Banks: 09:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 09:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 10:00 to 21:00, some closed on Sundays
Museums: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday, some open on weekends
Business Offices: 09:00 to 17:30, Monday to Friday

Likewise with most popular holiday destinations, petty crime is a constant threat. It is recommended that you avoid carrying large amounts of cash as well as leaving valuables either at home or locked away in the hotel safe. While pickpockets and bag snatchers do target vulnerable tourists, you should not encounter any problems if you use common sense and adhere to simple precautions.

The currency used nation-wide is the US dollar. Notes come in denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 and coins are available in US$1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cent.

Most Dallas shops, restaurants, services and other businesses accept both credit and debit cards making things easy for overseas visitors not wishing to carry large amounts of cash on their person. Keeping some cash or travellers cheques with you is advisable however for small purchases and some services such as public transportation. The city’s banks and bureaux de change have facilities for exchanging either.

Alternatively, you can just to use your domestic ATM card as many are accepted by US machines with some limited exceptions. Cards provided by Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diner’s Club are the safest bets. Visitors should consider checking with their own bank or card providers regarding fees charged for withdrawals from overseas ATMs as they may work out to be higher than the commission charged by banks or bureaux de change for exchange services.

Overseas visitors are required to complete a customs declaration upon entering the country. Fresh food and agricultural products are banned as are items from North Korea, Cambodia, Libya and Cuba, chocolate liquors and pornographic material. There are also strict regulations on drugs and firearms. Duty-free allowance is: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars and one litre of spirits.

110V AC, all plugs are two-pronged.

Dallas has no specific rules of etiquette that visitors need to be aware of. Generally speaking, it’s appropriate to follow general American codes of social conduct. Business visitors should be aware that some American business people observe a greater level of formality in both dress and behaviour than their European counterparts.

Dinner table rules are no different to those observed in other US cities and very similar to those observed in the majority of European countries. Whether dining at a restaurant or at the house of a friend or associate, you should always wait until all guests are seated before beginning to either eat or drink. As a guest, it’s not normal for you to initiate toasts. That is the job of the host and such an act should be observed by pausing and only eating again after the toast is complete and all glasses have been set down on the table.

If you are invited to the house of a friend, you should show your appreciation with a small token or gesture such as a bottle of wine, box of chocolates, flowers or a small gift.

Visitors need not be aware of specific warnings with regards to health issues for visiting Dallas since the city offers no dangerous levels of transmittable diseases and water borne diseases are completely absent. No specific vaccinations are required prior to visiting Dallas, although visitors should consider making sure that their tetanus inoculations are up to date. Dallas has no malaria problems however, mosquitoes can still be a pest and cause significant irritation so if you plan to spend some time outdoors it’s sensible to apply repellent for your skin and perhaps use a smoke-based deterrent such as mosquito coils if you are static for any length of time.

Should you get sick while holidaying in Dallas, you’ll find the city has some excellent health care facilities with hospitals and local surgeries dedicated to providing the highest standards in patient treatment and care. A travel insurance policy with provision for medical treatment is essential when vacationing in Dallas otherwise you may find yourself facing some fairly hefty medical bills.

Dallas Medical City Hospital: +1 972 566 7000

Emergency services: 911

English is the official language of Dallas and is spoken by the greater proportion of its residents, although ethnic communities within the city may choose to speak in their own languages when conversing between themselves.

The Dallas Convention and Visitors Centre is open Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 17:00 and weekends/holidays from 09:00 to 17:00. They can be contacted on +1 214 571 1300 or you can visit their website at: www.dallascvb.com

European Union nationals need to fill out a form requesting a visa at least 72 hours before they plan to travel to the US. You may need to show evidence of funds and an onward ticket. Canadians also require a passport to enter the US.