Dulles International Airport (IAD) (PHONE: 703/572-2700) is 26 mi west of Washington.

Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) (PHONE: 410/859-7100) is in Maryland, about 25 mi northeast of Washington.

A flight to D.C. from New York takes a little less than an hour. It's about 1½ hours from Chicago, 3 hours from Denver, and 5 hours from San Francisco. Those flying from London can expect a trip of about 6 hours.

Carriers

All major airlines fly into Ronald Reagan National, Dulles, and BWI airports.

Major Airlines

Air Canada (PHONE: 800/776-3000).

America West (PHONE: 800/235-9292).

American (PHONE: 800/433-7300).

Continental (PHONE: 800/525-0280).

Delta (PHONE: 800/221-1212).

Northwest (PHONE: 800/225-2525).

TWA (PHONE: 800/221-2000).

United (PHONE: 800/241-6522).

US Airways (PHONE: 800/428-4322).

Smaller Airlines

Air Tran (PHONE: 800/825-8538) to Dulles.

Midwest Express (PHONE: 800/452-2022) to Ronald Reagan National.

Southwest (PHONE: 800/435-9792) to BWI.

Transfers Between the Airport and Town

By Bus

Dulles and National airports are served every half hour (hourly on weekends) by Washington Flyer (PHONE: 703/685-1400). The ride from Dulles to downtown takes 45 minutes and from National 20 minutes. Both cost $16 ($26 round-trip). The bus takes you to the Washington Convention Center at 11th Street and New York Avenue NW, where you can board a free shuttle bus that serves downtown hotels. The bus will also transport you from your hotel to the Convention Center to catch the main airport bus on your return journey. Fares may be paid in cash or with Visa or MasterCard; children under age six ride free.

By Limousine

Private Car (PHONE: 800/685-0888) has a counter at BWI Airport and charges $63 plus a 15% tip for up to four passengers traveling from there to downtown; or call ahead to have a car waiting for you at Reagan National ($50 plus 15% tip) or Dulles ($76 plus 15% tip).

By Metro

If you are coming into Ronald Reagan National Airport, have little to carry, and are staying at a hotel near a subway stop, it makes sense to take the Metro downtown. The station is within walking distance of the baggage claim area, but a free airport shuttle stops outside each terminal and brings you to the National Airport station. The Metro ride downtown takes about 20 minutes and costs either $1.10 or $1.40, depending on the time of day.

By Shuttle

Reagan National, Dulles, and BWI airports are served by SuperShuttle (PHONE: 800/258-3826), which will take you to a specific hotel or residence. Make reservations at the ground transportation desk. Fares vary depending on the destination. The 20-minute ride from Reagan National to downtown averages $9-$13; the 45-minute ride from Dulles runs $20-$25; the 65-minute ride from BWI averages $21-$30; drivers accept major credit cards in addition to cash.

By Taxi

Expect to pay about $14 to get from Ronald Reagan National Airport to downtown, $45-$50 from Dulles, and $55-$60 from BWI. Unscrupulous cabbies prey on out-of-towners, so if the fare strikes you as astronomical, get the driver's name and cab number and threaten to call the D.C. Taxicab Commission (PHONE: 202/645-6018). A $1.50 airport surcharge is added to the total at Ronald Reagan National.

By Train

Free shuttle buses carry passengers between airline terminals and the train station at BWI Airport. Amtrak (PHONE: 800/872-7245) and Maryland Rail Commuter Service (MARC, PHONE: 800/325-7245) trains run between BWI and Washington's Union Station from around 6 AM to midnight. The cost of the 40-minute ride is $14-$24 on an Amtrak train, $5 on a MARC train (weekdays only).

Interstate 66 approaches the city from the southwest. You can get downtown by taking I-66 across the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge to Constitution Avenue.

Interstate 270 approaches Washington from the northwest before hitting I-495. To get downtown, take I-495 east to Connecticut Avenue south, toward Chevy Chase.

For information on arrivals, departures, and fares, contact Amtrak (PHONE: 800/872-7245), MARC (PHONE: 800/325-7245), and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA; PHONE: 202/637-7000; 202/638-3780 TDD).

