ABOUT TENNESSEE

Tennessee is famous for its rich musical heritage, warm Southern hospitality, and stunning natural scenery. Situated in the heart of the southeastern United States, the state stretches from the Appalachian Mountains in the east to the rolling farmland and the Mississippi River in the west, offering something for every kind of traveller. From the vibrant nightlife of Nashville to the historic charm of Memphis, Tennessee, blends culture, history, and natural beauty in equal measure.

It’s also a global magnet for music lovers, thanks to legendary venues like the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium, and Beale Street, as well as museums dedicated to icons such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Dolly Parton. For theme park fans, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge offers a mix of thrilling rides, live entertainment, and Appalachian culture. With a moderate climate – hot summers and mild to cool winters – Tennessee is a year-round destination.

Nature enthusiasts can explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the U.S., famous for its misty peaks, diverse wildlife, and miles of hiking trails. The state is also home to hundreds of lakes and rivers, perfect for fishing, boating, and kayaking. Scenic drives like the Natchez Trace Parkway offer breathtaking views and a glimpse into America’s past.

Sports fans will find plenty to cheer for, with professional teams like the NFL’s Tennessee Titans, NHL’s Nashville Predators, and NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies. Food lovers can savour Memphis-style barbecue, Nashville hot chicken, and classic Southern comfort dishes, often paired with a glass of locally distilled Tennessee whiskey.

Whether you’re chasing live music, outdoor adventures, cultural landmarks, or simply soaking in the laid-back Southern atmosphere, Tennessee delivers memorable experiences at every turn.

Quick Snapshot

• Population: Around 7 million residents (2023), making Tennessee the 16th most populous U.S. state.
• Geographic Size: Spanning roughly 42,143 square miles (109,153 km²), Tennessee is the 36th largest state by area.
• State Capital: Nashville, centrally located, serves as the political and cultural hub of the state.

Entry into the USA

As a U.S. state, Tennessee follows the country’s entry requirements, which depend on citizenship and the purpose of travel. Below are general guidelines:

• Visa Requirements: travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries can enter for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism or business. Others may require 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

The official currency of Tennessee, like all other U.S. states, is the U.S. Dollar (USD), symbolized by "$" and divided into 100 cents. It is issued by the Federal Reserve and is one of the most widely used currencies in global trade and finance. While exchange rates can vary, they generally include:

• 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

Tennessee follows U.S. electrical standards, using NEMA 5-15 outlets (two vertical slots and a ground pin). The standard voltage is 120V at 60Hz.

Mobile services

Staying connected while exploring Tennessee is easy thanks to the wide coverage of major U.S. mobile carriers. Whether you’re enjoying the music scene in Nashville, hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains, or attending the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway, these providers offer strong network reliability across the state.

AT&T
With broad national coverage, AT&T performs well throughout Tennessee, from major cities like Nashville, Memphis, and Dover to more rural areas in the Appalachian Highlands. Offering both prepaid and postpaid plans, AT&T’s expanding 5G network delivers fast, dependable service–whether you’re downtown in Memphis or exploring small towns near Bristol.

Verizon Wireless
Renowned for having one of the most reliable networks in the U.S., Verizon is a favorite among both locals and travelers. The carrier delivers strong coverage in cities and rural zones alike, with rapidly growing 5G Ultra Wideband service in key Tennessee locations such as Chattanooga, Clarksville, and Johnson City. Plans include flexible and unlimited data options.

T-Mobile
T-Mobile has become increasingly popular for its competitive pricing and excellent international features, making it a smart choice for visitors from abroad. It offers solid coverage across much of Tennessee, particularly in urban areas like Nashville, Knoxville, Dover, and Memphis, and is quickly expanding its 5G services across the state.

For short-term visitors, eSIM apps like Airalo offer a convenient way to access mobile data without needing a physical SIM card.

Key Contact Numbers

When calling from outside the U.S., remember to dial +1 before the number. Here are some essential contact numbers relevant to visitors attending the Bass Pro Shops Night Race and staying in the Bristol area:

• Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Medical): 911
• Bristol Area Convention & Visitors Bureau: +1 386-255-0415
• Emergency – Bristol Motor Speedway: +1 386-681-3333
• Bristol Motor Speedway (General Info): +1 800-748-7467
• Bristol International Airport: +1 386-248-8030

 Fun and fascinating facts about Tennessee

Here are several interesting facts that showcase what makes Tennessee truly unique:

• Two time zones – with a Bristol twist – Tennessee is split between Eastern and Central Time, so check your watch when you travel across the state. Bristol sits on the Tennessee–Virginia border, and both sides share the Eastern Time Zone.
• Music roots – Nashville is known as the Country Music Capital of the World, while Memphis gave birth to blues, soul, and rock ’n’ roll.
• Smoky Mountains magic – The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America’s most-visited national park.
• Jack Daniel’s home – The famous whiskey comes from Lynchburg, which, fun fact, is in a dry county.
• Civil War history – Tennessee saw more battles than any state except Virginia.
• Athletic pride – The state is home to NFL’s Tennessee Titans, the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies, and the NHL’s Nashville Predators.
• Volunteer spirit – Known as The Volunteer State for the large number of soldiers it contributed during the War of 1812.