Banks: 09.00 to 16.00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 09.00 to 15.00, Monday to Friday
Government Offices: 09.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 09.00 to 17.00/18.00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 10.00 to 21.00, daily; some closed on Sundays

Tucson comes with the same warnings that are applicable to any big city, those being largely associated with petty criminals. With the Mexican border only a short distance away, illegal aliens looking for an easy means of making a quick buck may choose tourists as their main targets, so it pays for all visitors to keep their wits about them and make sure their cash and valuable personal possessions are in secure places.

110V AC, 60Hz; all plugs are two-pronged.

Tucson presents little in the way of serious risks to health, but there are some minor issues that visitors need to be aware of. The excessive summer heat can cause dehydration, while the powerful sun can bring rapid damage to skin that’s overexposed. Be sensible when out and about and drink plenty of water and apply sunscreen regularly. Any visitor requiring medical attention during their stay will find a high standard available at the city’s hospitals. Holiday insurance with medical cover is a must to avoid expensive medical bills.

Kindre Hospital Tucson: +1 520 584 4500
Emergency services: 911

English is the primary language spoken in Tucson although with the Mexican border so close, Spanish is also spoken by many of the city’s residents.

The currency in Tucson is the US dollar, with US$1 equal to 100 cents.

The duty-free allowance for non-US citizens is 200 cigarettes (or 100 cigars) and a single litre of spirits. All visitors must complete a customs declaration form before entering the country and may not bring fresh food or organic agricultural products with them. Additionally, goods from North Korea, Libya and Cuba are prohibited.

The city’s ethnic mix makes for a varied set of rules of etiquette so visitors need to be sensitive to the ethnic background of residents who they are in contact with. Typical North American etiquette presides however, so basic rules such as not cutting in lines, holding open doors for strangers, tipping waiting staff and taxi drivers and good manners in all public places apply. Since the city experiences hot weather throughout the year, T-shirts and shorts are considered appropriate attire in most informal settings.

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 Tucson Visitor Centre is located in La Placita Village and can be called free (from within the US) on: 800 638 8350; www.visittucson.org