1. Banking Hours

Most banks open 9am to 2pm or later (many to 5pm) Monday to Friday; 9am to noon Saturday.

2. Currency Exchange

Currency exchange is available at main branches of large Boston banks, but harder to find elsewhere. In general, you will get a better rate making ATM withdrawals than exchanging cash, even with the additional banking fees.Travelex • 800 287 7362

3. Travelers’ Checks

Dollar-denominated travelers’ checks issued by American Express or Thomas Cook are widely accepted. Personal checks drawn on foreign banks – or even out-of-state banks – are not.

American Express Helpline • 800 221 7282

American Express Travel Service • 800 327 2177

4. ATMs

ATMs are usually found near the entrances to bank offices. The main bank systems honored are Cirrus, Plus, and NYCE. Most ATMs also accept MasterCard and Visa credit cards. Many shops let you pay with a debit card and get cash back – usually a fee-free way to get ready money.

5. Credit Cards

Using credit cards is safer than carrying cash, and essential for renting a car or reserving a hotel room. MasterCard and Visa are almost universally accepted, as is the Discover card. Diners Club is accepted at some higher-end establishments. American Express is widely accepted, but small merchants balk at the company’s high fees.

Cirrus/MasterCard • 800 424 7787

Plus/Visa • 800 847 2911

Thomas Cook MasterCard Customer Services • 800 223 7373

6. Post Offices

Most post offices are open 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday; 8am to noon Saturday. Properly stamped letters and packages less than 12 oz (340 g) can be dropped into blue mailboxes. For current rates, see the US Postal Service web site.www.usps.com

7. Internet Access

Many hotels, B&Bs, and even motels offer Internet access for travelers carrying their own computers. High-speed access generally requires an Ethernet card (for corded connections) or a Wi-Fi card. Free wireless networks are often found at coffee shops and bookstores.

8. Telephones

Public telephones are fading fast as cellphones become ubiquitous. When you can find a pay phone, it usually accepts coins, charging 50 cents to $1 for a local call. The least expensive way to call is by using a prepaid calling card available at gas stations, convenience stores, and newsstands. Note that Boston-area calls require dialing the area code in addition to the 7-digit phone number. Dial 1 for long-distance in the US and Canada, or 011 for calls to other countries. Note that many Target, WalMart and Radio Shack stores sell disposable cellphones for as little as $15; calling minutes cost extra.

9. Newspapers

Though the dominant newspaper in the region is the Boston Globe, the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today are also widely read. For entertainment listings outside Boston, check local papers.

10. Television

All US broadcasters now use digital television signals. Most lodgings with TV provide “basic” cable that includes local stations, broadcast networks, and a handful of cable-only channels.