Airport
Located 29 kilometers (18 miles) northwest of Chicago, O'Hare International Airport is the world's busiest airport with approximately 180,000 passengers arriving and departing from it everyday. The best way to get into the city is to take the "El", a 24-hour train system run by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). El trains depart from the airport terminal every 10 minutes and every half-hour during the wee hours. The train ride takes a little more than 30 minutes and costs just $1.50. If you have bulky luggage, metered taxis are in queue outside the terminals; minimum fare is $30 to downtown destinations. Another option is to take the Continental Airport Express, a minibus service which passes through major hotels downtown from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. A roundtrip ticket costs $30 and can be bought at the baggage reclaim area. Limousine services and car rental agencies, like Avis, Budget, and Hertz also have offices at the airport.

Chicago's second airport is the Midway Domestic Airport located 11 kilometers (7 miles) southwest of the city. Midway handles most regional and local flights. Shuttles, which run to and from O'Hare to Midway, are available. For more information on O'Hare, call +773-686-2200. For Midway: +773-767-0500.

Visas
Passports valid for at least six months after date of arrival are required by all. In general, people who wish to visit the United States for business or for pleasure are required to obtain visas. However, under the Visa Waiver Pilot Program, citizens of Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Uruguay are allowed to stay for 90 days without a visa. They simply need to fill out a visa waiver form handed out on the airplane. Citizens of Canada and Mexico do not need a visa for entry but must have proof of identity and citizenship. Transit passengers are allowed to enter the U.S. without a visa provided they depart within 8 hours from the same airport and possess valid onward travel documents. The U.S. State Department provides additional information on visa requirements. Allot at least a month for U.S. visa application and processing.

Currency
The U.S. dollar is divided into 100 cents. Coins come in $1, and 50, 25 (quarter), 10 (dime), 5 (nickel) and 1 (penny) cent denominations. Notes come in $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. Bills are similar in size and come in the same monochromatic green, so those unfamiliar with the tender should look carefully at the denomination. People rarely carry around $100 bills and usually use a credit card for purchases of more than $50. Traveller's checks are widely accepted. Foreign exchange counters are available at airports, though rates are not as attractive as those offered by banks. Click here for currency conversion

Top

Credit Cards
International credit cards such as American Express, Access, Diner's Club, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa are accepted in most hotels, shopping malls, restaurants and car rental offices. Visitors are advised to have at least one international credit card when visiting the U.S. Many hotels and car rental agencies require a credit card or will demand payment up front if bills are to be settled by cash. Credit cards such as MasterCard and Visa can be used for cash advances from selected banks and ATMs.

Tipping
As in any other city in the United States, tipping is mandatory in Chicago. A 15% tip is sufficient for most restaurants; 20% may be needed for fine dining restaurants. You are not expected to tip in fast food outlets. Hotel porters and bellhops will appreciate a $1 gratuity per piece of luggage. Chambermaids are likewise given $1 per day of cleaning your room. Taxi drivers expect a tip of 10% of the fare.

Useful Numbers
Police, fire, or ambulance   911
Continental Airport Express   1-800 654 7871 and 312-454-7799
Office of Tourism   312-744-2400
American Taxi   312-829-4222
Yellow Cab   312-829-4222
Northwestern Memorial Hospital   312-908-2000
Public Transportation Information   312-836-7000

Top

Electricity
110 volts AC, 60Hz. Electrical outlets accept two flat-pin plugs.

Health Risks
Tap water is safe for drinking. Meat, poultry, fish and dairy products are safe for consumption. There are no particular health risks or epidemics in the United States. Health standards as well as medical facilities are of high standards. Visitors are however advised to obtain medical insurance prior to travel as only emergencies are entertained without prior payment or insurance.

Time Zone
The United States has six time zones: Eastern Standard Time (GMT - 5); Central Standard Time (GMT - 6); Mountain Standard Time (GMT -7); Pacific Standard Time (GMT -8); Alaska (GMT -9); and Hawaii (GMT -10). Chicago follows Central Standard Time, or GMT -6, same as Saskatchewan, Canada and Mexico City. Daylight Saving Time (GMT -5) is observed from April to October.

Business Hours
Most offices are open weekdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. although some employ flexible office hours. Banks are generally open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; weekdays and some are open half day on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Most shopping malls and retail stores are open weekdays, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., extended hours are observed on weekends some even closing at midnight. Convenience stores, which are found all over the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago, are open 24 hours and ready to serve your everyday needs and late night emergencies. Bars and nightclubs are open daily from 11:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Top

Holidays
2008
1 Jan New Year's Day.
21 Jan Martin Luther King Day.
18 Feb Presidents' Day.
26 May Memorial Day.
4 Jul Independence Day.
1 Sep Labor Day.
13 Oct Columbus Day.
11 Nov Veterans' Day.
27 Nov Thanksgiving Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.

