Destination

Language
English is the official languages 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 2012	New Year's Day
15 January 2012	Martin Luther King Jr Day *
20 February 2012	President's Day *
8 April 2012	Easter *
28 May 2012	Memorial Day *
4 July 2012	Independence Day
3 September 20112	Labor Day *
8 October 2012	Columbus Day *
12 November 2012	Veterans Day / Armistice Day
22 November 2012	Thanksgiving Day *
25 December 2012	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 (a quarter), 10 cents (a dime), 5 cents (a nickel) and 1 cent (a 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 on weekends.

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

Taxes
Sales taxes vary between states in the United States and are adjusted periodically. It is usually clearly posted at cashiers, desks or stated on most receipts. As a very rough indication, sales tax in New York is 8.875%.

Accommodation taxes include 14.75% City and State tax, US$ 2 occupancy tax per room per day and a Unit Tax of US$ 1.50 per room per day.

Customs
Duty-free allowances for visitors are as follows:

Alcohols - 1 litre of alcoholic beverage
Tobaccos – 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars
Gifts – to the value of US$ 100

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

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

Telephone - Country & Area Codes
The international telephone country code for the United States is 1. The area codes for Manhattan are (212) and (646), but there are numerous area codes for New York state.  All landline numbers in New York are seven 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 25¢ with different rates for long distance calls. A phone card is recommended when making international calls.

Mobile / Cellular Phones
The US uses a different mobile standard network to most countries, and thus a tri-band mobile phone is needed for use in America. It is advisable to check with your local network operator prior to your trip.

Cellular phones are popular in the United States and New York is extremely well covered in terms of mobile or cellular phone coverage. All city and major tourist attraction areas have mobile or cellular phone coverage.

Mobile phone etiquette is strictly observed in New York, and so avoid mobile phone use in places such as museums, performances or entertainment venues. Some establishments will clearly indicate these restrictions.

Internet Access
New York is one of the most “wired” cities in the United States. The Peninsula New York offers complimentary wired and wireless Internet access to guests staying at the hotel.  

Hotspots or wireless internet access are available in many locations throughout the city. Wireless Internet access is available at most franchised coffee chain stores or fast food outlets.

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

Tipping
Tipping is expected at most dining and service outlets such as restaurants, bars, hotels and spas, as well as taxi drivers. It is customary to give 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, including restaurants and bars, and on the entire public transport system.

For more information, please visit the Department of Health website.

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 phone.