Local Knowledge
Telephone
Dialing Codes
Country code for the United States: +1 Area codes for Boston: 617, 857
Emergency Numbers
Police, fire and ambulance: 911
Tipping
Bills at restaurants, bars and service providers (hairdressers, etc) do not include a
tip. Although15-20% is customary, many staff members receive low wages, so do not
hesitate to tip more if the service was good.
VAT & Taxes
Prices in shops usually don't include the 5% sales tax. The numerous
sales-tax exemptions include clothing up to US$175 and food (but not restaurant
meals and takeout food). There is usually one tax holiday, in August.
Getting Around
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) operates the subway system,
trolleys, buses and commuter trains in the Boston area.
Taxis
Taxis are plentiful and can be hailed on the street, reserved by telephone, or
picked up at a taxi stand.
Buses
One hundred and seventy bus routes crisscross Boston. With the completion of the
Big Dig and the resolution of some of Boston's famous traffic snarls,
the bus is a viable alternative to the subway, especially for those with
disabilities.
Subway
The “T” – the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)
– operates four subway lines (blue, green, red, orange). It's the most
efficient form of transportation, unless you get caught on the Green Line before
or after a Red Sox game.
Public Holidays
New Years Day
1 January
Martin Luther King's Birthday
Third Monday in January
Presidents Day
Third Monday in February
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 Day
Fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Day
December 25
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