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January 26, 2008updated Dec 20, 2023

Useful Information for your Stay in Chicago

By Chris Boyle

WHEN BEST TO GO

Michigan Avenue

We recommend visiting Chicago during the summer when there are plenty of outdoor festivals, concerts and activities.

For a quieter time, visit during the fall when the weather is cooler and tourist attractions are less crowded.

LOCAL CUSTOMS

Smoking is banned in public places in Chicago, and smokers must stand at least 15 feet from entrances, exits and open windows.

Twentyone is the legal drinking age in the city; photo ID is required to buy and consume alcohol and it is illegal to drink in the street. As in most US states, tipping between 10-20% is strongly advised at bars, restaurants, hotels, when paying cab drivers and receiving many other services.

ATTIRE

In the summer months temperatures can reach the high 20s so it is advisable to wear a hat and use sunscreen.

In the winter months it can get extremely cold in Chicago, so a winter coat, hat, scarf and gloves are essential.

LANGUAGE

American English

CURRENCY U.S. Dollar

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EXCHANGE RATE

$1 = USD 1.00 £1 = USD 1.595 €1 = USD 1.356

COUNTRY DIALLING CODE +1

24 HOUR EMERGENCY CONTACT

Ambulance: 911 Fire Services: 911 Police: 911 Helicopter: +1 312 454 7800 Coastguard: +1 630 986 2155

EMBASSY CONTACTS

UK: Phone: +1 312 970 3800 Address: The Wrigley Building 400 North Michigan Avenue 13th Floor Chicago IL 60611

TIME ZONE

GMT-6 Daylight Saving Time runs from the last Sunday in March until the last Sunday in October

POPULATION

3 million

RELIGIOUS DEMOGRAPHIC

Various religions

TYPICAL OPENING HOURS

Monday to Saturday: 10am-7pm, Sunday: 12pm-6pm

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

  1. New Year’s Day – January 1
  2. Martin Luther King Day – Third Monday in January
  3. President’s Day – Third Monday in February
  4. Casimir Pulaski Day – First Monday in March
  5. Memorial Day – Last Monday in May
  6. Independence Day – July 4
  7. Labor Day – First Monday in September
  8. Columbus Day – Second Monday in October
  9. Veterans Day – November 11
  10. Thanksgiving – Fourth Thursday in November
  11. Christmas Day – December 25

EXCLUSIVE TRANSPORT

IMAGINE LIFESTYLES

Imagine Lifestyles provides exotic rental cars, chauffeur service, aircraft charters and private yacht charters as well as an extensive concierge service. Their luxury car range includes Aston Martin, Bentley, BMW, Cadillac, Ferrari, Porsche and Rolls Royce.

Ryan Safady

+1 866 436 3514

+1 609 519 1551

1915 North Elston

www.imaginelifestyles.com

HERTZ CAR RENTAL

Hertz provides transport hire on a global scale, and their ‘Prestige Collection’ offers cars as impressive as the company’s reputation. Their fleet includes Mercedes, Cadillac Escalade and Land Rover.

+1 312 372 7600

401 North State Street

www.hertz.com

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