Fast Facts

American Express -- Travel-service offices are at many Manhattan locations, including 295 Park Avenue South at 23rd Street (tel. 212/691-9797); at the New York Marriott Marquis, 1535 Broadway, in the eighth-floor lobby (tel. 212/575-6580); on the mezzanine level at Macy's Herald Square, 34th Street and Broadway (tel. 212/695-8075); and 374 Park Ave., at 53rd Street (tel. 212/421-8240). Call tel. 800/AXP-TRIP, or check www.americanexpress.com for other locations or general information.

Area Codes -- There are four area codes in the city: two in Manhattan, the original 212 and the new 646; and two in the outer boroughs, the original 718 and the new 347. Also common is the 917 area code, which is assigned to cellphones, pagers, and the like. All calls between these area codes are local calls, but you'll have to dial 1 + the area code + the seven digits for all calls, even ones made within your area code.

Business Hours -- In general, retail stores are open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 6 or 7pm, Thursday from 10am to 8:30 or 9pm, and Sunday from noon to 5pm. Banks tend to be open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm, with many open Saturday mornings, and some now even open on Sundays.

Doctors -- For medical emergencies requiring immediate attention, head to the nearest emergency room. For less urgent health problems, New York has several walk-in medical centers, such as DOCS at New York Healthcare, 55 E. 34th St., between Park and Madison avenues (tel. 212/252-6001), for non-emergency illnesses, and 202 W. 23rd, at Seventh Avenue tel. 212/352-2600. The clinic, affiliated with Beth Israel Medical Center, is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 7pm, Saturday from 9am to 1pm, and Sunday from 9am to 1pm. The NYU Downtown Hospital offers physician referrals at tel. 212/312-5800.

Drinking Laws -- The minimum legal age to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages in New York is 21. Liquor and wine are sold only in licensed stores, which are open 6 days a week, with some choosing to close on Sunday, others on an early or midweek day. (You can usually find an open liquor store on Sundays). Liquor stores are closed on holidays and election days while the polls are open. Beer can be purchased in grocery stores and delis 24 hours a day, except Sunday before noon. Last call in bars is at 4am, though many close earlier.

Electricity -- Like Canada, the United States uses 110 to 120 volts AC (60 cycles), compared to 220 to 240 volts AC (50 cycles) in most of Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Downward converters that change 220 to 240 volts to 110 to 120 volts are difficult to find in the United States, so bring one with you if you are coming from overseas.

Embassies & Consulates -- All embassies are in Washington, D.C. Some consulates are in New York and most nations have a mission to the United Nations. If your country isn't listed, call for directory information in Washington, D.C. (tel. 202/555-1212) or log on to www.embassy.org/embassies.

The embassy of Australia is at 1601 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (tel. 202/797-3000; www.austemb.org). There is a consulate in New York City.

The embassy of Canada is at 501 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001 (tel. 202/682-1740; www.canadianembassy.org). There is a consulate in New York City.

The embassy of Ireland is at 2234 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202/462-3939; www.irelandemb.org). Consulates are in Boston, Chicago, New York, and San Francisco. See website for complete listing.

The embassy of the United Kingdom is at 3100 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202/588-6500; www.britainusa.com). There is a consulate in New York City.

Emergencies -- Dial tel. 911 for fire, police, and ambulance. The Poison Control Center can be reached at tel. 800/222-1222 toll-free from any phone.

Holidays -- Banks, government offices, post offices, and many stores, restaurants, and museums are closed on the following legal national holidays: January 1 (New Year's Day), the third Monday in January (Martin Luther King, Jr., Day), the third Monday in February (Presidents' Day), the last Monday in May (Memorial Day), July 4 (Independence Day), the first Monday in September (Labor Day), the second Monday in October (Columbus Day), November 11 (Veterans' Day/Armistice Day), the fourth Thursday in November (Thanksgiving Day), and December 25 (Christmas). The Tuesday after the first Monday in November is Election Day, a federal government holiday in presidential-election years (held every 4 years, and next in 2008).

Hospitals -- The following hospitals have 24-hour emergency rooms. Don't forget your insurance card.

Downtown: New York University Downtown Hospital, 170 William St., between Beekman and Spruce streets (tel. 212/312-5063 or 212/312-5000); St. Vincent's Hospital and Medical Center, 153 W. 11th St., at Seventh Avenue (tel. 212/604-7000); and Beth Israel Medical Center, First Avenue and 16th Street (tel. 212/420-2000).

Midtown: Bellevue Hospital Center, 462 First Ave., at 27th Street (tel. 212/562-4141; New York University Medical Center, 550 First Ave., at 33rd Street (tel. 212/263-7300); and St. Luke's/Roosevelt Hospital, 425 W. 59th St., between Ninth and Tenth avenues (tel. 212/523-4000).

Upper West Side: St. Luke's Hospital Center, 1111 Amsterdam Avenue at 114th Street (tel. 212/523-4000); and Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, 622 W. 168th St., between Broadway and Fort Washington Avenue (tel. 212/305-2500).

