Language

English is spoken throughout Missouri with a slight southern drawl in the Sikeston South area of the boot-heel region. Most of the state has a Midwestern accent that is easy to understand.

Currency

The currency used in Missouri is the US dollar (US $). Banknotes come in denominations of US $1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100. There are 100 cents to a dollar with coins coming in 1, 5, 10, and 25 cent pieces. Travelers with foreign currency will need to find a major bank to exchange cash, though travelers’ checks can often be used at big businesses. ATMs are easy to find throughout the state, usually inside banks or supermarkets, and major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted. In the small rural hamlets, you may need to rely on cash at little shops.

Time

Missouri is in the Central Time Zone (GMT -6, GMT -5 between March 12 and November 4 during daylight savings).

Electricity

Missouri uses electricity at 110-120 V, 60 Hz. Flat, two-prong plugs are typical, so it is recommended that you travel with a universal plug adapter if you are coming from the UK, Europe, or Asia.

Communications

The dialing code for the United States is +1. There are six area codes in Missouri: St Louis (314), Kansas City (816), followed by 636, 573, 660, and 314 for other areas. Cell phone coverage is good though parts of the rural Ozarks experience spotty coverage. Internet access is only easy to find in the big cities of St Louis, Kansas City and Branson.

Duty-free

Every passenger over the age of 18 that enters America is allowed to bring one liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes (or 50 non-Cuban cigars or two kilograms of tobacco), and gifts valued up to US $400 without paying taxes.

Tourist Office

Missouri Division of Tourism: PO Box 1055, Jefferson City, MO 65102 +1-800-519-2100 or http://www.visitmo.com/.

Consulates serving Missouri

Canadian Consulate, Chicago: +1-312-616-1860
German Consulate, Chicago: +1-312-202-0480
Netherlands Consulate, St Louis: +1-314-965-3533
French Consulate, Chicago: +1-312-327-5200
Australian Consulate, Chicago: +1-312-419-1480
British Consulate, Chicago: +1-312-970-3800

Emergency

Emergency services: 911