Language

English is spoken throughout North Dakota, without much of an accent to worry about.

Currency

The currency used in North Dakota 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. Foreign currency is easiest to exchange at the airport or larger bank branches in the main cities like Bismarck and Fargo. Credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are readily accepted throughout the state, though traveler’s checks are probably best cashed in at a bank. Most ATMs at the main city branches accept international bank cards.

Time

Most of North Dakota is in the Central Time Zone (GMT -7, GMT -6 between March 12 and November 4 during daylight savings), while the southwestern corner is in the Mountain Time Zone (GMT -6, GMT -5 between March 12 and November 4 during daylight savings).

Electricity

North Dakota uses electricity at 110-120V, 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 Dakota has just one area code for the entire state: 701. You can expect good mobile phone coverage around all the towns but reception gets unreliable in the unpopulated regions and national parks. Internet access is only easy to find in the largest cities such as Bismarck, Fargo, Williston, and Grand Rapids. Coffee shops are a good place to find Wi-Fi internet hot spots you can use for free or cheaply.

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 at US$400 without paying duty tax.

Tourist Office

North Dakota Tourism Division, 1600 East Century Avenue suite 2, Bismarck, ND 58502: +1-800-435-5663 or http://www.ndtourism.com/

Consulates in North Dakota

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

Emergency

Emergency services: 911