Seattle

International visitors from Visa Waiver Program countries can stay up to 90 days without a visa (requires ESTA authorization). Others need a B-2 tourist visa. Verify at travel.state.gov.

By Air: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is 14 miles south of downtown.

By Train: Amtrak Cascades connects to Portland (3.5 hours) and Vancouver BC (4 hours).

By Car: I-5 runs north-south. Driving from Portland (3 hours) or Vancouver (3 hours).

By Ferry: Washington State Ferries connect to islands and Olympic Peninsula.

English is the primary language. Seattle is multicultural but English is universal.

US Dollar (USD). Cards accepted everywhere. ATMs widely available. Tipping: 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink, 15-20% for rideshare.

Light Rail: Link connects airport to downtown, Capitol Hill, University District (single ride $2.25-3.50).

Buses: King County Metro extensive network (same fares).

Streetcar: Two lines in downtown/Capitol Hill.

Monorail: Downtown to Seattle Center ($3).

Uber/Lyft: Widely available ($15-30 for most trips).

Walking: Downtown, Pike Place, Capitol Hill very walkable. Hilly terrain.

Ferries: Part of commute for some, scenic for tourists.

Link Light Rail: Direct to downtown (38 min, $3).

Uber/Lyft: $40-60 to downtown (25-45 min depending on traffic).

Taxi: Around $50-65 to downtown.

Shuttle: Shared services ($20-30 per person).