ABOUT GEORGIA, USA

Georgia is a state known for its Southern hospitality, scenic landscapes, and rich cultural history. Located in the southeastern United States, it stretches from the Appalachian Mountains in the north to the Atlantic coast in the southeast, offering a diverse mix of natural beauty and vibrant cities. From the fast-paced energy of Atlanta to the charming, historic streets of Savannah, Georgia has something for every type of traveler.

Motorsport fans are especially drawn to Georgia thanks to Atlanta Motor Speedway, one of NASCAR’s premier venues, located just south of Atlanta in the town of Hampton. But beyond the roar of race cars, the state offers plenty of attractions for visitors. History lovers can explore Civil War battlefields, antebellum architecture, and the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr., while outdoor enthusiasts can hike the Appalachian Trail, kayak on Lake Lanier, or enjoy the mountain views of North Georgia.

Atlanta, Georgia’s capital and largest city, is a bustling metropolitan hub filled with cultural landmarks like the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. The city is also home to a thriving food and music scene, professional sports teams in every major league, and a growing film industry that’s earned it the nickname “Hollywood of the South.”

On the coast, Savannah offers a completely different vibe. With its cobblestone streets, moss-draped oaks, and antebellum charm, it’s one of the most picturesque cities in America. Tybee Island nearby gives visitors a relaxing beach escape, while other destinations like Augusta and Macon offer deep musical and cultural roots.

Georgia’s climate is typically mild in the winter and hot in the summer, making it a year-round destination. Whether you’re attending a major NASCAR race, exploring the mountains, or relaxing in a historic coastal town, Georgia blends tradition, natural beauty, and modern energy in a way that few states can match.

Entry into the USA

As a U.S. state, Georgia 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 Georgia, 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

Georgia 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

Major mobile carriers in the U.S. offer extensive coverage across the country, including Georgia, making it easy to stay connected whether you're visiting the beaches, exploring theme parks, or attending a NASCAR race. The top mobile providers in Georgia are:

AT&T
Known for its nationwide coverage, AT&T offers both prepaid and postpaid plans with excellent service across Georgia, including urban areas like Atlanta, as well as more remote locations. Its 5G network is expanding rapidly, providing fast speeds in many regions of the state. 

Verizon Wireless
Verizon is famous for its reliable network, making it a popular choice for travelers and locals in Georgia. Known for its wide coverage, it is especially strong in both urban and rural areas across the state. Verizon also offers flexible plans, including unlimited data options, and its 5G Ultra Wideband coverage is growing, providing high-speed service in major Georgia cities like Atlanta.

T-Mobile
T-Mobile is gaining ground with competitive pricing and excellent international roaming options, which is great for tourists visiting Georgia from abroad. Known for its affordable plans and unlimited data options, T-Mobile also provides strong coverage across much of Georgia, especially in areas like Atlanta. T-Mobile has been expanding its 5G network, offering high-speed internet in many parts of the state.

For visitors, eSIM apps like Airalo can be an efficient way to access mobile data.

Important telephone numbers

First of all, keep in mind that you should dial +1 before any of the numbers below if calling internationally. Below are some important telephone numbers for the Quaker State 400 event at Atlanta Motor Speedway, as well as general emergency contacts in the Hampton, Georgia area:

Emergency Services: 911 (police, fire, and medical)
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport: +1 800-897-1910
Piedmont Henry Hospital (Stockbridge, GA): +1 678-604-1000
Hampton Police Department (non-emergency): +1 770-946-4513
Henry County Sheriff’s Office (non-emergency): +1 770-288-7100

Interesting facts about Georgia

Here are 12 interesting facts about Georgia that highlight the state's unique features, culture, and history:

Birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr.
Civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1929. His childhood home and church are now part of a National Historic Site.

Georgia was one of the original 13 colonies.
Founded in 1732, Georgia was the last of the 13 colonies established and was named after King George II of Great Britain.

The Peach State
Georgia is famously nicknamed "The Peach State," though it actually ranks behind California and South Carolina in peach production. Still, peaches remain an iconic symbol of Georgia.

Atlanta hosted the 1996 Summer Olympics.
The capital city of Georgia welcomed the world in 1996, becoming only the fourth U.S. city to host the Summer Games.

Coca-Cola was invented in Atlanta.
The world-famous soft drink was created in 1886 by Dr. John S. Pemberton in Atlanta. Today, you can visit the World of Coca-Cola museum in the city.

Home to the world's busiest airport
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is consistently ranked as the world’s busiest airport by passenger numbers.

Diverse geography
From the Appalachian Mountains in the north to coastal plains in the south, Georgia offers a wide variety of landscapes and ecosystems.

Savannah is a historic treasure
Founded in 1733, Savannah is known for its charming cobblestone streets, antebellum architecture, and one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the U.S.

Stone Mountain is the largest bas-relief in the world.
This massive granite outcrop features a huge carving of Confederate leaders and is a popular tourist destination just outside Atlanta.

Georgia produces a lot of peanuts.
The state is one of the top producers of peanuts in the U.S., and it’s also the home state of peanut farmer-turned-president Jimmy Carter.

Okefenokee Swamp is a natural wonder.
One of the largest and most well-preserved freshwater ecosystems in the country, the Okefenokee Swamp spans over 400,000 acres in southern Georgia.

Home to several top universities
Institutions like the University of Georgia (the first state-chartered university in the U.S.), Georgia Tech, and Emory University make the state a hub for education and research.