Banks: 09.00 to 15.00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 08.00 to 18.00, Monday to Friday; 09.00 to 15.00, Saturday
Government Offices: 09.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 09.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 10.00 to 18.00, daily

Naples is one of the safer Florida cities, being a lot more laidback than the likes of Miami and Orlando. However, it pays to remain on the ball, especially at night-time, staying within familiar areas and not carrying around large sums of cash. Park hire cars off city streets at night and be especially careful if partaking in water sports or when wandering around in the Everglades National Park.

110V, 60Hz – twin, flat-pin plugs

The biggest health hazards associated with a visit to Naples is from the sun and biting insects. It gets hot and humid here in the summer and using sunscreen liberally, even when wandering city streets, goes without saying. Bring along some good insect repellent and put it on before venturing into the Everglades. Travel insurance is a must when visiting the USA.

Emergency services: 911
NCH Naples Hospital: +1 239 436 5000

English is the official language of the USA, while Spanish is also widely spoken by resident immigrants all over the state.

America uses the US dollar (US$), commonly referred to as the greenback, with all-green, same-sized notes and coins.

Visitors to the USA can bring in the following amounts of duty-free goods if over the age of 21 years: 200 cigarettes, or two kilograms of tobacco, or 50 cigars; 0.95 litre of spirits or wine; and gifts to the value of US$100.

Americans are generally friendly and open by nature, and Naples is a particularly easy and casual place. Casual-wear is fine for all but the poshest of restaurants, but refrain from wandering city streets in beachwear. Tipping is big in Naples as with everywhere else in the States. Waiters expect 10 to 15 per cent tip while taxi drivers and hotel porters also like a piece of the action.

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.

The Naples Area Chamber of Commerce has a visitor centre at 895 Fifth Avenue South on US41 with brochures, maps and other useful information on the city and surroundings. 
Phone: +1 239 262 6141; www.napleschamber.org