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Make your visit to Seattle as fun and care-free as possible by browsing these informative tips and links:
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CONCIERGE SERVICES |
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Seattle Visitor Center & Concierge Services
Located in the the Washington State Convention and Trade Center, in Downtown Seattle on Pike Street between 7th and 8th Avenues on the lobby level. Click here for more...
map
visinfo@visitseattle.org
(206) 461-5888
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WHAT TO WEAR |
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Seattle is casual all year round. It's always a good idea to carry both an umbrella and sunglasses. You never know.
Spring
The air is still brisk in the morning and evening, but getting warmer as we inch closer to summer. Layering is a good idea, with a light jacket or sweater in the evening. Temperatures range from mid-50°s in April to high 60°s in June.
Summer
Seattle's summers can't be beat, with a scant 1 - 2 inches of rainfall monthly all season, and bright sunny days on the water. Temperatures range from low-70°s to high 80°s, with the occasional 90° heat wave. Consider sunscreen and headwear to protect you from the sun.
Fall
Autumn temps begin to decline back into the 60°s and 50°s, ending up around the mid 40°s in December. Layered clothing is smart, and you'll be glad you packed that water resistant jacket.
Winter
Winters can be crisp, but compounded with often wet, breezy air, they can be downright frigid. Wear your layers, water resistant outerwear, and bring along gloves and a warm hat. You'll want your umbrella at close reach, too. Temperatures hover between high 30°s and low 50°s, with an average 3.5 to 6 inches of rain monthly.
GOING OUT ON THE TOWN?
There are few dress code requirements in the city, as Seattle is deserving of its reputation as a casual destination. You will notice the dress code flexibility even in high-culture centers such as the Seattle Symphony, the Pacific Northwest Ballet and the Seattle Opera.
Seattle Opera
The Seattle Opera is flexible when it comes to dress code requirements. You will see opera-goers wear anything from evening gowns to khakis. So go ahead and dress up for a special night out, or dress down for comfort.
Pacific Northwest Ballet
Many times you will see more formal attire during the Holiday performances and opening nights, but anything between business casual and formal is welcome year-round.
Seattle Symphony
The Seattle Symphony welcomes a variety of attire from business casual to tuxedo or formal gown. Many attendees tend to dress more formal for gala events, but most of the time you'll see concertgoers in whatever makes them comfortable.
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HOLIDAYS |
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| (Banks, Schools, Post Office and Government Services Closed) |
| HOLIDAY |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
| New Year's Day |
Jan 1 |
Jan 1 |
Jan 1 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day |
Jan 17 |
Jan 15 |
Jan 21 |
| President's Day |
Feb 20 |
Feb 19 |
Feb 18 |
| Memorial Day |
May 29 |
May 28 |
May 26 |
| Independence Day |
July 4 |
July 4 |
July 4 |
| Labor Day |
Sept 4 |
Sept 3 |
Sept 1 |
| Columbus Day |
Oct 9 |
Oct 8 |
Oct 13 |
| Veteran's Day |
Nov 11 |
Nov 11 |
Nov 11 |
| Thanksgiving Day |
Nov 27 |
Nov 26 |
Nov 24 |
| Christmas Day |
Dec 25 |
Dec 25 |
Dec 25 |
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CURRENCY EXCHANGE |
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The American dollar is the primary form of currency among Seattle businesses. To change foreign currency to dollars, Travelex Currency Services locations can be found at SeaTac airport and in downtown Seattle at Westlake Center.
Also in Seattle are Custom House Currency Exchange centers at Pier 69 (The Victoria Clipper terminal) and just north of Pioneer Square at 911 Western Avenue, Suite 399.
Most banks are also able to exchange currencies.
Currency Exchange Converter
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TAXES |
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Washington State sales tax is currently 8.8%. Hotel Room Tax (including sales tax) is 15.6%.
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TIME ZONE |
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Washington State is in the Pacific Time Zone (PST). Daylight Saving Time (PDT) begins the first Sunday in April at 02:00 (am), when we "Spring Forward." Daylight Saving Time ends on the last Sunday in October at 02:00 (am), when we "Fall Back."
Current time in Seattle:
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SMOKING LAW |
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In 2005, Washington voters passed a smoking law that prohibits smoking inside and around any public building or business, including bars, restaurants, and casinos. "Around" is defined as within 25 feet of the front door of any public establishment. Please smoke in designated smoking areas only.
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BEVERAGE LAW |
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The legal drinking age in Washington State is 21. Outside of bars and restaurants, beer and wine are sold in grocery, convenience, and specialty stores, but hard liquor is sold only in state run stores. Hours for state liquor stores vary, and only a few are open on Sundays. Click here for more information on state liquor store hours and locations.
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TIPPING |
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Tipping etiquette is at the discretion of the service recipient, but here are some general guidelines as recommended by the Itty Bitty Guide to Tipping (Chronicle Books):
Dining
Server: 15%-20%
Bartender: 15%-20% or $1 per drink
Sommelier: 20%
Transportation
Cab Driver 10%
Airport Skycap: $2 per bag
Airport Cart Driver/Wheelchair assistant: $2-$3 per person
Tour Guide: $1-$10 per day
Shuttle bus driver: 15%
Limousine or car service driver: 15%-20%
Lodging
Doorman: $1-$3
Bell Staff: $1-$2 per bag
Concierge: $5
Housekeeper: $2-$4 per night
Room Service Staff: 15%
Poolside Attendant: $2-$5
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NEWSPAPERS, RADIO & TELEVISION |
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There are two major daily newspapers in Seattle: The Seattle Times and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Several free weeklies, including The Stranger and Seattle Weekly appear approximately every Wednesday, and are loaded with local event, attraction and entertainment ideas.
