Fast Facts

American Express -- The office is at 115 Hope St. (tel. 0141/222-1401; Underground: St. Enoch), and it's open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm (Wed from 9:30am) and Saturday 9am to noon.

Business Hours -- Most offices are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5 or 5:30pm. Some companies close at 4:30pm on Friday. Most banks are usually open Monday through Friday from 9 or 9:30am to 4 or 5pm, with some branches sometimes closing early on 1 day a week and open late on another. Opening times can vary slightly from bank to bank. Shops are generally open Monday to Sunday 10am to 6pm. On Thursday, many remain open until 8pm.

Currency Exchange -- The tourist office at 11 George Sq. (tel. 0141/204-4400) and the American Express office will exchange major foreign currencies. Thomas Cook operates a currency exchange at Central Station (generally open until 6pm). Many city center banks operate bureaux de change, too, and nearly all will cash traveler's checks if you have the proper ID. Most city center ATMs (cash points) will also draw money directly from your bank account at home.

Dentists -- In an emergency, go to the Accident and Emergency Department of Glasgow Dental Hospital, 378 Sauchiehall St. (tel. 0141/211-9600). Its hours are Monday to Friday 9:15am to 3:15pm and Sunday and public holidays 10:30am to noon. For additional assistance call the National Health Service line (tel. 0800/224-488).

Doctors -- The main hospital for emergency treatment (24-hr.) in the city is the Royal Infirmary, 82-86 Castle St. (tel. 0141/211-4000).

Embassies & Consulates -- All embassies are in London. There's a U.S. Consulate in Edinburgh at 3 Regent Terrace (tel. 0131/556-8315), open Monday through Friday from 1 to 4pm. All other nationals have to use London to conduct their business: The Canadian High Commission is at MacDonald House, 1 Grosvenor Sq., London W1K 4AB (tel. 0207/258-6600), open Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm. The Australian High Commission is at the Strand, London WC2B 4LI (tel. 0207/379-4334), open Monday through Friday from 9:30am to 3:30pm. The New Zealand High Commission is at New Zealand House, 80 Haymarket at Pall Mall, London SW1Y 4TQ (tel. 0207/930-8422), open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. The Irish Embassy is at 17 Grosvenor Place, London SW1X 7HR (tel. 0207/235-2171), open Monday through Friday from 9:30am to 1pm and 2:15 to 5pm.

Emergencies -- Call tel. 999 in an emergency to summon the police, an ambulance, or firefighters.

Hot Lines -- The Centre for Women's Health is at Sandyford Place, Sauchiehall Street (tel. 0141/211-6700). Gays and lesbians can call the Strathclyde Gay and Lesbian Switchboard at tel. 0141/847-0447. The Rape Crisis Centre is at tel. 0141/331-1990.

Internet Access -- You can send or receive e-mail and surf the Net at EasyInternet Cafe, 57-61 St. Vincent St. (www.easyeverything.com; Underground: Buchanan St.). This outlet offers more than 350 computers and good rates. Open Monday to Friday from 7am to 10pm; Saturday and Sunday 8am to 9pm.

Laundry & Dry Cleaning -- The most central service is Garnethill Cleaners, 39 Dalhousie St. (tel. 0141/332-2387; Underground: Cowcaddens), open Monday to Saturday from about 7:30am to 6:30pm and Sunday from 8am to 5pm.

Library -- The Mitchell Library is on North Street at Kent Road (tel. 0141/287-2999; suburban train: Charing Cross; bus: 9 or 16). One of the largest reference libraries in Europe, it's a massive 19th-century pile. Newspapers and books, as well as miles of microfilm, are available. It's open Monday to Thursday 9am to 8pm; Friday and Saturday 9am to 5pm.

Newspapers & Magazines -- Published since 1783, the Herald is the major newspaper with national, international, and financial news, sports, and cultural listings; the Evening Times offers local news. The Daily Record is for tabloid enthusiasts only. For complete events listings, the List magazine is published every other week. On the buses and trains, pick up a free Metro, which also has listings. For international newspapers, go to Borders Books, 98 Buchanan St. (tel. 0141/222-7700; Underground: Buchanan St.).

Pharmacies -- The best bet is Boots, 200 Sauchiehall St. (tel. 0141/332-1925), open Monday to Saturday 8am to 6pm (till 7pm Thurs), and Sunday 11am to 5pm.

Police -- In a real emergency, call tel. 999. For other inquiries, contact Strathclyde police headquarters on Pitt St. at tel. 0141/532-2000.

Post Office -- The main branch is at 47 St. Vincent's St. (tel. 0141/204-3689; Underground: Buchanan St.). It's open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:45pm and Saturday 9am to 5:30pm. For general postal information, call tel. 0845/722-3344.

Restrooms -- Public toilets can be found at rail stations, bus stations, air terminals, restaurants, hotels, pubs, and department stores. Glasgow also has a system of public toilets, often marked WC. Don't hesitate to use them, but they're likely to be closed late in the evening.

Safety -- Although Glasgow may be the most dangerous city in Scotland, it's relatively safe when compared to cities of its size in the United States. Muggings do occur, and they're often related to Glasgow's drug problem. The famed razor gangs of Calton, Bridgeton, and the Gorbals are no longer around to earn the city a reputation for violence, but you still should stay alert.

Weather -- For weather forecasts of the day and 24 hours in advance, and for severe road-condition warnings, call the Met Office at tel. 0870/900-0100. An advisor will offer forecasts for the entire region and beyond.