want to get away from the tourist areas, you may prefer to stay in another Seattle neighborhood in a Victorian B&B or smaller hotel, to get a different feel of the city. It’s from these cozy B&Bs that you can wander to local coffeehouses with the morning newspaper, and rub elbows with the locals to really get a sense of the city. There are a number of chain hotels that offer good value for money near Sea-Tac Airport, but you trade location for price, since the airport is 13 miles south of Seattle.
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 most attractions range from $10 to over $35, with reduced fees for children and seniors. 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 five of the most popular Seattle attractions for $79 ($59 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 9.6 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 about $10–15, 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 $45–55 plus tip. At the time of writing, a single bus fare within Seattle was $2.75 during peak times, and $2.50 during off-peak.
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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, electronics, 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.
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. Any currency exceeding $10,000 or a foreign equivalent must be declared upon arrival/departure.
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.agingkingcounty.org/about-us/advisory-council) or by calling 206-684 0660.
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. You can find more information at http://wheelchairjimmy.com.
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
Tel: 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 3210
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Festivals and events
The Seattle Convention and Visitors’ Bureau maintains an up-to-date calendar of events at www.visitseattle.org/things-to-do/events/festivals.
January
Chinese New Year
Based on the lunar calendar, this festival is held sometime in January or February in the International District. Festivities include a parade with dragons, dancers, great food, and fireworks.
February
Chilly Hilly Bike Ride
Held on Bainbridge Island (third Sunday in February). Hop aboard the early morning ferry for this 33-mile (53km) ride sponsored by the Cascade Bicycle Club.
Northwest Flower and Garden Show
Tel: 253-756 2121
On almost 5 acres (2 hectares) of the Washington State Convention and Trade Center, landscape architects, nurseries, and gardeners try their best to outdo each other at over 300 booths. Admission charge.
March
Dine Around Seattle (March and November)
For a great opportunity to try out some of the city’s best restaurants, three-course prix-fixe meals are offered throughout the month on Sundays through Thursdays; menus cost $22, $33 or $44.
Irish Week Festival, includes a film festival, dancing, a parade (see below), and events such as the St Patrick’s Day Dash, an easy 3.5-mile (6km) run or walk from lower Queen Anne to Safeco Field. www.irishclub.org
St Patrick’s Day Parade
Tel: 206-412 2960
The parade travels from City Hall (600 4th Avenue) to Westlake Center (1601 5th Avenue), featuring bagpipes, Irish dancers, marching bands, and the laying of the green stripe down 4th Avenue.
Whirligig
Seattle Center
Tel: 206-684 7200
The Seattle Center hosts this indoor carnival with bouncing and inflatable rides for kids from about mid-March to mid-April. Free entertainment; small fee for rides.
April
Daffodil Festival and Grand Floral Parade
Tacoma
http://thedaffodilfestival.org
Tel: 253-826 7765
One of the largest floral parades, it travels through Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner, and Orting in one day, making creative use of the daffodils grown around Puyallup.
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
Tel: 360-428 5959
Held on 1,500 acres (600 hectares) of colorful tulip fields, this spectacular scene is like a slice of Holland, but with the backdrop of majestic mountains. Bicycle and bus tours are popular.
May
Seattle Center
Tel: 206-684 7300
Music, dancing, ethnic food, and crafts over Memorial Day weekend from more than 100 countries. Many people unpack their instruments and join some of the many jam sessions that spring up all around the Center’s lawns.
Opening Day of Boating Season
Tel: 206-325 1000
Held first Saturday in May. Yachting clubs bring out a parade of boats from Lake Union to Lake Washington, stopping traffic on the bridges. Also features a rowing regatta.
Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF)
Tel: 206-464 5830
This three-week long, huge film festival screens more than 400 local, national, and international independent films at venues throughout the city.
University Street Fair
University Way
Tel: 206-547 4417
Held the third weekend in May, the fair features over 350 artists’ booths and food stalls in a 10-block area. Mimes, clowns, street entertainment, and children’s events draw the crowds.
