Practical Information in Chicago
Come hungry to savour gourmet and quintessential Chicago food. Bring a good attitude, a smile, a comfortable pair of shoes plus moisturisers and mufflers in winter, suntan lotion in summer and an umbrella and layers the rest of the year.
GMT
GMT -6 (GMT -5 from first Sunday in April to last Sunday in October).
Money
The US Dollar (US$) is the official currency.
Visas
Each country has its own regulations and restrictions for its visitors. Find specific visa information for your destination.
Health
Travelling to (sub) tropical destinations means taking care of your health. Read more about health issues for the area you're visiting.
Electricity
110 volts AC, 50Hz; flat two-pin plugs are standard.
Dialling Code
+00 (national), (1) 312 or 773 + seven-figure number (Chicago).
Chicago Tourist Info
Travel Insurance
Read more and open a travel insurance policy straightaway .
Fit In
Wear a Chicago Cubs baseball hat in the summer, a team sweatshirt and cheer for ‘da Bears' in late autumn and know that any kind of garb is acceptable during the day. To mingle at an upscale restaurant, dress accordingly, don something flashy to a club, and jeans everywhere else. Most importantly, wear a smile.
Public Holidays 2011-2012
- Presidents' Day 21 Feb
- Good Friday 22 Apr
- Easter Monday 25 Apr
- Memorial Day 30 May
- Independence Day Holiday 4 Jul
- Labor Day 5 Sep
- Columbus Day 10 Oct
- Veterans' Day 11 Nov
- Thanksgiving Day 24 Nov
- Christmas Day 25 Dec
- Christmas Day Holiday 26 Dec
- New Year's Day 2 Jan
- Martin Luther King Day 16 Jan
