Useful Info

Population: City: 3 million; In the suburbs: another 5 million.

Time zone: Chicago is located in the central time zone. When it is 12:00 noon in New York City, it is 11:00 AM in Chicago.

Area Codes: The 312 area code applies to the Loop and the neighborhoods closest to it, including River North, North Michigan Avenue, and the Gold Coast. The code for the rest of the city is 773. Suburban area codes are 847 (north), 708 (west and southwest), and 630 (far west). You must dial "1" plus the area code for all telephone numbers, even if you are making a call within the same area code.

Business Hours: Normal business hours are 10am-6pm Monday through Saturday. Malls are until 7pm and for shorter hours on Sunday. Banking hours in Chicago are 8-5 Monday-Friday. Some banks open at 8AM.

Emergencies: For fire or police emergencies, call tel. 911.

Hospitals: Newest: Northwestern Memorial Hospital, 251 E. Huron St. (312/926-2000) has a state-of-the-art medical center just off North Michigan Avenue. The emergency department (312/926-5188) is located at 251 E. Erie St. Ambulance: 911.

Police: For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergencies, dial 311.

Taxes: The local sales tax is 8.75%. Restaurants in the central part of the city, are taxed an additional 1%, for a total of 9.75%. There is also a hotel tax.

Holidays
New Year's Day Jan. 1
Martin Luther King, Jr., Day 3rd Mon. in Jan.
President's Day 3rd Mon. in Feb.
Memorial Day last Mon. in May;
Independence Day July 4
Labor Day 1st Mon. in Sept.
Thanksgiving Day 4th Thurs. in Nov.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dec. 24 and 25
New Year's Eve Dec. 31.

Weather:
Chicago experiences four very distinct seasons, with chilly, snowy winters and hot, sometimes humid, summers. Fall and spring are temperate, and provide pleasant weather for the many outdoor activities available in the Chicago area.

National Weather Service's current conditions and forecast are available at 312/976-1212 (toll call ).