Travel Information

Currency

The currency in Chicago is USD (United States Dollar).

Time zones

Chicago is on Central Standard Time (CST). That’s 6 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), 1 hour behind New York City (EST), 1 hour ahead of Mountain Time (MST), and 2 hours ahead of Los Angeles (PST).

Climate

Spring in Chicago means flowers in bloom, warming weather, and buzzing activity in our parks and along the lake.

Temperatures in April typically range in the 50s°F (10 – 15°C), while May can reach up to around 70°F (21°C). Rainfall averages 3.5 – 3.8 inches (92 – 94mm).

Weather and Packing

The weather in Chicago can change quickly from day to day. Pack layers including a light jacket and a small umbrella.

For the latest weather check theweatherchannel.com for the most up to date information

Sales tax

  • A 10.25% sales tax is applied in the city of Chicago.
  • Hotel Accommodations Tax is currently 17.4%

Electricity/Voltage

The U.S. uses 120 volt, 60 hertz.

Tip: buy a Type-B adapter plug NEMA 5-15 to ensure your electrical items work while you’re visiting.

Smoking

Smoking as well as “vaping” or the use of e-cigarettes, vape pens, and e-hookahs is prohibited in enclosed public places, and within 15 feet of the entrance of these establishments.

Age regulations

  • Legal car rental age: 21, with surcharges for those under 25
  • Legal driving age: 16
  • Legal drinking and gambling age: 21
  • Legal age to purchase cigarettes and tobacco: 21
  • A valid photo ID is required.

Alcohol

  • The legal drinking age is 21.
  • A valid photo ID is required.
  • Open containers cannot be taken outside drinking-establishment premises.
  • It is customary to tip bartenders; generally, $1 per drink ordered.
  • Consuming alcohol while traveling in a vehicle is illegal for both drivers and passengers. It is also illegal to transport alcohol with a broken seal.

Emergency services

  • Police/Fire Emergency – 911
  • Police/Fire/City Services Non-Emergency – 311

Tipping

  • Hotel chambermaids are usually tipped $2 per day.
  • Taxi drivers, bartenders, and waiters generally receive a 20% gratuity on the pre-tax amount of your bill for standard service, though it is appropriate to leave a 25%-plus gratuity for exceptional service.
  • Hotel doormen and valet parking attendants are tipped approximately $2.
  • Bellhops are tipped $2 per bag.