Banks are generally open weekdays 9-3. On Friday many stay open until 5 or close at 2 and open again from 4 to 6.

Museums & Sights

Museums are usually open daily 10-5:30; some have later hours on Thursday. Many private museums are closed Monday or Tuesday, and some museums in government buildings are closed weekends. The Smithsonian often sets extended spring and summer hours for some of its museums.

Shops

Stores are generally open Monday-Saturday 10-7 (or 8). Some have extended hours on Thursday and many open on Sunday anywhere from 10 to noon and close at 5 or 6.

Non-U.S. residents ages 21 and older may import into the United States 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 2 kilograms of tobacco, 1 liter of alcohol, and gifts worth $100. Meat products, seeds, plants, and fruits are prohibited.

For additional information, contact the U.S. Customs Service (inquiries, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20229, PHONE: 202/354-1000; complaints, Office of Regulations and Rulings, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20229; registration of equipment, Resource Management, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20229, PHONE: 202/927-0540).

Australian Embassy (1601 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036, PHONE: 202/797-3000, FAX: 202/797-3040).

Canada

Canadian Embassy (501 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001, PHONE: 202/682-1740, FAX: 202/682-7726).

New Zealand

New Zealand Embassy (37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008, PHONE: 202/328-4800, FAX: 202/667-5227).

United Kingdom

British Embassy (3100 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008, PHONE: 202/588-7800, FAX: 202/588-7850).

Fire (PHONE: 911).

Police (PHONE: 911).

Hospital Emergency Rooms

Hospitals

Children's National Medical Center (111 Michigan Ave. NW, PHONE: 202/884-5000).

George Washington University Hospital (901 23rd St. NW, PHONE: 202/994-3211 emergencies only).

Georgetown University Medical Center (3800 Reservoir Rd. NW, PHONE: 202/342-2400).

Washington Hospital Center (110 Irving St. NW, PHONE: 202/877-7000).

Official mailboxes are either the stout, royal blue steel bins on city sidewalks or mail chutes on the walls of post offices or in large office buildings. A schedule posted on mailboxes and mail slots should indicate when the mail is picked up.

Sending Mail Home

First-class letters (under one ounce) sent within the United States cost 34 cents; postcards are 20 cents. A one-ounce letter to Canada or Mexico takes a 60-cent stamp and a postcard 50 cents. Airmail letters (under a half ounce) to other overseas destinations cost 80 cents, and postcards are 70 cents. For 70 cents, you can also buy an aerogram - a pre-stamped sheet of lightweight blue paper that folds into its own envelope.

Receiving Mail

If you wish to receive mail while traveling in the United States, have it sent c/o General Delivery at the city's main post office (be sure to use the right zip code). It will be held there for up to 30 days. You must pick it up in person, and bring identification with you. American Express offices in the United States do not hold mail.

Most ATMs in the Washington, D.C., area are linked to national networks that let you withdraw money from your checking account or take a cash advance from your credit card account for an additional fee. ATMs can be found at most banks, in many grocery stores, and in some major tourist attractions. For more information on ATM locations that can be accessed with your particular account, call the phone number found on the back of your ATM or debit card.

Currency

The basic unit of U.S. currency is the dollar, which is subdivided into 100 cents. Coins are the copper penny (1 cent) and four silver coins: the nickel (5 cents), the dime (10 cents), the quarter (25 cents), and the half-dollar (50 cents). Silver $1 coins are rarely seen in circulation; a "golden" dollar coin was introduced in 2000. Paper money comes in denominations of $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. All these bills are the same size and green in color; they are distinguishable only by the dollar amount indicated on them and by pictures of various famous American people and monuments.

For the most favorable rates, change money through banks. Although fees charged for ATM transactions may be higher abroad than at home, Cirrus and Plus exchange rates are excellent, because they are based on wholesale rates offered only by major banks. You won't do as well at exchange booths in airports or rail and bus stations, in hotels, in restaurants, or in stores, although you may find their hours more convenient. To avoid lines at airport exchange booths, get a bit of local currency before you leave home.

