Know Before You Go: Dallas

Dallas/Fort Worth Airport (DFW) is located about 37 kilometers (23 miles) from the city center. The cheapest option to reach the city is the DART Rail Orange Line, which costs around $5 to $6 and gets to the center in about 50 minutes. Alternatively, shuttle buses and taxis are available, with the latter costing around $60 to $75 depending on traffic and destination.

Tipping is an integral part of the US service culture. In restaurants, about 20 percent of the bill amount is common, regardless of the type of restaurant. Bars usually charge $1 to $2 per drink. A surcharge of around 20 percent is also expected for taxi rides. In hotels, you will pay up to $5, depending on the service. Tipping is usually stated on the bill itself or handed over in cash.

Type A and B sockets are used in the USA. Although the voltage of 120 volts is well below the European standard of 230 volts, this is usually not a problem for most modern electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, or cameras, as their power adapters can automatically switch between different voltages. However, due to the different plug shape, an adapter is still required, featuring two flat parallel pins, sometimes with an additional grounding pin.

Dallas is large and can only be easily accessed on foot in individual neighborhoods. Cycling infrastructure is available in some places, but plays a subordinate role in everyday life. Most journeys are made by car, ride-hailing services such as Uber or Lyft, or using the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), a network of light rail and buses. For trips to suburbs, parks, or larger shopping malls, a rental car is recommended.

You don't always need to stop at the traffic light: drivers should note that they are allowed to turn right at a red light in Texas if the vehicle has come to a complete stop beforehand and the road is clear; pedestrians and oncoming traffic have priority, similar to the Green Arrow in Germany. In addition, parking on private property or in unmarked zones can be expensive, so pay attention to signs and markings.

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is not only one of the busiest airports in the world – it is also one of the largest: covering around 70 square kilometers, it is bigger than the island of Manhattan. If you need to change gates here, you’d better wear comfortable shoes.