Language

The English spoken in Nebraska has a classic Midwestern accent to it. This slight twang rarely creates communication problems, and has a warm welcoming sound.

Currency

The currency used in Nebraska 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 cent pieces. If you have to exchange foreign currency you will need to go to a bank branch in a big city like Omaha or Lincoln. Traveler’s checks are also best cashed at banks, which is where ATMs are always found. Credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are accepted in most businesses.

Time

Nebraska is divided into two time zones. The far eastern edge of the state where Omaha is located is in the Central Time Zone (GMT -6, GMT -5 between March 12 and November 4 during daylight savings), while the rest of the state from Lincoln west is in the Mountain Time Zone (GMT -6, GMT -5 between March 12 and November 4 during daylight savings).

Electricity

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

Communications

The dialing code for the United States is +1. Nebraska has just two main area codes. The eastern portion of the state including Omaha and Lincoln use either 402 or 531, while the western section uses 308. Mobile phone coverage is very good in towns, but venture too far into the rural cornfields and coverage gets spotty. Internet access will only be readily available in the large cities like Omaha, Lincoln and Kearny.

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 two kilograms of tobacco), and gifts valued up to US $400 without paying duty tax.

Tourist Office

Nebraska Tourism Commission, 301 Centennial Mall South, Lincoln, NE 68509: +1-888-444-1867 or http://www.visitnebraska.com/.

Consulates near Nebraska

Canadian Consulate General, Minneapolis: +1-612-333-4641
German Consulate General, Chicago: +1-312-202-0480
Netherlands Consulate General, Chicago: +1-877-388-2443
French Consulate General, Chicago: +1-312-327-5200
Australian Consulate General, Chicago: +1-312-419-1480
British Consulate General, Chicago: +1-312-970-3800

Emergency

Emergency services: 911