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:: Traveler's Tips

Here is some useful driving, legal, and tax stuff about Cape Cod and Massachusetts that you might want to know before visiting:

• Information for International Visitors to Massachusetts -- Frequently asked questions from travelers answered by MASSport.

• International Currency Converter -- Convert to US dollars from other currencies!

• Mass Office of Travel & Tourism -- Official Massachusetts state tourism website.

Driving in Massachusetts:
There is only one toll road in Massachusetts--the Mass. Turnpike, which goes the east-west length of the state. Included in the Mass. Turnpike Authority are the tolls at the Sumner and Ted Williams Tunnels. You have to go through the Sumner Tunnel from Logan Airport. Toll is $3.

The speed limit is 55 on all highways on Cape Cod.

You will notice that, unlike most states, there are no billboards on state highways, in order to preserve the natural beauty of the area. This may give the false impression to newcomers that they are "in the middle of nowhere" when in fact there are gas stations, restaurants, etc. at most exits in the state. Look for smaller state signs which indicate gas, food and lodging before each exit.

Drive times to the Cape Cod Canal:
from Boston: 1-1.5 hours
from New York: 4 - 5 hours
from Montreal: 7 hours

Drive times to Cape Cod towns from the Canal under normal traffic conditions:
to Falmouth: 20-30 min.
to Hyannis: 30 min.
to Orleans: 1 hour
to Provincetown 1 hr. 30 min.

Massachusetts Policies on Alcohol and Fireworks:
The sale and use of fireworks is prohibited in Massachusetts.

Alcoholic beverage stores close at 11 pm. Most bars close at 1 am; in Boston and the vicinity they may stay open until 2 am. Most grocery stores and convenience stores do not sell alcoholic beverages.

We saved the best for last- Taxes
There is a 5% sales tax on all goods sold in Massachusetts except groceries and clothing. Lodging and meals taxes apply for all lodgings and dining establishments.