Upper East Side: New York Presbyterian Hospital, 525 E. 68th St., at York Avenue (tel. 212/472-5454); Lenox Hill Hospital, 100 E. 77th St., between Park and Lexington avenues (tel. 212/434-2000); and Mount Sinai Medical Center, 1190 Fifth Avenue at 100th Street (tel. 212/241-6500).

Hot Lines -- Department of Consumer Affairs tel. 212/487-4444; and taxi complaints at tel. 212/NYC-TAXI. If you suspect your car may have been towed, call the Department of Transportation TOWAWAY Help Line at tel. 311. You can also call 311 for any non-emergency city matters or questions pertaining to New York City.

Legal Aid -- If you are "pulled over" for a minor infraction (such as speeding), or return to your car to find a parking violation, never attempt to pay the fine directly to a police officer; this could be construed as attempted bribery, a very serious crime. Pay fines by mail, or directly into the hands of the clerk of the court. If accused of a more serious offense, say and do nothing before consulting a lawyer. Here the burden is on the state to prove a person's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and everyone has the right to remain silent, whether he or she is suspected of a crime or actually arrested. Once arrested, a person can make one telephone call to a party of his or her choice. International visitors should call your embassy or consulate.

Librairies -- The New York Public Library is on Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street (tel. 212/930-0800). This Beaux Arts beauty houses more than 38 million volumes, and the beautiful reading rooms have been restored to their former glory. More efficient and modern, if less charming, is the mid-Manhattan branch at 455 Fifth Ave., at 40th Street, across the street from the main library (tel. 212/340-0833). There are other branches in almost every neighborhood; most provide public computer terminals and are equipped with Wi-Fi. You can find a list online at www.nypl.org.

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 when banks and American Express offices are closed on weekends or holidays, you can have money wired to you via Western Union (tel. 800/325-6000; www.westernunion.com).

Mail -- At press time, domestic postage rates were 27¢ for a postcard and 42¢ for a letter. For international mail, a first-class letter of up to 1 ounce costs from 72¢ (69¢ to Canada and Mexico), depending on size and destination; a first-class postcard costs the same as a letter. For more information go to www.usps.com and click on "Calculate Postage."

If you aren't sure what your address will be in the U.S., mail can be sent to you, in your name, c/o General Delivery at the main post office of the city or region where you expect to be. (Call tel. 800/275-8777 for information on the nearest post office.) The addressee must pick up mail in person and must produce proof of identity (driver's license, passport, etc.). Most post offices will hold your mail for up to 1 month, and are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, and Saturday from 9am to 3pm.

Always include zip codes when mailing items in the U.S. If you don't know your zip code, visit www.usps.com/zip4.

Medical Conditions -- If you have a medical condition that requires syringe-administered medications, carry a valid signed prescription from your physician; syringes in carry-on baggage will be inspected. Insulin in any form should have the proper pharmaceutical documentation. If you have a disease that requires treatment with narcotics, you should also carry documented proof with you -- smuggling narcotics aboard a plane carries severe penalties in the U.S.

For HIV-positive visitors, requirements for entering the United States are somewhat vague and change frequently. For up-to-the-minute information, contact AIDSinfo (tel. 800/448-0440 or 301/519-6616 outside the U.S.; www.aidsinfo.nih.gov) or the Gay Men's Health Crisis (tel. 212/367-1000; www.gmhc.org).

Newspapers & Magazines -- There are three major daily newspapers: the New York Times, the Daily News, and the New York Post. There are also two free daily papers, AM-New York and Metro, usually distributed in the morning near subway stations and in self-serve boxes around town.

If you want to find your hometown paper, visit Universal News & Magazines, at 234 W. 42nd St., between Seventh and Eighth avenues (tel. 212/221-1809), and 977 Eighth Ave., between 57th and 58th streets (tel. 212/459-0932); or Hotalings News Agency, 624 W. 52nd St., between Eleventh and Twelfth avenues (tel. 212/974-9419). Other good bets include the Hudson news dealers, located in Grand Central Terminal, at 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue, and Penn Station, at 34th Street and Seventh Avenue.

Passports -- The websites listed provide downloadable passport applications as well as the current fees for processing applications. For an up-to-date, country-by-country listing of passport requirements around the world, go to the "International Travel" tab of the U.S. Department of State at http://travel.state.gov.

International visitors to the U.S. can obtain a visa application at the same website. Note: Children are required to present a passport when entering the United States at airports. More information on obtaining a passport for a minor can be found at http://travel.state.gov. Allow plenty of time before your trip to apply for a passport; processing normally takes 4 to 6 weeks (3 weeks for expedited service) but can take longer during busy periods (especially spring). And keep in mind that if you need a passport in a hurry, you'll pay a higher processing fee.

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 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). Note: Canadian children who travel must have their own passport. However, if you hold a valid Canadian passport issued before December 11, 2001, that bears the name of your child, the passport remains valid for you and your child until it expires.

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 3-year passport. You can also apply at 1A South Mall, Cork (tel. 21/494-4700), or at most post offices.

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.

For Residents of the United Kingdom -- To pick up an application for a standard 10-year passport (5-yr. 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.