June
Festival Sundiata
Seattle Center
Tel: 1-866-505 6006
Held during Black Music month, this two-day celebration includes African-American and African food, music, dancing, and cultural events.
Fremont Solstice Parade and Street Fair
Tel: 206-547 7440
A well-known neighborhood fair, featuring live music, local crafts, jugglers and mimes, along with a zany street parade on the Saturday closest to the summer solstice.
Seattle PrideFest
Tel: 206-322 9561
Usually at end of June. The Northwest’s largest Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender (LGBT) Pride Parade is a lively celebration through Downtown, with creative costumes, music, and dancing. Other activities include block parties, feasts, and Pride Idol events on Capitol Hill.
July
Bellevue Arts Museum Artsfair
510 Bellevue Way, Bellevue
www.bellevuearts.org/bam-artsfair
Tel: 425-519 0770
Sponsored by the Bellevue Arts Museum, the Artsfair features exhibits and booths throughout Bellevue Square shopping center and the Museum, including artists-at-work demonstrations, concerts at the fountain outside Macy’s, and entertainment for kids.
Seattle Center
Tel: 425-295 3262
A taste-tester’s delight in mid-July, with over 60 local restaurants participating.
Seafair Summer at Lake Union
Gas Works Park
www.seafair.com/events/2017/seafair-summer-4th
Tel: 206-728 0123
Independence Day fireworks event, with picnics, entertainment, and a spectacular fireworks display from Lake Union after dark.
Fourth of July Parades
Downtown, Bothell, Issaquah, Bainbridge Island and other neighborhoods; check newspapers for listings.
Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival
1010 Valley Street, south end of Lake Union
Tel: 206-382 2628
Features rowing, sailing and boat-building competitions, workshops, food, crafts, and water taxis from the Center for Wooden Boats.
Seafair
Tel: 206-728 0123
Seattle’s largest summer festival is a series of events, parades, and celebrations that take place over a 2.5-week period (usually the third weekend in July to first week in August) in different parts of the city. Highlights include: the milk carton derby races at Green Lake, the Blue Angels Air Show (aerobatic flights with dynamic maneuvers that take your breath away), Hydroplane Races on Lake Washington, Chinatown Seafair Parade, a Dragon Fest in Hing Hay Park, the Torchlight Parade, and a grand, nighttime parade through Downtown.
Seattle International Beerfest
Tel: 206-486 2089
Three days of music, food, and beer tasting from national and international breweries. Held at the Seattle Center.
Summer Celebration
The downtown Mercer Island area overflows with display booths of local artists. Sponsored by the Mercer Island Visual Arts League.
August
King County Fair
Enumclaw Exposition Center, Enumclaw.
Begins third Wednesday in July and continues for five days of music, rodeos, logger competitions, crafts, and food in celebration of the county’s agricultural heritage. The oldest county fair west of the Mississippi.
Evergreen State Fair
Monroe
Tel: 360-805 6700
Held third week in August–Labor Day weekend. A country fair with big-name country stars, plus rodeos, logging competitions, carnival rides, and a chili cook-off.
Hempfest
Tel: 206-364 4367
Elliott Bay Park, Myrtle Edwards Park, and Olympic Sculpture Park. The nation’s leading cannabis policy reform event. Live music acts, food, and vendors.
Seattle Tennis Club Washington State Open
Tel: 206-324 3200
During first week in August (order tickets well in advance).
Snoqualmie Railroad Days
Snoqualmie
Tel: 425-888 3030
Steam trains from the late-19th century. A 10-mile (16km) ride from the Snoqualmie depot takes visitors up to the historic depot and quaint town of North Bend.
Summer Village Festivals
Camlann Medieval Village, 10320 Kelly Road NE, Carnation
Tel: 425-788 8624
Camlann recreates the everyday experiences of a 14th-century rural village in Somerset, England. It hosts lots of medieval festivities every weekend from May through September.
