Plano City Guide

Food options include Tex-Mex, BBQ, and Southern staples, plus strong Asian, Indian, and Mexican eats. Vegetarian and vegan choices are common. Late-night options are mainly fast food and diners.

Nightlife is relaxed with bars and pubs mostly around Legacy West and Downtown Plano. It's quieter than a city center but has solid choices for a suburban vibe.

Good coffee scene with national chains and independent shops. Specialty roasters and quality brews are available.

Tipping is expected in most service areas. Restaurants and rideshares usually get 15-20%. Other services also expect similar tips.

SIM cards are sold at AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon stores, and Best Buy. All major carriers have good coverage and support eSIM for compatible devices. Prepaid plans usually don't need ID, but contracts might.

Streets are clean and sanitation services work well. Litter and issues are uncommon.

Many CVS and Walgreens pharmacies open 24/7. Convenience stores like 7-Eleven always open. Some urgent care centers open late but 24/7 clinics are rare.

A wide choice of supermarkets like H-E-B, Kroger, Tom Thumb, Walmart, and Target serve Plano. Specialty stores provide Asian, Hispanic, and Indian items. Most stores open 7 AM to 10 PM; some are open 24/7.

Most places accept credit and debit cards. Carrying cash is rarely needed.

ATMs are easy to find at banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo. Out-of-network ATM fees around $2.50-$3.50 are common.

Plano Independent School District is well-regarded. Private schools like Prestonwood Christian Academy offer diverse curricula. Primary language of instruction is English. Enrollment depends on residency.

Plano's remote worker community is growing but still small compared to major nomad hubs. Co-working spaces provide networking.

Multiple large parks with extensive trails suitable for walking, running, and outdoor activities.

Safe running trails in parks like Arbor Hills and Oak Point. Running groups and events happen regularly. Air quality is usually good.

Many gyms offer day passes and short-term memberships.

Many public and private tennis courts are available. Some require reservations; equipment rental is rare at public courts.

Padel courts are starting to appear but are not yet common.

Plenty of yoga studios offer various styles, with many drop-in classes and English-speaking instructors.

Dozens of dojos offer BJJ, Muay Thai, Taekwondo, Karate, and Boxing with English-speaking instructors.

No skiing near Plano. Closest resorts are in New Mexico or Colorado, requiring travel.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing are popular on local lakes and rivers. Rentals are easy to find, best seasons are spring and fall.

No natural ocean surfing nearby. Some inland surf parks exist but not traditional spots.

No ocean dive sites close by. Freshwater lakes offer limited options, usually for training or low-visibility dives.

Good quality healthcare with English-speaking staff at hospitals like Medical City Plano and Texas Health Presbyterian. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are common and often have drive-thru. Emergency number is 911.

Tap water is safe to drink and meets all federal and state standards.

Plano has many playgrounds, kid-friendly cafes with menus and high chairs, and places like Crayola Experience. Baby supplies are easy to find.

Plano is mostly welcoming with diversity and safe spaces, though more suburban and conservative than Dallas. Local inclusive venues exist.

Many parks and patios allow pets. There are vet clinics and pet supply stores. Pet import follows US rules.