Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) (3200 E. Airfield Dr., 75261, PHONE: 972/574-3694, www.dfwairport.com), midway between Dallas and Fort Worth, is the main airport for both cities and is currently the second-largest airport in the United States and the third largest in the world.

Love Field (DAL) (8008 Cedar Springs Rd., at Mockingbird La., Dallas 75235, PHONE: 214/670-6073, www.dallas-lovefield.com), 7 miles northwest of Dallas's downtown business district, is the headquarters of Southwest Airlines.

Some sample flying times are: from New York (4 hours), London (10 hours).

Carriers

Aeromexico (PHONE: 800/237-6639).

Air Canada (PHONE: 888/247-2262).

Air Tran (PHONE: 800/247-8726).

America West (PHONE: 800/235-9292).

American (PHONE: 800/433-7300).

American Trans Air (PHONE: 800/435-9282).

Continental (PHONE: 800/525-0280).

Delta (PHONE: 800/221-1212).

Frontier (PHONE: 800/432-1359).

Mesa (PHONE: 800/637-2247).

Midwest Express (PHONE: 800/452-2022).

Northwest (PHONE: 800/225-2525).

Southwest (PHONE: 800/435-9792).

United (PHONE: 800/241-6522).

US Airways (PHONE: 800/428-4322).

From the U.K.

American (PHONE: 0345/789-789).

British Airways (PHONE: 0845/773-3377).

Continental (PHONE: 01293/776-464; 0800/776-464 toll-free).

Delta (PHONE: 0800/414-767).

Northwest (PHONE: 0870/507-4074).

United (PHONE: 0845/844-4777).

Transfers Between the Airport and Town

Taxi service from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport to downtown Dallas is about $38, to downtown Fort Worth about $43. Love Field is a $10-$15 taxi ride from downtown Dallas.

From both airports, ritzier service is provided by Aadvantage Limousine (PHONE: 972/618-7313).

By Car

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is accessible from State Highway 183 (also referred to as Airport Freeway) on the south and State Highway 114 and Interstate 635 on the north. Normal drive time from the airport to most places in the Metroplex is generally 30-45 minutes. Love Field is 20 minutes from the Dallas central business district and is accessible via Henry Hines Blvd.

By Shuttle

Cheaper van service from either airport is provided by the 24-hour SuperShuttle (PHONE: 800/258-3826, www.supershuttle.com.

Greyhound (PHONE: 800/231-2222) provides service from U.S. destinations, and has stations in Dallas (205 S. Lamar St., PHONE: 214/655-7082) and Fort Worth (901 Commerce St., PHONE: 817/429-3089).

The Metroplex, as the Greater Dallas-Fort Worth area is known, is well served by interstates. The main approaches include I-35 from Oklahoma to the north and Waco to the south (this interstate splits near Denton, with I-35E heading to Dallas and I-35W branching off to Fort Worth); I-30 from Arkansas; I-20 from Louisiana and New Mexico; and I-45 from Houston.

Amtrak (PHONE: 214/653-1101 or 800/872-7245) service connects Dallas-Fort Worth to San Antonio, St. Louis, and Chicago.

Dallas service originates at Union Station (400 Houston St., PHONE: 214/653-1101).

In Fort Worth, service originates from the Fort Worth Intermodal Station (1001 Jones St., PHONE: 817/332-2931).

Most banks in Dallas-Fort Worth are open from 10 to 4 Monday through Friday. Many are open for several hours on Saturday. Most businesses are open Monday through Saturday, from 9 or 10 AM to 6 or 9 PM. Many others, including shopping centers, are also open Sunday from noon to 5 or later.

Most museums in Dallas-Fort Worth are open Tuesday through Sunday. A few are also open on Monday. Major attractions are open daily.

Arriving in the United States

Non-U.S. residents ages 21 and older may import into the United States 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 2 kilograms of tobacco, 1 liter of alcohol, and gifts worth $100. Meat products, seeds, plants, and fruits are prohibited.

For additional information, contact the U.S. Customs Service (for inquiries, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20229, PHONE: 202/354-1000; for complaints, Customer Satisfaction Unit, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Room 5.5A, Washington, DC 20229; for registration of equipment, Office of Passenger Programs, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Room 5.4D, Washington, DC 20229, PHONE: 202/927-0530).

