Best Time to Visit

Citizens of the Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the Kingdom of Brunei can visit the United States for up to 90 days without applying for a visa (as well as citizens of Andorra, Lichtenstein, Monaco and San Marino). Citizens of these countries must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before traveling. All other travelers must obtain a visa before visiting the United States. International travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the country.

The perfect time to visit Seattle is late June or early September when the crowds disperse and hotel costs do go down. In these periods you can still enjoy the lovely weather but as it is unpredictable don't forget to bring a raincoat/umbrella. July and August — the driest and sunniest months of the year — mark the peak season, meaning that prices rise due to a significant presence of tourists. Some key events throughout the year: May & June: Seattle International Film Festival May: Seattle Beer Week Late July to August: Seattle Art Fair September: Bumbershoot music festival

Chain pharmacies — CVS Pharmacy, Safeway, Walmart, Costco etc. — as well as smaller neighborhood stores operate in Seattle, and while working hours may greatly vary, a few are open 24/7. Pharmacy signs are often in red and white, and they are often located inside department stores. Most of the pharmacies sell both prescription as well as over the counter medicine.

The ORCA transit cards are the most convenient way to pay the fare on streetcars, light rail, buses and more. King County Metro Transit: The “Metro” public bus system operates throughout Seattle and King County. Metro's Route 99 connects Seattle's International District, Pioneer Square, First Avenue destinations including the Seattle Art Museum and Pike Place Market, and Elliott Bay waterfront attractions such as the Olympic Sculpture Park, Seattle Aquarium and ferry services. Visit Metro Online for a route map and timetable. South Lake Union Streetcar: The South Lake Union Streetcar links Seattle's downtown core to the South Lake Union neighborhood and the new 12-acre Waterfront Park. Seattle Center Monorail: The nation's first full-scale commercial monorail system provides a fun, two-minute link from downtown Seattle to the Seattle Center daily. The Seattle Center station is across from the Space Needle. In downtown Seattle, catch the monorail at Westlake Center at Fifth Avenue and Pine Street. Sound Transit: Link Light Rail connects downtown Seattle with Sea-Tac International Airport, making interim stops in Southeast Seattle neighborhoods. Sounder Commuter Trains operate between downtown Seattle, Tacoma and Everett.

All power sockets in the United States provide a standard voltage of 110–120V with a standard frequency of 60Hz. Plug type A has two flat parallel pins.