Seattle
Overview of Seattle
Rated as one of the world’s most liveable cities, the Emerald City boasts among its citizens three out of the world’s ten richest men, including IT mogul Bill Gates The city’s emergence as a trend-setting and fashionable metropolis with sky-high property prices has occurred in less than 200 years, since it was founded in 1869.
Sitting at the extremity of the United States’ northwest, at the gateway to Canada, Seattle reaches for the sky with its landmark soaring Space Needle. Built in the 1960s, this modern monument epitomises the city’s image as a high-tech, dynamic and young community.
Seattle sits on the shores of two large lakes and Puget Sound, with remote wilderness less than an hour away, and it is flanked by two major mountain ranges (Olympics and Cascades), with Mount Rainier in full view from the city. It is also within easy reach of the San Juan Islands, Pacific Ocean beaches and major rivers. Visitors and locals alike revel in the outdoor activities the city’s situation provides for.
This active city lends itself to walking tours, particularly around the two main tourist areas, the waterfront and Pike Place Market. In addition, 80 percent of the city limits are surrounded by water, so tour boats also abound. To fully enjoy Seattle be prepared to go boating and bring a comfortable pair of shoes.
Key Facts
- Language:
- English is the most common language spoken but Spanish is often heard in the south-western states.
- Passport/Visa:
It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from them travel destination. A visa is required for short visits unless travellers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need to register online three days before travel and have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP.
As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Plugs are mainly the type with two flat pins, though three-pin plugs (two flat parallel pins and a rounded pin) are also widely used. European appliances without dual-voltage capabilities will require an adapter.
Travel to Seattle
Climate for Seattle
Seattle generally has a wet climate, with the most rain falling between January and May, and October and December, but daytime temperatures are mild throughout the year. June to August is the warmest and driest time of year, with summer temperatures averaging around 75F (24C), while winter temperatures rarely drop below 32F (0C), with little snowfall. April to November is the best time to visit, with less chance of rain and long summer days.
7 day forecast for Seattle, Washington, United States
| Sunday Jan. 05, 2025 | Monday Jan. 06, 2025 | Tuesday Jan. 07, 2025 | Wednesday Jan. 08, 2025 | Thursday Jan. 09, 2025 | Friday Jan. 10, 2025 | Saturday Jan. 11, 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hi: 50°F Lo: 43°F  Overcast | Hi: 49°F Lo: 36°F  Scattered clouds | Hi: 43°F Lo: 32°F Cloudy | Hi: 49°F Lo: 36°F Cloudy | Hi: 50°F Lo: 36°F Cloudy | Hi: 49°F Lo: 40°F Cloudy | Hi: 47°F Lo: 38°F Cloudy |
Health Notes when travelling to United States of America
There are no specific health risks associated with travel within the USA. Medical facilities are excellent, but expensive. Only emergencies are treated without prior payment and treatment can be refused without evidence of insurance or proof of funds. Good medical insurance is essential. Visitors must be fully vaccinated with the primary series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to travel to the United States by plane if they are non-U.S. citizens.
Safety Notes when travelling to United States of America
Travel within the United States is generally trouble-free, though travellers should be aware that the US shares with the rest of the world, an increased threat from terrorist incidents. Security has been heightened, particularly at airports. Restrictions on hand luggage apply and travellers are advised to check on the latest situation with airlines in advance. Travellers should also be alert to the dangers of car and street crime in cities and should use common sense and take basic precautions. Hurricanes are common between June and November, putting the southern USA, including the Gulf Coast and the eastern US at risk. There is a risk of wildfires in many dry areas in the US, particularly on the West Coast from March to November.
Customs in United States of America
Laws vary from state to state, including speed limit, fines and punishment. The age at which alcohol may be legally bought and consumed is 21 years.
