The Basics of Visiting the South
Currency: US Dollar
Language: English with local dialects and accents
Time Zone: Eastern GMT -5 (GA, SC, NC, VA and parts of KY and TN) and Central GMT -6 (Parts of KY and TN, MS, AL, LA)
Important Phone Numbers: Dial 911 for emergencies. Dial 411 for Information.
Internet: Reliable Internet connections can be found throughout the South with free WiFi in many coffee shops, local libraries and college campuses. Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts and Panera Bread Company all provide free WiFi.
Electricity and Plugs: Standard American outlets for A and B plugs are used in the South, with 120 volts.
Units of Measurement: The United States uses distance in miles, liquids in gallons and temperature in Fahrenheit.
Driving: Cars drive on the right side of the road and speed limits are in miles per hour.
Banks and ATMS: Automated teller machines are available throughout the South. Major banks include Bank of America, Suntrust, Wells Fargo and Wachovia. Smaller credit unions and regional banks also have branches with available ATMs. Credit cards are widely accepted.
Visas: Countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program do not need a visa if their stay is less than 90 days. See the Bureau of Consular Affairs to see if your country is a participant. If you want to stay longer than 90 days or you do not qualify for the VWP, see the types of visas for temporary visitors.
Embassies and Consulates: All foreign embassies are located in Washington DC. Consular services for some countries can be found in Atlanta, Raleigh and Charlotte. Contact your government to see where their specific consular services are located.
Immunizations: You do not need specific immunizations to visit this region of the United States.
Weather: The summer months are overwhelmingly hot, with humidity bringing temperatures up to the 90s. Coastal regions have differing temperatures, as does the Appalachian region. Winters are mild, with little if any snowfall for most of the south.
When to Go: Fall and spring are the best times to visit because they aren’t during high tourist season and the temperatures have not reached their peaks.