In general, U.S. banks will not cash a personal check for you unless you have an account at that bank (it doesn't have to be at that branch). Only in major cities are large bank branches equipped to exchange foreign currencies. Therefore, it's best to rely on credit cards, cash machines, and traveler's checks to handle expenses while you're traveling.

Exchanging Money

In the United States, it is not as easy to find places to exchange currency as it is in European cities. In major international cities, such as New York and Los Angeles, currency may be exchanged at some bank branches, as well as at currency-exchange booths in airports and at foreign-currency offices such as American Express Travel Service and Thomas Cook (check local directories for addresses and phone numbers). The best strategy is to buy traveler's checks in U.S. dollars before you come to the United States; although the rates may not be as good abroad, the time saved by not having to search constantly for exchange facilities far outweighs any financial loss.

Money Orders, Funds Transfers

Any U.S. bank is equipped to accept transfers of funds from foreign banks. It helps if you can plan dates to pick up money at specific bank branches. Your home bank can supply you with a list of its correspondent banks in the United States.

If you have more time, and you have a U.S. address where you can receive mail, you can have someone send you a certified check, which you can cash at any bank, or a postal money order (for as much as $700, obtained for a fee of up to 85 cents at any U.S. post office and redeemable at any other post office). From overseas, you can have someone go to a bank to send you an international money order (also called a bank draft), which will cost a $15-$20 commission plus airmail postage. Always bring two valid pieces of identification, preferably with photos, to claim your money.

Taxes

Sales tax is 5.75%. Hotel tax in Washington is 14.5%.

Tipping

At restaurants, a 15% tip is standard for waiters; up to 20% may be expected at more expensive establishments. The same goes for taxi drivers, bartenders, and hairdressers. Coat-check operators usually expect $1; bellhops and porters should get 50 cents to $1 per bag; hotel maids in upscale hotels should get about $1 per day of your stay. On package tours, conductors and drivers usually get $10 per day from the group as a whole; check whether this has already been figured into your cost. For local sightseeing tours, you may individually tip the driver-guide $1 if he or she has been helpful or informative. Ushers in theaters do not expect tips.

Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom who plan to stay in the United States for fewer than 90 days do not need entry visas. A valid passport, a return-trip ticket, and proof of financial solvency are required; you'll be asked to fill out the Visa Waiver Form, I-94W, upon entry. Travelers who plan to stay more than 90 days can apply for the appropriate visa at the United States embassy or consulates in their home country. Canadian citizens need valid identification but neither a passport nor a visa to enter the United States.

At Home

If you live in the U.K.: U.S. Embassy Visa Information Line (PHONE: 01891/200290; calls cost 49p per minute, 39p per minute cheap rate) for U.S. visa information. U.S. Embassy Visa Branch (5 Upper Grosvenor Sq., London W1A 1AE) for U.S. visa information; send a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Write the U.S. Consulate General (Queen's House, Queen St., Belfast BTI 6EO) if you live in Northern Ireland. Write the Office of Australia Affairs (59th fl., MLC Centre, 19-29 Martin Pl., Sydney NSW 2000) if you live in Australia. Write the Office of New Zealand Affairs (29 Fitzherbert Terr., Thorndon, Wellington) if you live in New Zealand.

Passport Offices

The best time to apply for a passport or to renew is during the fall and winter. Before any trip, check your passport's expiration date, and, if necessary, renew it as soon as possible.

Australian Citizens

Australian Passport Office (PHONE: 131-232).

Canadian Citizens

Passport Office (PHONE: 819/994-3500 or 800/567-6868).

New Zealand Citizens

New Zealand Passport Office (PHONE: 04/494-0700 for information on how to apply; 04/474-8000; 0800/225-050 in New Zealand for information on applications already submitted).

U.K. Citizens

London Passport Office (PHONE: 0990/210410) for fees and documentation requirements and to request an emergency passport.

The only likely scam you'll encounter in D.C. is an elaborate story from a panhandler. In order to evoke sympathy, a well-dressed panhandler may pretend to have lost his wallet and need money to get home or a woman may say she needs cab fare to take a sick child to the hospital. A simple, "I'm sorry," is usually enough to send them on their way, or you may suggest they call the police for help.

