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Washington is more than just the nation's capital - it is also home to more than 150 embassies, chancelleries and diplomatic residences where colors, cultures and languages mix like nowhere else. The following sections contain some tips and information to make international visitors feel more at home. Embassies Many embassies offer guided tours with prior notification. Arrangements can also be made by some embassies to host meeting functions and private parties, offering an unmatched asset for any meeting planner. Embassy phone numbers are available by calling directory assistance at (202) 555-1212. A comprehensive listing of embassies is also available online at www.embassy.org.
Multilingual Services The White House, Kennedy Center, Library of Congress and other attractions offer brochures in several languages. The Smithsonian Institution provides multilingual information at the visitors center in the Castle building. Meridian International Center offers multilingual services at its information desk at Washington Dulles International Airport, plus a telephone language bank. For details, call Meridian International Center at (202) 667-6800. www.meridian.org (See Interpreters & Translating Services section for more information.)
Tipping Tipping is voluntary; gratuities are not automatically added to the bill. Here are a few tipping guidelines: Servers are usually given 15% of the bill. For outstanding service, tip 20%. Taxi drivers usually receive 15% of the fare, and doormen, skycaps and porters are usually tipped $1 per bag.
Electricity The electricity used in Washington, DC is standard electricity, which is 110 volts. European appliances will require a voltage transformer. |
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