The U.S. electrical standard is 110 volts/60 cycles AC. Foreign visitors traveling with dual-voltage appliances will not need a converter, but they will need a plug adapter. The standard U.S. electrical outlet takes a plug of two flat pins set parallel to one another.

Australia

Australian Embassy (1601 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036, PHONE: 202/797-3000).

Canada

Canadian Embassy (501 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001, PHONE: 202/682-1740).

New Zealand

New Zealand Embassy (37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008, PHONE: 202/328-4800).

United Kingdom

British Embassy (3100 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008, PHONE: 202/588-7800).

Ambulance (PHONE: 911).

Fire (PHONE: 911).

Police (PHONE: 911).

Gray Line Bus Tours. Narrated bus tours highlighting Dallas's top attractions leave from several hotels in the city. PHONE: 972/263-0294 or 800/256-4723. www.grayline.com. COST: $30-$45.

McKinney Avenue Transit Authority. MATA runs a free vintage trolley service that takes you to Dallas's top sights and connects with the city's DART bus lines. PHONE: 214/855-0006. Weekends 10-10.

Every address in the United States belongs to a specific zip-code district, and each zip code has five digits. Some addresses include a second sequence of four numbers following the first five numbers, but although this speeds mail delivery for large organizations, it is not necessary to use it. Each zip-code district has at least one post office, where you can buy stamps and aerograms, send parcels, or conduct other postal business.

Occasionally you may find small stamp-dispensing machines in airports, train stations, bus terminals, large office buildings, hotel lobbies, drugstores, or grocery stores, but don't count on it. Most Americans go to the post office to buy their stamps, and the lines can be long.

Official mailboxes are either the stout, royal blue steel bins on city sidewalks or mail chutes on the walls of post offices or in large office buildings. A schedule posted on mailboxes and mail slots should indicate when the mail is picked up.

Sending Mail Home

First-class letters (under one ounce) sent within the United States cost 37 cents; postcards are 23 cents. A one-ounce letter to Canada or Mexico takes a 60-cent stamp and a postcard 50 cents. Letters sent airmail to all other overseas destinations cost 80 cents for one ounce or less (this rate category is now called airmail letter-post, and surface mail is now called economy letter-post); airmail postcards to other overseas destinations cost 70 cents. For 70 cents, you can also buy an aerogram -- a pre-stamped sheet of lightweight blue paper that folds into its own envelope.

Receiving Mail

If you wish to receive mail while traveling in the United States, have it sent c/o General Delivery at the city's main post office (be sure to use the right zip code). It will be held there for up to 30 days. You must pick it up in person, and bring identification with you. American Express offices in the United States do not hold mail.

Currency

The basic unit of U.S. currency is the dollar, which is subdivided into 100 cents. Coins are the copper penny (1 cent) and four silver coins: the nickel (5 cents), the dime (10 cents), the quarter (25 cents), and the half-dollar (50 cents). Silver $1 coins are rarely seen in circulation; a "golden" dollar coin was introduced in 2000. Paper money comes in denominations of $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. All these bills are the same size and green in color; they are distinguishable only by the dollar amount indicated on them and by pictures of various famous American people and monuments.

For the most favorable rates, change money through banks. Although fees charged for ATM transactions may be higher abroad than at home, Cirrus and Plus exchange rates are excellent, because they are based on wholesale rates offered only by major banks. You won't do as well at exchange booths in airports or rail and bus stations, in hotels, in restaurants, or in stores, although you may find their hours more convenient. To avoid lines at airport exchange booths, get a bit of local currency before you leave home.

In general, U.S. banks will not cash a personal check for you unless you have an account at that bank (it doesn't have to be at that branch). Therefore, it's best to rely on credit cards, cash machines, and traveler's checks to handle expenses while you're traveling.

Exchanging Money

In the United States, it is not as easy to find places to exchange currency as it is in European cities. In Dallas-Fort Worth, currency may be exchanged at the airport and at foreign-currency offices such as American Express Travel Service and Thomas Cook (check local directories for addresses and phone numbers). The best strategy is to buy traveler's checks in U.S. dollars before you come to the United States; although the rates may not be as good abroad, the time saved by not having to search constantly for exchange facilities far outweighs any financial loss.

