Language

Though English is the language spoken in Massachusetts, visitors may find the heavy accent of Bostonians tough to understand. The rich Irish heritage of the city has created its own unique dialect, where r’s are dropped and everything sounds like a sneer.

Currency

The currency accepted in Massachusetts and America in general is the US dollar (US$). Banknotes come in denominations of US$1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100. There are 100 cents in US$1, with coins in denominations of 1, 5, 10, and 25 cents. Banks are the best places to exchange foreign currency, especially in Boston where there are many. Travelers’ checks are better cashed in at a bank than a store, and cash works best in the rural hamlets of Massachusetts. Credit cards, however, are readily accepted throughout the state and ATMs are on hand in all but the tiniest villages.

Time

Massachusetts is in the Eastern Time Zone (GMT -5 or GMT -4 between March 12 and November 4).

Electricity

Massachusetts uses electricity at 110-120V, 60Hz. Flat, two-prong plugs are typical, so it’s recommended that you bring a universal plug adapter if traveling from the UK, Europe, or Asia, and a transformer if using electrical appliances that run on a different voltage.

Communications

The dialing code for the United States is +1. Massachusetts has nine area codes depending on the town. The main area codes are 617 and 857, used for Boston and the surrounding region. Code 413 covers the entire western part of the state, while 508 and 774 cover the southern regions, Cape Cod, and the islands. In the northeast, 978 and 351 are used. Mobile phone coverage is excellent in all but the most remote wilderness areas in the west. Boston has plenty of Wi-Fi hotspots, but internet access can be hard to find in the countryside.

Duty-free

If flying directly into Logan International Airport, each passenger over the age of 18 is allowed to carry one liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes (or 50 non-Cuban cigars or two kilograms of tobacco), and gifts up to a value of US$400 without paying any duty.

Tourist Office

Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism: 10 Park Plaza suite 4510, Boston, MA 02116 +1-617-973-8500, email: vacationinfo@state.ma.us, http://www.massvacation.com/

Consulates serving Massachusetts

Canadian Consulate, Boston: +1-617-247-5100 German Consulate, Boston: +1-617-369-4900 Netherlands Consulate, New York: +1-877-388-2443 French Consulate, Boston: +1-617-832-4400 Australian Consulate, New York: +1-212-351-6500 British Consulate, Boston: +1-617-245-4500

Emergency

Emergency services: 911