Fast Facts

American Express -- The office at 773 Colombo St. (tel. 0800/734-245 in NZ) accepts mail for cardholders, issues and changes traveler's checks, and replaces lost and stolen traveler's checks and American Express cards.

Area Code -- The telephone area code (STD) is 03.

Babysitters -- Tuam Street Early Learning Centre, 161 Tuam St. (tel. 03/365-6364), open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5:30pm, can be contacted for babysitting services. Many hotels can also furnish evening babysitters.

Currency Exchange -- The ANZ Bank Bureau de Change, at Hereford and Colombo streets, in Cathedral Square (tel. 03/371-4714), is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 4:30pm, Saturday 10am to 3pm.

Doctors -- For referrals, emergencies, or medical care, contact After Hours Surgery, Colombo Street and Bealey Avenue (tel. 03/365-7777).

Emergencies -- Dial tel. 111 to call the police, report a fire, or request an ambulance.

Hospitals -- Christchurch Hospital, Oxford Terrace and Riccarton Avenue (tel. 03/364-0640), has an Accident and Emergency Department.

Internet Access -- There are several Internet providers located around Cathedral Square. Try e Blah Blah, Crystal Plaza, 77 Cathedral Sq. (tel. 03/377-2381), which is open daily 8:30am till late. They also rent mobile phones.

Pharmacies -- Go to Urgent Pharmacy, 931 Colombo St. (tel. 03/366-4439).

Post Office -- The main post office is at 140 Hereford St. and is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. For all post offices, call tel. 0800/501-501.

Services for Travelers with Disabilities -- Contact Disability Information Service, 314 Worcester St. (tel. 03/366-6189; fax 03/379-5939; dis@disinfo.co.nz), open Monday through Friday from 9am to 4:30pm.