Practical information about Chicago

So you're planning a great escape to the Windy City. That's great, and you're sure to have a wild time. From catching Bulls matches at the United Center or the Bears at Soldier Field, to touring the incredible wonders of the Field Museum, and tucking into endless portions of deep dish pizza, Chicago is a city that never disappoints.
It's a place where you can get away from the urban grind by the shores of Lake Michigan, before dipping straight back into the chaos in the Loop, where an infinite variety of upscale stores and intriguing sights await. Party and dine, hit inland beaches, and while away time at family attractions in one of North America's premier destinations.
All of this sounds amazing. But before you organise anything and check out the overview below on the things every traveller should know when travelling to Chicago!

Essential Chicago information for visitors

Emergency numbers: When you are in Chicago, getting in touch with the emergency services won't be hard. Just use 911 to reach the fire, police, and ambulance services. If you need a weather or time update, call (312) 976-1212, and for general assistance, call 411.

Government Office opening hours: There is a Canadian Consulate just north of Millennium Park, in Downtown Chicago, so contacting government officials should be simple. Travellers can call the Consulate on 1-844-880-6519, and the building is open for visits from 8:30am until 12:30pm. At other times, appointments can be arranged via the phone line.

Temperature: Chicago's temperature varies massively between the seasons. Winters can be extremely cold, with January highs averaging around 0 degrees celsius. By contrast, July's average high is 29 degrees - a huge variation, but one that will be familiar to residents of Vancouver, Toronto, or Montreal. Average highs will be over 20 degrees from May to October, and all of those months offer pleasant sightseeing conditions.

Currency: Chicago uses the US dollar, which will almost certainly be familiar to Canadian visitors. You may not even need to change much currency at the airport, as the vast majority of the city's businesses cater for Canadian credit and debit cards, along with smartphone payment systems like Apple Pay. ATMs are easy to find, but most will come with small usage fees.

Local time: Chicago operates GMT-5 (Central Time), which is the same as Toronto and Ottawa. The city is generally one hour behind Montreal, two hours behind Halifax, but two hours ahead of Vancouver and other west coast Canadian locations. The United States and Canada have the same Daylight Savings Time schedule, so there's nothing to worry about there.

Communication: Most Canadian cell phones will function in Chicago, and many plans will come with roaming fees included. However, always check with your provider before crossing the border, as it's possible to incur significantly higher call and internet charges during vacations. If you don't have generous roaming provisions, opting for a short term pay-as-you-go plan could be a better option.

Electricity: The United States and Canada both operate the same voltage standard (120V) and plug sockets should be the same wherever you go. This means that there's no need to pick up socket adapters for your crucial accessories before flying. Do check that your charger works before travelling, and it may be handy to have a power bank in your luggage to provide extra charge when it's required.

Language: US English, which is almost identical to Canadian English, with a few minor variations in written conventions. Most of the time, travellers will experience no problems making themselves understood, although French Canadians should be aware that French language skills are fairly rare.

Required travel documents: When travelling between Canada and the United States, you won't need any special documents. Instead, travellers can just rely on a valid Canadian passport, and won't have to waste time with visa applications.

Health: Travellers to Chicago do not require any vaccinations, but travel insurance is essential. The US healthcare system is very different to Canada's, and it's essential to be covered should emergencies arise. Otherwise, vacationers could be on the hook for large bills.

Tipping and taxes: Sales taxes in Chicago add 10.25% onto most prices, one of the highest charges in the United States. So shop around and use vouchers or discounts where you can. Tipping in restaurants, hotels, and bars is customary, and 15-20% is a reasonable level to aim for.

So now you've got the basics it's time to head over. Excellent flight and hotel deals are available just a click away with BudgetAir.