Executive Committee Meeting 10-15-24

President's Report

Page 76 of 95

YOUR STAY A-Z

Safety and Security Detroit has been saddled with a bad reputation in this regard, which is now absolutely unwarranted. The same common-sense precautions should be taken as in any major city . Shopping The US is a paradise for shoppers, who can pick up some really good deals there. Jeans, sportswear, and sports equipment are cheaper than in Europe, as are American cosmetics brands, leather goods, eyewear, electronics, and homewares. Note that prices are exclusive of taxes (equivalent of European VAT, 6% in Michigan). w Detroit is justifiably proud to be able to boast a large number of original and often environmentally conscious designers in every sector. From bags made of leather recycled from the auto industry to cosmetics, apparel, and candles, there is a vast range of products to choose from. T Addresses, p. 94 . in Europe—if you’re used to buying Medium (M) T-shirts, you might need to go for Small (S) in the US. Also be careful if you need to buy home linen , as the dimensions of beds and pillows are not the same . Smoking Sizes and Measurements Clothes sizes are bigger than

restaurants, and bars. Cigarettes are expensive, and are sold in drugstores, grocery stores, supermarkets, and gas stations. Prices vary from store to store. Taxes Prices are always exclusive of sales tax (US equivalent to VAT). When shopping in Michigan, add 6% sales tax to the displayed price. Restaurants and hotels also charge taxes, adding 6% to the prices advertised, with the tip extra ( T below) . Tipping The tip or gratuity as it is indicated on the check is a must because it is part of the pay of employees, whose basic salary is low. It is customary to leave between 15% and 20% of the pre-tax bill in restaurants (unless service is included, which is very rarely the case), and about 10% in taxi cabs . In hotels , you should leave between $3 and $5 per night for the housekeeper, with a word of thanks to let them know that the money is meant for them, and a minimum of $1 to $2 per suitcase for the porter. Transport “Motor City” is making great strides in terms of public transport! Detroit People Mover – www. thepeoplemover.com - Mon.-Thu. 7am-10:30pm, Fri. 7am-12am, Sat. 10am-12am, Sun. 10am-8pm - free to travel. Inaugurated in 1987, this elevated rail system has 13

stations that form a one-way loop in Downtown. It’s practical for getting around the city, especially when it’s cold out, as well as getting a high-level view of the city and admiring the decor at some of the stations. Q Line – www.qlinedetroit.com - Mon.- Sat. 8am-12am, Sun. 8am-9pm - free to travel. This 12-station streetcar system runs up Woodward Avenue from Downtown. Handy for visiting museums in Midtown, for example. DDOT – ddot.info - timetables vary by route - $2/4-hour pass, valid on DDOT and Smart . The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) operates the city’s bus network, which you may not need to use much in fact. The bus traffic hub is located Downtown, at the brand new Rosa Parks Transit Center (1310 Cass Ave) . Smart – www.smartbus.org - timetables vary by line - $2/4-hour pass, valid on DDOT and Smart . The Smart bus network radiates in all directions from Downtown, including Dearborn, Grosse Pointe, Lake St. Clair, Birmingham, and Bloomfield Hills. Cycling MoGo – www.mogodetroit.com. Detroit has its own bike share service, with traditional or electric bikes and a network of 75 stations. The bikes can be spotted by their red livery. Download the app or buy a pass from the website. Unlock for $1, then pay $0.25/min., $10/1hr, $18/2hr. Bike hire – The Riverwalk is particularly well suited for cycling.

Bill Bowen/Visit Detroit

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Riverfront bike ride.

Presidents’ Day – Third Monday in February, in honor of Presidents Lincoln and Washington. Memorial Day – Last Monday in May, the day of remembrance for victims of war. Independence Day – July 4, US National Day. Labor Day – First Monday in September. Columbus Day – Second Monday in October, anniversary of the day when Christopher Columbus “discovered” America. Veterans Day – November 11, in memory of World War I veterans. Thanksgiving – Fourth Thursday in November. Christmas Day – December 25.

Smoking is prohibited on public transport and in public places,