Calling Codes

The Boston area code is 617.

For long distance calls within the U.S., dial 1, then the area code, then the seven-digit number. For long-distance calls outside the U.S., it is usually necessary to dial 011 and the country code, any local codes, then the phone number.

Dial 0 to get an operator. Dial 411 for directory assistance.

Electricity is 110V AC, 60Hz in the United States. Plugs are of the flat, two-pin type. Be aware that this voltage is half as much as in most European and Asian countries, so visitors from those countries will need a plug adapter and a power transformer to operate their appliances.

Dial 911 in cases of emergency. This number reaches the police department, fire department, and ambulance services.

Fire Department Headquarters: 617-343-3550
Massachusetts State Police: 617-523-1212
Police Headquarters: 617-343-4200
Suicide Prevention Hotline: 617-247-0220

Fax and online services are widely available throughout the Boston area. Most hotel rooms are equipped with fax and modem connections and those catering to business travelers often offer guests access to in-house business centers. Additionally, the city boasts a variety of walk-in business centers. Check the local Yellow Pages under "Fax Transmission Service" and "Computers-Training" for further information.

As in the rest of the United States, English is the official language in Boston. You may occasionally meet a newcomer in the process of learning English as a second language or long-time residents of ethnic neighborhoods who prefer to speak the language of their homeland. However, business is conducted in English, traffic signs are printed in English, and the majority of social interaction in Boston takes place in English.

Bostonians do have a distinct accent. There are folks from other corners of the United States who would argue that Bostonians don't really speak English--or that they speak their own version of the language. That's because Bostonians are known for their accent that turns car into cah, park into pahk, burger to burgah, and later to latah. And, the same accent that turns "er" into "ah" also turns "ah" into "er"--idea becomes ide-er, sofa becomes sof-er. Many actors--too numerous to name--have tried and failed miserably to replicate a Boston accent. It seems that only the locals can master this eccentricity.

New Year's Day: January 1
Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Third Monday in January
Presidents' Day: Third Monday in February
Easter Sunday: mid-March or early April
Memorial Day: Last Monday in May
Independence Day: July 4
Labor Day: First Monday in September
Columbus Day: Second Monday in October
Veterans Day: November 11
Thanksgiving: Fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Day: December 25

Boston is in the Eastern Time Zone (Greenwich Mean Time minus five hours). The city switches to Daylight Savings Time from the first Sunday in April through the last Saturday in October.

Australia: Citizens of Australia must have a valid passport to enter the United States if they are staying less than 90 days and have an onward or return ticket.

Canada: Citizens of Canada need proof of citizenship for entry into the United States. This can be either a birth certificate with a raised seal or a voter registration card with a photo ID. A driver's license is not enough. Canadian citizens under 16 need notarized permission from both parents.

France:Citizens of France must have a valid passport to enter the United States if th ey are staying less than 90 days and have an onward or return ticket.

Germany: Citizens of Germany must have a valid passport to enter the United States if they are staying less than 90 days and have an onward or return ticket.

Ireland: Citizens of Ireland must have a valid passport to enter the United States if they are staying less than 90 days and have an onward or return ticket.

Japan: Citizens of Japan must have a valid passport to enter the United States if they are staying less than 90 days and have an onward or return ticket.

United Kingdom: U.K. citizens must have a valid passport to enter the United States if they are staying less than 90 days and have an onward or return ticket.

Deciding what to pack more or less depends on what you plan to do once you get there, and what time of year you plan to visit. Late autumn and winter requires layers, a warm coat, and a hat and gloves. A waterproof coat or umbrella is a good bet no matter what season and, as Boston is a walking city, a good pair of walking shoes is essential. For eveningwear, anything black will be safe in the fashionable areas. And, of course, don't forget your camera.

Boston is a year-round destination whe re visitors and residents alike make the most of each season. Winter translates into gusty winds, gray skies, and occasional snowstorms. Spring means warm breezes, bright sunshine, and flower gardens bursting into bloom. Summer brings long sunlit days followed by starlit nights and autumn means vibrant foliage reaching toward the deep blue sky--or not. After all, there is an old saying..."if you don't like New England weather, wait a minute." And this is true, as the weather in Boston is as changeable as it is unpredictable. The good news is that there's always something to do regardless of the weather. Wander through a world-class museum on a rainy day or stroll through the Public Garden on a bright summer day. Find a cozy bistro with a glowing fireplace during a winter snowstorm, or enjoy cafe fare al fresco at a trendy Back Bay eatery.

You'll discover an enormous array of special events and celebrations throughout the year, including the Wine Expo in January, the Red Sox Opening Day in April, the Scooper Bowl Ice Cream Festival in June, the Boston Pops Fourth of July on the Esplanade in July, the Caribbean-American Festival in August, the Boston Film Festival in September, and the Head of the Charles Regatta in October. So pick your dates, pack your bags, and get going.