Money Orders, Funds Transfers

Any U.S. bank is equipped to accept transfers of funds from foreign banks. It helps if you can plan dates to pick up money at specific bank branches. Your home bank can supply you with a list of its correspondent banks in the United States.

If you have more time, and you have a U.S. address where you can receive mail, you can have someone send you a certified check, which you can cash at any bank, or a postal money order (for as much as $700, obtained for a fee of up to 85¢ at any U.S. post office and redeemable at any other post office). From overseas, you can have someone go to a bank to send you an international money order (also called a bank draft), which will cost a $15-$20 commission plus airmail postage. Always bring two valid pieces of identification, preferably with photos, to claim your money.

Taxes

The sales tax in Dallas-Fort Worth is 8.25%.

Tipping

At restaurants, a 15% tip is standard for waiters; up to 20% may be expected at more expensive establishments. The same goes for taxi drivers, bartenders, and hairdressers. Coat-check operators usually expect $1; bellhops and porters should get 50 cents to $1 per bag; hotel maids in upscale hotels should get about $1 per day of your stay. For local sightseeing tours, you may individually tip the driver-guide $1 if he or she has been helpful or informative. Ushers in theaters do not expect tips.

Entering the United States

Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom who plan to stay in the United States for fewer than 90 days do not need entry visas. A valid passport, a return-trip ticket, and proof of financial solvency are required; you'll be asked to fill out the Visa Waiver Form, I-94W, upon entry. Travelers who plan to stay more than 90 days can apply for the appropriate visa at the United States embassy or consulates in their home country. Canadian citizens need valid identification but neither a passport nor a visa to enter the United States.

At Home

If you live in the U.K.:

U.S. Embassy Visa Information Line (PHONE: 09068/200-290 recorded visa information; 09055/444-546 operator service; both with per-minute charges) for U.S. visa information.

U.S. Embassy Visa Branch (5 Upper Grosvenor Sq., London W1A 2JB) for U.S. visa information; send a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Contact the U.S. Consulate General (Queen's House, 14 Queen St., Belfast, Northern Ireland BT1 6EQ, PHONE: 028/9032-8239) if you live in Northern Ireland.

Contact the United States Consulate General (MLC Centre, 19-29 Martin Pl., 59th floor, Sydney, New South Wales 2000, PHONE: 02/9373-9200; 1902/941-641 fee-based visa-inquiry line) if you live in Australia.

If you live in New Zealand:

Embassy of the United States (29 Fitzherbert Terr., Thorndon, Wellington, PHONE: 04/462-6000).

U.S. Consulate General (Citibank Bldg., 3rd floor, 23 Customs St. E, Auckland, PHONE: 09/303-2724).

Passport Offices

The best time to apply for a passport, or to renew your old one, is in fall or winter. Before any trip, check your passport's expiration date, and, if necessary, renew it as soon as possible.

Australian Citizens

Australian Passport Office (PHONE: 131-232; www.passports.gov.au).

Canadian Citizens

Passport Office (PHONE: 819/994-3500 or 800/567-6868; www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/passport).

New Zealand Citizens

New Zealand Passports Office (PHONE: 04/474-8000; 0800/225-050 in New Zealand; www.passports.govt.nz).

U.K. Citizens

London Passport Office (PHONE: 0870/521-0410; www.ukpa.gov.uk) for fees and documentation requirements and to request an emergency passport.

U.S. Citizens

National Passport Information Center (PHONE: 900/225-5674; calls are 35¢ per minute for automated service, $1.05 per minute for operator service; travel.state.gov/passport_services.html).

The country code for the United States is 1. The area codes for Dallas-Fort Worth include 214, 972, 469, 817, and 682.

All U.S. telephone numbers consist of 10 digits -- the three-digit area code, followed by a seven-digit local number. If you're calling a number from another area-code region, dial "1" then all 10 digits. If you're calling from a distance but within the same area code, dial "1" then the last seven digits. For calls within the same local calling area, just dial the seven-digit number. A map of U.S. area codes is printed in the front of most local telephone directories.

