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 Travel Tips Currency Exchange There are many currency exchange facilities in Boston. Most banks exchange currency as do a number of travel centers in the city. Exchange services are more limited outside of Boston, and it's best to carry U.S. currency travelers checks or small amounts of U.S. cash. Credit Cards/Travelers Checks New England businesses accept most credit cards and U.S. dollar travelers checks. Some restaurants accept cash only. Some businesses may require a photo identification card (passport or other identification) before cashing travelers checks. Time Zones New England is in the Eastern Time Zone (1 hour ahead of Central, 2 hours ahead of Mountain, and 3 hours ahead of Pacific Time). The Eastern Time Zone is 5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time. From the first Saturday in April until the last Saturday in October, New England observes Daylight Savings Time and turns all its clocks ahead one hour. Climate In New England, summers vary from the low 20's C, to the low 30's C. Temperatures are higher in the city and cooler on the coast. Winters are cold and brisk and temperatures may hover around freezing. Annual rainfall is between 102-122 cm. Average Temperatures Spring (April & May): 5 C to 22 C Summer (June-August): 22 C to 33 C Fall (September-November): 7 C to 24 C Winter (December - March): -9 C to 7 C Suggested Clothing Medium weight clothing is suitable for most of the year, although lightweight garments are recommended during the summer months and a warm coat is a necessity during the winter. For the most part, dining in New England is casual. Formal dress (tie and jacket for men) for dinner is required at some restaurants in Boston and at some resorts. Restaurants Most restaurants begin serving the evening meal at 6 pm and stop serving as early as 10 pm, later on weekends. Tipping for Services Most restaurants automatically add a 18 percent gratuity for large groups. If the gratuity is not included, the recommended gratuity is 15-20 percent of your meal or bar bill. Other tips: 15 percent for a taxi; $1.00-$1.50 per bag for airport porters and hotel bellmen. Drinking Law The legal drinking age in New England is 21. Proper identification is a state driver's license, a liquor purchase card issued by the Registry of Motor Vehicles, or a valid motor vehicle license issued by another state or jurisdiction. You may want to carry your passport to verify you age or act as another type of identification. State Taxes Five percent sales tax is added to all items except non-restaurant food and clothing valued under $175. Five percent tax is added to restaurant and take-out meals. New England Holidays Most of New England celebrates the following national, state and local holidays. Banks and municipal buildings will be closed on many of these dates. Contact individual businesses for information about holiday schedules. Electrical Appliances The U.S. operates on 110 volts. Electrical outlets accept two-pin plugs. Driving Distances from Boston
Transportation Many U.S. international carriers serve Logan International Airport. Logan International Airport is located three miles from Downtown Boston and is easily accessible by public transportation, water shuttle, taxi and limousine services. A free shuttle bus marked "MASSPORT" stops at each airline terminal, the "T" station (Our local subway system) and the water shuttle dock. The "T" will take you to all downtown points. The Massport Water Shuttle offers a seven-minute boat ride from the airport to Rowes Wharf in downtown Boston. The cost is $10.00, one-way. The water shuttle does not operate on Saturday's, July 4, Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday in November), Christmas (December 25) and New Year's Day (January 1). Most international flights arrive at terminal E; some international flights depart form other terminals. Multilingual assistance is available at information desk just outside the customs area in terminal E. Ferry Service Ferry Lines operate seasonally, unless otherwise noted, between the areas listed below. Call for rates and schedules. If you are planing to take your car to Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard, advance reservations on the Steamship Authority are required. Space for vehicles is limited and reservations should be made far in advance. If you want to leave your car on the mainland, there is parking available for a fee at the ferry dock.
Boston-area Public Transportation MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) Tel: (617) 722-3200 The MBTA runs daily service on buses, trains and trolleys throughout Boston and surrounding towns. The Boston train system is referred to as the "T". The stations can be identified by a black "T" on a white circular sign. Tokens can be bought at booths at each "T" station. Cost: $1.00. The MBTA also runs a Commuter Rail service which serves the Greater Boston area. Cost: up to $6.00 one way. The "Boston Passport" entitles you to 1, 3, or 7 days of unlimited "T" travel on the four color-coded subway lines and all local bus service. You also receive discounts at area attractions and restaurants. You can purchase the "Boston Passport" at Logan Airport (terminal E), many MBTA subway stations and hotels in Greater Boston and the Visitors Information Booth on Boston Common. Cost for adults: 1-day, $5.00; 3-day, $9.00; 7-day, $18.00. Interstate Train Service Amtrak Service departs from South Station with near hourly service to New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. and somewhat frequent service to other U.S. destinations. Tel: (800) 872-7245. Interstate Bus Service There is bus service widely available throughout Massachusetts. The major bus terminal in Boston is Trailways Bus Terminal, 555 Atlantic Ave., across from South Station, Tel: (617) 482-6620. From within South Station, Greyhound Buses depart to destinations across the U.S. Tel: (800) 231-2222. Car Rental Companies All of the major car rental companies have locations at Logan Airport and most have downtown Boston locations. Since Boston is so small and parking is limited, it's best to delay picking up a rental car until you are ready to leave the city. Driving The speed limit on most major highways in Massachusetts is 55 miles/hr (88 km/hr) and is strictly enforced. On sections of the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) the speed limit is 65 miles/hr (104 km/hr). Elsewhere, limits range from 30-45 miles/hr (32-80 km/hr). While most non-U.S. driver's licenses are acceptable, it's best to bring an international driver's license. Children under twelve years of age are required to be protected with an approved car seat or safety belt. Massachusetts encourages all passengers to wear seat belts. You may turn right at a red traffic light after stopping unless otherwise indicated. To ensure your safety and that of others on the road, Massachusetts strictly enforces the drunk driving law. |
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