Nebraska Destination Guide

Overview of Nebraska

Elm Creek, Nebraska
Photo credit: John Lillis

Nebraska is situated in the Great Plains of the American Midwest, where agriculture is a way of life. The level land of the east is ideal for farming, while the western area of high dunes and small, shallow lakes is dotted with ranches. This divide is evident to some degree in personality as well as in physical terrain.

The hub of Omaha ties one half of Nebraska to the Midwest, while many in the western half staunchly identify with the more rugged Old West heritage. Most travellers to Nebraska are probably not after big-city action. Those who are have only two options: Omaha, the state's largest city; and the nearby capital of Lincoln.

Famous as the home of financial genius Warren Buffett as well as really great steaks, Omaha may be a far cultural cry from New York but it has a world-renowned zoo and a buzzing arts and entertainment district. Lincoln is a small and fairly sleepy state capital but is transformed from small-city peace to football-fan pandemonium with every University of Nebraska Huskers game.

The attraction of Nebraska lies in its natural beauty to the west of the commercial centres and flatlands. Early each spring, the Platte River in south-central Nebraska is a stopover in the massive migration of the sandhill cranes, the largest gathering of this kind in the world. Watching the ritual dancing of the cranes as the sun sets over the water is a breathtaking sight. Further west are the Nebraska Sandhills, a remote, rippling area of grass-covered dunes and isolated ranches.

But it is in the far panhandle region of Nebraska that the landscape truly becomes remarkable, jutting up into rocky columns, sheer buttes, and pine-covered canyons. This is wilder land, where skirmishes with Native Americans continued long after the east was settled, where Crazy Horse, leader of the Lakota, was killed at a lonely frontier outpost.

The geography culminates in Scotts Bluff and Chimney Rock, unusual limestone formations that tower above the surrounding land. Both were major landmarks for pioneers on the Oregon Trail, the wagon roadbed of which is still visible. This is not the only lasting impression man has left on this landscape, however. When the thrill of the natural environment wears off, having come this far west, travellers might as well visit one extremely odd man-made addition: Carhenge, a life-size replica of Stonehenge constructed entirely of old cars.

Key Facts

Language:

English is the most common language spoken but Spanish is often heard in the south-western states.

Passport/Visa:

It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from them travel destination. A visa is required for short visits unless travellers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need to register online three days before travel and have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP.

As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Currency:

The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.

Electricity:

Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Plugs are mainly the type with two flat pins, though three-pin plugs (two flat parallel pins and a rounded pin) are also widely used. European appliances without dual-voltage capabilities will require an adapter.

Travel Advisories

Travel to Nebraska

Climate

Nebraska's climate is mostly continental, with distinct seasons and temperatures that vary greatly from season to season. The western third of the state has a semi-arid climate. Generally, summers are hot and humid, averaging 76F (24C) in July, but hot winds often push summer temperatures above 90F (32C). Winters are cold and snowy with temperatures of around 23F (-5C) in January. The state is prone to severe weather patterns such as blizzards, droughts, and windstorms. Thunderstorms are common in spring and summer.

Health Notes when travelling to United States of America

There are no specific health risks associated with travel within the USA. Medical facilities are excellent, but expensive. Only emergencies are treated without prior payment and treatment can be refused without evidence of insurance or proof of funds. Good medical insurance is essential. Visitors must be fully vaccinated with the primary series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to travel to the United States by plane if they are non-U.S. citizens.

Safety Notes when travelling to United States of America

Travel within the United States is generally trouble-free, though travellers should be aware that the US shares with the rest of the world, an increased threat from terrorist incidents. Security has been heightened, particularly at airports. Restrictions on hand luggage apply and travellers are advised to check on the latest situation with airlines in advance. Travellers should also be alert to the dangers of car and street crime in cities and should use common sense and take basic precautions. Hurricanes are common between June and November, putting the southern USA, including the Gulf Coast and the eastern US at risk. There is a risk of wildfires in many dry areas in the US, particularly on the West Coast from March to November.