Duty Free in United States of America
Travellers to the United States who are returning residents of the country do not have to pay duty on articles purchased abroad to the value of $800 provided their stay was longer than 48 hours and their duty-free allowance was not used in the 30-day period prior. For passengers arriving from Samoa, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, a duty-free allowance of $1,600 is allowed. The following items are included in this: 50 cigarettes and 10 cigars and 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages or 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of perfume containing alcohol. Restrictions may apply to goods from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Burma (Myanmar), Angola, Liberia and Sudan. It is prohibited to import Cuban cigars from any country.
Travellers to the United States who are non-residents do not have to pay duty on the following items: 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes and gifts to the value of $100 provided their stay in the USA is not less than 72 hours and that the allowance has not been used in the preceding six-month period.
Prohibited items for residents and non-residents include meat or meat products, poultry, narcotics, absinthe, plants, seeds, vegetables, fruits, soil, live insects and other living plants or animal pests. Fish is prohibited unless it carries disease-free certification. Wildlife and animals or their by-products carry restrictions. Dairy products and eggs from specified countries are not allowed. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed without the necessary license and permit.
Doing Business in United States of America
In such a large country, filled with so many diverse groups, business practices may differ according to each state, however rarely to any large degree. The East Coast is traditionally more formal than the West Coast, though in states such as California, dress code and conservative appearance are as common as they would be in New York. Punctuality is important throughout the country and it is considered rude to be late for a meeting. Gift-giving is uncommon as it may be construed as bribery. Appropriate titles (Mr, Mrs, Ms) are used upon introduction and until otherwise stated. Americans favour politeness and greetings of ‘Hello’ and ‘How are you?’ are often expressed with sincerity. Business hours may vary in each state, but an 8am start and 5pm finish Monday to Friday is the most common with an hour over lunch.
Status and age are not necessarily indicative of seniority, nor do they carry much weight in themselves. Those doing business in the States should be mindful of this fact; foreigners should never make assumptions about someone’s position or rank. Best practice is to be respectful to all parties. That said, the US upholds a hierarchal business structure, in which ‘the boss’ is the ultimate decision-maker. Senior leaders have the power of the last word, and can go against the grain just as easily as they can follow popular opinion. Foreigners should concentrate on winning over this individual, even if the greater group seems unsupportive. Americans value a direct style of communication. In this fast-paced, consumer culture ‘time is money’, and small-talk is viewed as unnecessary and wasteful. It’s best for foreigners to get to the point quickly, speak about issues in a frank and open manner, and to avoid taking offence if someone questions or challenges them outright.
Communication in United States of America
The international country dialling code for the United States is +1. Mobile networks cover most of the country, especially all urban areas, and WiFi is widely available.
Tipping in United States of America
A 15 percent tip is expected by taxi drivers, bartenders, hairdressers and waiters, but travellers shouldn’t tip in fast-food or self-service restaurants. In expensive restaurants or for large parties, the tip should be 20 percent of the bill. It is normal to tip staff such as valets and porters in hotels; this is discretionary, although a minimum of $5 is expected. Most services are customarily tipped if the service is good.
Passport/Visa Note
It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from them travel destination. A visa is required for short visits unless travellers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need to register online three days before travel and have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP.
As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
The most important requirement on entering the U.S. is providing proof of Canadian citizenship. A valid Canadian passport is the best document to prove Canadian citizenship and the right to return to Canada. However, several other documents can serve, depending on the mode of transport. Generally, Canadian citizens do not require visitor, business, transit or other visas to enter the United States from Canada, though there are some exceptions.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay. Most passport holders can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) through the Visa Waiver Programme, which allows travel to the US for up to 90 days. The VWP includes tourism, certain types of business visit and transit to another country.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. If visiting the US for fewer than 90 days, Australian nationals may be eligible to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), and enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Passports must be valid for duration of stay. Irish nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
Passports must be valid for duration of stay. New Zealand nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South Africans must hold a passport valid for duration of stay. A visa is required.
Shopping in Seattle, Washington
Shopping in Seattle is underrated. Famed for grunge music and Seattle coffee companies, this city also has excellent retail outlets. The prime spots include Downtown Seattle, Fremont, the International District, Pike Place and the University District.
