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International Travel Information

We hope your stay in Chicago is a successful and pleasant one. To help you get familiar with the city and the U.S. in general, here are some quick facts and handy resources.

Time zone: Chicago is on Central Standard Time. That's 6 hours behind GMT; 1 hour behind New York City (East Coast); and 2 hours ahead of Los Angeles (West Coast).

Legal car rental age: 25

Legal driving age: 16

Legal drinking and gambling age: 21 (photo ID or passport required)

Tipping: Taxicab drivers, bartenders and waiters get about 15% for standard service. Hotel doormen and valet parkers should be tipped about $2, and bellhops should be given $2 per bag. Chambermaids usually are given $2 per day, which can be left on the pillow.

International Travel Information

ENTERING THE U.S.

Find important information on traveling to the U.S. and Chicago.

TRANSLATORS / INTERPRETERS

View a list of some local translators and interpreters.

FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGES

Find foreign currency exchanges in Chicago.

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FOREIGN CONSULATES - Download a list of all foreign consulates in Chicago.

APPAREL/CLOTHING SIZE CONVERSIONS - Get standard U.S. and international clothing size conversions.

DISCOVER YOUR CHICAGO

Interact with our Chicago maps or download transportation maps to make your trip easier.

FIND YOUR WAY AROUND CHICAGO WITH OUR MAPS.

Get The Free Chicago Official Visitors Guide

Find Your Way Around Chicago with Our Maps

Chicago Like a Local

Check out our blog to get a unique insider's perspective into the city and discover places, spaces and events that most visitors never see.

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Plan Your Trip Getting Around Maps Events Deals GLBT Chicago Chicago Itineraries Get the Chicago Official Visitors Guide

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