WHEN BEST TO GO
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
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
- New Year’s Day – January 1
- Martin Luther King Day – Third Monday in January
- President’s Day – Third Monday in February
- Casimir Pulaski Day – First Monday in March
- Memorial Day – Last Monday in May
- Independence Day – July 4
- Labor Day – First Monday in September
- Columbus Day – Second Monday in October
- Veterans Day – November 11
- Thanksgiving – Fourth Thursday in November
- 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
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.