Banks: 09:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday, sometimes Saturday mornings
Post Offices: 08:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 15:00, Saturday
Department Stores and Shops: 10:00 to 21:00, some closed on Sundays
Museums: 09:00 to 17:00 (generally), daily, sometimes open on weekends
Business Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday

Petty crime is not uncommon in Atlanta so it is recommended that you always be aware of your belongings and try to avoid walking around with large sums of cash or expensive valuables.

The southern states in the US are prone to hurricanes between June and November. If you are travelling during this period, always check for hurricane warnings.

America’s currency is the US dollar with notes being found in denominations of: US$1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100. Higher denominations are also available, such as the 1,000-dollar bill, although they are not normally used in everyday street transactions. Coins (cents) in the United States come in denominations of: 1 cent, 5 (nickel), 10 (dime), 25 (quarter), 50 and 1 dollar.

Cash machines (ATMs) can be found all over Atlanta inside banks, shopping malls, and at other remote locations throughout the city. Most ATMs accept Visa and MasterCard, as well as debit cards with the Cirrus logo on. At ATMs, money can be withdrawn in dollars from your account back home for a nominal handling and commission fee.

All major currencies can be exchanged at Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport’s many bureaux de change kiosks, as well as many banks in the city and exchange booths in tourist hotspot areas. Many travellers still prefer to use travellers’ cheques, although they are not as widely used today due to the ease of withdrawing local currency from ATMs.

Customs declaration forms must be filled in for all visitors arriving from overseas when entering the USA. It is forbidden to import fresh food or agricultural products, as well as certain merchandise from Cambodia, Cuba, Libya and North Korea, such as cigars from Cuba. Standard amounts for cigarettes and liquor also apply, including 200 cigarettes and one litre of spirits.

110V/60Hz, all plugs are two-pronged.

The people of Atlanta generally are friendly and genuine towards visitors and like to see tourists enjoying themselves in their city. Smoking outdoors is acceptable, but be aware that most Americans now frown on the habit.

Dining out in Atlanta is like much of the rest of the US; there are no strict standards to adhere to. As a tourist, you will be fine when dressed in smart/casual attire and will usually be able to secure a table the same night at the majority of Atlanta eateries.

If you happen to be dining with friends from Atlanta, or invited to their house for a meal, always wait until everyone else has been served before you begin eating and pause while any toasts are being made. Work from the outside in regarding cutlery if you have a multiple-course meal and place your knife and fork together on the plate when finished.

America is a healthy country in general and there are no specific health risks or inoculations to be aware of, apart from making sure you have updated polio and tetanus jabs. Standards of food hygiene in Atlanta are good and the tap water is safe to drink. Medical facilities in Atlanta are very good, with top quality hospitals and clinics on hand. Medical treatment can however be vastly expensive as with everywhere else in the United States.

Visitors from other countries should check whether they are covered by their medical policy in the United States. If not, it’s wise to get some travel insurance to cover any unexpected hospital costs. If you simply feel ill, there are pharmacies located all over the city, many of which are open 24 hours.

Piedmont Hospital
Tel: +1 404-605-5000

Emergency services: 911

English is the official language and you will find that it may be difficult to navigate the city if you are not able to communicate well in English.

Atlanta’s tourist information centre, the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau, is located at 233 Peachtree Street Northeast. You can contact them by calling: +1 404 521 6600.

European Union nationals need to fill out a form requesting a visa at least 72 hours before they plan to travel to the US. You may need to show evidence of funds and an onward ticket. Canadians also require a passport to enter the US.