Four special prefixes, "800," "888," "877," and "900," are not area codes but indicators of particular kinds of service. "800," "888," and "877" numbers can be dialed free from anywhere in the country -- usually they are prepaid commercial lines that make it easier for consumers to obtain information, products, or services. The "900" numbers charge you for making the call and generally offer some kind of entertainment, such as horoscope readings, sports scores, or sexually suggestive conversations. These services can be very expensive, so know what you're getting into before you dial a "900" number.

Directory & Operator Information

For assistance from an operator, dial "0". To get a local or national telephone number, dial 411; in a few places it is necessary to dial 555-1212. If you want to charge a long-distance call to the person you're calling, call collect by dialing "0" instead of "1" before the 10-digit number, and an operator will come on the line to assist you (the party you're calling, however, has the right to refuse the call).

International Calls

International calls can be direct-dialed from most phones; dial 011, followed by the country code and then the local number (the front pages of many local telephone directories include a list of overseas country codes). To have an operator assist you, dial "0" and ask for the overseas operator. The country code for Australia is 61; New Zealand, 64; and the United Kingdom, 44. To reach Canada, dial 1 + area code + number.

Long-Distance Calls

Competitive long-distance carriers make calling within the United States relatively convenient and let you avoid hotel surcharges. By dialing an 800 number, you can get connected to the long-distance company of your choice.

For details, contact AT&T (PHONE: 800/225-5288), MCI (PHONE: 800/888-8000), or Sprint (PHONE: 800/366-2255).

Public Phones

The most common pay phone in operation today is the coin-operated type. To use one, pick up the receiver, deposit your money (the minimum amount is posted on the machine), and then dial the number. An automated message will alert you to deposit more money, if needed.

Telephone-card phones, so popular elsewhere in the world, are becoming increasingly common. Grocery stores, newsstands, and other establishments sell the disposable phone cards, available in varying amounts from $5 and up. To activate the card, dial the code number and follow the instructions printed on the card.

Tourist Offices

Dallas: Convention & Visitors Bureau (1201 Elm St., Suite 2000, 75270, PHONE: 214/746-6677; 800/232-5527; 214/746-6679 for recorded schedule of events); information booths are downtown in the Old Red Courthouse (Main St. and Houston St.), in NorthPark Center (Northwest Hwy. at Central Expressway), and at the West End MarketPlace (603 Munger Ave., Suite 124). Fort Worth: Convention & Visitors Bureau (415 Throckmorton St., 76102, PHONE: 817/336-8791 or 800/433-5747); information centers are downtown (4th St. and Throckmorton St.), in the Cultural District (Will Rogers Center, Lancaster Ave. and University Dr.), and at the Stockyards (130 E. Exchange Ave.).

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (3200 E. Airfield Dr., 75261, PHONE: 972/574-3694) also has information booths.

At Home

Canadian travelers can contact Travel USA (PHONE: 905/890-5662; 800/268-3482 in Ontario).

In the United Kingdom, contact the United States Travel and Tourism Administration (Box 1EN, London W1A 1EN, PHONE: 020/7495-4466).

The Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan region receives just under three inches of snow annually; both cities are known to top the 100° mark during summer days. October and April are the prime months for a comfortable visit. You may wish to avoid the heat that bakes the state from June through September.

The following are the normal daily temperature ranges for Dallas-Fort Worth:

January 33-54°F (1-12°C); February 37-59°F (3-15°C); March 46-68°F (8-20°C); April 55-76°F (13-24°C); May 63-83°F (17-28°C); June 70-92°F (21-33°C); July 74-97°F (23-36°C); August 74-96°F (23-36°C); September 67-88°F (19-31°C); October 56-79°F (13-26°C); November 45-67°F (7-19°C); December 36-58°F (2-14°C).

Holidays

Major national holidays include New Year's Day (Jan. 1); Martin Luther King, Jr., Day (3rd Mon. in Jan.); President's Day (3rd Mon. in Feb.); Memorial Day (last Mon. in May); Independence Day (July 4); Labor Day (1st Mon. in Sept.); Thanksgiving Day (4th Thurs. in Nov.); Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (Dec. 24 and 25); and New Year's Eve (Dec. 31).

A car is the best way to see Dallas and Forth Worth, though both cities have bus systems.

