American Express --  The office is near Church Circle at 9 Northwest St. (tel. 410/224-4200). It's open Monday through Saturday.

Area Code -- The area codes in Annapolis are 410 and 443.

Emergencies -- Dial tel. 911 for fire, police, or ambulance.

Hospital -- Go to Anne Arundel Medical Center, 2001 Medical Pkwy., Jennifer Road, off Route 50 (tel. 443/481-1000).

Newspapers & Magazines -- The local daily newspaper is the Annapolis Capital. The Baltimore Sun and the Washington Post are also widely available. The leading monthly magazine is What's Up? Annapolis.

Pharmacies -- Try CVS, 123 Main St. (tel. 410/295-3061).

Post Office -- The main branch is at 1 Church Circle (tel. 410/263-1083), open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm.

Taxes -- The local sales tax is 6%. The local hotel tax is an additional 7%.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.