Travel tips · Kansas City · United States
Kansas City 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: Stephen Edmonds, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Quick answer
Kansas City is a friendly, sports-mad Midwestern city where conversation turns quickly to barbecue preferences and the Chiefs. Chiefs red is everywhere on game days. The city is split between two states — Kansas City, Missouri, is the larger and older half, with the Kansas side blending into suburbs such as Overland Park.
Key facts
- Language
- English
- Currency
- USD
- Plugs
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe to drink.
- Emergency
- 911
Things to know
- Ask a local for their favourite barbecue joint; everyone has one and will happily explain why.
- Wear red on a Chiefs game day if you want to blend in.
- Tailgating is social; it is normal for strangers to offer food in the stadium parking lots.
- Drivers expect you to use crosswalks; jaywalking on wide downtown streets is risky.
- Smoking is banned in bars and restaurants in Kansas City, Missouri.
- Book Chiefs or Royals game at the Truman Sports Complex ahead: Chiefs home games usually sell out; buy through the team's official ticketing well ahead.
- The Nelson-Atkins, the Kemper Museum, Union Station's Grand Hall and the streetcar are all free.
Tipping
Tipping is expected: about 18–20% at table-service restaurants and bars, a dollar or two per drink, and 15–20% for taxis and rideshares. Counter-service barbecue places often have a tip jar or screen prompt, which is optional.
Language
English is spoken.
What to wear
Casual everywhere, including most nicer restaurants. Summers are hot and humid and winters can be bitterly cold, so pack for the season.
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
- Phone and internet
- Free Wi-Fi is common in cafés, hotels and museums, and US carriers give good 4G/5G coverage across the metro.
- Time zone
- America/Chicago
Visitor areas such as downtown, the Crossroads, the Plaza and Crown Center are generally fine, but some streets between districts are empty at night, so use a rideshare after dark. In spring and early summer, learn what tornado sirens and warnings mean and follow local instructions.
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 Kansas City?
Tipping is expected: about 18–20% at table-service restaurants and bars, a dollar or two per drink, and 15–20% for taxis and rideshares. Counter-service barbecue places often have a tip jar or screen prompt, which is optional.
+Can you drink the tap water in Kansas City?
Tap water is safe to drink.
+What plugs are used in Kansas City?
Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
+What language is spoken in Kansas City?
English.