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EC Washington, DC Travel Guide and Activities

The US Capital, Washington, DC, is full of majestic memorial buildings, monuments and museums. There are plenty of interesting places to visit, such as the US Capitol and Supreme Court. It's also home to many international organisations, foreign embassies, trade unions, non-profit organisations and lobbying groups, making it a truly inspirational city to discover.

5 things to see

  • Ford’s Theater
  • Arlington National Cemetery
  • The White House
  • The U.S. Capitol & Supreme Court
  • Mount Vernon, President George Washington’s Home

5 things to do

  • Visit the oldest farmer’s market in America in Old town Alexandria
  • Attend a Congressional Hearing on Capitol Hill
  • Visit any of the Smithsonian Museums---for free!
  • Visit Great Falls Virginia Park
  • See a show at The Kennedy Center

Climate

Washington, DC has comparatively mild temperatures. It experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are typically hot and humid (75-85°F/24-20°C), Spring and Fall are warm (60-70 °F/15-21°C), while Winters are relatively cold with some snow (20-40 °F/-6-4°C).

Money

USD $

Public holidays falling on a weekday

12 Oct 2020, 11 Nov 2020, 26 Nov 2020, 27 Nov 2020, 25 Dec 2020, 31 Dec 2020, 01 Jan 2021, 18 Jan 2021, 15 Feb 2021, 31 May 2021, 05 Jul 2021, 06 Sep 2021, 11 Oct 2021, 11 Nov 2021, 25 Nov 2021, 26 Nov 2021, 24 Dec 2021 and 31 Dec 2021

Telephone Country Code

+001

Electricity

110 V; 60 Hz – 2 flat pin plug or third round pin are used.

Tap water

Tap water is safe to drink.

Medical

If you have an emergency, then you can call 911 for an ambulance, fire department, or police department from any telephone. You can also call the school’s emergency phone number at 202.909.5873.

Make sure that the doctor you are visiting accepts your health insurance. If the doctor has any questions about your insurance protection, ask him or her to call the insurance company directly.

We do not recommend going to the emergency room unless it is a major emergency. Emergency room visits are extremely expensive in the United States.

Public Transport Info

Visa

For Visa information please read Applying for a Visa in USA

Cost of Living

Coffee/Cappuccino (Starbucks) $3.50-$5.00
Bottle of water/soda (0.33 liter) $1.25-$2.00
Fast-Food combo meal $6.00-$8.50
Meal, inexpensive restaurant $12.50-$20.00
Fitness club (monthly, 1 adult) $30.00-$100.00
Public transport (local transport) $2.25-$4.00 (one-way)
Public transport (monthly pass) $80.00-$230.00

Other Useful Information

Driving Age

The legal driving age in Washington, DC is 16. Adult students can apply for a driver’s license at the Department of Motor Vehicles. Most rental companies require that you be at least 24 years old with an international driving license, a second form of identification, and a major credit card.

Alcohol Age

The legal age for purchasing and/or consuming alcohol in the US is 21. Most places will ask for identification.

Smoking laws

Smoking indoors is illegal. To buy cigarettes, you must be 18 years of age or older, and must present identification. Washington, DC Law permits smoking a minimum of 25 feet from entrances of buildings.

Insurance

All EC students must be covered by health insurance for the entire length of their stay in the U.S.

Useful Links