Downtown Seattle is a square of several blocks with large outlets such as Urban Outfitters, Nordstrom and Gap. This is also the site of Westlake Center Plaza and Pacific Place, both large malls. The International District encompasses a vast area featuring numerous Asian shops, while Pike Place Market is a waterfront shopping area offering local produce, fresh fish and various restaurants.
There are many bargains to be found at the retro and vintage stores of the Fremont Market on Sundays, and districts such as Fremont, Ballard, Capitol Hill, Wallingford, and West Seattle, all of which have independently owned shops and specialty stores to entice shoppers. Tax refunds can be applied for by foreign visitors.
Dining in Seattle, Washington
Dining in Seattle is much like the city itself, a cosmopolitan affair born from the fruits of the wilderness. The surrounding Puget Sound, with reserves from Alaska, is one large barrel of seafood, coupled with produce grown from many small local farms in Seattle, resulting in masterful and memorable dishes.
In addition to the traditional North-western cuisine such as wild salmon or Dungeness crab, there is a strong Asian influence borne out of the large Asian-American communities and Seattle’s importance as a trade port on the Pacific Rim. This means that the food in Seattle is eclectic and caters to many tastes.
Restaurants are helped by great views of the sea and many quirky neighbourhoods, giving either quiet romance or fun and festivity to a meal. Some of the best areas for eating out in Seattle are the waterfront district near Pike’s Place Market, a long line of fine dining along 1st and 2nd Ave and Capitol Hill. In general the Northwest’s formality is a little toned down and most top restaurants don’t require a jacket. Tipping is between 15 to 20 percent and most places require a reservation.
Pike Place Chowder —
Seafood
A small restaurant across the road from the bustling Pike Place Market, Pike Place Chowder is famous for one thing: its delicious chowder. There’s more than just your standard clam chowder fare though, as the restaurant serves five different varieties each day, ranging from New England Clam Chowder to Seafood Bisque to Southwestern Chicken and Corn Chowder, and even a vegan option! There are sandwiches, salads, and even fish tacos on the menu as well. A must for seafood lovers!
1530 Post Alley
Seattle, United States of America
http://www.pikeplacechowder.com
Canlis —
American
One of the best restaurants in Seattle, Canlis has been wowing diners since 1950 with its contemporary Northwest cuisine, and is a long-standing favourite for those celebrating a special occasion. The stylish interior complements its fine cuisine, and its wine list is one of the city’s best. Canlis is famous for its steaks, but there are also favourites such as the prawns, oysters, and fresh fish, and the desserts are sublime. A tasting menu is available. Open for dinner Monday to Saturday. Bookings essential for Fridays and Saturdays. Dinner jacket required for men.
2576 Aurora Ave North
Seattle, United States of America
http://www.canlis.com
Cafe Campagne —
French
A cosy Parisian café that has won many awards, Café Campagne is popular for its weekend brunches, but also serves a delicious lunch and dinner, and has a wine bar with 40 wines available by the glass. The menu changes seasonally, but fare includes dishes like the French-style rolled omelette, lamb burgers, quiche, and a variety of salads and sandwiches. For dinner it is possible to have the fixed price three-course menu or a choice of meat and fish dishes from the regular dinner menu. Open for lunch Monday to Friday, dinner nightly, and for brunch on weekends until 4pm.
1600 Post Alley
Seattle, United States of America
http://www.campagnerestaurant.com
The Herbfarm —
One of the most unique restaurants in the Northwest, the farmhouse styled exterior is decorated within by a rich and ornate décor. Herbfarm itself and its neighbouring farms grow much of their ingredients to create weekly changing nine-course meals complete with five matching wines. Lummi Island reef-netted sockeye in a squash with lemon thyme is a glimpse into the night’s menu. Reservations are essential.
