, Destination Guide

Overview of Indianapolis Indiana is known as the 'Crossroads of America', and in Indianapolis, the intersection of several major Interstate highways, this is literally true. This makes the state capital's multiple attractions easily accessible, including the one many consider to be hallowed ground, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Those who know nothing else about the city know that each May racing devotees flock to Indianapolis by the thousands for the Indy 500. During the winter, Indianapolis is a hotspot for football fans, whose fervour for the Colts has reached frenzied heights since the team won the XLI Super Bowl. No worries for those less enthusiastic about spectator sports. Once dubbed 'Indiana No Place', Indianapolis now caters to a variety of other interests, not the least of which is history. At the centre of town is Monument Circle, home to the 284-foot (87m) Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, among many others. From the circle, the city spreads outward in a grid and is divided into six cultural districts. Broad Ripple Village mixes sidewalk cafés and upscale boutiques with retro fashions and original music venues. Fountain Square is a funky downtown neighbourhood laid out like a European village. Both are known for their artistic leanings and abundance of ethnic restaurants. showcases the city's African-American heritage, and Mass Ave is the free-spirited, friendly arts and theatre district. The final two cultural districts may have less of an eclectic vibe, but they are packed with attractions. Those in search of good, old-fashioned American consumerism need look no further than the Wholesale District's Circle Centre, a large shopping mall connected to the Indiana Convention Center and a number of downtown hotels via skywalks. Wholesale is the home of the business district as well as Bankers Life Fieldhouse, where the Indiana Pacers play, the Colts' RCA Dome and loads of chain restaurants. For visitors who wish to spend a bit of time enjoying the fresh air, there is the Canal and Park district. The Canal Walk snakes through the city, offering an urban respite for fitness buffs, while scattered throughout the 250-acre state park are top museums, unique festival and concert spaces and the .

Key Facts

Language: English is the most common language spoken but Spanish is often heard in the south-western states. Passport/Visa: It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Visa is required for short visits unless travelers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program. The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need to register online three days before travel and have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources. Currency: The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm. Electricity: Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Plugs are mainly the type with two flat pins, though three-pin plugs (two flat parallel pins and a rounded pin) are also widely used. European appliances without dual-voltage capabilities will require an adapter.

Travel guide by wordtravels.com © Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Travmarket cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Event details can change. Please check with the organizers that an event is happening before making travel arrangements. We cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.

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Travel to Indianapolis Climate for Indianapolis Indianapolis has a humid subtropical climate, experiencing hot, humid summers (June to August) with average temperatures ranging from 64°F (18°C) to 89°F (32°C). Winters are cold, dipping down to 24°F (-4°C) in January, and occasionally getting as cold as -15°F (-26°C), although this is rare. Snowfall is unpredictable; while some years receive almost no snow, occasional blizzards can bring as much as 19 inches (48cm) in a 24-hour period. Spring is the wettest time of year, with May receiving up to 12.5 inches (32cm) of rain. The best time of year to visit Indianapolis is late summer and early autumn (August to October).

Health Notes when travelling to United States of America There are no specific health risks associated with travel within the USA. Medical facilities are excellent, but expensive. Only emergencies are treated without prior payment and treatment can be refused without evidence of insurance or proof of funds. Good medical insurance is essential. Safety Notes when travelling to United States of America Travel within the United States is generally trouble-free, however, travellers should be aware that the US shares with the rest of the world, an increased threat from terrorist incidents. Security has been heightened, particularly at airports. Restrictions on hand luggage apply and travellers are advised to check on the latest situation with airlines in advance. Travellers should also be alert to the dangers of car and street crime in cities and should use common sense and take basic precautions. Hurricanes are common between June and November, putting the southern USA, including the Gulf Coast and the eastern US at risk. There is a risk of wildfires in many dry areas in the US, particularly on the West Coast from March to November. Customs in United States of America Laws vary from state to state, including speed limit, fines and punishment. The age at which you may legally buy and consume alcohol is 21 years. Duty Free in United States of America Travellers to the United States who are returning residents of the country do not have to pay duty on articles purchased abroad to the value of $800 provided their stay was longer than 48 hours and their duty-free allowance was not used in the 30-day period prior. For passengers arriving from Samoa, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, a duty-free allowance of $1,600 is allowed. The following items are included in this: 50 cigarettes and 10 cigars and 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages or 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of perfume containing alcohol. Restrictions may apply to goods from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Burma (Myanmar), Angola, Liberia and Sudan. It is prohibited to import Cuban cigars from any country. Travellers to the United States who are non-residents do not have to pay duty on the following items: 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes and gifts to the value of $100 provided their stay in the USA is not less than 72 hours and that the allowance has not been used in the preceding six-month period. Prohibited items for residents and non-residents include meat or meat products, poultry, narcotics, absinthe, plants, seeds, vegetables, fruits, soil, live insects and other living plants or animal pests. Fish is prohibited unless it carries disease-free certification. Wildlife and animals or their by-products carry restrictions. Dairy products and eggs from specified countries are not allowed. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed without the necessary license and permit.