Customs in United States of America

Laws vary from state to state, including speed limit, fines and punishment. The age at which alcohol may be legally bought and consumed is 21 years.

Duty Free in United States of America

Travellers to the United States who are returning residents of the country do not have to pay duty on articles purchased abroad to the value of $800 provided their stay was longer than 48 hours and their duty-free allowance was not used in the 30-day period prior. For passengers arriving from Samoa, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, a duty-free allowance of $1,600 is allowed. The following items are included in this: 50 cigarettes and 10 cigars and 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages or 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of perfume containing alcohol. Restrictions may apply to goods from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Burma (Myanmar), Angola, Liberia and Sudan. It is prohibited to import Cuban cigars from any country.

Travellers to the United States who are non-residents do not have to pay duty on the following items: 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes and gifts to the value of $100 provided their stay in the USA is not less than 72 hours and that the allowance has not been used in the preceding six-month period.

Prohibited items for residents and non-residents include meat or meat products, poultry, narcotics, absinthe, plants, seeds, vegetables, fruits, soil, live insects and other living plants or animal pests. Fish is prohibited unless it carries disease-free certification. Wildlife and animals or their by-products carry restrictions. Dairy products and eggs from specified countries are not allowed. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed without the necessary license and permit.

Doing Business in United States of America

In such a large country, filled with so many diverse groups, business practices may differ according to each state, however rarely to any large degree. The East Coast is traditionally more formal than the West Coast, though in states such as California, dress code and conservative appearance are as common as they would be in New York. Punctuality is important throughout the country and it is considered rude to be late for a meeting. Gift-giving is uncommon as it may be construed as bribery. Appropriate titles (Mr, Mrs, Ms) are used upon introduction and until otherwise stated. Americans favour politeness and greetings of 'Hello' and 'How are you?' are often expressed with sincerity. Business hours may vary in each state, but an 8am start and 5pm finish Monday to Friday is the most common with an hour over lunch.

Status and age are not necessarily indicative of seniority, nor do they carry much weight in themselves. Those doing business in the States should be mindful of this fact; foreigners should never make assumptions about someone's position or rank. Best practice is to be respectful to all parties. That said, the US upholds a hierarchal business structure, in which 'the boss' is the ultimate decision-maker. Senior leaders have the power of the last word, and can go against the grain just as easily as they can follow popular opinion. Foreigners should concentrate on winning over this individual, even if the greater group seems unsupportive. Americans value a direct style of communication. In this fast-paced, consumer culture 'time is money', and small-talk is viewed as unnecessary and wasteful. It's best for foreigners to get to the point quickly, speak about issues in a frank and open manner, and to avoid taking offence if someone questions or challenges them outright.

Communication in United States of America

The international country dialling code for the United States is +1. Mobile networks cover most of the country, especially all urban areas, and WiFi is widely available.

Tipping in United States of America

A 15 percent tip is expected by taxi drivers, bartenders, hairdressers and waiters, but travellers shouldn't tip in fast-food or self-service restaurants. In expensive restaurants or for large parties, the tip should be 20 percent of the bill. It is normal to tip staff such as valets and porters in hotels; this is discretionary, although a minimum of $5 is expected. Most services are customarily tipped if the service is good.

Passport/Visa Note

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Canadians:: The most important requirement on entering the U.S. is providing proof of Canadian citizenship. A valid Canadian passport is the best document to prove Canadian citizenship and the right to return to Canada. However, several other documents can serve, depending on the mode of transport. Generally, Canadian citizens do not require visitor, business, transit or other visas to enter the United States from Canada, though there are some exceptions.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:: UK nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay. Most passport holders can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) through the Visa Waiver Programme, which allows travel to the US for up to 90 days. The VWP includes tourism, certain types of business visit and transit to another country.
Entry requirements for Australians:: Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. If visiting the US for fewer than 90 days, Australian nationals may be eligible to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), and enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:: Passports must be valid for duration of stay. Irish nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:: Passports must be valid for duration of stay. New Zealand nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.
Entry requirements for South Africans:: South Africans must hold a passport valid for duration of stay. A visa is required.

