San Francisco
San Francisco is often called "Everybody's Favorite City," a title earned by its scenic beauty, cultural attractions, diverse communities, and world-class cuisine. Measuring 49 square miles, this very walk-able city is dotted with landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, Alcatraz and the largest Chinatown in the United States. A stroll of the City's streets can lead to Union Square, the Italian-flavored North Beach, Fisherman's Wharf, the Castro, Japantown and the Mission District, with intriguing neighborhoods to explore at every turn. Views of the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay are often laced with fog, creating a romantic mood in this most European of American cities.
The City is home to world-class theatre, opera, symphony and ballet companies and often boasts premieres of Broadway-bound plays and culture-changing performing arts.
San Francisco is one of America's greatest dining cities. The diverse cultural influences, proximity of the freshest ingredients and competitive creativity of the chefs result in unforgettable dining experiences throughout the City.
For more information on San Francisco, please visit http://onlysf.sfvisitor.org/
Banks and Currency Exchange
1 USD $ = 100 cents
American banknotes (bills) are all the same size and the same colour. Bills come in denominations of 1, 2
(rare), 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars. Coins come in 1 (penny), 5 (nickel), 10 (dime), 25 (quarter) cent and 50 cent
denominations; there is also a dollar coin.
Banks are generally open from 10:00 to 16:00, Monday through Friday. Visitors to the USA are encouraged to exchange funds for US dollars at San Francisco International Airport, at a bank or at a foreign currency exchange outlet where they will receive the prevailing rate. Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are found throughout San Francisco. International credit cards are accepted throughout the country and traveler cheques can be changed at banks, hotels, resorts and the airport. For up-to-date information, please refer to the Universal Currency Converter at: www.xe.com/ucc/.
Climate
Surrounded on three sides by water, San Francisco's climate is strongly influenced by the cool currents of the Pacific Ocean. San Francisco is blessed with a temperate marine climate and enjoys mild weather year-round. Temperatures seldom rises above 70 F (21 C) or fall below 40 F (5 C). Morning and evening fog rolls in during summer months, but rarely persists. A comfortable, light jacket or coat is advisable.
Electricity
The United States operates on 110V, 60 cycle electric power. Non-North American visitors should bring a plug adaptor if they wish to use their own small appliances from home (razors, hair dryers, etc). If you are visiting from countries, such as Australia, that use a higher voltage, you may encounter problems charging your re-chargeable batteries. US electrical goods come with either a two-pronged plug, or a three-pronged plug; most sockets accommodate both.
Taxes
A state sales tax of 8.5% is charged on the majority of items purchased in California. Accommodation tax in
San Francisco is 14%.
Tipping
Some properties and resort hotels include tips or gratuities with group tours to simplify bookkeeping.
This will usually include gratuities for housekeeping, bell service and food service. Otherwise,
customary gratuity should be calculated at 15%, which is a base standard tip in most restaurants,
bars and hotels. Other customary gratuities include: taxis 10%, hotel porters US$3 - US$5,
and valet parking US$2.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted at the Conference facilities.
