AREA ATTRACTIONS

© by Jeffrey L. Cooper, 3-D Photos

Weather/Climate
The state of Texas is located in the Southern part of the United States of America on the Gulf Coast, which can be viewed as both a blessing and a curse in regards to the weather. The city of Dallas, located near the northern border with Oklahoma, has pleasant weather in November with temperatures ranging from 45F (7C) at nighttime and 67F (19C) during the day. Even though the temperatures are high, it is important to pack an umbrella. It can get rainy at this time of year, as Dallas usually receives around 2.3 inches of rain in November.

Language
The State of Texas has no official language, but English and Spanish are both widely spoken.

Time Zone
In the winter Dallas uses Central Standard Time, which is six hours behind Greenwich Mean Time. Texas observes Daylight Savings Time.

Business and Banking Hours
Shop hours vary, but stores are generally open from 09:00 to 20:00 or 21:00 on weekdays. Some shops open on Sunday from about 08:30 to 18:00.

Banks are generally open from 09:00 to 15:00 from Monday to Friday. Some banks may have longer or different hours than this description, but the above hours should give a general guideline for bank access.

Money
Currency and Exchange
Texas uses the U.S. dollar. To change your currency into U.S. dollars, you can visit most major banks, several independent currency exchange bureaus, and major hotels. Both the Love Field and the Fort Worth Airports also have currency exchange offices at various locations. Visit their websites for details www.dallas-lovefield.com and www.dfwairport.com. Typically, however, the best rates of exchange are available through major banks. An alternative to exchanging money is to use Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). They are located at most banks, shopping malls, and in many convenience stores and gas stations. Most are linked to international banking networks and are a convenient way to withdraw cash, as long as users are prepared to pay withdrawal fees.

Other options of payment include credit cards and traveler’s cheques. Credit cards are widely used in Texas at most hotels, restaurants, and retail stores. Traveler's Cheques are also widely accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and large stores. It is usually better to cash your traveler’s cheques at a bank and then pay in cash (remember to take identification when changing a traveler’s cheque). It will save a lot of hassle if the cheques are issued in American dollars.

Taxes
There is an 8.25% tax on all goods and services.

Tipping
It is customary to leave a fifteen percent tip in restaurants and bars. With large parties, gratuities may be included in the bill. Please check out the following website for more details: Texas Tipping: Tipping in Texas, United States

Shopping
The closest shopping center to the Marriott Hotel is the Galleria, a high-end shopping destination with an array of upper-class shop and even an indoor ice-skating rink! Other major shopping centers include the Highland Park Village (locally know as Dallas’ own Rodeo Drive), North Park Center, and the Uptown.

Transportation

Public Transit
DART Dallas Area Rapid Transit system serves Dallas and surrounding area, through light rail and bus systems. For more information check out the DART website DART.org - Dallas Area Rapid Transit

Shuttles
Some hotels offer free shuttle service, and there are various private shuttle companies as well. Information about various shuttle companies can be found on the Internet. The Marriott Hotel provides a free shuttle services to guests traveling to destinations within a 5mile radius of the Hotel.

Taxis
There are many taxi companies in Dallas. Cabs can be hailed on the street or reserved by phone. Rates are approximately $2.25 (USD) to begin the trip and $1.80 for every mile after that.

Dallas Tourist Information

For more information on any of the above, or to learn more about Dallas, you may wish to visit the following websites:

Welcome to Dallas!

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