Banks: 09:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 08:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
Government Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday; large stores and malls usually open from 10:00 to 21:00

Memphis is by no means the most dangerous city in the US, but it does have something of a reputation for crime so visitors are advised to keep their wits about them at all times. Peabody Place and the roads running off Beale Street are commonly frequented by beggars who solicit people for money, so try to avoid straying into these areas and keep walking if approached by any unsavoury characters. Keep cash and valuable items well hidden and in secure places about your person.

120V, 60Hz; flat two-pin plugs are standard.

There are no obvious risks to health in Memphis and no need for any vaccinations prior to a visit or concern over hygiene issues in public establishments during your stay. If you are unfortunate enough to require medical treatment in the course of your holiday, then you’ll find a high standard of health care on offer at the city’s hospitals. There are no provisions made for free medical care, emergency or otherwise, so all visitors will need holiday insurance with medical cover to avoid being faced with expensive hospital bills.

Memphis Baptist Memorial Hospital: +1 901 226 5000
Emergency services: 911

English is the official language of the US and is spoken by the vast majority of Memphis residents.

The US dollar is the only currency accepted in Memphis, with US$1 equal to 100 cents.

If visitors are nationals of countries other than the US and are at least 21 years old, they are permitted to bring the following into the country without incurring duty payments: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or two kilograms of loose tobacco and gifts and other items not exceeding US$100 in combined value.

Minding your manners in Memphis is straightforward and there are few opportunities for visitors to unwittingly insult the locals or make serious cultural faux pas. Punctuality is essential for business and dinner appointments and formal dress is considered appropriate attire in both situations. Table manners are continental in both restaurants and private abodes.

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.

The Memphis Visitor Information Center is located at 340 Beale Street and can be contacted on: +1 901 543 5333.