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Doing Business in United States of America In such a large country, filled with so many diverse groups, business practices may differ according to each state, however rarely to any large degree. The East Coast is traditionally more formal than the West Coast, however in states such as California dress code and conservative appearance are as common as they would be in New York. Punctuality is important throughout the country and it is considered rude to be late for a meeting. Gift-giving is uncommon as it may be construed as bribery. Appropriate titles (Mr, Mrs, Ms) are used upon introduction and until otherwise stated. Americans favour politeness and greetings of 'Hello' and 'How are you?' are often expressed with sincerity. Business hours may vary in each state, but an 8am start and 5pm finish Monday to Friday is the most common with an hour over lunch. Status and age are not necessarily indicative of seniority, nor do they carry much weight in themselves. Those doing business in the States should be mindful of this fact; never make assumptions about someone's position or rank. Best practice is to be respectful to all parties. That said, the US upholds a hierarchal business structure, in which 'the boss' is the ultimate decision-maker. Senior leaders have the power of the last word, and can go against the grain just as easily as they can follow popular opinion. Concentrate on winning over this individual, even if the greater group seems unsupportive. Americans value a direct style of communication. In this fast-paced, consumer culture 'time is money', and small-talk is viewed as unnecessary and wasteful. Get to the point quickly, speak about issues in a frank and open manner, and don't take offence if someone questions or challenges you outright. Communication in United States of America The international country dialling code for the United States is +1. Mobile networks cover most of the country, especially all urban areas, and wifi is widely available. Tipping in United States of America A 15 percent tip is expected by taxi drivers, bartenders, hairdressers and waiters, but don't tip in fast-food or self-service restaurants. In expensive restaurants or for large parties, tip 20 percent of the bill. It is normal to tip staff such as valets and porters in hotels; this is discretionary, although a minimum of $5 is expected. Most services are customarily tipped if the service is good. Passport/Visa Note It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Visa is required for short visits unless travelers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program. The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need to register online three days before travel and have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

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Entry Requirements Entry requirements for Canadians: The most important requirement on entering the U.S. is providing proof of Canadian citizenship. A valid Canadian passport is the best document to prove Canadian citizenship and the right to return to Canada. However, several other documents can serve, depending on the mode of transport. Generally, Canadian citizens do not require visitor, business, transit or other visas to enter the United States from Canada, though there are some exceptions.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay. Most passport holders can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) through the Visa Waiver Programme, which allows travel to the US for up to 90 days. The VWP includes tourism, certain types of business visit and transit to another country.

Entry requirements for Australians: Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. If visiting the US for fewer than 90 days, Australian nationals may be eligible to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), and enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Passports must be valid for duration of stay. Irish nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders: Passports must be valid for duration of stay. New Zealand nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans must hold a passport valid for duration of stay. A visa is required.

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Getting around in Indianapolis, Indiana Indianapolis' multitude of major highways makes the self-drive option quite convenient. Traffic congestion, however, can be a problem. Public transportation is provided by IndyGo at $1.75 per single ride and $4 per all-day pass. The red and green lines service downtown attractions, hotels, restaurants and shopping and nightlife spots.

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Attractions in Indianapolis, Indiana Indianapolis is a major Midwestern metropolis, with no end of attractions for curious visitors. A walking tour of the city includes major landmarks such as the Indiana State Capitol building, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, the Indiana War Memorial, and the Scottish Rite Cathedral. On pleasant days, Indianapolis has a number of parks and gardens to enjoy, including the , Garfield Park Conservatory, the Oldfields-Lilly Estate, and of course the Indianapolis Zoo. There are plenty of cultural attractions in Indianapolis, as the city boasts more than a dozen excellent museums. Families will want to visit the Holbomb Observatory and Planetarium and the Children's Museum of Indianapolis; while history buffs can enjoy the Living History Museum, the , the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, and The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. The city also offers a number of art galleries and performing arts venues, and is home to fun summer events like the Indiana State Fair, the Rib America Fest, Bands of America Grand Nationals, and the Indy Fringe Festival.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway The Indianapolis 500 takes place each May, but the iconic Speedway remains an exciting attraction all year round. In addition to hosting other racing events, including motorcycle racing, it is the home of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum, which has a huge collection of memorabilia and racing, classic and antique cars, as well as Brickyard Crossing, a Pete Dye-designed golf course with four holes inside the raceway oval. Visitors can explore the museum, or join a tour of the entire grounds. Buses offer the chance to take a lap on the track, and the Indy Racing Experience allows people to experience the track as a passenger in a real Indy racing car. Address: 4790 W. 16th Street Website: www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com

