Language
Tennessee people speak English with a discernable Southern twang. The locals tend to speak slowly and deliberately, considering quick brusque speaking to be a bit rude.
Currency
The currency used in Tennessee is the US dollar (US$). Banknotes come in denominations of US$1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100. There are 100 cents in US$1, with coins in denominations of 1, 5, 10, and 25 cents. You can exchange foreign money at most larger bank branches in all the tourist towns like Memphis, Nashville, and Pigeon Forge. Credit cards are readily accepted in the tourist towns, but cash is preferred in the rural areas. ATMs that take international cash cards are easiest to find in the big cities.
Time
Western Tennessee (Memphis) is in the Central Time Zone (GMT -6, GMT -5 between March 12 and November 4 during daylight savings), while the eastern end, where Nashville is located, is in the Eastern Time Zone (GMT -5, GMT -4 between March 12 and November 4 during daylight savings).
Electricity
Tennessee uses electricity at 110-120 Volts, 60 Hertz. Flat, two-prong plugs are the norm, so it is recommended that you bring along a universal plug adapter.
Communications
The dialing code for the United States is +1. Tennessee uses six area codes: 423 (Chattanooga), 615 (Nashville), 865, (Knoxville), 901 (Memphis), and 931 (Clarksville). Mobile phone coverage is good near any town, but fades out in the remote mountain areas. Wi-Fi internet hot spots are common in the big cities and tourist towns like Gatlinburg, particularly at coffee shops and in hotel lobbies.
Duty-free
Every person arriving in the United States over 18 years of age may carry one liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes (or 50 non-Cuban cigars or two kilograms of tobacco), and gifts valued at US$400 without paying duty tax.
Tourist Office
Tennessee Department or Tourist Development, 312 8th Avenue North, 25th floor, Nashville, TN 37243: +1-615-741-9010 or http://www.tnvacation.com/.
Consulates in Tennessee
Canadian Consulate General, Atlanta: +1-404-532-2000 German Consulate General, Atlanta: +1-404-659-4760 Netherlands Consulate General, Chicago: +1-877-388-2443 French Consulate General, Atlanta: +1-404-495-1660 Australian Consulate General, Washington, DC: +1-202-797-3008 British Consulate General, Atlanta: +1-404-954-7700
Emergency
Emergency services: 911