Fast Facts

American Express-- American Express offers travel services, including check cashing and trip planning, through several affiliated agencies in the region: in West Lebanon, New Hampshire, at 24 Airport Rd. (tel. 603/298-5997).

Area Codes-- New Hampshire's is 603.

ATM Networks-- Cirrus (tel. 800/424-7787; www.mastercard.com/cardholderservices/atm) and PLUS (tel. 800/843-7587; www.visa.com/atms) are the two most popular networks; check the back of your ATM card to see which network your bank belongs to. Use the 800 numbers to locate ATMs in your destination.

Emergencies-- In the event of an emergency, find any phone and dial tel. 911. If this fails, dial 0 (zero) and tell the operator you need to report an emergency.

Internet Access-- Many public libraries have free terminals with Internet access, enabling travelers to check their e-mail through a Web-based e-mail service such as Yahoo! or Hotmail. Internet cafes have come and gone in the last few years; it's best to ask around locally, or try visiting www.netcafeguide.com or www.cybercafe.com.

Liquor Laws-- The legal age to consume alcohol is 21. In Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, liquor is sold at government-operated stores only. Restaurants that don't have liquor licenses sometimes allow patrons to bring in their own. Ask first.

Lost & Found-- Be sure to notify 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 2. Visa's U.S. emergency numbers are 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 record 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.

Maps-- All three states offer free maps at well-stocked visitor information centers; ask at the counter if you don't see them. For incredibly detailed maps, consider purchasing one or more of the DeLorme atlases, which depict every road and stream, along with many hiking trails and access points for canoes. DeLorme's headquarters and map store (tel. 800/561-5105 or 800/642-0970) are in Yarmouth, Maine, but their products are available at bookstores and convenience stores throughout the region.

Newspapers & Magazines-- Almost every small town seems to have a daily or weekly newspaper covering the events and happenings of the area. These are good sources of information for small-town events and specials at local restaurants -- the day-to-day things that slip through the cracks at the tourist bureaus. The largest papers in each state are the Portland Press Herald (Maine), the Manchester Union Leader (New Hampshire), and the Burlington Free Press (Vermont). Burlington and Portland have free alternative weeklies that are handy sources of information on concerts and shows at local clubs. The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal are now often available daily in many shops around the region, except in the smallest towns and at the farthest fringes of the region.

Smoking-- Vermont and Maine have banned smoking in restaurants, although taverns still permit smoking. Most inns and B&Bs have banned smoking from guest rooms.

Taxes-- The current state sales taxes are as follows: Maine, 5% (7% on lodging, 10% on auto rentals); New Hampshire, no general sales tax, but 8% tax on lodging and dining; and Vermont, 6% (9% on lodging and dining, 10% on alcohol served in restaurants).

Time Zone-- All three states are in the Eastern Time zone (same as New York and Boston). Daylight Savings Time is in effect (move clocks forward 1 hour from Eastern Standard Time) between early April and late October.