Wisconsinites are taxed to high heaven, but in general travelers don’t have to share the burden; the state doesn’t even have toll roads. Prices in general are lower in Wisconsin than in the rest of the country, and gasoline is usually cheaper than anywhere else in the Midwest except maybe Iowa. Once you get out into the rural areas, prices for goods and services are absolutely dirt cheap. Wisconsin’s sales tax is 5 percent. Some counties or cities tack on an additional half percent. There may also be additional room taxes.

Travelers checks are accepted in most hotels and motels; those that don’t take them are few and far between, usually the low-end places. Some restaurants will accept them, others won’t—inquire ahead of time. Credit cards are widely accepted—though not universally. (Some resorts in the north woods region will still not accept them!)

Exchanging foreign currency can be a bit more problematic. If you arrive with foreign currency, it may be difficult to exchange it for U.S. dollars. Banks in Madison and Milwaukee will often have just one branch that deals with money-changing. In smaller cities, such as Green Bay, La Crosse, and Appleton, it isn’t advisable to arrive with foreign currency.