Pharmacies -- There are a number of 24-hour pharmacies in Manhattan. Downtown, try Walgreen's at 145 Fourth Avenue (at 14th Street), tel. 212/677-0054. Midtown on the East Side, head for CVS at 630 Lexington Ave. (at 53rd St.), tel. 917/369-8688. Midtown on the West Side, try Duane Reade, 224 W. 57th St. at Broadway, tel. 212/541-9708. Duane Reade has a 24-hour pharmacy on the Upper East Side at 1279 Third Ave. (at 74th St.) (tel. 212/744-2668). On the Upper West Side there's another 24-hour pharmacy at the Duane Reade, 2522 Broadway (at 94th St.) tel. 212/663-1580.

Police -- Dial tel. 911 in an emergency; otherwise, call tel. 646/610-5000 or 718/610-5000 (NYPD headquarters) for the number of the nearest precinct. For non-emergency matters, call tel. 311.

Smoking -- Smoking is prohibited on all public transportation, in the lobbies of hotels and office buildings, in taxis, bars, restaurants, and in most shops.

Taxes -- Sales tax is 8.375% on meals, most goods, and some services, but it is not charged on clothing and footwear items under $110. Hotel tax is 13.25% plus $2 per room per night (including sales tax). Parking garage tax is 18.375%.

The United States has no value-added tax (VAT) or other indirect tax at the national level. Every state, county, and city may levy its own local tax on all purchases, including hotel and restaurant checks and airline tickets. These taxes will not appear on price tags.

Time -- For the correct local time, dial tel. 212/976-1616. New York City is on Eastern Time (GMT -5 hours).

Daylight saving time is in effect from 1am on the second Sunday in March to 1am on the first Sunday in November. Daylight saving time moves the clock 1 hour ahead of standard time.

Tipping -- Tips are a very important part of certain workers' income, and gratuities are the standard way of showing appreciation for services provided. (Tipping is not compulsory if the service is poor!) In hotels, tip bellhops at least $1 per bag ($2-$3 if you have a lot of luggage) and tip the chamber staff $1 to $2 per day (more if you've left a disaster area to clean up). Tip the doorman or concierge only if he or she has provided you with some specific service (for example, calling a cab for you or obtaining difficult-to-get theater tickets). In restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, tip service staff 15% to 20% of the check, tip bartenders 10% to 15%, tip checkroom attendants $1 per garment, and tip valet-parking attendants $1 per vehicle.

As for other service personnel, tip cab drivers 15% of the fare; tip skycaps at airports at least $1 per bag ($2-$3 if you have a lot of luggage); and tip hairdressers and barbers 15% to 20%.

Toilets -- You won't find public toilets or restrooms on the streets in New York City, but they can be found in hotel lobbies, bars, restaurants, museums, department stores, railway and bus stations. Large hotels and fast-food restaurants are often the best bet for clean facilities.

Public restrooms are available at the visitor centers in Midtown (1560 Broadway, between 46th and 47th sts.; and 810 Seventh Ave., between 52nd and 53rd sts.). Grand Central Terminal, at 42nd Street between Park and Lexington avenues, also has clean restrooms. There are staffed bathrooms open from early in the morning until fairly late at night in the Times Square subway station (closer to 7th Ave.) Your best bet on the street is Starbucks or another city java chain -- you can't walk more than a few blocks without seeing one. The big chain bookstores are good for this, too. You can also head to hotel lobbies (especially the big Midtown ones) and department stores such as Macy's and Bloomingdale's. On the Lower East Side, stop into the Lower East Side BID Visitor Center, 261 Broome St., between Orchard and Allen streets (daily 10am-4pm, sometimes later).

Transit Information -- For information on getting to and from the airport, call Air-Ride at tel. 800/247-7433. For information on subways and buses, call the MTA at tel. 718/330-1234; go online to www.mta.info.

Traveler's Assistance -- Travelers Aid (www.travelersaid.org) helps distressed travelers with all kinds of problems, including accidents, sickness, and lost or stolen luggage. There is an office on the first floor of Terminal 6 (JetBlue terminal) at JFK Airport (tel. 718/656-4870), and one in Newark Airport's Terminal B (tel. 973/623-5052).

Visas -- For information about U.S. Visas go to http://travel.state.gov and click on "Visas." Or go to one of the following websites:

Australian citizens can obtain up-to-date visa information from the U.S. Embassy Canberra, Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600 (tel. 02/6214-5600) or by checking the U.S. Diplomatic Mission's website at http://usembassy-australia.state.gov/consular.

British subjects can obtain up-to-date visa information by calling the U.S. Embassy Visa Information Line (tel. 0891/200-290) or by visiting the "Visas to the U.S." section of the American Embassy London's website at www.usembassy.org.uk.

Irish citizens can obtain up-to-date visa information through the Embassy of the USA Dublin, 42 Elgin Rd., Dublin 4, Ireland (tel. 353/1-668-8777; or by checking the "Consular Services" section of the website at http://dublin.usembassy.gov.

Citizens of New Zealand can obtain up-to-date visa information by contacting the U.S. Embassy New Zealand, 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington (tel. 644/472-2068), or get the information directly from the website at http://wellington.usembassy.gov.