Spokane General Information

Electricity
The United States, and all of North America, uses 110-120V, 60 cycles, opposed to many other countries, including those in Europe that use 220-240V, 50 cycles. Voltage converters are not always readily available so it is recommended you pick one up in your home country rather than be disappointed and have your hair dryer damaged.

Emergencies
Call 911 for Police, Ambulance, and Fire Department.

Area Code
The telephone area code for Spokane is 509 (country dialing code +1).

Time Zone
Spokane’s time zone is Pacific Standard Time. The zone is one hour ahead of the Alaska Time Zone, one hour behind the Mountain Time Zone and three hours behind the Eastern Time Zone.

Tipping
It is customary to tip 15-20% to restaurant wait staff and to bartenders. Of course, this is discretionary and you should leave as much as you feel comfortable with. If you have a large party, usually a group of 8 or more, gratuities may be included in the bill. Ask if you are unsure.

Weather
The region enjoys four distinct seasons with 260 days of sunshine each year.  

Month	High (Fahrenheit)	Low (Fahrenheit)
January	3	20
February	39	26
March	49	30
April	58	36
May	66	43
June	74	49
July	82	55
August	83	55
September	73	46
October	59	36
November	41	29
December	33	22

Orientation
Located in Eastern Washington, 18 miles from the Idaho border, 280 miles from Seattle and 110 miles south of Canada, the Spokane region features the second largest population base in the state of Washington and is the largest city between Minneapolis and Seattle.

Schools
Spokane is home to many higher education institutions. They include Gonzaga University, Whitworth University, Washington State University – Spokane, and Eastern Washington University.

Local Events
Spokane is home to annual events and attractions such as the Lilac Festival, the Lilac Bloomsday Run, and Hoopfest.

Things to Do in Spokane
RIVERFRONT PARK
1909 Looff Carrousel - Riverfront Park's 1909 Looff Carrousel is on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of America's most beautiful and well preserved hand-carved wooden carrousels.

CLOCK TOWER
Anchoring Spokane's Riverfront Park is the Great Northern Clock Tower. Built in 1902 as part of the Great Northern Railroad Station it now stands as an icon of Spokane.

GARBAGE EATING GOAT SCULPTURE
A goat sculpture that eats garbage in Riverfront Park!

SPOKANE FALLS SKY RIDE
You will travel past art deco City Hall, and then gradually drop down 200 feet over the Huntington Park Natural Area. From there, you will continue across the Spokane River, under the historic Monroe Street Bridge and return to Riverfront Park.

Visit: Spokane Convention and Visitors Bureau for more information.

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