September
Seattle Center
Tel: 206-673 5060
Music and arts festival over the Labor Day weekend, featuring big names and local acts. The entry fee entitles guests to attend hundreds of concerts in all styles throughout the complex.
Festa Italiana
Seattle Center
Tel: 206-282 0627
Around the end of September; Italian arts, dancing, and, of course, food to celebrate the roots of Italian Americans.
Fremont Oktoberfest
Under the Aurora Bridge, Fremont
Tel: 206-633 0422
Sample from more than 80 brews at this three-day street fair with craft vendors, a kids’ area, music, etc.
Greek Festival
St Demetrios Church, 2100 Boyer Avenue E
Tel: 206-631 2500
Held in late September at this Byzantine church, with folk dancing, arts and crafts, and Greek cuisine.
Puyallup Fair
Tel: 253-841 5045
Western Washington’s largest state fair, about 35 miles (55km) south of Seattle. A 17-day-long extravaganza with fairground rides, food, chainsaw pumpkin carving, animals, rodeos, and fun for the entire family.
October
Halloween
Parades, festivities, and pranks at nightclubs and bars. Many shopping centers offer free candy for children in costumes.
Issaquah Salmon Days Festival
Main Street, Issaquah
Tel: 425-392 0661
The street is closed to traffic and open to arts and crafts booths with artists from all over the Northwest. Street entertainment, mimes, clowns, and musicians are here, as well as the salmon jumping up to the hatchery. Big salmon cookout.
November
Seattle Marathon
Tel: 206-729 3660
Starts east of the MoPOP and loops through Downtown and along Lake Washington, ending at the Memorial Stadium.
December
Christmas ships
Tel: 1-888-623 1445
Illuminated and decorated boats parade around Lake Union and Lake Washington, making stops at public parks while choral groups entertain. Check newspapers or the website for updated schedules.
Christmas tree-lighting and caroling
Leavenworth
Tel: 509-548 5807
A picturesque Bavarian-style town in the Cascade Mountains is the setting for traditional Christmas activities.
Community Hanukkah Celebration: Hanukkah Under the Stars
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E Mercer Way, Mercer Island
Tel: 206-232 7115
Arts and crafts, live music, children’s games, and candle-lighting.
Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis
Tel: 206-547 2707
A 5km (3-mile) run and walk; festive costumes and jingle bells welcome.
New Year’s at the Needle
Tel: 206-905 2100
The 605ft (184-meter) landmark offers a traditional fireworks show, and parties on the restaurant and observation deck levels.
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Gay and lesbian travel
Seattle has one of the largest gay communities in the United States, 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. More information and LGBT resources can be found at www.visitseattle.org/things-to-do/lgbtq/.
Gay City
517 E Pike Street; tel: 206-323 5428 (resource and referral line), 206-860 6969 (general number); www.gaycity.org; Mon–Fri 11am–8pm, Sat 11am–5pm. A valuable resource offering advocacy, legal and spiritual support, and many other types of support.
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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 3000
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 libraries, 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. 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: 866-732 2695) 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.aaa.com.
The Thomas Guides contain detailed street maps in a book format. They are available in most bookstores. Metsker Maps has plenty of maps and guides.
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 (www.napost.com), a Japanese daily, the Northwest Asian Weekly (http://nwasianweekly.com), and El Hispanic News (weekly; www.elhispanicnews.com).
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
http://firstandpikenews.tumblr.com
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.
Money
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: 1-800-847-2911
American Express Tel: 1-800-528 4800.
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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: +1 800 275 8777; 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: 425-243 4327; 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 9.6 percent sales tax is added to all purchases, with an additional 17.2 percent rental car tax, 15.6 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.
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 $1 per bag; valets $1 to $2. However, with the new, higher minimum wage, some restaurants have begun raising prices and scrapping tips.
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 and summer weekends 9am–5pm).
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 38 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