14590 NE 145th Street, Woodinville
Seattle, United States of America
http://www.theherbfarm.com
Metropolitan Grill —
American
‘The Met’ is primarily a business venue, situated within the heart of the financial district in a historical building built in 1903. This traditional steakhouse has been a Seattle favourite for years, specialising in prime beef and serving up classics cooked to perfection, such as filet mignon, New York peppercorn steak, or the porterhouse steak, but there is also a good selection of pastas and salads. Meals are complemented by an excellent wine list. Open for lunch and dinner on weekdays, and dinner only on weekends. Reservations are recommended.
820 2nd Avenue
Seattle, United States of America
Home
Ray’s Boathouse —
Seafood
The spectacular bay side view over Puget Sound is a perfect complement to the fresh Northwest seafood on a menu that changes regularly to reflect what is locally and seasonally available. Favourites include the crab cakes, oysters, wild salmon, or any fish prepared in sake kasu. Upstairs there is a more casual and less expensive café with an outdoor deck that serves lunch, while the downstairs restaurant serves dinner only. Reservations are required.
6049 Seaview Avenue NW
Seattle, United States of America
Ray’s
Serafina —
Italian
One of Seattle’s best Italian restaurants, Serafina is charming and romantic with a rustic ambience. The freshest ingredients are presented in a homey atmosphere that transports diners to the Italian countryside. Enjoy the bruschetta’s, pasta dishes, or Serafina’s signature dish, the eggplant rolled with ricotta cheese, basil, and Parmesan and baked in tomato sauce. There is live music on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, while live jazz on Sunday mornings makes this one of the most popular brunch spots in the city. Dinner daily, lunch Monday to Friday, brunch on Sundays from 10am. Reservations recommended.
2043 Eastlake Ave. E, Lake Union
Seattle, United States of America
Home
Wild Ginger —
Asian
Southeast Asian inspired food that now sets the benchmark for all Asian food in the Northwest, the Wild Ginger Restaurant is consistently chosen as a favourite among northwest dining awards and diners alike. The Chefs varied backgrounds reflect the eclectic Asian foods, and ingredients from Chinese to Indonesian and also provide a rare chance to mix great wines with Asian cuisine. Reservations are advised.
1401 Third Avenue
Seattle, United States of America
http://www.wildginger.net
Andaluca —
Mediterranean
Local ingredients are thrown together to create a sumptuous Mediterranean-style menu at Andaluca. Dishes to try on the menu include the crab tower, stuffed dates, shellfish stew, or lamb dolmas, and end off with one of the tempting desserts accompanied by a dessert wine or port. Open for breakfast and dinner daily, and lunch Monday to Friday.
407 Olive Way, Mayflower Park Hotel
Seattle, United States of America
http://www.andaluca.com
Etta’s Seafood —
Seafood
Overlooking Pike Place Market, Etta’s is always packed with both locals and tourists, who come to savour the delicious crab cakes, oysters on the half shell, or Alaskan halibut. Besides a variety of fresh seafood dishes there are also other options such as beef burgers, Thai chicken salad, or lime leaf coconut curry. The breakfast menu offers a range of egg dishes, along with French toast, oats and granola with yogurt, while the brunch menu comes straight from the sea.
2020 Western Avenue
Seattle, United States of America
tomdouglas.com/index.php?page=ettas
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
Currency
The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.
