Washington D.C. United States

Humid subtropical

• Airport

  Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) · 42 km west of downtown

• Transfers

  Silver Line Express Bus + Metro (60-75 min, $7.50) · Washington Flyer Taxi (40-60 min, $65-75) · Uber/Lyft (40-60 min, $50-75) · SuperShuttle (60-90 min, $30-40)

• Transit

  Metro Rail, Metro Bus, DC Circulator Bus

• Tips

  DC very walkable - National Mall, monuments, Smithsonians all walkable · Metro excellent but expensive compared to other cities · DC Circulator buses cheap ($1) and tourist-friendly routes · All Smithsonian museums free - plan museum days · SmarTrip card essential - paper tickets more expensive · Capital Bikeshare extensive and useful

• Walkability

  high

• Language

  English

• Currency

  US Dollar ($, USD)

• Customs

  Political and government culture · Professional and formal atmosphere · Museum and cultural institution focus · International diplomatic community · Power lunch and networking culture · Security conscious - many checkpoints

• Etiquette

  Professional dress and behavior · Stand on right of Metro escalators · Respect security procedures · Political discussions common but can be sensitive · Punctuality important

• Visa

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

• Power

  120V, 60Hz · A, B

• Healthcare

  Excellent facilities (Georgetown, Johns Hopkins nearby, GWU). Very expensive - insurance essential.

• Safety

  SAFE · National Mall and tourist areas very safe with police presence · Metro generally safe but stay alert late at night · Some neighborhoods east of Anacostia River less safe · Watch belongings in crowded tourist areas · Security checkpoints at government buildings - allow extra time · Humid summers (35°C/95°F+) and cold winters

• Emergency

  Police 911 · Ambulance 911