Fast Facts

American Express -- An office is at 3 Queen St. (tel. 02920/649305).

Area Code -- The area code for Cardiff is 02920.

Dentist -- For dental emergencies, contact Parade Dental Practice, 23 The Parade (tel. 029/2048-1486).

Doctor -- For medical emergencies, dial tel. 999 and ask for an ambulance. Doctors are on 24-hour-call service. A full list of doctors is posted at all post offices, or else visitors can ask at their hotel desk.

Drugstores -- To get a prescription filled, go to Boots the Chemist, with outlets all over town. The main dispensing service is at 5 Wood St. (tel. 029/2037-7043), open Monday to Friday 8am to 6:30pm, Saturday 9am to 6pm.

Emergencies -- To summon police or call firefighters, dial tel. 999, the same number used to call an ambulance.

Hospitals -- The most visible and best-accessorized hospital in Cardiff is the University Hospital of Wales (also known as the Heath Hospital), Heath Park (tel. 02920/747747).

Internet Access -- To stay in touch, you can go to McDonald's, 12-14 Queen St. (tel. 02920/222604). Internet access is free but customers must carry their own laptops. It's open Monday to Thursday 7:30am to midnight, Friday and Saturday 7:30am to 3am, and Sunday 7:30am to 11pm.

Maps -- You can obtain detailed maps for free from the Cardiff Visitors Centre at the Old Library, the Hayes (tel. 0870/121-1258).

Police -- In an emergency, dial tel. 999. Otherwise, contact the Central Cardiff Police Station, King Edward VII Avenue, Cathays Parks (tel. 02920/222111).

Post Office -- The main post office is at 45-46 Queens Arcade, Queen Street (tel. 0845-722-3344; www.postoffice.co.uk), open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5:30pm.