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Fast Facts

American Express -- Travel-service offices are at many Manhattan locations, including 295 Park Avenue South at 23rd Street (tel. 212/691-9797); at the New York Marriott Marquis, 1535 Broadway, in the eighth-floor lobby (tel. 212/575-6580); on the mezzanine level at Macy's Herald Square, 34th Street and Broadway (tel. 212/695-8075); and 374 Park Ave., at 53rd Street (tel. 212/421-8240). Call tel. 800/AXP-TRIP or go online to www.americanexpress.com for other city locations or general information.

Area Codes -- There are four area codes in the city: two in Manhattan, the original 212 and the new 646, and two in the outer boroughs, the original 718 and the new 347. Also common is the 917 area code, which is assigned to cellphones, pagers, and the like. All calls between these area codes are local calls, but you'll have to dial 1 + the area code + the seven digits for all calls, even ones made within your area code.

Business Hours -- In general, retail stores are open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 6 or 7pm, Thursday from 10am to 8:30 or 9pm, and Sunday from noon to 5pm. Banks tend to be open Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm and sometimes Saturday mornings.

Currency -- The most common bills are the $1 (a "buck"), $5, $10, and $20 denominations. There are also $2 bills (seldom encountered), $50 bills, and $100 bills (the last two are usually not welcome as payment for small purchases).

Coins come in seven denominations: 1¢ (1 cent, or a penny); 5¢ (5 cents, or a nickel); 10¢ (10 cents, or a dime); 25¢ (25 cents, or a quarter); 50¢ (50 cents, or a half dollar); and various (not often seen) dollar coins.

Customs -- What You Can Bring Into the U.S. Every visitor more than 21 years of age may bring in, free of duty, the following: (1) 1 liter of wine or hard liquor; (2) 200 cigarettes, 100 cigars (but not from Cuba), or 3 pounds of smoking tobacco; and (3) $100 worth of gifts. These exemptions are offered to travelers who spend at least 72 hours in the United States and who have not claimed them within the preceding 6 months. It is forbidden to bring in foodstuffs (particularly fruit, cooked meats, and canned goods) and plants (vegetables, seeds, tropical plants, and the like). Foreign tourists may carry in or out up to $10,000 in U.S. or foreign currency with no formalities; larger sums must be declared to U.S. Customs on entering or leaving, which includes filing form CM 4790. For details regarding U.S. Customs and Border Protection, consult your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, or U.S. Customs (tel. 202/927-1770; www.customs.ustreas.gov).