If you are traveling to Texas from another country, the culture shock is usually less about the sights and more about the small stuff. How much do you tip? Why is the price on the shelf different from what you pay at the register? What kind of plug does your phone charger need?
This guide covers the practical details that international visitors need to know before arriving in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, whether you are visiting for a Rangers game at Globe Life Field, the AT&T Stadium or both.
The United States uses the U.S. Dollar (USD). That is the only currency accepted in Texas, so plan to exchange money before you arrive or withdraw dollars from an ATM once you land.
Credit and debit cards are accepted nearly everywhere in the DFW area. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely used, and American Express is accepted at most major restaurants and retailers. Mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay work at many businesses.
Globe Life Field is a fully cashless venue. All concessions, merchandise shops and kiosks inside the stadium accept only card payments. If you arrive with cash, Reverse ATMs inside the ballpark can convert your cash to a prepaid card at no charge. You will find them on the Main Concourse at Sections 113, 123 and 136 and on the Upper Concourse at Section 227.
One of the biggest surprises for international visitors is that the price on the tag is not the price you pay. Texas adds sales tax at the register, and it is not included in the listed price.
The state sales tax rate is 6.25%, and most cities add a local tax on top of that, bringing the total to around 8.25% in the Arlington and DFW area. So if a meal costs $20 on the menu, expect to pay about $21.65 before tip.
International visitors may be eligible for a sales tax refund on certain purchases. To qualify, shop at participating stores and keep your original receipts, your passport and your flight information. Refund centers are available at select locations, and claims must typically be filed within 30 days of departure.
Texas uses Type A and Type B electrical plugs with two or three flat prongs. The standard voltage is 120V at 60Hz.
If you are traveling from Europe, Asia or most regions outside North America, you will need a plug adapter. Check your device labels; most modern phone and laptop chargers are dual-voltage (100V to 240V) and only need an adapter, not a converter. Universal adapters are available at DFW Airport shops and retailers near Arlington.
If you plan to rent a car, a valid international driver’s license or your home country’s license is accepted in Texas. Seatbelt use is required by law. Texas law allows you to turn right on a red light after a complete stop, unless a sign prohibits it.
Arlington does not have a public mass transit system, so a car or rideshare is essential. Dallas is about 25 minutes east, and Fort Worth is about 30 minutes west.
For police, fire or medical emergencies, call 911 from any phone. The call is free. For non-emergency medical needs, urgent care clinics are available throughout the Arlington area without an appointment.
Tap water in Texas is safe to drink. At Globe Life Field, water fountains are available on every concourse level, and you can bring in one sealed bottle of non-flavored water (up to one liter) from outside the stadium.
Texas food culture leans heavily on barbecue, Tex-Mex and Southern cooking. Portions at American restaurants are large by international standards. Doggy bags (taking leftover food home) are perfectly normal and common.
Yes. Globe Life Field only accepts card payments. If you have cash, Reverse ATMs inside the stadium can convert it to a prepaid card at no charge.
No. Sales tax is added at the register and is not shown on the price tag. In the Arlington area, the combined state and local sales tax is typically around 8.25%.
Texas uses Type A and Type B plugs with flat prongs. The voltage is 120V at 60Hz. Visitors from 220V to 240V countries will need at least a plug adapter. Check your device labels to see if a voltage converter is also needed.
Yes, in some cases. Shop at participating stores, keep your receipts and passport and file your claim at a designated refund center before departing the United States.
Yes. Tap water in Texas is safe to drink, and water fountains are available throughout Globe Life Field on every concourse level.