| Exchange rate for 1 USD – U.S. Dollar | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.00 BMD Bermudan Dollar | 0.90 EUR Euro | 0.69 GBP U.K. Pound Sterling | 108.90 JPY Japanese Yen | 1.31 CAD Canadian Dollar | 0.99 CHF Swiss Franc |
| 1.38 AUD Australian Dollar | 25.11 UAH Ukrainian Hryvnia | 337.71 KZT Kazakhstani Tenge | 1,505.84 LBP Lebanese Pound | 0.71 LYD Libyan Dinar | 6.86 BOB Bolivian Boliviano |
| 107.88 NPR Nepalese Rupee | 0.38 OMR Omani Rial | 3.64 QAR Qatari Rial | 1.38 SGD Singapore Dollar | 8.29 SEK Swedish Krona | 6.63 TTD Trinidad Tobago Dollar |
| 9.98 VEF Venezuelan Bolivar | 45.83 DOP Dominican Peso | 6.72 HRK Croatian Kuna | 18.63 MXN Mexican Peso | 586.30 XOF West African CFA Franc | 3.16 PGK Papua New Guinean kina |
| 1.00 BSD Bahamian Dollar | 2.11 FJD Fiji Dollar | 22.64 HNL Honduran Lempira | 110.53 DZD Algerian Dinar | 1,191.31 MMK Myanma Kyat | 11.19 BWP Botswana Pula |
| 3.37 PEN Peruvian Nuevo Sol | 693.53 CLP Chilean Peso | 478.10 AMD Armenia Dram | 24.17 CZK Czech Koruna | 19.98 MDL Moldova Lei | 124.29 ISK Icelandic Krona |
| 2,938.75 UZS Uzbekistan Sum | 3.85 ILS Israeli New Sheqel | 0.71 JOD Jordanian Dinar | 0.30 KWD Kuwaiti Dinar | 31.35 UYU Uruguayan Peso | 35.52 MUR Mauritian Rupee |
| 28.51 NIO Nicaraguan Córdoba | 8.34 NOK Norwegian Krone | 3.92 PLN Polish Zloty | 3.75 SAR Saudi Riyal | 146.02 LKR Sri Lanka Rupee | 35.62 THB Thai Baht |
| 3.67 AED U.A.E Dirham | 3.59 BRL Brazilian Real | 4.05 RON Romanian New Leu | 7.77 HKD Hong Kong Dollar | 587.63 XAF Central African CFA Franc | 22,474.70 VND Vietnamese Dong |
| 13.95 ARS Argentine Peso | 2.70 XCD East Caribbean Dollar | 7.83 GTQ Guatemalan Quetzal | 9.77 MAD Moroccan Dirham | 0.38 BHD Bahrain Dinar | 1.00 PAB Panamanian Balboa |
| 1.50 AZN Azerbaijan Manat | 3,117.81 COP Colombian Peso | 68.30 KGS Kyrgyzstan Som | 279.76 HUF Hungarian Forint | 7.87 TJS Tajikistan Ruble | 13,683.10 IDR Indonesian Rupiah |
| 8.88 EGP Egyptian Pound | 1,191.10 KRW South Korean Won | 5,669.42 PYG Paraguayan Guaraní | 4.16 MYR Malaysian Ringgit | 538.75 CRC Costa Rican Colón | 1.47 NZD New Zealand Dollar |
| 104.74 PKR Pakistani Rupee | 66.80 RUB Russian Rouble | 15.60 ZAR South African Rand | 2.12 TND Tunisian Dinar | 2.00 BBD Barbadian Dollar | 1.75 BGN Bulgarian Lev |
| 2.95 TRY Turkish Lira | 46.62 PHP Philippine Peso | 32.62 TWD New Taiwan Dollar | 196.50 NGN Nigerian Naira | 107.15 XPF CFP Franc | 3.91 GHS Ghanaian Cedi |
| 124.92 JMD Jamaican Dollar | 1.80 ANG Neth. Antillean Guilder | 1.38 BND Brunei Dollar | 110.56 RSD Serbian Dinar | 6.58 CNY Chinese Yuan | 19,898.50 BYR Belarussian Ruble |
| 6.65 DKK Danish Krone | 3.44 TMT New Turkmenistan Manat | 67.26 INR Indian Rupee | |||
Euro to U.S. Dollar
1 EUR = 1.12 USD
Canadian Dollar to U.S. Dollar
1 CAD = 0.76 USD
U.K. Pound Sterling to U.S. Dollar
1 GBP = 1.44 USD
Australian Dollar to U.S. Dollar
1 AUD = 0.72 USD
New Zealand Dollar to U.S. Dollar
1 NZD = 0.68 USD
South African Rand to U.S. Dollar
1 ZAR = 0.06 USD