Boston welcomes all international visitors! You’ll find the city accessible, manageable and delightful. Be sure to pack comfortable shoes as much of Boston is very walkable - in fact it is the best way to see the city. Locals will be happy to offer Insider tips or to point you in the right direction.

Upon landing at Logan International Airport you’ll be able to exchange currency, grab a taxi, subway, shuttle van or water shuttle and be in Boston proper within 30 minutes so, depending on the time of day.

Known for its history, you’ll find Boston shopping to be of historic proportions. The sales tax is almost not worth mentioning - there is no tax on clothing priced below $175 (or on food items) and the end-of-season sales (sometimes in the middle of the season) are near give-aways. There is a 6.25% sales tax on all other items.

Browse the high-end shops, unique boutiques and major department stores. Shop the brand name outlets throughout the Greater Boston area. You might bring an extra suitcase for your purchases or pick one up while you are here.

Most stores open at 10am and close at 6pm or 7pm Monday through Saturday. On Sunday, most open at 11am or noon and close at 5pm or 6pm. During the week closing time might be later, usually Thursdays and during the holiday season many shops, stores and malls have extended hours. It makes sense to call ahead to verify hours for a particular store that you’re interested in.

And don’t forget Duty-Free shopping at Logan’s Terminals A, B and E. Duty-free merchandise post security, includes specialty gift items, premium liquors, cigars and cigarettes for passengers with international boarding passes,.

The Boston dining scene is diverse, dynamic and delicious. Boston is a serious restaurant city serving contemporary cuisine, traditional New England fare with a few surprises and an eclectic mix of ethnic dishes that span the gastronomic globe. There are restaurants for every palette and pocketbook - the choice is yours.

A service fee is not included in your check. Tip service staff 15% to 20% of the bill, bar tenders 10% to 15% and checkroom attendants $1 per garment.

Many restaurants stop serving full dinners at 10pm and may offer small plates until closing. The majority of restaurants, bars and clubs close by 2am, some as early as 1am.

Credit cards, Debit cards and Travelers Checks are widely accepted and the city is well served by an extensive network of ATMs.

Smoking is prohibited by state law in all bars, nightclubs and restaurants. However, there are several cigar bars around town where cigars and cigarettes may be purchased and consumed.

Consulate Offices:

United Kingdom
One Memorial Drive
15th floor
Cambridge, MA 02142
617.245.4500

Canada
100 Huntington Avenue
Copley Place
Boston, MA 02116
617.262.3760

Germany
100 Huntington Avenue
Copley Place
Boston, MA 02116
617.369.4900

Ireland
535 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116
617.267.9330

Italy
600 Atlantic Avenue, #1700
Boston, MA 02210
617.722.9201