Destination

Language
English is the official language of the United States. Certain terms will differ to those used in the United Kingdom or other English-speaking countries of the world.

Public Holidays
1 January	New Year's Day
3rd Monday in January	Martin Luther King Jr Day*
3rd Monday in February	President’s Day*
Last Monday in May	Memorial Day*
4 July	Independence Day
1st Monday in  September	Labor Day*
2nd Monday in October	Columbus Day*
11 November	Veterans Day / Armistice Day
4th Thursday in November	Thanksgiving Day*
25 December	Christmas Day

* Date may vary between each year

Currency
The US Dollar (USD) is the official currency unit.

United States dollar notes, in common circulation, come in denominations of $ 100, $ 50, $ 20, $ 10, $ 5 and $ 1. Two dollar notes are also in circulation but less commonly used. Coins in common circulation are 25 cents (quarters), 10 cents (dime), 5 cents (nickel) and 1 cent (penny).

Business Hours
Retail shopping hours are generally from 10 am to 7 pm on weekdays and from 10 am to 6 pm on weekends.

General banking hours are from 9 am to 6 pm, only from Monday to Friday.

Taxes
Sales taxes vary between states in the United States and even between counties within the state of Illinois. It is usually clearly posted at cashiers or stated on most receipts. As a very rough indication, sales tax in Chicago are generally between 9% to 10%. Accommodation taxes add up to about 15% of the room rate on a per room per day basis.

Customs
Duty free allowance for visitors are as follows:

Alcoholic products - 1 litre of alcoholic beverage
Tobacco products – 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars
Gifts – US$ 100 value of gifts

Electricity
United States’ electricity voltage is 100-120V, 60-cycle.

Places for Worship
For information, please check with the hotel’s Concierge Desk.

Telephone - Country and Area Codes
The international telephone country code for the United States is 1 and the area code for Chicago is 312. All lined numbers in Chicago are 7 digits.

To call a number with the same area code, simply dial the 7 digit number
To call a number with another area code, dial 1 + area code + 7 digit number
To call an international number, dial 011 + country code + area code + number

Public Phones
Local calls from public phones cost 35¢, with different rates for long distance calls. Phone card is recommended when making international calls. Some public phones will take credit card for payment.

Mobile / Cellular Phones
The US uses a different mobile standard network to most countries, it is likely that a tri-band mobile phone is needed to operate there. It is advisable to check with your local network operator prior to your trip.

Cellular phones are popular in Chicago and most of the city area is well covered in terms of mobile or cellular phone coverage. All city areas and major tourist attractions area will have mobile or cellular phone coverage.

Internet Access
Chicago is quite well “wired” in terms of Internet access. Hotspots or wireless internet access are available in some locations. Wireless Internet access is available at some franchised coffee chain stores or fast food outlets. The hotel offers guests complimentary Internet access.

Shopping and Paying
US Dollar is the predominant currency for cash payments. Credit cards are widely accepted. Travellers cheques may be cashed at any bank or currency exchange bureau.

Tipping
Tipping is expected at most dining and service outlets, such as at restaurants and bars, hotels, spas, as well as with taxi drivers. It is customary to give the service staff a tip of about 15% to 20% of the bill. At hotels, tipping of $1 to $2 to service staff like the bell staff, housekeeping staff or doorman is also widely expected.

Smoking Regulations
Smoking is prohibited in almost all public indoor areas, such as restaurants, bars, shopping centres, hotels, cinemas and on the entire public transport system

Emergency Numbers
The emergency number for Police, Ambulance and Fire Services is 911. The number can be dialled free on any land lines or mobile phones.