Currency

Exchange rate for 1 USD - U.S. Dollar
0.00 BMD Bermudan Dollar	0.93 EUR Euro	0.80 GBP U.K. Pound Sterling	152.99 JPY Japanese Yen	1.37 CAD Canadian Dollar	0.91 CHF Swiss Franc
1.52 AUD Australian Dollar	39.40 UAH Ukrainian Hryvnia	443.91 KZT Kazakhstani Tenge	93,075.00 LBP Lebanese Pound	4.86 LYD Libyan Dinar	6.86 BOB Bolivian Boliviano
0.00 NPR Nepalese Rupee	0.00 OMR Omani Rial	0.00 QAR Qatari Rial	1.35 SGD Singapore Dollar	10.82 SEK Swedish Krona	0.00 TTD Trinidad Tobago Dollar
0.00 VEF Venezuelan Bolivar	58.11 DOP Dominican Peso	0.00 HRK Croatian Kuna	16.95 MXN Mexican Peso	610.53 XOF West African CFA Franc	0.00 PGK Papua New Guinean kina
0.00 BSD Bahamian Dollar	0.00 FJD Fiji Dollar	0.00 HNL Honduran Lempira	133.87 DZD Algerian Dinar	0.00 MMK Myanma Kyat	0.00 BWP Botswana Pula
3.72 PEN Peruvian Nuevo Sol	938.44 CLP Chilean Peso	386.84 AMD Armenia Dram	23.29 CZK Czech Koruna	17.63 MDL Moldova Lei	139.89 ISK Icelandic Krona
12,582.40 UZS Uzbekistan Sum	3.72 ILS Israeli New Sheqel	0.71 JOD Jordanian Dinar	0.00 KWD Kuwaiti Dinar	38.15 UYU Uruguayan Peso	0.00 MUR Mauritian Rupee
0.00 NIO Nicaraguan Córdoba	10.88 NOK Norwegian Krone	4.03 PLN Polish Zloty	3.75 SAR Saudi Riyal	0.00 LKR Sri Lanka Rupee	36.79 THB Thai Baht
3.66 AED U.A.E Dirham	5.09 BRL Brazilian Real	4.63 RON Romanian New Leu	7.81 HKD Hong Kong Dollar	610.53 XAF Central African CFA Franc	25,405.70 VND Vietnamese Dong
878.36 ARS Argentine Peso	0.00 XCD East Caribbean Dollar	0.00 GTQ Guatemalan Quetzal	10.06 MAD Moroccan Dirham	0.00 BHD Bahrain Dinar	1.00 PAB Panamanian Balboa
1.70 AZN Azerbaijan Manat	3,920.00 COP Colombian Peso	88.42 KGS Kyrgyzstan Som	362.00 HUF Hungarian Forint	10.89 TJS Tajikistan Ruble	16,073.70 IDR Indonesian Rupiah
47.95 EGP Egyptian Pound	1,358.84 KRW South Korean Won	7,456.52 PYG Paraguayan Guaraní	4.74 MYR Malaysian Ringgit	508.31 CRC Costa Rican Colón	1.67 NZD New Zealand Dollar
277.87 PKR Pakistani Rupee	91.39 RUB Russian Rouble	18.51 ZAR South African Rand	3.13 TND Tunisian Dinar	0.00 BBD Barbadian Dollar	1.82 BGN Bulgarian Lev
32.33 TRY Turkish Lira	57.28 PHP Philippine Peso	32.31 TWD New Taiwan Dollar	1,164.84 NGN Nigerian Naira	0.00 XPF CFP Franc	0.00 GHS Ghanaian Cedi
0.00 JMD Jamaican Dollar	0.00 ANG Neth. Antillean Guilder	0.00 BND Brunei Dollar	108.90 RSD Serbian Dinar	7.24 CNY Chinese Yuan	6.94 DKK Danish Krone
3.49 TMT New Turkmenistan Manat	83.42 INR Indian Rupee

