Helpful Information

Important Phone Numbers

Getting Around Town

Many Capitol Metro buses and trolleys travel the city with nearly 70 different routes heading in and around downtown, shopping malls and many other locations. Two new Capital Metro routes promise an easy way for visitors to get around town. A route called "Tour the Town" runs on weekends to many of the city's attractions. Two free entertainment trolleys take riders to both the Sixth Street and Warehouse entertainment districts from hotels and parking garages. Bus passes can be purchased online at www.capmetro.org. Several cab and limousine companies also service all locations in Austin.

Tipping

The standard tip for restaurant wait staff is 15-20%. A good standard for tipping drivers and chauffeurs is 15%. Hotel staff is usually tipped $1 per bag for luggage handling.

Climate & What to Wear

Austin's climate is temperate, with mild winters and warm summers. From November to February, pack a warm sweater or lightweight jacket as evenings are brisk. Short-sleeved shirts and other warm-weather clothes should be packed if you plan on visiting any other time of year.

Taxes

For goods and services, the sales tax is 8.25%; the hotel tax rate is 15%.

Embassies and Consulates

Consulate of Mexico
200 E. Sixth Street
Austin, TX 78701
Tel. (512) 478-2866

French Honorary Consul
515 Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
Tel. (512) 480-5605

Money Exchange

American Express Travel Agency
2943 W. Anderson Lane
Tel. (512) 452-8166

Bank Of America
501 Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
Tel. 1-800-900-9000

"Hotspots"

Wi-Fi, short for wireless fidelity, is the popular term for a high-frequency wireless local area network. Austin ranks among the top cities in the country for free wireless computer locations, also known as "Wi-Fi hotspots." Visit http://austinwirelesscity.org for Austin's ever-growing list of hot spots and instructions on how to log on to the city's free downtown wireless network.

Smoking Ordinances