NCAA Hall of Champions Americans follow university athletics with as much passion as they do professional sports. The Hall of Champions' 25,000-square-feet of exhibit space capture the traditions, historic moments, student athletes, and coaches of the 23 sports administered by the National Collegiate Athletic Association and 88 national championships. The museum has two levels of exhibits and offers interactive areas for visitors to compete both digitally and hands-on. It even has a 1930s retro basketball gymnasium. The Campus Corner gift shop offers all the NCAA logo merchandise a college sports fan could imagine. Though perhaps not an exciting attraction for the uninitiated, fans of American college sport will be enthralled by the NCAA Hall of Champions. Address: 700 W. Washington Street, Website: ncaahallofchampions.org

Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art The only museum of its kind in the Midwest, the Eiteljorg Museum contains one of the best Native American and Western art collections in the world. Designed to encourage appreciation and understanding of the cultures of the indigenous peoples of North America, the museum showcases work by contemporary artists like N.C. Wyeth and Georgia O'Keeffe. It also displays art and artefacts including pottery, woodcarvings and apparel, of the Delaware, Miami, Potawatomi and many other Native American cultures. A great attraction for families visiting Indianapolis, the museum also has a number of interactive exhibits children will , including a stagecoach, totem pole, and wigwam. In addition, a number of events are hosted throughout the year, including storytelling on Saturdays, outdoor markets and concerts, and social dances. Address: 500 W. Washington St, White River State Park Website: www.eiteljorg.org

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Events in Indianapolis, Indiana Indiana Pacers NBA Basketball, Indiana Fever WNBA Basketball Sunday November 01, 2020 to Friday April 30, 2021 (November to April annually) Where: Conseco Fieldhouse, One Conseco Court, 125 S. Pennsylvania St In the Hoosier state, basketball reigns supreme, and Indianapolis is home to both men's and women's professional franchise teams: the Pacers and the Fever. At Conseco Fieldhouse, visitors can indulge at more than 100 concession stands during halftime They can also stock up on the latest Pacers and Fever merchandise at the gift shop. Attending a basketball match is probably the best way to tap into the community spirit of the state of Indiana. www.consecofieldhouse.com Indianapolis Colts NFL Football Saturday August 01, 2020 to Sunday January 31, 2021 (August to January, annually) Where: 100 S. Capitol Ave, RCA Dome Those who visit Indianapolis between August and January have the opportunity to see the city's NFL team in action at the massive Lucas Oil Stadium in Downtown. Its past roster includes Peyton Manning, the renowned quarterback considered one of the greatest of all time. But talented and inspiring players still remain to excite the crowds, and watching a game should be a priority. Visitors should also look to experience the tradition of tailgating or take part in the huge pregame family parties found around the stadium. www.colts.com Indianapolis 500 Sunday May 24, 2020 (24 May 2020) Where: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 4790 W. 16th St. Since its inaugural race in 1911, the Indianapolis 500 has become the 'Greatest Spectacle in Racing'. Each year, the world's top drivers compete for one of the most prestigous prizes in all of sports, the Borg-Warner Trophy. The 500 Festival takes place in the weeks leading up to the event, including the nation's largest half-marathon and culminating in the IPL 500 Festival Parade the day before the race. The Indi is an action-packed, exciting event drawing travellers from all over the world. www.indy500.com

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Nightlife in Indianapolis, Indiana

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Shopping in Indianapolis, Indiana

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Dining in Indianapolis, Indiana

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Airports in Indianapolis Indianapolis Airport (IND) Indianapolis International Airport www.indianapolisairport.com Location: Indianapolis The airport is located 15 miles (24km) from downtown Indianapolis. Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November). Contacts: Tel: +1 317 487 9594. Getting to the city: The Ground Transportation Center, located on the lower level of the parking garage, offers connections to shuttles, hotel courtesy vehicles, limousines and the IndyGo bus service. The bus departs the airport to downtown Indianapolis, and single fares are $1.75. Many area hotels also offer free shuttle transfers. Car rental: Rental car counters are located at the Ground Transportation Center on the first floor of the Terminal Garage. Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty offer services. Airport Taxis: Taxi services are available at the curb on the lower level of the terminal just outside Baggage Claim. All taxis are metered, although there is a $15 minimum charge for all airport fares. Tipping is expected. Facilities: Facilities at the airport include a food court, concourse restaurants, shops and a guest services centre (offering a lost and found, visitor information and business services). There are also ATMs and currency exchange services, a games room, a barber shop, a spa, nursing rooms, shoe-shine services, a meditation room and a USO Lounge. Parking: Parking is available in a multi-level garage, as well as additional long-term and economy lots connected to the terminal by a free shuttle service. Long-term parking rates at Indianapolis International Airport are $9 per day in the economy lot, and $14 per day in the Park & Walk lot, or $2 per half hour in the short-term parking garage.

