Keys to the City

Facts & Fundamentals

The population of DC proper is just over 570,000; when the entire metro area is factored in, the number jumps to 5.4 million.

The main employer in the nation's capital is the US government, although tourism follows right behind. Other major employers include trade associations, law offices, medical facilities, and publishing houses. A number of national corporate headquarters make their homes in DC, including companies like USAirways, Marriott, Gannett News and Amtrak.

The sales tax in DC is 5.75%, the hotel tax is 14.5%, and the food and beverage tax is 10%.

Weather

Varied yet comfortable, the District's climate includes four distinct seasons. Spring usually kicks in in late March, and temperatures warm up from that point on, reaching the 80s and higher during the summer. In September, temperatures cool, and late October ushers in colder weather. At winter's height, temperatures generally hover around the 40s, and an occasional snow storm sweeps through.

Holidays & Business Hours

Many offices and businesses close, have abbreviated hours, or provide limited services during federal and state holidays. Naturally, policies vary, but in general, the following holidays are broadly observed:

Coming & Going

Three large airports service the Washington metro area. They include Ronald Reagan National, Dulles International and Baltimore/Washington International. All three are frequented by all major carriers.

Ronald Reagan National Airport is just four miles from Downtown DC and hosts more than 14 million passengers each year. Parking at Reagan National is readily available: Short-term rates are $2-4 per hour and $15-28 per day, depending on the lot selected. Long-term parking fees are $3 per hour and $9 per day. Taxi service is available as well, and shuttle service is provided by SuperShuttle (1-800-BLUEVAN). Metrorail and Metrobus service can also be arranged.

About 26 miles from Downtown, Washington Dulles International Airport services more than 17 million passengers annually. Short-term, hourly parking is about $4 per hour, and daily parking is about $15 per day. Long-term parking is $9 per day and includes complimentary shuttle service to the terminal. Although pricey, valet parking is also available. Taxi and shuttle service to and from the airport are provided by Washington Flyer (703-685-1400). Shuttle service is also provided by SuperShuttle (1-800-BLUEVAN). No public transportation is available at Dulles.

Located in Maryland, Baltimore/Washington International Airport services more than 19 million passengers each year. Short-term hourly parking is available for $3-$4 per hour, depending on the selected lot. Long-term parking is available for $7-13 per day, again depending on the selected lot. Taxi service can be arranged, and shuttle service is provided by SuperShuttle (1-800-BLUEVAN). Amtrak (1-800-USA-RAIL) and MARC (410-672-6769) commuter trains provide service as well. Plus, Maryland buses (410-539-5000) connect the airport to a variety of destinations and rail stops.

Railroad transportation is also available to and from DC, including service to the city's historic Union Station. Call 1-800-USA-RAIL or visit www.amtrak.com for schedules and ticket information.

Making Your Way

Since parking is somewhat limited and the city can be traffic-heavy, the best way to get around DC is via its world-class Metrorail system. Along with city destinations, trains link DC proper to outlying Virginia and Maryland suburbs, and stops throughout are plentiful and well-planned out. As a result, you can easily visit or live in DC without owning a vehicle. To ride, all passengers must present farecards, which are available at station machines. The base fare is $1.35, although this price increases during peak times and for extended trips. Metrorail opens at 5:30am on weekdays and 7am on weekends and closes at midnight Sunday-Thursday and 3am Friday-Saturday.

The DC Metrobus system provides service where Metrorail does not. Transfer cards can be obtained at your originating train station. Fares are $1.20, and transfer riders from Metrorail pay just 35¢ with the appropriate transfer card. For schedules and more information about the area's subway or bus systems, visit www.metroopensdoors.com or call 202-637-7000. Taxis are easily available as well, and DC cabs use a zone (as opposed to meter) fare calculation system.

If driving is necessary, Zipcar, a short-term car rental system, is a good option. Rental stations are located near many Metro stops.

News & Views

To stay abreast of international, national, and local news, purchase a copy of the Washington Post. For local news and area happenings, pick up a complimentary copy of the weekly Washington CityPaper. The CityPaper as well as the "Weekend" section of the Post cover area nightlife. Specialized publications like Metro Weekly and Women in the Life provide information about gay and lesbian nightlife.

Quirks & Curiosities

Efficiently designed, the city's layout is based around the Capitol. From there, quadrants spread out and take in various neighborhoods. Although the District of Columbia itself is 67 square miles wide, the greater DC area also encompasses seven Maryland counties, five Virginia counties and six Virginia cities. In DC proper, numbered streets run north to south, while lettered streets run east to west (excluding the letters J, X, Y and Z). Avenues named for US states run diagonally and many times meet at traffic circles and squares. Interstates I-495 and I-95 circle the DC area and are known as the Capital Beltway. During rush hours, the Beltway experiences heavy traffic.

If driving in DC, be aware that during rush hours and some weekend time periods, parking is restricted (check street signs for hours). If towed after 7pm on Friday, your vehicle may not be retrieved until Monday after 9am. For more information, call the Public Works department at 202-727-5000.

Looking to attend a concert or dramatic production? Contact TICKETplace, part of the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington. You'll be able to order day-of-show discount tickets (debit and credit cards only). They're open Tuesday-Friday 11am-6pm and Saturday 10am-5pm. Their contact information is:

TICKETplace
407 7th St. NW
Washington, DC
METRO: Gallery Place/MCI Center or Archives/Navy Memorial
202-842-5387 (TICKETS)

With advance notice, many DC embassies provide guided tours, and many are able to host meetings and private parties. Visit www.embassy.org for more information.

Because DC receives thousands of international visitors each year, the White House, Kennedy Center, Library of Congress, the Smithsonian Institution's Visitor's Center, and other venues offer brochures in a number of languages.

Getting Your Bearings

The Washington DC Chamber of Commerce (866-324-7386) is a great source of information. From their visitor's center, you can obtain maps, brochures, guides, sightseeing details and local tips from the helpful staff.

DC Visitor's Center
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington DC 20004
Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:30pm, Sat 9am-4pm

Necessities - Post Offices

It's usually not too difficult to spot a drop box when you're out and about, but if you need to conduct more serious postal business, it's not always that easy. In DC, a number of post offices are convenient to travelers and residents. They include:

Benjamin Franklin Post Office
1200 Pennsylvania Ave Nw
Washington, DC 20004-2403
800-275-8777 phone
202-529-2933 fax
Mon-Fri 7:30am-5:30pm, Sat 8am-12:30pm

L'Enfant Plaza Post Office
437 Lenfant Plz Sw
Washington, DC 20024-2111
800-275-8777 phone
202-863-1291 fax
Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

Watergate Post Office
2512 Virginia Ave Nw
Washington, DC 20037-9997
800-275-8777 phone
202-965-6278 fax
Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

Georgetown Post Office
1215 31st St Nw
Washington, DC 20007-3423
800-275-8777 phone
202-337-4017 fax
Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 8am-2pm

Common Courtesies

Although tipping is generally a personal matter, some guidelines prove helpful. At restaurants, servers typically get 15% of the bill, although 10% acknowledges basic assistance, and 20% awards exceptional service. It is also common now for some restaurants to charge an automatic gratuity of 18% for groups. You should be aware of this possibility before providing an additional tip. Taxi drivers usually receive a tip equivalent to 15% of the tab.

Often, a dollar tip covers many situations. Bartenders are customarily given $1 per cocktail, hotel maids are provided $1 for each day of a stay, bellhops get about $1 per bag, and a coat-check clerk typically receives $1 as well. Excepted is a concierge, who generally receives $5-$10 for standard service (additional assistance suggests more).