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.

2012 Public Holidays
1 January	New Year’s Day
16 January	Martin Luther King Jr. Day
20 February	President’s Day
28 May	Memorial Day
4 July	Independence Day
3 September	Labor Day
8 October	Columbus Day
12 November	Veterans Day / Armistice Day
22 November	Thanksgiving Day
25 December	Christmas Day

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 (quarter), 10 cents (dime), 5 cents (nickel) and 1 cent (penny).

Business Hours
Retail shopping hours are generally from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm on weekdays and from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm at weekends.

General banking hours are from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, only from Monday to Friday.

Taxes
Sales taxes vary between states in the United States, are adjusted periodically and are usually clearly posted at cashiers or stated on most receipts. Sales tax in Los Angeles is 8.75%. Accommodation taxes are 14% with an additional 1.5% occupancy tax per room per day.

Customs
US Customs allows foreigners to bring in $100 worth of gifts without paying duty. One carton of 200 cigarettes (or 50 cigars) and one litre of liquor. Plants, meat and fresh produce of any kind cannot be brought into the country.

Bring your doctor’s statement or a prescription if prescription drugs are being brought into the country.

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

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

Telephone - Country and Area Codes
The international telephone country code for the United States is 1 and the area code for Beverly Hills is 310. All lined numbers in Los Angeles are of 7 digits.

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 is start from 35¢, depending on distance. Payphone accepts only nickels, dimes, and quarters. For international calls, only phone card, or credit card with AT&T or MCI is accepted.

Mobile / Cellular Phones
The US uses a different mobile standard network to most countries, and so a tri-band mobile phone is needed. It is advisable to check with your local network operator prior to your trip. Cellular phones are popular in Los Angeles, and most city areas are well covered in terms of mobile or cellular phone coverage. All city areas and major tourist attractions will have mobile or cellular phone coverage.

Internet Access
Los Angeles is one of the most “wired” city in the United States. Hotspots or wireless Internet access are available in most city business or shopping areas. Wireless Internet access is available at most franchise coffee chain stores or fast food outlets.  Guests of the hotel enjoy complimentary Internet access.

Shopping and Paying
The US Dollar (USD) is the predominant currency for cash payments. Credit cards are widely accepted and travellers cheques may be cashed at any banks or at currency exchange bureaus.

Tipping
Tipping is expected at most dining and service outlets, such as at restaurants and bars, hotels, spas, and taxi drivers. It is customary to give the service staff a tip of about 15% 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. Smoking is permitted at restaurants or cafés with an alfresco area or terrace.

Emergency Numbers
The emergency number for Police, Ambulance and Fire Services is 911. The number can be dialled without charge on any land lines or mobile phones.