Exchange Rate for
Euro to U.S. Dollar

1 EUR = 1.07 USD

Exchange Rate for
Canadian Dollar to U.S. Dollar

1 CAD = 0.73 USD

Exchange Rate for
U.K. Pound Sterling to U.S. Dollar

1 GBP = 1.26 USD

Exchange Rate for
Australian Dollar to U.S. Dollar

1 AUD = 0.66 USD

Exchange Rate for
New Zealand Dollar to U.S. Dollar

1 NZD = 0.60 USD

Exchange Rate for
South African Rand to U.S. Dollar

1 ZAR = 0.05 USD

Airports in Nebraska

Omaha Airport (OMA)
Eppley Airfield Airport
http://www.flyoma.com

Location: Omaha The airport is located four miles (6km) northeast of downtown Omaha.

Time: GMT -6 (GMT -5 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Contacts: Tel: +1 402 661 8017.

Transfer between terminals: The terminals are all connected.

Getting to the city: Taxis, shuttles, and rental cars are available at the airport. Bus route 16 (East Omaha/North 16th) services the airport on weekdays between about 6am and 6.25pm.

Car rental: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, and Thrifty offer car rental services at the airport.

Airport Taxis: City Taxi and zTrip taxis are available from the airport.

Facilities: Facilities at the airport include food courts and snack bars, lounges, retail outlets, ATMs, a bank, conference rooms, and a shoe shine service.

Parking: The covered parking facility has both quick-park and long-term spaces. Surface parking within walking distance of the terminal is available, as is long-term economy parking with shuttle service. Charges vary by lot, but most charge $1 per 15 minutes for the first hour, with daily rates from $7 in the North Long Term Economy parking to $26 in the Quick-Park Garage.

Omaha

Heartland of America Park
Photo credit: Raymond Bucko, SJ

Omaha has long been saddled with a reputation as a flyover city, seen only from the air when flying from one coast to the other. But over the past 20 years, the city has slowly been transformed, edging out Middle American blandness while retaining the friendly, down-to-earth manner of the Midwest that travellers so appreciate. Omaha remains a travel hub due to its central location, but the music scene, quality museums, and vibrant downtown historic neighbourhood now ensure that the city is a worthwhile final destination, rather than just a pleasant pit stop.

The heart of the city is its arts and entertainment district, the Old Market. The area is made up of block after block of renovated industrial warehouse buildings from the 1800s, which now house a variety of unique shops, boutiques, bookstores, galleries, and some of Omaha's finest restaurants. Homer's Music is an Old Market institution. In addition to hosting live events itself, it provides the latest information on Omaha's thriving indie rock scene. Not one to ignore any form of artistic expression, the city also has a burgeoning film industry.

Omaha was historically a trade and transport hub, with its location on the great Missouri River and proximity to the Platte River ensuring its importance in the region. Today, the city is home to an impressive number of billionaires and Fortune 500 companies, and attracts business travellers, as well as holidaymakers.

Getting around in Omaha

As Omaha is a Midwestern city that was designed primarily to be navigated by car, a rental car is the most convenient option for getting around. A fairly comprehensive fixed-route bus service is provided by Metro Transit, though travellers should note that many bus routes only operate on weekdays. In the central downtown area, walking is a pleasant option when shopping and dining in the Old Market area; attractions such as the riverfront and the Convention Center and Arena can be reached on foot. However, taxi availability can be erratic and, for sightseeing outside this downtown area, a car is best. Lyft and Uber are also options.

