International Travel Guide
We hope your stay at The Georgetown Inn is successful and pleasant. To help you get familiar with Washington D.C. and the United States, here are some quick facts and a handy international travel guide. Now go explore! Let us know how we can help make your visit productive and enjoyable.
Time Zone
Washington DC is on Eastern Standard Time. That's 5 hours behind GMT, 1 hour ahead of Chicago and 3 hours ahead of Los Angeles (West Coast). We are 6 hours behind western Europe (France, Norway & Sweden), and 5 hours behind Great Britain.
Age Requirements
Legal Car Rental Age: 25
Legal Driving Age: 16
Legal Drinking & Gambling Age: 21 (photo ID or passport required)
Tipping
Taxicab drivers, bartenders, and waiters get about 15% for standard service. Hotel doormen and valet parkers should be tipped about $2, and bellhops should be given $2 per bag. Chambermaids usually are given $2 per day, which can be left on the pillow.
Entering the U.S. & Obtaining A Visa
Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa from the U.S. Department of State. Visit travel.state.gov for information.
Requirements For International Travelers at The Georgetown Inn Washington, DC
Requirements For International Travelers
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requires that travelers from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Mexico, and Canada have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States. International visitors who need a visa to travel to the US must apply for one at an American embassy or consulate. For more information, visit travel.state.gov.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provides travelers with all they need to know before boarding a plane to or within the U.S.
Travel Information
Prohibited Items
Traveling with Children
Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions
Translators / Interpreters
To maximize your experience in Washington DC for non-English-speaking visitors, we can help you find a company to provide various translation and interpretation services. Consult the front desk staff for assistance.
U.S. Customs & area Airport Security
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the unified border agency charged with the management, control, and protection of U.S. borders at and between the official ports of entry. The CBP sets restrictions on commercial and personal items that can be brought into the United States. You must complete customs and immigration formalities at the first point of arrival in the U.S. whether or not it is your final destination. All three major area airports are very well managed and as predictable as most any airport around the world. Still, preparing for arrival and departure and getting to the airport early is the best way to avoid surprise. For great tips about the airport security process visit the Transportation Security Administration.
Foreign Currency Exchange
If you are traveling to Washington, D.C., you will need to exchange your currency for the American Dollar or US Dollar. You may exchange your money for the US Dollar at most Washington, D.C. banks. There are over five major banks within one block from The Georgetown Inn. Most banks are open on weekdays (Monday - Friday) only. All banks are closed during federal holidays.
Embassies
The Georgetown Inn is within walking distance to the Embassies of Sweden, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Thailand. We are also a short taxi ride away from Embassy Row, home to numerous additional Embassies. Many embassies offer guided tours with prior notification, and they are an essential starting place for any international travelers who wish to tour the White House during their visit. Visit embassy.org to find contact information for each of the more than 150 embassies located in and around Washington, DC.
DC Tours
International visitors may join public tours of the U.S. Capitol building. Tickets are offered on a first come, first served basis. Visit http://www.aoc.gov/visit-capitol-hill/tours, for more information.
The White House Visitors Center, Kennedy Center, Library of Congress, Mount Vernon and other attractions offer brochures in several languages. The Smithsonian Institution provides multilingual information at the visitor's center in the Castle Building. Complimentary foreign language tours are available by appointment at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art, Freer and Sackler Galleries of Art, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Click here for more information.
The Kennedy Center offers free tours on request in Spanish, German, French, and Japanese. Tour scripts are available in 11 languages for self-guided tours. Click here for more information.
The National Gallery of Art offers Tours of the permanent collection, free of charge in Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Russian, and Spanish.
If you have any further questions about your stay or about Washington D.C, please contact the hotel Toll-Free at 866-308-8883 or by email at georgetowninn@yourdchotels.com. We look forward to seeing you soon!