Business Offices: 08:30 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Banks: 09:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 09:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 10:00 to 21:00, daily
Museums: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday
Nashville is a relatively safe place to visit and few tourists experience any problems, but there are still some things to be noted. As with many places, there is a possibility of pickpockets operating in busy tourist areas, so always make sure you keep your belongings close by and don’t go out with things that you don’t need.
If you hire a car, ensure that you keep the car locked and don’t leave any valuables unattended inside. Visitors should take care during the rainy season, especially if driving as the storms and rains can be severe, causing flash flooding. Listen to local weather announcements if you visit during the rainy season.
The currency used is the US Dollar (US$). One dollar is equivalent to 100 cents. Notes come in denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of US$1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.
Most major credit cards are generally accepted throughout Nashville and it is especially useful to carry a credit card for checking in to hotels and for car hire. Some of the smaller establishments may not take cards so it is always advisable to carry some cash as well.
It is best to exchange your currency at the airport on arrival, as hotels will rarely exchange currency and some smaller banks will not exchange foreign currency.
There are plenty of ATMs in Nashville so withdrawing cash should be no problem with an internationally recognised bankcard. There are money-wiring services available in the city, but the fees for these can be extremely high.
If you arrive from outside the USA, you will have to complete a customs declaration form. No agricultural products or fresh food items are allowed to be brought into the country, likewise items from North Korea, Cambodia, Libya and Cuba. Duty free allowances are: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars and one litre of spirits.
110V AC Two-pin plugs are standard.
The southern states of the USA are famous for their hospitality and people are generally very friendly towards visitors. Tourists from the UK are unlikely to find huge differences in social etiquette in the USA generally. Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting acquaintances, although in Tennessee the atmosphere is usually informal. Americans are well known for their openness even with newcomers.
If you are invited to someone’s home a gift will be appreciated, as it would be anywhere in the world. Smoking is becoming an increasingly volatile topic and many places have become non-smoking. If you are not sure you should check, as lighting up in a non-smoking area will quickly make you unpopular.
Religion is important to many people in Tennessee and 82 per cent of the people are Christians, 39 per cent of which are Baptists. You should be respectful of people’s religious beliefs at all times to ensure you don’t offend.
There are no specific health risks for travel to Nashville, the tap water is safe to drink and generally food preparation in the city has a high standard of hygiene.
If you should require any medical treatment while on holiday in Nashville, there are plenty of good medical facilities available. Any treatment, emergency or otherwise, will be charged for so it is a good idea to take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy before you travel.
Nashville Baptist Hospital: +1 615 329 5555
Emergency services: 911
English is spoken throughout the city.
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.
Nashville has a visitor information centre located at the Gaylord Entertainment Center, on the corner of Fifth and Broadway, opening hours are 08:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday. They can be contacted on +1 615 259 4747 or visit their website at www.musiccityusa.com.
