Please find below important and useful information for your travel to the USA. We hope you can have everything you need handy upon your arrival to Washington D.C
Please find below important and useful information for your travel to the USA. We hope you can have everything you need handy upon your arrival to Washington D.C
This pack provides useful information on the following:
1. Local Time, Weather & Language
2. Currency & SIM Cards
3. Ground Transportation
4. USA Travel Tips
5. Restaurant Guide
6. Cultural Points of Interest
1. Local Time, Weather & Language Washington D.C. is 5 hours behind BST (GMT+1) during the NNN. In September, the weather is often warm during the day, but it cools off at night. The average temperature is 22°C (72°F) with highs of 26°C (80°F) and lows of 17°C (62°F) English is the primary language in the USA.
2. Currency & SIM Cards The local currency in USA is the United States Dollar (USD). As of 06/02/2017, 1US dollar = 0.89 (EUR) 1 US dollar = 0.78 British Pound (GBP). Exchange Bureaus Many exchange bureaus can be found in Washington D.C, the rates may vary from store to store and they can also have a fee, please check with individual stores before purchase. Alternatively, cash can be taken from ATM’s, which are more widely available than exchange bureaus. Exchange rates will vary dependent on the ATM used and transaction fees can apply. Please check with your provider/card issuer before traveling to obtain any information regarding charges and to ensure that you are able to use your card in the United States. SIM Cards If you’d like a local phone number in the USA, you can buy a USA SIM card upon your arrival in Washington D.C. Your best options will be from AT&T or T-Mobile USA and you should expect to pay approximately $40 plus tax. Packages differ as to your allowance, so please ensure you check all charges before purchasing, especially if you will be making international calls. Please do visit the NNN Welcome Desk on arrival at the Marriott and we will direct you to the nearest outlet where you may purchase a SIM card from. Coins 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 cent & 1 Dollar Banknotes 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 & 100 dollars
3. Ground Transportation Navigation Applications There are several useful (and free) navigation applications that can be downloaded prior to your arrival to help with any necessary ground transportation. Please ensure you have checked and are happy with all terms & conditions before downloading any applications.
Taxi-type services:
DC Metro and Bus:
Washington D.C. Metro
Washington D.C. is well connected with a number of colored subway lines throughout the city. The Marriott is situated on top of the ‘Metro Center’ station. If you are using the Metro, the closest exit to the hotel is for G & 11th Street. A map of the system can be downloaded from the website: http://www.wmata.com/rail
Washington D.C. Airports
There are three major airports in the Washington D.C. region:
1. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (airport code: DCA) Airport Phone: +1 703 417 8000
2. Washington Dulles International Airport (airport code: IAD) Airport Phone: +1 703 572 2700
3. Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (airport code: BWI) Airport Phone: +1 410 859 7111
5. USA Travel Tips
Washington D.C. is a fairly safe city, but as with any major metropolitan area it's best to stay alert. Keep an eye on purses and backpacks, and be aware of your surroundings before you use an ATM, and move on to a different machine if you notice people loitering nearby. Also be careful with smartphones and other electronics, as it's not uncommon for thieves to take devices straight from the hands of unsuspecting pedestrians and Metro riders.
It is a good idea to take out travel insurance and to take the normal precaution to safeguard yourself and your valuables.
Emergency Numbers Call 911 for police, fire, and medical emergencies. This is a toll-free call, and no coins are required at public telephones.
Taxes Tax cost is rarely found on price tags, and will usually be added on the bill at the till. In D.C, sales tax is 10%.
Smoking Washington D.C. is smoke-free, meaning that smoking is banned inside public buildings. Smoking is permitted outdoors, unless otherwise noted.
Tipping The culture in Washington D.C. is to always leave a tip, barring extreme circumstances.
In hotels, tip bellhops at least $1 per bag and tip the chamber staff $1 to $2 per day. Tip the doorman or concierge only if they have provided you with some specific service.
In restaurants and bars, a fair tip for service staff and bartenders is 18-20% of the bill. However, the tip percentage can range from 15%-25% depending on service. If service is absolutely terrible, it can be as low as 10%.
For other service personnel, tip cab drivers 15% of the fare. Electricity Power sockets in the USA are type-A with a two-prong plug:
The USA uses 110–120 volts AC, compared to 220–240 volts AC in most of Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Downward converters that change 220–240 volts to 110–120 volts can be difficult to find in the United States, so we suggest bringing one with you.
6. Cultural Points of Interest
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Admission: free |
The Smithsonian was founded in 1846. It is the world’s largest museum and research complex. It has 19 galleries, 9 research centres and the National Zoological Park.
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Admission: $21.95 |
This is the only public museum in the U.S. solely dedicated to espionage. It focuses on human intelligence and reveals the roles that spies have played in world events throughout history. |
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Admission: free |
The Smithsonian zoo spans 163 acres. A vast range of animals can be seen at the zoo, including oryx, lions and giant pandas. They also have a variety of exhibition centres including the Reptile Discovery centre, the Small Mammal House and Amazonia |
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Admission: free |
The portraits displayed are of “men and women who have made significant contributions to the history, development, and culture of the people of the United States.” |
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Admission inside: Free at the ticket window, or pay in advance reservations |
The Washington Monument was built to honour George Washington (the first President of the United States). The monument comprises of a 555 foot marble obelisk tower. |
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See the memorial across from the Washington Monument (see above) |
The saviour of the Union sits immortalized in marble, to offer an enduring symbolization of unity, strength and wisdom. |
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To visit the White House, you must have reserved ticket up to 6 months in advance. |
An iconic landmark and official residence & principle workplace of the President of the United States. |
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Admission: $11 |
The National Cathedral in Washington, DC is the sixth largest cathedral in the world. The Cathedral is known as Washington National Cathedral, though its official name is the Cathedral Church of St. Peter and St. Paul. |
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Admission: free |
This museum has collected and preserved more than 3 million artefacts. Forming a fascinating mosaic of American life to explore the infinite richness and complexity of American history. |
British International School of Washington
