Banking hours in each state vary, with most banks open Monday to Friday during normal business hours. Some banks are open evenings and Saturdays. Banks are closed during federal public holidays. Automated teller machines are widely available throughout the region.

Hartford, Connecticut
Providence, Rhode Island
Boston, Massachusetts
Montpelier, Vermont
Concord, New Hampshire
Augusta, Maine

Most stores, restaurants and accommodations throughout New England accept major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Debit or bank cards are becoming increasingly popular and can be used almost as readily through the Interac, Plus and Cirrus networks. Credit and debit card charges will appear on the purchaser’s statement converted to their home currency.

Although Canadian currency is generally accepted throughout New England, visitors are advised to exchange their funds for American dollars, or to make purchases with a credit card. Commercial establishments are encouraged to provide a fair rate of exchange to foreign visitors. However, the best rates of exchange on foreign currency can be obtained at major financial institutions throughout the region. For foreign currency exchange it is advisable to bring a passport. Canadian currency is available readily at most banks, other currency may require a few days notice as it can take time to acquire. Currency exchange rates are posted daily.

The United States uses the same electrical configuration and current as Canada: 110 to 115 volts, 60 cycles

New Year’s Day - January 1
Martin Luther King Day - January 16
Lincoln’s Birthday - February 12
President’s Day - February 20
Washington’s Birthday - February 22
Good Friday - April 6
Easter Sunday - April 8
Memorial Day - May 28
Independence Day - July 4
Labor Day - September 3
Columbus Day - October 8
Veterans Day - November 11
Thanksgiving - November 22
Hanukkah - December 8-16
Christmas Day - December 25

Visitors to the United States are strongly encouraged to obtain health insurance before leaving their home country. American hospital and medical services are excellent, but can be costly without adequate insurance. Visitors taking prescription medications are advised to take a copy of the prescription should it need to be renewed during the trip.

°C = (5/9) x (°F-32)
1 mile = 1.61 kilometers
1 pound = 0.454 kilograms
1 inch = 0.025 meters
1 US gallon = 3.79 liters

A valid passport is required to gain entry when either arriving or departing from Canada to the United States and vice versa when travelling via air, land and/or sea.

Individual store hours vary throughout the states, but Sunday shopping is widely available. On Sunday stores generally open later and close earlier than the other six days of the week.

All six New England states are on the same time zone, Eastern Time, which is 5 hours behind GMT.

Although individual speed limits vary from region to region and state to state, the average limit on turnpikes and interstates is 65 mph (105 km/hr). All other roads have a speed limit ranging from 25-55 mph. Please note the posted speed limit signs on any road or highway, and obey by the rules of the road in the region you are in.

The states of New England all experience a varied and awesome distinction between the four seasons. Temperatures range from very warm in the summer months to very cold at times in the winter months, with many cooler and pleasant days in the spring and fall. Plan ahead to capture the best of all seasons that New England has to offer.

All six New England states encourage and welcome winter travelers to come to this region and enjoy the many winter activities available to groups. Visitors are advised, however, that delays may be experienced due to seasonable weather conditions in winter, particularly in the northern and mountainous regions.