Banks: 09:00 to 15:00, from Monday to Friday.
Post Offices: 08:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday; and on Saturday mornings.
Department Stores and Shops: 08:00 to 19:00, daily.
Museums: Opening hours and days vary by museum.
Business Offices: 09:00 to 17:30, Monday to Friday.

With the exception of occasional petty crime, travel within the US is normally quite safe, although travellers are advised that the US maintains a heightened alert regarding an increased threat from terrorism. Airport security remains heightened, and there are continuing restrictions on hand luggage that can be carried on board. In addition, visitors to the US should also be aware to dangers related to both car and street crime in urban areas, using common sense and taking precautions to avoid being victimised.

Electricity: 110 volts, 60Hz.

Currently there are no specific health warnings issued in relation to travelling to the US. Visitors will find that medical care and facilities available are excellent but expensive. The only medical services available without prior arrangement for payment are for emergency-related treatment. Hospitals and clinics are permitted to refuse non-urgent treatment if the patient cannot provide evidence of insurance or sufficient funds.

Anaheim General Hospital: +1 714 827 6701

English is the official language, although Spanish is widely spoken.

The dollar ($) is the unit of currency and one dollar is divided into 100 cents. Coins that are found in normal circulation include: 1¢ (commonly called a ‘penny’); 5¢ (a ‘nickel’); 10¢ (a ‘dime’); 25¢ (called a ‘quarter’); 50¢ (a half-dollar, and is less common); and $1. Notes are found in the following denominations: $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100.

You’ll find that only major banks will exchange foreign currency and that traveller’s cheques denominated in US dollars are widely accepted. Banks are typically open from 09:00 to 15:00 from Monday through Friday and ATMs are widely available.

Returning residents are allowed to bring back items having a total value of $400, duty-free, as long as they were out of the country for at least 48 hours and they did not use their duty-free allowance in the 30 days prior to this arrival. Non-residents may bring in: 200 cigarettes and 100 cigars; lotions and perfumes for personal use; and 1 litre of alcoholic beverages (for arriving passengers 21 years and over). Cuban cigars, fruits and vegetables, live insects, snails, meat and meat products, narcotics and dangerous drugs, living plants and poultry are all banned. Animals and wildlife, and their by-products carry restrictions while firearms and ammunition require the necessary licenses and permits.

In many parts of the US, including southern California, social etiquette follows informal standards. Punctuality is important everywhere for both social and business appointments and it is considered rude to be late. Titles (Dr, Mr, Mrs, Ms) are used in introductions and should be used until someone suggests that you call them by their first name. Americans tend to be very polite and greetings are common, typically expressed with a degree of sincerity.

Dining Etiquette
There are a number of customary practices with regard to dining that are observed in the US, although they are standard etiquettes found in many countries throughout the world. At more formal occasions, if is customary to keep your hands either on your lap, or with your wrists resting on the edge of the table. Between courses, it’s acceptable to place your elbows on the table, but not while eating. Smoking in the US is highly restricted and it is almost never customary to smoke at the table when dining out.

It is however customary to taste any food presented to you before seasoning it and to chew with your mouth closed, as noiselessly as possible. If you have either a piece of bad food or something too tough to chew in your mouth, it should be taken out of your mouth with the same utensil you used to put it in and then placed on the edge of your plate, covering with some other food left on your plate.

European Union nationals need to fill out a form requesting a visa at least 72 hours before they plan to travel to the US. You may need to show evidence of funds and an onward ticket. Canadians also require a passport to enter the US.

Anaheim’s County Visitor and Convention Bureau can be found in the Anaheim Convention Center and is open from 08:30 to 17:30, Monday to Friday. They can be contacted by calling +1 714 765 8888 or visiting their website: www.anaheimoc.org.