NEWSPAPERS
Seattle Times (daily)
Post Intelligencer (daily)
Seattle Weekly (weekly)
The Stranger (weekly)
Puget Sound Business Journal (daily)
Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce (daily
ColorsNW (monthly)
Northwest Asian Weekly (weekly)
International Examiner (bi-weekly)
Seattle Gay News (weekly)
RADIO STATION GUIDE
KBKS 106.1 FM (top 40)
KBSG 97.3 FM (oldies)
KCMS 105.3 FM (Christian)
KEXP 90.3 FM (alternative)
KING 98.1 FM (classical)
KIRO 710 AM (news)
KISW 99.9 FM (hard rock)
KJR 950 AM (sports)
KMPS 94.1 FM (country)
KMTT 103.7 FM (album alternative)
KNDD 107.7 FM (alternative)
KOMO 1000 AM (news)
KPLU 88.5 FM (NPR and jazz)
KPLZ 101.5 FM (contemporary rock)
KQBZ 100.7 FM (talk)
KTTH 770 AM (talk)
KUBE 93.3 FM (urban top 40)
KUOW 94.9 FM (NPR talk)
KVI 570 AM (talk)
KWJZ 98.9 FM (smooth jazz)
KZOK 102.5 FM (classic rock)
TELEVISION CHANNEL GUIDE
KCPQ 13 (FOX)
KCTS 9 (PBS)
KING 5 (NBC)
KIRO 7 (CBS)
KOMO 4 (ABC)
KSTW 11 (UPN)
KTWB 22 (WB)
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BANKING |
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Banking hours in Seattle are typically 9am to 6pm weekdays, and some are open on Saturdays. There are many ATMs conveniently located throughout the city.
Currency Exchange
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POPULATION |
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At last count (Census 2000) King County's population was 1,737,034, including 563,374 Seattle residents. The percentage of men to women is about 50/50.
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CAR RENTAL |
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Access Mobility Systems
Electric scooters and wheelchair accessible van rentals to hotels, cruise ships, convention centers, airport. 21104 70th Ave W, Edmonds, WA 98026
(425) 771-4659, (800) 854-4176
www.accessams.com
Advantage Rent A Car
Celebrating 40+ years on the road! Convenient airport counters. Economy to luxury cars, mini-vans, full-size vans, 4x4s. Low daily, weekly, monthly rates.
www.arac.com
Alamo Rent A Car, Sea-Tac International Airport
Unlimited mileage on new car rentals. Open 24 hrs. All major credit cards. HA.
www.goalamo.com
Budget Rent A Car
Budget offers a wide variety of late model cars and trucks.
(800) 527-0700
Dollar Rent A Car
5 convenient locations in Seattle area. Wide selection of clean, late model cars and vans. 24hrs, 7 days. Airport valet parking.
www.dollar.com
Enterprise Rent A Car
Many locations in the Puget Sound area. A large variety of vehicles, vans, 4x4s, and trucks. Excellent service, low rates. Free pick-up dial 1-800-Renta car.
www.enterprise.com
The Hertz Corporation
Providing quality car rental service. 21 convenient locations in Western Washington. Downtown location hours: M-F 7AM-6PM, Sa-Su 8AM-4PM.
(800) 654-3131
www.hertz.com
Thrifty Car Rental & Airport Parking
Cars, trucks & passenger vans. Competitive rates, open 7 days. Sea-Tac, Downtown and Bellevue.
101 Alaskan Way S. (Pier 48)Seattle, WA 98104
Cell: (206) 255-0728
www.thriftynw.com
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CONSULATES & EMBASSIES |
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TRANSLATION & INTERPRETING SERVICES |
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Comprehensive Language Services, Inc.
Translation, simultaneous interpretation and consecutive interpretation in all major languages for conferences, tours and meetings.
2901 S Jackson St Ste 501, Seattle, WA 98144
(206) 464-3940, (866) 855-8445
info@clscorp.com
www.clscorp.com
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EMERGENCY SERVICES & HOSPITALS |
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ELECTRICITY STANDARDS |
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METRIC CONVERSION |
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1 kilometre = 0.6214 mile
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| 1 litre = 0.264 gallon |
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TELEPHONE |
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POSTAL SERVICE |
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Click here for US Post Office information.
Downtown Post Office location:
301 Union St (corner of 3rd ave and Union Street) map
Seattle, WA 98101-9998
Phone: (800) ASK-USPS
Business Hours
Monday 07:30-05:30PM
Tuesday 07:30-05:30PM
Wednesday 07:30-05:30PM
Thursday 07:30-05:30PM
Friday 07:30-05:30PM
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TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS |
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SKI REPORTS |
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ROAD CONDITIONS |
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Select one of the following |
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Need
Help?
Call our customer service at:
1-800-535-7071 |
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