Business Tips

Dress Code: During the summer, choose natural fabrics to help counter the heat and humidity and in winter, warm clothing, preferably in layers, to combat the freezing temperatures and well-heated buildings.

Greeting Someone: A handshake is the usual greeting throughout the United States. Most people address each other by their first names, but at business meetings and formal functions, using a person's title and last name is preferable.

Business Hours and Banking: As with all major cities, business hours in Chicago, Illinois, tend to vary from one industry and sector to another but in general, most office environments operate between 09.00 and 17.30, Monday to Friday. Banks tend to be open between 09.00 and 15.00, Monday to Friday, with some staying open to 17.30 or 18.00 one day a week. Some of the larger banks will probably also be open on Saturday mornings.

Smoking: Smoking is the subject of much controversy in the United States. If you are a smoker, exercise discretion and sensitivity when choosing to smoke, as many Americans cannot tolerate people smoking in front of them. The best advice is to only smoke in like-minded company. New York City and Los Angeles have an almost complete ban on smoking in all public buildings. Smoking is not permitted in stadiums, large restaurants (over 35 tables), auditoriums, elevators, gymnasiums, indoor swimming pools, food shops, mass public transport, public transport terminals and hospitals (except within designated smoking areas).



Value for Money Sightseeing

The Chicago CityPass offers big discounts on six of the city’s major attractions: the Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum, Hancock Observatory, Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry and Shedd Aquarium. In 2005 the Pass price is $49 for adults and $39 for children and is valid for nine days.

The Office of Tourism offers a free Greeter service, where knowledgeable guides show you the best of the city. Book a week in advance.

Chicago Tipping Advice

In Chicago, as in the rest of the United States, service personnel rely on tips to supplement their wages. For waiters, bartenders, taxi drivers or similar, 15% is standard. Baggage handlers at hotels and airports should be given USD 1.00 per bag and a hotel doorman, 50 cents to USD 1.00 for loading or unloading luggage or other similar service. Tipping is not expected in fast-food restaurants or cinemas.