ABOUT KANSAS (STATE)

Kansas is known for its wide-open prairies, agricultural heritage, and friendly Midwestern hospitality. Situated in the center of the United States, the state stretches from rolling plains and wheat fields in the west to wooded hills and rivers in the east, offering a classic picture of America’s heartland. Its landscapes include endless farmland, sunflower fields, and scenic byways that make it a destination for travelers seeking both simplicity and charm.

The state has a proud cultural identity rooted in frontier history, Native American traditions, and jazz and blues music–particularly in Kansas City, which is also famous for its smoky barbecue and vibrant arts scene. Wichita, the largest city, highlights Kansas’s role in aviation history with museums and aircraft factories, while Topeka serves as the state capital and political hub.

Nature enthusiasts can explore destinations like the Flint Hills, home to the largest remaining tallgrass prairie in North America, or enjoy outdoor activities along the Kansas and Arkansas Rivers. Hiking, cycling, fishing, and wildlife watching are popular across the state’s many parks and reservoirs.

Sports fans have plenty to cheer for, from the Kansas Jayhawks’ storied basketball program in Lawrence to the Kansas State Wildcats in Manhattan. While Kansas does not host major professional teams within its borders, fans often follow Kansas City–based franchises like the Chiefs (NFL) and Royals (MLB) across the state line in Missouri.

Food lovers can savor authentic Kansas barbecue–smoked meats with a sweet, tomato-based sauce–as well as hearty Midwest comfort food. Local breweries and farmers’ markets add a fresh and modern touch to the state’s traditional cuisine.

Whether you’re chasing history, exploring natural landscapes, or enjoying the easygoing Midwestern way of life, Kansas offers visitors an authentic slice of America’s heartland.

Quick Snapshot

• Population: Around 2.9 million residents (2023), making Kansas the 35th most populous U.S. state.
• Geographic Size: About 82,278 square miles (213,100 km²), the 15th largest state by area.
• State Capital: Topeka, located in the northeast, serves as the political center of the state.

Entry into the USA

As part of the United States, Kansas follows the country’s entry rules, which vary depending on a traveler’s nationality and the reason for their visit.

• Visa Requirements: Citizens of countries in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) can stay for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism or business purposes. Travelers from other nations generally need to apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa.
• ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization): VWP travelers must apply online for ESTA authorization before traveling. Visit the ESTA website.
• Valid Passport: All visitors need a valid passport for the entire duration of their stay.

Currency

Like all U.S. states, Kansas uses the U.S. Dollar (USD), symbolized by “$” and divided into 100 cents. Issued by the Federal Reserve, it is one of the world’s most widely used currencies. Exchange rates fluctuate but are typically straightforward and easy to check before traveling.

• 1 USD ≈ 0.90 – 0.95 EUR
• 1 USD ≈ 0.70 – 0.75 GBP
• 1 USD ≈ 110 – 115 JPY
• 1 USD ≈ 1.25 – 1.30 CAD

Electricity

Kansas follows U.S. electrical standards, with NEMA 5-15 outlets (two vertical prongs and a round grounding pin). The standard supply is 120 volts at 60 Hz.

Mobile services

Staying connected in Kansas is simple, with all major U.S. carriers offering reliable coverage across the state. Whether you’re spending time in downtown Kansas City, exploring the Flint Hills, or attending the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway, you’ll find dependable mobile networks.

AT&T
AT&T provides strong coverage throughout Kansas, including urban centers such as Kansas City, Topeka, and Wichita, as well as many smaller towns. With a wide choice of prepaid and postpaid plans, AT&T’s growing 5G network ensures fast connections for both everyday use and travel.

Verizon Wireless
Verizon is known for having one of the most extensive and reliable networks in the country. Kansas offers excellent service in both cities and rural areas, making it a popular choice for locals and visitors alike. Its 5G Ultra Wideband service continues to expand across key areas of the state.

T-Mobile
T-Mobile stands out for its competitive pricing and useful international features, making it especially appealing to overseas visitors. Coverage is strong in larger cities such as Kansas City, Overland Park, and Wichita, while its 5G network is rapidly expanding into other regions.

For short-term visitors, eSIM providers like Airalo offer a quick and convenient way to access mobile data without the need for a physical SIM card.

Key Contact Numbers

If you’re calling from abroad, be sure to dial +1 before the U.S. phone number. Below are key contact numbers that may be useful for visitors attending the Hollywood Casino 400 and staying in the Kansas City region:

• Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Medical): 911
• Visit Kansas City, Kansas: +1 913-321-5800
• Emergency – Kansas Speedway: +1 386-681-3333
• Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City: +1 816-932-2000
• Kansas City International Airport: +1 816-243-3000

Fun and fascinating facts about Kansas

Here are several interesting facts that showcase what makes Kansas truly special:

• Geographic Center of the 48 States: Kansas is home to the geographic center of the contiguous United States, located near Lebanon, Kansas.
• Sunflower State: Kansas is nicknamed the “Sunflower State,” and fields of sunflowers can be seen throughout the late summer.
• Wizard of Oz Connection: Although Dorothy Gale from The Wizard of Oz never left her Kansas farm, the state celebrates the story with attractions such as the Oz Museum in Wamego.
• Wheat Capital: Kansas is one of the largest wheat producers in the U.S., earning it the title of “America’s Breadbasket.”
• Flat–but Not the Flattest: Kansas is often thought to be completely flat, but studies show it’s not even in the top five flattest U.S. states.
• Amelia Earhart’s Home: The famous aviator Amelia Earhart was born in Atchison, Kansas.
• Barbecue Heritage: Kansas City (Kansas side) is world-famous for its distinctive barbecue style, with slow-smoked meats and sweet, tangy sauces.
• Tornado Alley: Kansas is part of “Tornado Alley” and experiences some of the highest numbers of tornadoes in the U.S. each year.