Dentist — Call the Arizona Dental Association (tel. 800/866-2732) for a referral.

Doctor — For a doctor referral, ask at your hotel, or call the Northwest Medical Center (tel. 866/694-9355).

Emergencies — For fire, police, or medical emergencies, phone tel. 911.

Eyeglass Repair — Alvernon Optical has several stores around town where you can have your glasses repaired or replaced. Locations include 440 N. Alvernon Way (tel. 520/327-6211), 6987 N. Oracle Rd. (tel. 520/297-2501), and 7123 E. Tanque Verde Rd. (tel. 520/296-4157).

Hospitals — The Tucson Medical Center is at 5301 E. Grant Rd. (tel. 520/327-5461). The Banner-University Medical Center Tucson is at 1501 N. Campbell Ave. (tel. 520/694-0111).

Lost Property — If you lose something at the airport, call tel. 520/573-8156. If you lose something on a Sun Tran bus, call tel. 520/792-9222.

Newspapers & Magazines — The Arizona Daily Star is Tucson's morning daily. Tucson Weekly is the city's news-and-lifestyle journal, published on Thursday. Zócalo is a lively arts and local history/culture monthly.

Pharmacies — Contact Walgreens (tel. 800/925-4733) for the Walgreens pharmacy that's nearest you; some are open 24 hours a day.

Police — In case of an emergency, phone tel. 911.

Post Office — There's a post office in downtown Tucson at 141 S. Sixth Ave. (tel. 800/275-8777 or 520/903-1958; www.usps.com); it's open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm.

Safety —Tucson is surprisingly safe for a city of its size. However, downtown attracts a lot of street people and panhandlers. Be particularly alert if you’re down here for a performance of some sort. Just to the south of downtown lies a poorer section of the city that’s best avoided after dark unless you are certain of where you’re going. Take the same precautions you would in any other city.

When driving, be aware that many streets in the Tucson area are subject to flooding when it rains. Heed warnings about possible flooded areas and don’t try to cross a low area that has become flooded. Find an alternate route instead.

Taxes — In addition to the 5.6% sales tax levied by the state, Tucson levies a 2.6% city sales tax for a total of 8.6%. Car-rental taxes, surcharges, and fees add up to around 30% on weekly rentals at the Tucson International Airport. The hotel tax in the Tucson area is approximately 12.1%.

Weather —For the local weather forecast, call the National Weather Service (tel. 520/881-3333).

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.