If you want to know about 5 things international visitors should, this guide covers everything you need. This guide is maintained by a Kansas City local. Some links may be affiliate links. We only recommend things we’d tell a friend about.
Flying into Kansas City for the World Cup? Welcome. KC is not like New York, Los Angeles, or Miami. It is a Midwest city with its own culture, customs, and pace. Here are five things every international visitor should know before arriving.
1. Tipping is Expected (20% is Standard): 5 Things International Visitors Should
This surprises many international visitors, but in the United States, tipping is not optional. It is a fundamental part of how service workers earn their income. In Kansas City, the standard tip is:
- Restaurants (sit-down): 18-20% of the pre-tax bill. 15% is considered minimum. 20% is the norm for good service.
- Bars: $1-$2 per drink, or 18-20% of the tab.
- Uber/Lyft: 15-20% through the app. Especially on match days when drivers are dealing with heavy traffic.
- Hotels: $2-$5 per night for housekeeping (leave on the pillow or nightstand with a note). $1-$2 for valet.
- Barbershops: 15-20%. (Yes, KC has incredible barbershops.)
Not tipping is considered extremely rude in American culture. Even if service is mediocre, 15% is the floor. If service is bad, speak to a manager rather than leaving no tip.
2. You Will Probably Need a Car (or Rideshare)
Kansas City is not a walkable city in the way European or Asian cities are. The metro area covers over 300 square miles across two states (Missouri and Kansas). Arrowhead Stadium is 12 miles east of downtown, surrounded by parking lots, not sidewalks. There is no train to the stadium. No metro system. The bus system is limited. Mastering 5 things international visitors should takes practice but delivers great results.
Your transportation options:
- Rent a car: The most flexible option. KC has wide roads, easy highways, and cheap gas by international standards. Driving is straightforward.
- Uber/Lyft: Available everywhere but expect surge pricing on match days. Budget $20-$60+ from downtown to Arrowhead.
- KC Streetcar: Free! Runs through downtown from River Market to Union Station. Great for downtown exploration, but does NOT reach the stadium.
- Match day shuttles: Expected to run from downtown to Arrowhead. Details TBD.
See our full transportation guide for details.
3. BBQ is a Religion Here
Kansas City is one of the four great American BBQ cities (alongside Memphis, Texas, and the Carolinas). This is not a casual thing. BBQ is central to KC’s identity. There are over 100 BBQ restaurants in the metro area, and locals have strong opinions about which is best.
KC-style BBQ is defined by slow-smoked meats (especially burnt ends, which KC invented) and a thick, sweet, tomato-based sauce. The meats are smoked for 10-16 hours over hickory or oak wood. The result is tender, smoky, and deeply flavorful.
- Must-try dishes: Burnt ends (the crispy, caramelized tips of brisket). Ribs (pork or beef). The Z-Man sandwich from Joe’s KC (brisket, provolone, onion rings on a Kaiser roll).
- Top spots: Joe’s Kansas City, Q39, Jack Stack, Gates BBQ, Slap’s BBQ, LC’s Bar-B-Q.
- Vegetarian options: Limited at traditional BBQ joints, but Q39 and Jack Stack have sides and non-meat options. KC’s broader restaurant scene has plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.
Read our complete KC BBQ guide for restaurant details, hours, and what to order. Understanding 5 things international visitors should is key to a great World Cup experience.
4. Midwest Friendliness is Real
If you are coming from a big international city, the friendliness of Kansas City residents might catch you off guard. People will say hello to you on the street. Strangers will start conversations in line at BBQ joints. Your Uber driver will give you restaurant recommendations. Tailgaters in the Arrowhead parking lot will offer you food.
This is genuine Midwest hospitality. It is not a sales pitch or a scam. KC people are just friendly. Lean into it. Ask for recommendations. Chat with locals. You will get better tips on hidden gems than any travel guide (except this one) can provide.
If you are wearing an international team’s jersey, expect even more engagement. KC sports fans love talking about teams, players, and matchups. Argentine fans, Dutch fans, Tunisian fans… locals will want to hear your stories and share theirs.
5. Summer Heat and Humidity Are No Joke
Kansas City in June and July is hot. Not dry desert heat like the Middle East or parts of Africa. This is humid Midwest heat that soaks through your clothes and makes the air feel thick. Average highs in late June through mid-July are 88-92F (31-33C), but the humidity pushes the ‘feels like’ temperature to 95-100F (35-38C). When it comes to 5 things international visitors should, preparation matters most.
- Hydrate aggressively. Drink water constantly, especially if you are tailgating or sitting in the sun at Arrowhead. Sealed water bottles are allowed into the stadium.
- Sunscreen is essential. Arrowhead’s seating is mostly exposed. Reapply every 2 hours.
- Dress light. Cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics. Shorts and sandals are perfectly acceptable everywhere in KC (even nicer restaurants are casual by international standards).
- Afternoon thunderstorms: Common in June. They roll in fast with lightning, heavy rain, and occasionally hail. They usually pass within 30-60 minutes. If you hear thunder, get indoors.
- Air conditioning is everywhere. Every building, vehicle, and public space is air-conditioned. The transition from 95F outside to 68F inside can be jarring.
See our weather and clothing guide for detailed packing advice.
Bonus: Practical Tips
- Currency: US Dollars (USD). Credit cards accepted everywhere. Apple Pay and Google Pay widely accepted. You will rarely need cash, but bring some for small vendors and tips.
- Outlets: US uses Type A/B plugs (120V). Bring an adapter if you are from outside North America.
- SIM cards: Prepaid SIM cards available at the airport, Walmart, and Target. T-Mobile and AT&T have the best KC coverage.
- Emergency number: 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies.
- Drinking age: 21 in the US (strictly enforced). Bring your passport if you look under 30.
- Sales tax: Prices displayed in stores and restaurants do NOT include tax. Kansas City’s combined sales tax is about 9.98%, so your bill will be ~10% higher than the menu price.
Kansas City is going to welcome the world with open arms, killer BBQ, and genuine warmth. Come hungry, come curious, and come ready for one of the most memorable sports experiences of your life.
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Further reading: For more information, see FIFA World Cup 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I tip at restaurants and bars in Kansas City?
At sit-down restaurants, you should tip 18-20% of the pre-tax bill, with 15% considered the minimum. At bars, the standard is $1-$2 per drink or 18-20% of your total tab. Remember that tipping is not optional in the US and is considered a fundamental part of how service workers earn their income.
What are the 5 things international visitors should know before visiting Kansas City for the World Cup?
The five key things include understanding that tipping is expected and standard at 20%, knowing you’ll likely need a car or rideshare since KC isn’t walkable like European cities, familiarizing yourself with the city’s Midwest culture and pace, and understanding that Arrowhead Stadium is 12 miles from downtown with limited public transportation options. These essentials will help you navigate your visit smoothly.
Do I need to rent a car to get around Kansas City for the World Cup?
While not absolutely required, a car or rideshare service is highly recommended since Kansas City spans over 300 square miles and lacks a metro system or train to Arrowhead Stadium. Renting a car is the most flexible option, offering easy highways, wide roads, and affordable gas by international standards.
Is Kansas City easy to navigate for international visitors coming from Europe or Asia?
Kansas City is quite different from European or Asian cities, as it is not walkable and relies heavily on cars for transportation. The city has its own Midwest culture, customs, and pace, so international visitors should prepare for a different urban experience than they may be accustomed to in their home countries.