Fast Facts

American Express-- American Express travel-service representatives are located across the state. To automatically connect with the nearest agent, call tel. 800/221-7282.

Area Codes-- The statewide area code for Montana is 406. Wyoming's area code is 307. Intrastate long-distance calls also require these prefixes.

ATM Networks-- Automated teller machines are generally available for cash transactions at any time of the day; most are compatible with the Cirrus, Cash Card, and PLUS system networks.

Business Hours-- Most businesses in these states operate at least 5 days each week and many are also open on weekends. Generally speaking, retail shops open around 10am and close at 6pm. During the two peak tourist seasons in summer and winter, many businesses extend their hours. In smaller towns, don't be surprised to find a hastily penned note on the door if the snow or sunshine conditions are perfect: Many business owners have been known to take their share of "powder days" with no advance notice.

Emergencies-- Throughout most of Montana and Wyoming, call tel. 911 for any emergency requiring the police, firefighters, or emergency medical technicians. Where 911 is not available, dial 0 and the operator will connect you to the appropriate emergency service provider.

Gambling-- The legal gambling age in Montana is 18, and it's a habit that's easily indulged -- you'll find video gambling machines in restaurants, taverns, and filling stations. The two most popular are poker and keno (a game of chance similar to bingo). In Wyoming, gambling is illegal.

Internet Access-- The Internet has come to Montana and Wyoming, with a number of lodgings and campgrounds providing easy hookups or Wi-Fi access. There are also several cybercafes in these states, and Internet access is often available at public libraries.

Liquor Laws-- The legal age for the purchase or consumption of alcohol is 21 in both states. All liquor stores in Montana are state-controlled with minimum hours of 10am to 6pm, although individual stores may be open longer. Most are closed on Sunday. Liquor may also be bought at bars with package licenses during their operating hours. Beer and wine are available at convenience stores and supermarkets from 8:30am to 2am.

Lost & Found-- Be sure to tell all of your credit card companies the minute you discover your wallet has been lost or stolen and file a report at the nearest police precinct. Your credit card company or insurer may require a police report number or record of the loss. Most credit card companies have an emergency toll-free number to call if your card is lost or stolen; they may be able to wire you a cash advance immediately or deliver an emergency credit card in a day or two. Visa's U.S. emergency number is tel. 800/847-2911 or 410/581-9994. American Express cardholders and traveler's check holders should call tel. 800/221-7282. MasterCard holders should call tel. 800/307-7309 or 636/722-7111. For other credit cards, call the toll-free number directory at tel. 800/555-1212.

If you need emergency cash over the weekend when all banks and American Express offices are closed, you can have money wired to you via Western Union (tel. 800/325-6000; www.westernunion.com).

Identity theft or fraud are potential complications of losing your wallet, especially if you've lost your driver's license along with your cash and credit cards. Notify the major credit-reporting bureaus immediately; placing a fraud alert on your records may protect you against liability for criminal activity. The three major U.S. credit-reporting agencies are Equifax (tel. 800/766-0008; www.equifax.com), Experian (tel. 888/397-3742; www.experian.com), and TransUnion (tel. 800/680-7289; www.transunion.com). Finally, if you've lost all forms of photo ID call your airline and explain the situation; they might allow you to board the plane if you have a copy of your passport or birth certificate and a copy of the police report you've filed.

Newspapers & Magazines-- Checking out a community's local newspaper can provide a fascinating look into the personality of the area. Montana's major daily newspapers are The Missoulian (www.missoulian.com), the Great Falls Tribune (www.greatfallstribune.com), and the Billings Gazette (www.billingsgazette.com). In Wyoming, the Casper Star-Tribune (www.trib.com) is the only statewide paper, while the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle (www.wyomingnews.com) is Cheyenne's daily. Magazines of note include Big Sky Journal (www.bigskyjournal.com) and Montana Magazine (www.montanamagazine.com).

Passports-- For residents of the United States: Whether you're applying in person or by mail, you can download passport applications from the U.S. State Department website at http://travel.state.gov. To find your regional passport office, either check the U.S. State Department website or call the National Passport Information Center toll-free number (tel. 877/487-2778) for automated information.

For residents of Canada: Passport applications are available at travel agencies throughout Canada or from the central Passport Office, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G3 (tel. 800/567-6868; www.ppt.gc.ca).

For residents of the United Kingdom: To pick up an application for a standard 10-year passport (5-year passport for children under 16), visit your nearest passport office, major post office, or travel agency or contact the United Kingdom Passport Service at tel. 0870/521-0410 or search its website at www.ukpa.gov.uk.

For residents of Ireland: You can apply for a 10-year passport at the Passport Office, Setanta Centre, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2 (tel. 01/671-1633; www.irlgov.ie/iveagh). Those under age 18 and over 65 must apply for a €12 3-year passport. You can also apply at 1A South Mall, Cork (tel. 021/272-525), or at most main post offices.

For residents of Australia: You can pick up an application from your local post office or any branch of Passports Australia, but you must schedule an interview at the passport office to present your application materials. Call the Australian Passport Information Service at tel. 131-232, or visit the government website at www.passports.gov.au.

For residents of New Zealand: You can pick up a passport application at any New Zealand Passports Office or download it from their website. Contact the Passports Office at tel. 0800/225-050 in New Zealand or 04/474-8100, or log on to www.passports.govt.nz.

Police-- Dial tel. 911, or 0 (for the operator).

Smoking- In 2005, Montana enacted a law banning smoking in public buildings and restaurants; bars have until 2009 to comply. In Wyoming, most restaurants have separate smoking and nonsmoking areas, and most hotels in both states have nonsmoking rooms.

Taxes-- Montana has no state sales tax, but there is a lodging tax of 7%, and certain resort communities can also charge a tax of up to 3% for goods and services. Wyoming's state sales tax is 4%, and local communities can add up to 1% more. Communities can impose a lodging tax of up to 4%.

Time Zone-- Montana and Wyoming are located in the Mountain Time zone and both states observe daylight saving time from spring to fall.

Useful Phone Numbers-- U.S. Dept. of State Travel Advisory (tel. 202/647-5225; staffed 24 hr.); U.S. Passport Agency (tel. 202/647-0518); U.S. Centers for Disease Control International Traveler's Hotline (tel. 404/332-4559).