Business Offices: 9:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday
Banks: 9:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 9:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 10:00 to 21:00, daily; some closed on Sundays
Museums: 9:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday, some open on weekends

Seattle is considered to be a safe place to visit and although petty crime does exist, it is not particularly aimed at tourists. Keeping cash and jewellery well out of sight is a good idea, as is keeping the belongings that you carry with you secure. If possible, keeping all valuables locked in a hotel safe to prevent loss or theft is advised.

The US Dollar is the nationwide currency. Most common US currency notes in circulation are in the denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1, but higher denominations exist as well. Coins are found in the amounts of US$1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cent.

Most of the businesses and shops in Seattle accept major credit and debit cards, but it’s recommended that you carry small amounts of cash for dealing with smaller vendors. Sea-Tac Airport and banks in the city have currency exchanges, which will cash traveller’s cheques.

ATMs are plentiful, and you shouldn’t have difficulty withdrawing cash using an internationally-recognised bank card. Widely-accepted cards include American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. You can wire funds using Thomas Cook, Moneygram and Western Union - but be advised that transfer fees can be high.

All visitors entering the US must complete a customs declaration form on arrival. Agricultural products and fresh foods cannot be brought in, nor can any items from Cuba or North Korea. Drugs and firearms are subject to stringent regulation. 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars and one litre of sprits, are allowed per traveller.

110V AC; all plugs are two-pronged.

Residents of the north-west are known for their friendliness. Most people who live here are very accommodating to visitors. You will however enjoy your stay in Seattle even more if you take the time to show appreciation for the hospitality of the locals, by following basic guidelines of etiquette.

There aren’t any particular rules, but it is expected that as a visiting guest you’ll reciprocate the friendliness and be polite, engaging in conversation with shop clerks and service providers. The dress code in Seattle is casual, perhaps the most casual of any major US city, so it is not necessary to get dressed up for dinner or an evening out. You should remember that when you’re waiting for service, to take your place at the end of a queue and that you do not smoke in designated ‘no smoking’ area.

When dining, it is customary to wait until everyone in your party is served before beginning to eat and if someone in the party raises a glass to make a toast, everyone should wait until that person has finished speaking before starting to eat. You aren’t expected to eat everything that’s served to you in a restaurant, as portions in many US restaurants can be large; it is however polite to do so when dining at someone’s home.

Alcohol is typically served during meals and dessert, coffee and tea are normally served at the end of the meal. When you’re finished eating, it’s customary to place your knife and fork parallel to each other at the side of your plate. Eating with your hands is acceptable with some foods but it’s a good idea to wait and see if your host does this first. If you invite friends to dine at a restaurant, they are likely to assume that you will pay the bill.

Medical care standards in Seattle are high and there are a number of excellent health care facilities in the city. If you do require medical care while on holiday, you’ll be expected to pay for routine services when you receive them, as well as prescription medications. If you require treatment at a hospital emergency room, you’ll normally be billed after treatment. Comprehensive travel insurance covering unexpected medical expenses and emergencies is highly recommended, as costs for medical care in the US can be high.

No specific inoculations are required for entering the US, but you are advised to make sure that your standard vaccinations, including tetanus, are current. Tap water is safe to drink and it’s unlikely that you’ll experience any problems with food that you are served in restaurants. If you visit parklands or forests, be sure to use an insect repellent, and also be on the lookout for wildlife, maintaining a safe and respectable distance, to avoid injury.

Seattle Emergency Physicians: +1 206 386 2573

Emergency services: 911

English is the official language of the US and there is no particular regional accent here that would make spoken American English difficult to understand.

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.

Seattle's Convention and Visitors Bureau is centrally located on Pike Street in the city centre, inside the Washington State Convention and Trade Center. There’s also a tourist information centre at Sea-Tac airport. You can contact the bureau office in the city at +1 206 461 5840; or visit the website at: www.seeseattle.org