Page 208 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Washington, DC

206  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Washington, DC is the heart of the American on federal holidays, as well as anytime
political world. It is a visitor-friendly place, the government requires it to. With the US
especially for children and the disabled, President and other world leaders coming
since wheelchair accessibility is required and going, unexpected delays and closures
almost everywhere, and most museums can occur. Spring and fall are the best times
(including all under the Smithsonian umbrella to visit as the summers can be very hot and
are free. The whole city seems to shut down winters very cold.

Taxes and Tipping
Taxes will be added to hotel
and restaurant charges, theater
tickets, some grocery and store
sales, and most other purchases.
Be sure to ask whether the
tax is included in the price
displayed. Sales tax is 6 percent,
hotel tax is 14.5 percent,
with 10 percent tax on food
and beverages.
Tipping is expected for most
services: in restaurants tip
15–20 percent of the bill, give
$2 per bag to airport and hotel
Entrance to the White House Visitor Center porters, and $2 to valet parking
attendants. Bartenders expect
Visas and Passports Tourist Information
around $1 per drink; if you visit
Citizens of the UK, most western Visitor information desks at the a hair salon or barbershop,
European countries, Japan, air ports can provide guides 15 to 20 percent of the bill
Australia, and New Zealand, and maps, and staff will be should suffice.
need a valid passport and return able to answer questions.
ticket to enter the US, and must Major hotels usually have a
register with the online Electronic guest services desk. Before Alcohol and
Cigarettes
System of Travel Authorization you travel it may be worth
(ESTA) before departure. Visit contacting the Destination The legal minimum age for
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta to DC tourist office. The website drinking alcohol in Washington
obtain the ESTA; there is a small provides information on is 21, and you will need photo
charge but it is valid for two years. special offers, local events, identification (I.D.) as proof of
Citizens of all other countries and free things to do. your age in order to purchase
require a valid passport and a alcohol and be allowed into
tourist visa. Entry requirements Opening Hours bars. It is illegal to drink alcohol
may change. Be sure to check in public parks or to carry an
with your US embassy before Most banks and offices in DC open container of alcohol in
you travel. Be aware that anyone are open from 9am to 5pm, your car, and penalties for
entering the US on a visa will be Monday through Friday. Some driving under the influence of
photographed and have their banks are also open on a alcohol are severe. Cigarettes
fingerprints checked. Saturday morning. Malls or can be purchased by those over
Visitors should carry photo department stores are open 18 years old; proof of age will
identification at all times. Your daily and have extended hours be required.
possessions will be checked on a certain day of the week. Smoking is prohibited in
before entering museums and Stores rarely close for holidays. all public buildings, bars,
some places have metal detectors. All Smithsonian Museums restaurants, and stores.
are open on federal holidays.
Some museums are closed on
Travel Safety Advice Electricity
Mondays. It is always worth
Visitors can get up-to-date travel checking opening times before Electricity flows at the standard
safety information from the you start planning your day. US 110–120 volts, and a two-
Foreign and Commonwealth Many gas stations, convenience prong plug is required. For
Office in the UK and the stores, and select pharmacies non-US appliances you will
Department of Foreign (see pp208–9) stay open 24 need a plug adapter and a
Affairs and Trade in Australia. hours a day. voltage converter.
Union Street Metrorail station

206-207_EW_Washington.indd 206 04/04/17 2:30 pm