Climate in Omaha

Omaha has a humid continental climate, with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Violent thunderstorms and even tornadoes are possible in the summer months. In July, the hottest month of summer, temperatures frequently reach 90F (32C) and can rise significantly higher. In January, the coldest month of winter, temperatures regularly drop as low as 0F (-18C), though the daily average temperature is 23F (-5C). Snow is common in winter, and can range from a light dusting to heavy blizzards. Many visitors prefer the milder weather of spring and autumn in Omaha.

Sightseeing in Omaha

With its indie music scene and various arts initiatives, including the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts residency programme, Omaha is becoming a beacon for progressive creatives. Rooted in the Midwest, however, it is also a great place for families, who will enjoy the zoo, Omaha Children's Museum, and Fun Plex, Nebraska's largest water park.

Old Market is the undisputed tourist hub of the city, thanks to its numerous wonderful shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. When pounding Old Market's charmingly uneven pavements becomes tiring, the Heartland of America Park next door is perfect for leisurely strolls along the mighty Missouri River and a rest in the shade.

Visitors can also explore the largest indoor rainforest in the US at the famous Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium; historic aircraft and missiles at the Strategic Air and Space Command, the foremost museum of its kind; and perhaps catch a glimpse of one of America's richest men and lifelong Omaha resident, Warren Buffett, dining at Gorat's, his favourite local steakhouse.

For financial gurus, the only time to visit is in the spring, during the annual Berkshire Hathaway meeting, when Omaha becomes the centre of the financial universe for one weekend. Even for the less stock-savvy, spring is a good choice, as is autumn, when the weather is milder than in summer and winter.

Omaha Attractions

Omaha Zoo

At Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, visitors can also explore exhibits such as the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium, Desert Dome and Cat Complex, as well as Hubbard Gorilla Valley, Orangutan Forest and Lied Jungle, America's largest indoor rainforest. The zoo offers train and tram rides, the TreeTops Restaurant overlooking the rainforest and a variety of other fun activities, attractions and refreshment options. For those who don't want to visit the restaurants, there are lovely picnic areas at the zoo and plenty of snack kiosks. The zoo is widely acknowledged as being one of the best in the USA and should delight visitors of all ages. It can easily fill a whole day with family entertainment if explored thoroughly.

Website: http://www.omahazoo.com

Strategic Air and Space Museum

The Strategic Air and Space Museum in Omaha, regarded as the nation's foremost facility of its kind, showcases World War II and Cold War era aircraft and artefacts to illustrate the historical role of strategic air command in securing peace. The museum's exhibits, multimedia displays and educational programmes are also forward-looking, generating excitement among the next generation about the future of aviation, aerospace and engineering. The whole family should enjoy a visit to this interesting attraction, which is both educational and entertaining. Many special events and exhibitions are also hosted by the museum so travellers should check the official website for information on what is showing during their visit.

Website: http://www.sacmuseum.org

Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts

The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, just south of the Old Market district, was founded on the principle that exceptional talent deserves to be celebrated. Artists from around the world apply to participate in the centre's residency program, in which they are given studios and accommodation, freeing them to focus on creative growth and experimentation. The centre presents more than 20 exhibitions annually in its three main galleries, featuring emerging and established artists and spanning all visual media.

Website: http://www.bemiscenter.org

Omaha Children's Museum

This fun-filled and award-winning interactive museum is designed to educate and engage kids of all ages. The various exhibits and activities include the ever popular Imagination Playground and Sandy's Splish-Splash Garden. The Charlie Campbell Science and Technology Center features the Inventor's Workshop, the amazing whirligig station and live science presentations such as Whiz Bang Super Science and The Amazing Bubble Show. At the Creative Arts Center children can release their inner artist and create their own masterpieces in whatever medium takes their fancy. Although the exact diversions on offer may change from time to time, the Omaha Children's Museum guarantees a great day out for kids and adults alike.

Website: http://www.ocm.org

Airports in Omaha