Travel tips · Houston · United States
Houston 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: Katie Haugland Brown, CC BY 2.0
Quick answer
Houston has no single majority ethnic group and around a quarter of residents were born abroad, giving it large Mexican, Vietnamese, Chinese, Nigerian, Indian and Pakistani communities. Oil, gas and NASA shaped its growth, and the Texas Medical Center is one of the largest medical complexes in the world. The city has no conventional zoning code, which explains its patchwork of houses, shops and towers.
Key facts
- Language
- English, Spanish and Vietnamese
- 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
- Houstonians are friendly and chatty; greet staff and expect small talk.
- At the Rothko Chapel, stay silent and do not photograph the paintings.
- Respect lane discipline on wide freeways and let faster drivers pass on the left.
- At crawfish restaurants it is normal to eat with your hands and make a mess.
- Tipping is expected at bars even for a single drink.
- Book Space Center Houston ahead: Buy tickets online in advance, especially on weekends and school holidays.
- Book Buffalo Bayou Park ahead: Cistern tours are small-group and often sell out; book online.
- Book James Turrell's Twilight Epiphany Skyspace ahead: The sunrise and sunset light sequences require free reservations through Rice University.
- The Menil Collection, Rothko Chapel, Cullen Sculpture Garden, Hermann Park and Buffalo Bayou Park 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 |
| The Loop / Inner Loop | The I-610 ring road and the central area inside it |
| H-Town | A nickname for Houston |
What to wear
Wear light, breathable clothes for the humidity most of the year, carry a layer for strong air conditioning, and bring a compact umbrella for sudden downpours.
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
Heat and humidity are the main hazards most of the year. Heavy rain floods streets and underpasses quickly, so never drive into standing water, and follow official advice during hurricane season. 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 Houston?
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 Houston?
Tap water is safe to drink.
+What plugs are used in Houston?
Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
+What language is spoken in Houston?
English, Spanish and Vietnamese.