Visa Information

Visa Information

For visa information and to see whether you need a visa to visit the United States, you can access the United States Guide to Government Information and Services page on Visas, Tourists, and Temporary Visitors here: https://www.usa.gov/visas#item-213289

Getting Around

Metro and Bus Travel: The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority operates a network of subway lines (known locally as the Metro) and bus routes throughout D.C. Most popular tourist attractions are near Metro stops, though certain areas are accessible only by bus, most notably Georgetown and Adams Morgan in Northwest and the Atlas District in Northeast.

Metro fares depend on the distance traveled and the type of pass used, with rides ranging from $2.25 to $6.00 during "peak" hours—which include the morning and evening commutes and the after-midnight hours of weekends—and from $2.00 to $3.85 at all other times. Rechargeable SmartTrip cards can be purchased for $2 online or at any Metrorail station. One-day passes for unlimited Metro travel are also available for $14.75.

Bus fares are $2.00 (exact change only) for regular routes, regardless if you use cash or a SmarTrip card. There are Airport Express buses to and from Dulles International Airport (Metrobus 5A) and Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (Metrobus B30) for $7.50. SmarTrip cards will grant users free transfers between buses and $0.50 discounts on transfers between buses and the Metro.

The closest Metro stations to the PCAOB are Farragut West (Orange and Blue line) and Farragut North (Red line), each about one block away.

Taxi Travel: Taxis in D.C. charge a $3.50 minimum base rate, which covers the first eighth of a mile, plus $2.16 per mile. Riders stuck in traffic will pay more, as wait fees cost $35 per hour. A $2 charge applies to cabs hailed by phone, and surcharges may also apply for airport travelers.

From Dulles: Washington Flyer Taxicabs serve Washington Dulles International Airport exclusively with 24-hour service to and from the Airport. No reservations are necessary for taxi service upon arrival at Dulles. Simply follow the signs for Ground Transportation or Taxi to the lower level of the Terminal, down the ramp to Door 2 or Door 6. A customer service representative is available 24-hours a day. To get into DC, Washington Flyer estimates around $60 to $68 and accepts cash ($USD) or credit card. Average travel time from Dulles to downtown Washington, DC is around 45 minutes but varies depending on traffic.

Tipping

In most restaurants, tip the waiter 16%–20%. (To figure the amount quickly, just double the sales tax noted on the check—it's 10% of your bill.) Tip at least $1 per drink at the bar and $1 for each coat checked. Never tip the maître d' unless you're out to impress your guests or expect to pay another visit soon. If you're dining with a group, make sure not to overtip: review your check to see if a gratuity has been added, as many restaurants automatically tack on an 18% tip for groups of six or more.

For taxi drivers, it is standard to tip around 10% to 15%, rounded up to the next dollar.

Emergency Information

The general emergency number is 911.