Travel tips · Dallas · United States
Dallas travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Quick answer
Dallas mixes Texan pride, big-business polish and a large Mexican-American community. People are friendly and talkative, football is close to a religion, especially the Cowboys in autumn, and the city's wealth shows in its museums, shopping and steakhouses.
Key facts
- Language
- English and Spanish
- Currency
- USD
- Plugs
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe to drink.
- Emergency
- 911 (police, fire, ambulance)
Things to know
- Small talk and friendliness are expected; say hello in shops and to servers.
- Dealey Plaza is a place of remembrance; be respectful and keep out of the road.
- Dress up a little for steakhouses and upscale Uptown restaurants.
- On game days, expect traffic and packed bars; choose your team colours carefully.
- Tipping is expected at bars even for a single drink.
- Book The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza ahead: Entry is by timed ticket; book online for weekends and holidays.
- The Dallas Museum of Art, the Crow Museum, Klyde Warren Park, Dealey Plaza and Pioneer Plaza are free.
Tipping
Tip 18–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, $1–$2 per drink at a counter, 15–20% for taxis and ride-hailing, and a few dollars per bag for hotel porters.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Y'all | You all, used for any group |
| Fixin' to | About to do something |
| The Metroplex | The Dallas–Fort Worth metro area |
What to wear
Casual is fine almost everywhere, but Dallas dresses up more than many US cities for dinner and nights out. Bring light clothes for summer and layers for winter cold fronts and strong air conditioning.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is safe to drink.
- Emergency number
- 911 (police, fire, ambulance)
- Phone and internet
- Free Wi-Fi is available at both airports, in public libraries and in most cafés; US prepaid SIMs and eSIMs are easy to buy.
- Time zone
- America/Chicago
Summer heat is the main hazard, so carry water and avoid long midday walks. Spring storms can bring hail and tornado warnings, so take local alerts seriously. Car break-ins are common; leave nothing visible in parked cars.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check United States's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Dallas?
Tip 18–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, $1–$2 per drink at a counter, 15–20% for taxis and ride-hailing, and a few dollars per bag for hotel porters.
+Can you drink the tap water in Dallas?
Tap water is safe to drink.
+What plugs are used in Dallas?
Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
+What language is spoken in Dallas?
English and Spanish.