San Francisco - Alison Bing [236]
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ELECTRICITY
Electric current in the USA is 110 to 115 volts, 60Hz AC. Outlets may be suited for flat two-prong or three-prong plugs. If your appliance is made for another electrical system, pick up a transformer or adapter at Walgreens.
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EMBASSIES & CONSULATES
Australia (Map; 415-536-1970; www.australiaconsulate.org; Suite 200, 625 Market St, SoMa; 8:45am-1pm & 2-4:30pm Mon-Fri; 6, 7, 71, F, J, K, L, M, N, T; & Embarcadero)
Canada (Map; 415-834-3180; www.sanfrancisco.gc.ca; 580 California St, 14th fl, Chinatown; 8:30am- 4:30pm Mon-Fri; & Embarcadero) For legal emergencies or visa questions call the Operations Centre toll-free 1-800-267-6788; outside Canada, call collect 613-996-8885.
France (Map; 415-397-4330; www.consulfrance-sanfrancisco.org; 540 Bush St, Downtown; 9am-12:30pm Mon-Fri; & Embarcadero)
Germany (Map; 415-353-0300; www.germanyinfo.org; 1960 Jackson St, Japantown; 9am-noon Mon-Fri; 1,38)
Ireland (Map; 415-392-4214; 33rd fl, 100 Pine St, Downtown; 10am-noon & 2-3:30pm Mon-Fri; & Montgomery St)
Japan (Map; 415-777-3533; www.cgjsf.org; Suite 2300, 50 Fremont St, SoMa; 9am-5pm Mon-Fri; & Embarcadero)
Mexico (Map; 415-354-1700; www.consulmexsf.com; 532 Folsom St, Downtown; 7:30am-1:30pm Mon-Fri; & Powell St)
Netherlands (650-403-0073; www.ncla.org; 901 Mariners Isl Blvd, San Mateo; by appointment)
New Zealand (Map; 415-399-1255; www.mft.govt.nz; Suite 700, 1 Maritime Plaza, Downtown; by appointment; & Embarcadero)
UK (Map; 415-617-1361; www.ukinusa.fco.gov.uk; Suite 850, 1 Sansome St, Downtown; 8:30am-1pm & 2-5pm Mon-Fri; & Embarcadero)
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EMERGENCY
If something is stolen from you, make sure you report it to the police; you’ll need a police report to make a claim if you have a travel-insurance policy. If your credit cards or traveler’s checks have been taken, notify your bank or the relevant company as soon as possible.
Drug treatment (415-362-3400)
Police, fire and ambulance (emergency 911, non-emergency 311)
San Francisco General Hospital (Map; emergency room 415-206-8111, main hospital 415-206-8000; www.sfdph.org; 1001 Potrero Ave; 9)
Suicide crisis line (415-781-0500)
Trauma Recovery & Rape Treatment Center ( 415-437-3000; http://traumarecoverycenter.org)
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HOLIDAYS
A majority of shops are open on public holidays (with the exception of July 4, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day). Conversely, banks, schools and offices are usually closed. For information on festivals and events, Click here. Holidays that may affect business hours and transit schedules include the following:
New Year’s Day January 1
Martin Luther King Jr Day Third Monday in January
Presidents’ Day Third Monday in February
Easter Sunday (and Good Friday and Easter Monday) in March or April
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 Fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Day December 25
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WI-FI ACCESS
San Francisco’s mayor Gavin Newsom has pledged to provide free wi-fi service to the entire city, although he hasn’t yet struck a deal with a provider (a Google deal fell through). However, at latest count there are 370 free wi-fi hot spots citywide, so there’s usually at least one wi-fi connection configured for open access in any given part of the city. Typically you can connect for free in Union Square, most cafes, some laundries, hotel lobbies and guestrooms. For a listing of the city’s free wi-fi spots, check out www.wififreespot.com/ca.html.
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INTERNET ACCESS
The easiest and cheapest ways to get online in San Francisco are available to travelers equipped with their own laptops (see the boxed text, above). All the major hotels (and many lesser