Language
In Pennsylvania they speak a fairly straight-forward dialect of English. There are definite Dutch-German accents in regions like Lancaster County that add to the flavor of this state.
Currency
The currency used in Pennsylvania 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. Unless you are traveling in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, you can use major credit cards almost everywhere. Foreign currency is easiest to cash at banks in the larger cities, which are also the best places to cash in travelers’ checks. International ATMs are fairly accessible in the state’s major cities, usually at bank branches.
Time
Pennsylvania is in the Eastern Time Zone (GMT -5, GMT -4 between March 12 and November 4 during daylight savings).
Electricity
Pennsylvania uses electricity at 110-120 Volts, 60 Hertz. Flat two-prong plugs are common so it is advised that you bring a universal plug adapter if you are traveling from Asia or Europe.
Communications
The dialing code for the United States is +1. There are nearly a dozen area codes in different parts of Pennsylvania, but the main ones are 215 (Philadelphia), 412 (Pittsburgh), and 570 (northeastern Pennsylvania). Mobile phone coverage is very good throughout nearly all of the state except in wilderness areas. You can also find WiFi internet hot spots in most towns if you check at local coffee shops, libraries, and hotels.
Duty-free
Each visitor arriving in America who is over 18 years old can 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
Pennsylvania Tourism Office, Commonwealth Keystone Building, 400 North Street, 4th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17120: +1-800-847-4872 or http://www.visitpa.com/.
Consulates in Pennsylvania
Canadian Consulate General, Philadelphia: +1-267-207-2721 German Consulate General, New York: +1-212-610-9700 Netherlands Consulate General, Philadelphia: +1-610-520-9591 French Consulate General, Washington, DC: +1-202-644-6195 Australian Consulate General, New York: +1-212-351-6500 British Consulate General, New York: +1-212-745-0200
Emergency
Emergency services: 911