Public transportation in Dallas is run by Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART; PHONE: 214/979-1111, www.dart.org) and consists of buses serving Dallas and 12 suburban cities along with a light-rail system with a limited route.

The Fort Worth Transportation Authority (PHONE: 817/215-8600, www.the-t.com) provides regular bus service on "The T" buses and trolleys. Trinity Railway Express (PHONE: 877/657-0146, www.trinityrailwayexpress.org) provides commuter rail service between Dallas and Fort Worth.

The twin cities are linked by I-20, which is the southern route, and I-30, generally the more useful road for visitors because many tourist destinations are in the northern part of town.

There are three tollways in the Dallas area: the Dallas North Tollway, running from I-35E north of downtown into Collin County to the north; George Bush Turnpike (State Highway 190), an east-west route in the area's northern suburbs; and Mountain Creek Bridge, in southwestern Dallas County.

Three major expressways, I-30, I-35, and I-635, have High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes for vehicles with two or more occupants. Though the highway number designations are easy to find on a map, many of these thoroughfares are also known and referred to locally by name, which can make getting directions somewhat confusing. For example, Route 183, which leads to the south entrance of DFW Airport, is often referred to as Airport Freeway, and U.S. 75 is known to locals as Central Expressway. Dallas is circled by the I-635 ring road, known as LBJ Freeway; Fort Worth is looped by I-820.

Car Rentals

In Dallas-Fort Worth

Advantage (PHONE: 972/574-9201 or 800/777-5500).

Alamo (PHONE: 800/327-9633).

Avis (PHONE: 800/331-1212).

Budget (PHONE: 800/527-0700).

Dollar (PHONE: 800/800-4000).

Enterprise (PHONE: 972/986-1890 or 800/736-8222).

E-Z Rent (PHONE: 972/574-3360).

Hertz (PHONE: 800/654-3131).

National (PHONE: 800/227-7368).

Thrifty (PHONE: 972/453-5555 or 800/367-2277).

At Home

Alamo (PHONE: 800/327-9633; 020/8759-6200 in the United Kingdom).

Avis (PHONE: 800/331-1212; 800/879-2847 in Canada; 0870/606-0100 in the United Kingdom; 02/9353-9000 in Australia; 09/525-2847 in New Zealand).

Budget (PHONE: 800/527-0700; 0870/156-5656 in the United Kingdom).

Dollar (PHONE: 800/800-4000; 0124/622-0111 in the United Kingdom; where it's affiliated with Sixt; 02/9223-1444 in Australia).

Hertz (PHONE: 800/654-3131; 800/263-0600 in Canada; 020/8897-2072 in the United Kingdom; 02/9669-2444 in Australia; 09/256-8690 in New Zealand).

National (PHONE: 800/227-7368; 020/8680-4800 in the United Kingdom).

Requirements

To drive in Texas you must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver's license. Residents of most other countries may drive as long as they have valid licenses from their home countries.

In the U.S. you must be 21 to rent a car, and rates may be higher if you're under 25. Non-U.S. residents will need a reservation voucher, a passport, a driver's license, and a travel policy that covers each driver, when picking up a car.

Rules of the Road

Driving is on the right in the United States, and distances are always measured in miles. The speed limit in Texas is 70 mph. In heavily traveled corridors, though, the speed limit is 55 mph. Be sure to check speed limit signs carefully. You may make a right turn on red after a full stop anywhere in the state, unless a sign is posted prohibiting you from doing so. At four-way intersections controlled by red stop signs, it's first-come first-go; when in doubt, yield to the right. If a school bus has stopped to drop off or pick up children, you are required by law to stop until it moves on.

By Texas law, drivers and front-seat passengers must wear seat belts. Children under 17 must wear a seat belt at all times, whether seated in the front or back. Children under age four or less than 36 inches tall must ride in a federally approved child safety seat. Motorcyclists under age 21 must wear a helmet at all times; motorcyclists age 21 and over are not required to wear helmets if they have proof of insurance valued over $10,000 or proof of completion of a motorcycle operations course.

For details of local highway conditions, call the Texas Travel Information Center (PHONE: 800/452-9292). In season, this number also provides information on wildflowers blooming in the state.

Cowboy Cab Company (PHONE: 214/428-0202).

Yellow Cab Company (PHONE: 214/426-6272).