All U.S. telephone numbers consist of 10 digits - the three-digit area code, followed by a seven-digit local number. If you're calling a number from another area-code region, dial "1" then all 10 digits. If you're calling from a distance but within the same area code, dial "1" then the last seven digits. For calls within the same local calling area, just dial the seven-digit number. A map of U.S. area codes is printed in the front of most local telephone directories.

Four special prefixes, "800," "888," "877," and "900," are not area codes but indicators of particular kinds of service. "800," "888," and "877" numbers can be dialed free from anywhere in the country - usually they are prepaid commercial lines that make it easier for consumers to obtain information, products, or services. The "900" numbers charge you for making the call and generally offer some kind of entertainment, such as horoscope readings, sports scores, or sexually suggestive conversations. These services can be very expensive, so know what you're getting into before you dial a "900" number.

Directory & Operator Information

For assistance from an operator, dial "0". To get a local or national telephone number, dial 411; ina few places it is necessary to dial 555-1212. If you want to charge a long-distance call to the person you're calling, call collect by dialing "0" instead of "1" before the 10-digit number, and an operator will come on the line to assist you (the party you're calling, however, has the right to refuse the call).

International Calls

International calls can be direct-dialed from most phones; dial 011, followed by the country code and then the local number (the front pages of many local telephone directories include a list of overseas country codes). To have an operator assist you, dial "0" and ask for the overseas operator. The country code for Australia is 61; New Zealand, 64; and the United Kingdom, 44. To reach Canada, dial 1 + area code + number.

Long-Distance Calls

Competitive long-distance carriers make calling within the United States relatively convenient and let you avoid hotel surcharges. By dialing an 800 number, you can get connected to the long-distance company of your choice.

For details, contact AT&T (PHONE: 800/225-5288), MCI (PHONE: 800/888-8000), or Sprint (PHONE: 800/366-2255).

Public Phones

The most common pay phone in operation today is the coin-operated type. To use one, pick up the receiver, deposit your money (25 cents-35 cents for local calls), and then dial the number. An automated message will alert you to deposit more money, if needed.

Telephone-card phones, so popular elsewhere in the world, are becoming increasingly common. Grocery stores, newsstands, and other establishments sell the disposable phone cards, available in varying amounts from $5 and up. To activate the card, dial the code number and follow the instructions printed on the card.

White House Visitor Center (Baldridge Hall, Dept. of Commerce, 1450 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, PHONE: 202/208-1631, www.whitehouse.gov).

Dial-A-Park (PHONE: 202/619-7275).

Dial-A-Museum (PHONE: 202/357-2020).

National Parks

National Park Service (Office of Public Affairs, National Capital Region, 1100 Ohio Dr. SW, Washington, DC 20242, PHONE: 202/619-7222, www.nps.gov).

State Information

State of Maryland (Office of Tourist Development, 217 E. Redwood St., 9th floor, Baltimore, MD 21202, 410/767-3400 or 800/634-7386, www.mdisfun.org).

Virginia Tourism Corporation (Headquarters, 901 E. Byrd St., Richmond, VA 23219, PHONE: 804/786-4484 or 804/786-2051, www.virginia.org; Walk-in office, 1629 K St. NW, Washington, DC, PHONE: 202/872-0523 or 800/934-9184) for accommodations at Virginia B&Bs.

Tourist Offices

At Home

Canadian travelers can contact Travel USA (PHONE: 905/890-5662; 800/268-3482 in Ontario).

In the United Kingdom, contact the United States Travel and Tourism Administration (Box 1EN, London W1A 1EN, PHONE: 020/7495-4466).

In Washington, D.C.

D.C. Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center (Reagan Bldg., 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20004, PHONE: 202/328-4748).

Washington, D.C., Convention and Visitors Association (1212 New York Ave. NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20005, PHONE: 202/789-7000, www.washington.org).

D.C. Committee to Promote Washington (1212 New York Ave. NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20005, PHONE: 202/724-5644 or 800/422-8644).

The following are the the average daily maximum and minimum temperatures for Washington, D.C.

