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General Houston Information

ABOUT HOUSTON

Houston is the 4th largest city in the U.S. with more than 2.2 million residents. The city has a thriving theater district and is also a leader in fine arts with more than 60 art galleries. There are plenty of world class museums to visit where you can explore the city’s cultural treasures.

TIME

Houston is 6 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

TEMPERATURE

The average temperature in April is a comfortable level between 20°C/68°F and 30°C/86°F. The average rainfall during April is 3.2 inches. Spring is generally a pleasant season with a warm climate, sunny weather and cool nights.

SHOPPING

Houston offers a plethora of shopping opportunities from the Galleria complex in uptown Houston with over 300 stores, to the Houston Pavilions in the heart of downtown which offers a blend of shopping, dining and entertainment. Daily shopping hours in the malls are from 10:00 – 21:00. International tourists can take advantage of tax free shopping.

RESTAURANTS

Within the Downtown area there are a wide selection of restaurants to choose from from Italian to Mexican. Please click here for the list.

TIPPING ETIQUETTE

Tipping is customary in the U.S. and it is advised to tip in cash. Service is usually not included in a restaurant bill, with the exception of large parties, so the general rule is: 10 percent if service was poor, 15 percent if service was adequate, 20-25 percent for excellent or outstanding service. Taxi drivers are generally tipped 10 percent of the fare, and porters who help carry your bags should be given $1-$2 per bag.