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Currency The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.

Exchange rate for 1 USD - U.S. Dollar 1.00 BMD 0.90 EUR 0.69 GBP 108.90 JPY 1.31 CAD 0.99 CHF Bermudan Dollar Euro U.K. Pound Sterling Japanese Yen Canadian Dollar Swiss Franc 1.38 AUD 25.11 UAH 337.71 KZT 1,505.84 LBP 0.71 LYD 6.86 BOB Australian Dollar Ukrainian Hryvnia Kazakhstani Tenge Lebanese Pound Libyan Dinar Bolivian Boliviano 107.88 NPR 0.38 OMR 3.64 QAR 1.38 SGD 8.29 SEK 6.63 TTD Nepalese Rupee Omani Rial Qatari Rial Singapore Dollar Swedish Krona Trinidad Tobago Dollar 9.98 VEF 45.83 DOP 6.72 HRK 18.63 MXN 586.30 XOF 3.16 PGK Venezuelan Bolivar Dominican Peso Croatian Kuna Mexican Peso West African CFA Franc Papua New Guinean kina 1.00 BSD 2.11 FJD 22.64 HNL 110.53 DZD 1,191.31 MMK 11.19 BWP Bahamian Dollar Fiji Dollar Honduran Lempira Algerian Dinar Myanma Kyat Botswana Pula 3.37 PEN 693.53 CLP 478.10 AMD 24.17 CZK 19.98 MDL 124.29 ISK Peruvian Nuevo Sol Chilean Peso Armenia Dram Czech Koruna Moldova Lei Icelandic Krona 2,938.75 UZS 3.85 ILS 0.71 JOD 0.30 KWD 31.35 UYU 35.52 MUR Uzbekistan Sum Israeli New Sheqel Jordanian Dinar Kuwaiti Dinar Uruguayan Peso Mauritian Rupee 28.51 NIO 8.34 NOK 3.92 PLN 3.75 SAR 146.02 LKR 35.62 THB Nicaraguan Córdoba Norwegian Krone Polish Zloty Saudi Riyal Sri Lanka Rupee Thai Baht 3.67 AED 3.59 BRL 4.05 RON 7.77 HKD 587.63 XAF 22,474.70 VND U.A.E Dirham Brazilian Real Romanian New Leu Hong Kong Dollar Central African CFA Franc Vietnamese Dong 13.95 ARS 2.70 XCD 7.83 GTQ 9.77 MAD 0.38 BHD 1.00 PAB Argentine Peso East Caribbean Dollar Guatemalan Quetzal Moroccan Dirham Bahrain Dinar Panamanian Balboa 1.50 AZN 3,117.81 COP 68.30 KGS 279.76 HUF 7.87 TJS 13,683.10 IDR Azerbaijan Manat Colombian Peso Kyrgyzstan Som Hungarian Forint Tajikistan Ruble Indonesian Rupiah 8.88 EGP 1,191.10 KRW 5,669.42 PYG 4.16 MYR 538.75 CRC 1.47 NZD Egyptian Pound South Korean Won Paraguayan Guaraní Malaysian Ringgit Costa Rican Colón New Zealand Dollar 104.74 PKR 66.80 RUB 15.60 ZAR 2.12 TND 2.00 BBD 1.75 BGN Pakistani Rupee Russian Rouble South African Rand Tunisian Dinar Barbadian Dollar Bulgarian Lev 2.95 TRY 46.62 PHP 32.62 TWD 196.50 NGN 107.15 XPF 3.91 GHS Turkish Lira Philippine Peso New Taiwan Dollar Nigerian Naira CFP Franc Ghanaian Cedi 124.92 JMD 1.80 ANG 1.38 BND 110.56 RSD 6.58 CNY 19,898.50 BYR Jamaican Dollar Neth. Antillean Guilder Brunei Dollar Serbian Dinar Chinese Yuan Belarussian Ruble 6.65 DKK 3.44 TMT 67.26 INR

Danish Krone New Turkmenistan Manat Indian Rupee

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