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San Francisco Travel Basics
Calling Codes
The area code in San Francisco is 415.
For local numbers dial the seven-digit phone number. 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. (When calling parts of the Caribbean, however, it is necessary to dial 1, plus the area code and phone number.)
Dial 0 to get the operator. Dial 411 for directory assistance.
Electricity
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.
Emergency Contacts
Dial 911 for all emergencies.
Police: 415-553-0123
Fire: 415-861-8020
San Francisco Women Against Rape 24-hour hotline: 415-647-7273
San Francisco Suicide Prevention 24-hour hotline: 415-781-0500
Poison Control: 800-972-3323
Fax/Modem
Fax machines and modem hook-ups are readily available at hotels (in business centers and sometimes in individual rooms) and at facilities such as copy centers, secretarial service centers, etc.
Local Language
The local language in San Francisco is standard American English. It is spoken in a rapid, casual manner and does include some slang. There are no real peculiarities about the regional accent, but international visitors may find the spoken English here to be difficult to understand at first. It is often helpful to carry a phrasebook in case of any sticky situations.
Public Holidays
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
Time Zone
San Francisco lies in the Pacific Time Zone (Greenwich Mean Time minus eight hours). During the spring and summer months, San Francisco, like all of California, observes Daylight Savings Time.
Travel Documents
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.
What to Take
San Francisco may be gorgeous during the day and then a cold wind will undoubtedly pick up in the late afternoon with chilly temperatures prevailing in the evenings. Don't go anywhere without bringing a windbreaker or a light jacket during the day and a heavier one if you know you are going to still be out when darkness falls.
As far as clothing goes, casual attire is appropriate for all daytime activities but you'll want to bring some dressier attire for restaurants and clubs. Also, pack comfortable shoes because you will find yourself walking from neighborhood to neighborhood and traversing many steep, hilly streets.
When to Go
San Francisco enjoys a temperate climate but does experience a great deal of fog. While there may be rain December through February there will also be many clear, gorgeous days with temperatures in the 50s and little fog. From March through June and September through October on average you will enjoy temperatures a bit warmer and clear sunny days. If you visit during summer be aware that this can be the worst time for fog with clear skies making appearances every few days.
During the summer months many of the neighborhoods around the city host street fairs. Contact the chamber of commerce to find out about specific dates. In September, there is a blues festival held at Ft. Mason Center. Also, the San Francisco Jazz Festival is a two-week, citywide celebration from the end of October through early November.
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