American Express-- The office at Centerpoint, Shop 1, 185 City Walk (at the corner of Petrie Plaza), Civic (tel. 02/6247 2333), is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm, and Saturday from 9am to noon.

Business Hours-- Banks are generally open Monday through Thursday from 9:30am to 4pm and Friday from 9:30am to 5pm. Stores and offices are open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5:30pm. Many shops, particularly in the large malls, open on weekends and until 9pm Fridays.

Climate-- The best time to visit Canberra is in spring (Sept-Nov) or autumn (Mar-May). Summers are hot and winters are cool and crisp.

Currency Exchange-- Cash traveler's checks at banks; at American Express (above); or at Thomas Cook, at the Petrie Plaza entrance of the Canberra Centre (tel. 02/6257 2222), open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturday from 9:30am to 12:30pm.

Dentist-- Canberra lacks a dental emergency referral service. A reputable dentist is Lachland B. Lewis, Level 3, 40 Allara St., Civic (tel. 02/6257 2777, or for emergency calls only 02/6295 9495 on weekends).

Doctor-- The Capital Medical Centre, 2 Mort St., Civic (tel. 02/6257 3766), is open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm. A standard consultation costs A$30 (US$24). The Travellers' Medical & Vaccination Centre, Level 5, 8-10 Hobart Place, Civic (tel. 02/6257 7154), offers vaccinations and travel medicines. Standard consultations cost A$40 (US$32) and up.

Embassies & Consulates-- The British High Commission (consular section) is on the 10th floor of the SAP Building, corner of Bunda and Akuna streets, Canberra City (tel. 02/6270 6666); the Canadian High Commission is at Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla (tel. 02/6270 4000); the U.S. Embassy is at Moonah Place, Yarralumla (tel. 02/6214 5600); and the New Zealand High Commission is at Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla (tel. 02/6270 4211).

Emergencies-- Call tel. 000 for an ambulance, the police, or the fire department.

Eyeglasses-- For repairs, glasses, and contact lenses, try OPSM Express, Shop 5, Lower Ground Floor, Canberra Centre, Civic (tel. 02/6249 7344). It's open 9am to 5:30pm Monday through Thursday, 9am to 9pm Friday, and 9am to 4pm Saturday.

Hospitals-- For medical attention, go to the Canberra Hospital, Yamba Drive, Garran (tel. 02/6244 2222), or call the Accident & Emergency Department (tel. 02/6244 2324).

Hot Lines-- Rape Crisis Centre (tel. 02/6247 2525); Drug/Alcohol Crisis Line (tel. 02/6205 4545, 24 hr.); Lifeline Crisis Councelling (tel. 13 11 14); Salvation Army Councelling Service (tel. 02/9331 6000); Poison Information Centre (tel. 02/6285 2852); National Roads & Motorists Association (tel. 13 21 32).

Internet Access-- The National Library, Parkes Place, Parkes (tel. 02/6262 1111), has e-mail facilities available Monday through Thursday 9am to 5pm. Internet access is readily available around town at other libraries and in Internet cafes. The Canberra Visitors' Centre can provide you with a full list.

Pharmacies (Chemist Shops)-- The Canberra Centre Pharmacy, Civic (tel. 02/6249 8074), is open during general shopping hours. A number of after-hours pharmacies are listed in the Canberra Yellow Pages.

Photographic Needs-- Fletchers Fotographics, Shop 2, 38 Akuna St., Civic (tel. 02/6247 8460), is the best place to buy camera gear and film. It also repairs cameras and sells secondhand equipment.

Post Office-- The Canberra GPO, 53-73 Alinga St., Civic (tel. 02/6209 1680), is open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:30pm. The general delivery (poste restante) address is c/o Canberra GPO, ACT 2601.

Restrooms-- Found near the city bus exchange, City Hall, and London Circuit.