Language

English is spoken throughout North Carolina, mostly without any noticeable accent. The farther south you go the more likely you’ll hear a slight southern lilt.

Currency

The currency used in North Carolina is the US dollar (US$). Banknotes come in denominations of US$1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100. There are 100 cents in one dollar, with coins in denominations of 1, 5, 10, and 25 cents. The best place to exchange foreign currency is at a bank, preferably in one of the larger cities. In the rural hamlets of western North Carolina you may find that only cash is accepted, but in general major credit cards are widely used throughout the state.

Time

North Carolina is in the Eastern Time Zone (GMT -5, GMT -4 between March 12 and November 4 during daylight savings).

Electricity

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

Communications

The dialing code for the United States is +1. North Carolina is divided into six regions, each with their own area codes. The Charlotte region uses 704 and 980, while the Research Triangle used 919 and 984. The east coast is either 910 or 252, while the western end uses 828 or 336. Mobile phone coverage is very good throughout North Carolina, though you will lose some reception in the western mountains and parts of the Outer Banks. WiFi hot spots are fairly common in the cities, university towns, and tourist destinations. Check with coffee shops or the public library if your hotel doesn’t provide internet.

Duty-free

Every arriving visitor to the United States over the age of 18 is allowed to carry one liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes (or 50 non-Cuban cigars or 2 kilograms of tobacco), and gifts valued at US$400 without paying duty tax.

Tourist Office

North Carolina Division of Tourism, 301 N. Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC 27626: +1-800-847-4862 or http://www.visitnc.com/.

Consulates in North Carolina

Canadian Consulate General, Atlanta: +1-404-532-2000 German Consulate General, Atlanta: +1-404-659-4760 Netherlands Consulate General, New York: +1-877-388-2443 French Consulate General, Atlanta: +1-404-495-1660 Australian Consulate General, Washington, DC: +1-202-797-3008 British Consulate General, Atlanta: +1-404-954-7700

Emergency

Emergency services: 911