In summer, daily highs seldom exceed the 80s (Fahrenheit). Winter's high temperatures are usually in the 30s (Fahrenheit). Generally, each month receives 5 cm or less of precipitation. The snowiest months are December and January, each receiving about 30 cm. The snow season runs from late September to mid May.

Salt Lake City Chamber of Commerce

British Consulate

Business centers provide a range of services that include secretarial, translation/interpretation, and office services, including computer rentals, audio/visual equipment rentals, cellular phone rentals, copy and printing services, and temporary office space and staff.

All upper-range and most medium-priced hotels are equipped with dataports that allow guests to use laptop computers. Many hotels offer business centers equipped with computers and Internet access.

Passports valid for at least six months after arrival are required for all. In general, travelers visiting the U.S. are required visas. However, under the Visa Waiver Program, citizens of Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom are allowed to stay for 90 days without a visa. Citizens of Canada and Mexico do not need a visa but must carry proof of citizenship and identity.

Beginning October 26, 2004, all travelers, including children of any age, who want to travel visa-free to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program must have a Machine-readable passport.

Duty-free allowances are 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 2 kilograms of tobacco, 1 liter of alcohol, and gifts worth up to $100. Meat products, seeds, plants, fruits, and hazardous goods are prohibited.

The area code is 801.

Emergency police, fire, and ambulance

For local calls, dial the seven-digit telephone number. For long-distance calls within the U.S., dial 1, then the three-digit area code, then the seven-digit number. For long-distance calls outside the U.S., first dial 011 and the country code. Four special prefixes, "800," "888," "877," and "900," are not area codes but indicators of special services. "800," "888," and "877" are toll-free calls. The "900" numbers charge you for the call and are often expensive. For collect calls or operator-assisted calls, dial "0" instead of "1". For local directory assistance, dial 411. For long-distance information, dial 1, and then the appropriate area code followed by 555-1212.

The most common public phone is the coin-operated type. Telephone-card phones are becoming increasingly common.

There are several cellular service providers in the U.S., including: Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, Cingular, AT&T Wireless, and Sprint PCS. Mobile phone numbers follow the regular telephone number convention, with the seven-digit telephone number followed by the area code.

If you choose to bring your cellular phone into the U.S., be sure to check with your home cellular service provider to establish compatibility of your phone with systems abroad. Rent a locally compatible cellular phone before you arrive to obtain reasonable rates and reliable service.

Foreign currency must be exchanged to U.S. dollars. Money can be exchanged at banks and various foreign-exchange services. Most restaurants, shops, and hotels will take travelers' checks and major credit cards. Travelers can also withdraw cash from ATMs.

The basic unit of U.S. currency is the dollar, which equals 100 cents. Coins are the copper penny (1 cent) and four silver coins: the nickel (5 cents), the dime (10 cents), the quarter (25 cents), and the half-dollar (50 cents). Silver $1 coins and "golden" dollar coins also exist. Paper bills come in denominations of $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100.

• Restaurants
15 to 20 percent of bill, none at fast-food restaurants
• Bars
About US$1 per drink or 10% to 15% of drink prices
• Airport Skycap/Porter
US$1 per piece of luggage
• Taxis
10 percent of fare
• Hotel Bell Desk
US$1 per piece of luggage or per taxi summoned
• Hotel Housekeeping
US$1 per person per day
• Hotel Room Service
15 percent of bill
• Parking Attendant/Valet
15 percent of parking rate
• Haircare/Personal Services
20 percent of bill

Salt Lake City lies in the Mountain Time Zone (Greenwich Mean Time minus seven hours). During the spring and summer months, Salt Lake City, like all of Utah, observes Daylight Savings Time.

Sales tax in Salt Lake City is 6.6%; lodging taxes total 11.1%. 1% restaurant tax also applies.

110V AC, 60Hz. Plugs are of the flat, two-pin type.

Driving is the easiest way to get around Salt Lake City. However, Utah Transit Authority offers a light rail service, TRAX, and a good bus system. The standard one-way fare within the Salt Lake Valley is US$1. A large section of the Downtown area is fare-free zone. A day pass is US$2. During the winter, a special ski bus service is available. Taxis are available. Most people telephone for service, but taxis can be also hailed in the street. Furthermore, taxi stands can be found at hotels and other locations around the city.

No specific immunizations are needed to enter the United States. For more information, contact the Center for Disease Control at 1-800-311-3435.

Capital Café has been formally recognized as Salt Lake City's "Best Continental Restaurant." Steaks, pheasant and fresh fish are some of the Continental specialties at the posh New Yorker Club. Chosen by the prestigious Zagat's guide as one of America's top 100 restaurants for four straight years, Ichiban Sushi & Japanese Cuisine, INC provides the utmost in variety and flavour. Modern international cuisine is on the menu at cozy Log Haven, while Absolut Restaurant is an excellent Swedish dining establishment. Located at the Historic Peery Hotel, Christopher's Seafood & Steakhouse has seafood flown in daily and an extensive wine list. At Martine, you'll find a wide range of inventive tapas that change every two weeks, and a small but carefully chosen wine list.

Shopping in Salt Lake City runs the gamut from local craft items to designer fashion. Quilts and other unique items can be found at Mormon Handicraft on South State Street. Bentley Square in the ZMCI Center has a large selection of regional items that includes dolls, quilts, handmade jewelry and decorative objects. The shops at Gardner Historic Village are good venues for souvenirs of the past such as antique lace or blacksmith objects. Salt Lake City also has several quality shopping centers. Utah's largest mall is South Towne Center. Crossroads Plaza, across from Temple Square, houses theaters and restaurants as well as shops. Art galleries and specialty boutiques are among Trolley Square's merchants. Fashion Place is the best bet for high-end clothes shopping.

One of Salt Lake City's most popular attractions is Temple Square. In addition to the Temple, the site is home to the Mormon Tabernacle where the world-renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir performs twice weekly, and entry is free of charge. Salt Lake City's other cultural offerings include the Salt Lake Art Center, the Hansen Planetarium and the Utah State Historical Society.

A truly unique experience is an excursion to Timpanogos Cave, where you can see the crystal formations of Chimes Chamber. Hiking, fishing and skiing are popular activities in the region. Some of the best spots for outdoor recreation are the Great Salt Lake, the Wasatch Canyons, Big Cottonwood and Mill Creek. Also close by is the chic resort town of Park City.

Despite its conservative reputation, nightlife is not absent from Salt Lake City. Sports bars are well patronized. Some favorite places for drinks are Lazy Moon Pub, The Beehive Lounge and Junior's Tavern. Two popular nightclubs are Club Axis and Papiyons.