2009
1 Jan New Year's Day.
19 Jan Martin Luther King Day.
16 Feb Presidents' Day.
25 May Memorial Day.
4 Jul Independence Day.
7 Sep Labor Day.
12 Oct Columbus Day.
11 Nov Veterans' Day.
26 Nov Thanksgiving Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.

Climate
Atop the swaying Sear's Tower, the city's tallest building, you'll realize why Chicago's "Windy City" nickname sticks. Strong and powerful winds all year round come courtesy of Lake Michigan. The city's climate is extreme -- hot and muggy in the summer and freezing cold in the winter. Spring and autumn in Chicago are generally agreeable and cool. Temperature-wise, the best months to visit Chicago are May and September, when daily lows are about 10 degrees Celsius. June is the wettest month; annual rainfall in Chicago is 34 inches or 86 centimeters. From the middle of July through September, Lake Michigan's waters are tepid and contribute to the city's high humidity. Be prepared for extremely raw winters and sporadic snowstorms in Chicago. Winter day temperatures average -5°C to 6°C, coupled with icy gusts of wind. Annual snowfall in Chicago is 40 inches or 102 centimeters. Click here for a 3-day Chicago weather forecast.

Top

Clothing
The standard attire in Chicago is a business suit particularly when meeting with top officials of big companies. Women are also expected to dress in standard corporate attire; dress suits or slacks and blazers are appropriate. Business attire may differ from company to company, if unsure, suits are always safe. Unlike in Europe, people in America are more relaxed in dress outside the corporate world. Jeans and sweaters are acceptable casual clothes and during the summer, you'll see a lot of locals in shorts and shirts. However, when dining out in fine restaurants and hotels, more formal clothes are needed. Jackets and ties are required for men and dressier ensembles for women. Chicago's extremely windy weather calls for windbreakers and topcoats. If visiting during the winter, bring thick warm clothes that can be layered to protect you from the numbing winds outside but can be removed to adjust to indoor heaters. Ear mufflers, neck scarves, bonnets, and warm boots with rubber soles or non-slip soles are also essential when walking on Chicago's snowy streets during the winter.
Travel Tips:
Many female executives, who would never think of shopping for used clothing in their home city, would consider a shopping adventure at a resale shop in other cities.
In Chicago, on posh Oak Street, there is a resale shop that specializes in authentic couture clothing and accessories. The merchandise is in pristine condition and the prices are less than in the couture boutique, albeit pricier than other resale shops all over the world.
It's called "The Daisy Shop," and it's tucked away on the 6th floor of the 67 East Oak Building.
It's a hospitable place within a boutique environment, and the staff is knowledge-able. Privacy is key and the owner says, "Daisies don't tell." You might enjoy this adventure.
Once you get back to your home city, and a resale urge comes upon you, you can shop at their website: www.daisyshop.com.

GDP Growth Rate
Real growth rate: 4.15% in 1999, up from 3.9% in 1998
Per capita: $31,500 (1998 est.)

Inflation
2.18% (1999)

Exports
Capital goods, software, automobiles, industrial supplies and raw materials, consumer goods, telecommunications equipment, and agricultural products

Top

Imports
Crude oil and refined petroleum products, machinery, automobiles, consumer goods, industrial raw materials, food and beverages

Trading Partners
Canada, Western Europe, Japan, Mexico, and China

Industries
The U.S. has the world's largest economy, producing about a quarter of total output. Its industries are greatly diversified and well developed in terms of technology. Some of its major industries include electronics, telecommunications, software, petroleum production, steel, motor vehicles, aerospace, chemicals, food, banking, and consumer goods.

Teledensity
1.5 persons per phone

Government
Federal republic of 50 states

Top

Geography
The United States of America's land mass touches the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and lies between Canada and Mexico. The city of Chicago is at the heart of North America, located on the northeast portion of the state of Illinois. Northern Illinois is composed of fertile plains, dotted with low-lying hills, lakes and swamps and bordered by the Lake Michigan. Chicago's land area stretches 591 square kilometers.

Population
USA: 301 million
Chicago: 6.95 million

Ethnic Groups
Caucasian 76%; African American 12%; Hispanic 8%; Asian, 3%; Others 1%

Language
Though English is the lingua franca, no federal law enshrines it as the official language. A sizable minority speaks Spanish.

Literacy Rate
97%

Religion
Over 84% of America's population are Christians, with 56% belonging to Protestant groups, while the remaining 28% are Roman Catholics. Other minorities practice Judaism, Eastern Orthodox, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam. A substantial number are atheists.