January 47-34°F (8 to -1°C); February 47-31°F (8 to -1°C); March 56-38°F (13-3°C); April 67-47°F (19-8°C); May 76-58°F (24-14°C); June 85-65°F (29-18°C); July 88-70°F (31-21°C); August 86-68°F (30-20°C); September 79-61°F (26-16°C); October 70-52°F (21-11°C); November 56-41°F (13-5°C); December 47-32°F (8-0°C).

Holidays

Major national holidays include New Year's Day (Jan. 1); Martin Luther King, Jr., Day (3rd Mon. in Jan.); President's Day (3rd Mon. in Feb.); Easter Sunday; Memorial Day (last Mon. in May); Independence Day (July 4); Labor Day (1st Mon. in Sept.); Thanksgiving Day (4th Thurs. in Nov.); Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (Dec. 24 and 25); and New Year's Eve (Dec. 31).

The Washington Area Bicyclists Association (PHONE: 202/628-2500) has information on local bike laws, where to ride, and maps of bike trails on their Web site www.waba.org.

Car Rentals

Rates in Washington, D.C., begin at $38 a day and $139 a week for an economy car with air-conditioning, an automatic transmission, and unlimited mileage. This does not include tax on car rentals, which is 8%.

Major Agencies

Alamo (PHONE: 800/327-9633; 020/8759-6200 in the U.K.). Avis (PHONE: 800/331-1212; 800/331-1084 in Canada; 02/9353-9000 in Australia; 09/525-1982 in New Zealand). Budget (PHONE: 800/527-0700; 0144/227-6266 in the U.K.). Dollar (PHONE: 800/800-4000; 0124/622-0111 in the U.K.; 02/9223-1444 in Australia). Hertz (PHONE: 800/654-3131; 800/263-0600 in Canada; 020/8897-2072 in the U.K.; 02/9669-2444 in Australia; 09/256-8690 in New Zealand). National (PHONE: 800/227-7368; 0845/722-2525 in the U.K.; wh ere it is known as National Europe).

Parking

Parking in Washington is an adventure; the police are quick to tow away or immobilize with a "boot" any vehicle parked illegally. (If you find you've been towed from a city street, call 202/727-5000.) Since the city's most popular sights are within a short walk of a Metro station anyway, it's best to leave your car at the hotel. Touring by car is a good idea only if you're considering visiting sights in Maryland or Virginia.

Most of the outlying, suburban Metro stations have parking lots, though these fill quickly with city-bound commuters. If you plan to park in one of these lots, arrive early, armed with lots of quarters. Private parking lots downtown are expensive, charging as much as $4 an hour and $13 a day. There's free, two-hour parking around the Mall on Jefferson Drive and Madison Drive, though these spots are always filled. You can park free - in some spots all day - in parking areas off Ohio Drive near the Jefferson Memorial and south of the Lincoln Memorial on Ohio Drive and West Basin Drive in West Potomac Park.

Requirements & Restrictions

In Washington you must be 21 to rent a car, and rates may be higher if you're under 25. You'll pay extra for child seats (about $3 per day), which are compulsory for children under five, and for additional drivers (about $5 per day). Non-U.S. residents will need a reservation voucher, a passport, a driver's license, and a travel policy that covers each driver, when picking up a car.

Rules of the Road

Unless indicated by a sign, right turns at red lights are allowed in D.C. All passengers are required to wear a seat belt.

Infants up to 1 year of age and under 20 pounds must be strapped into a rear-facing car seat in the back seat. Children both over age 1 and weighing 20 to 40 pounds must also use a car seat in the back seat, though it can face the front. Children cannot sit in the front seat of a car until they weigh over 80 pounds.

Buy your ticket at the Farecard machines; they accept coins and crisp $1, $5, $10, or $20 bills. If the machine spits your bill back out at you, try folding and unfolding it before asking a native for help. The Farecard should be inserted into the turnstile to enter the platform. Make sure you hang onto the card - you'll need it to exit at your destination.

For $5 you can buy a pass that allows unlimited trips for one day. It's good all day on weekends, holidays, and after 9:30 AM on weekdays. Passes are available at Metro Sales Outlets and at many hotels, banks, and Safeway and Giant grocery stores.