Chicago United States

Humid continental

• Airport

  O'Hare International Airport (ORD) · 27 km northwest of downtown

• Transfers

  CTA Blue Line Train (40-50 min, $5) · Airport Express Bus (45-60 min, $32) · Taxi (30-50 min, $45-60) · Uber/Lyft (30-50 min, $35-55)

• Transit

  L Train (Elevated), CTA Bus, Metra Commuter Rail

• Tips

  L train (elevated) excellent - fast, extensive, runs 24/7 on some lines · Red/Blue lines run 24/7, others close overnight · Downtown Loop very walkable - most attractions within walking distance · Download Ventra app for easy fare payment and tracking · Winter brutally cold - use pedway tunnels downtown · Avoid south side L lines late at night

• Walkability

  high

• Language

  English, Spanish, Polish

• Currency

  US Dollar ($, USD)

• Customs

  Midwestern friendly hospitality · Deep-dish pizza culture · Sports fanatic city - Cubs, Bears, Bulls · Architecture appreciation · Blues and jazz music heritage · Four distinct seasons culture

• Etiquette

  Friendly small talk with strangers · Hold doors for others · Midwest nice - polite and courteous · Weather is constant conversation topic · Don't block the right side of escalators

• Visa

  ESTA required for visa waiver program countries ($21, apply online). Others need visa.

• Power

  120V, 60Hz · A, B

• Healthcare

  Excellent healthcare with top hospitals (Northwestern, Rush, UChicago). Very expensive - insurance essential.

• Safety

  MODERATE · Downtown and tourist areas (Loop, River North, Mag Mile) generally safe · Avoid South Side and West Side neighborhoods unless with local · Stay alert on CTA trains late at night · Violent crime exists but rarely affects tourists in main areas · Winters brutally cold (-20°C/-4°F common) - dress warmly · Keep valuables secure in crowded areas

• Emergency

  Police 911 · Ambulance 911