Memphis, Tennessee Destination Guide

Overview of Memphis The largest city in Tennessee, most associate Memphis with the legendary king of rock n' roll Elvis Presley. Hundreds of thousands of visitors make a pilgrimage to Graceland, the mansion where he lived and died. The city has had its hand in the shaping of modern musical forms like blues and soul too. Music fans from all over the world stroll down legendary Beale Street in the downtown area, happy to be walking in the footsteps of the blues and soul heroes. Aside from touring Graceland there are several other music-related attractions, and a whole lot of other things to see and do in Memphis. The nightlife is world-renowned and the cuisine, particularly barbecue, is irresistible. And there are also some fascinating museums, beautiful gardens, Mississippi river boats, amusement parks and quirky cultural and natural sights to explore.

Key Facts

Language: English is the most common language spoken but Spanish is often heard in the south-western states. Passport/Visa: It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Visa is required for short visits unless travelers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program. The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need to register online three days before travel and have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources. Currency: The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm. Electricity: Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Plugs are mainly the type with two flat pins, though three-pin plugs (two flat parallel pins and a rounded pin) are also widely used. European appliances without dual-voltage capabilities will require an adapter.

Travel guide by wordtravels.com © Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Travmarket cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Event details can change. Please check with the organizers that an event is happening before making travel arrangements. We cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.

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Travel to Memphis Climate for Memphis Memphis has a humid subtropical climate, and experiences four distinct seasons with cold winters and hot summers. Spring and autumn can be varied and unpredictable and severe weather, like thunderstorms and strong winds, is possible during these transitory seasons. Summers are very humid thanks to moisture encroaching from the Gulf of Mexico, and while the temperature rarely reaches great heights; it tends to feel hotter than it is. Summer temperatures average between 70°F (21°C) and 92°F (33°C). Winters, by contrast, can be fairly cold with temperatures averaging between 32°F (0°C) and 52°F (11°C). Memphis averages 3.8 inches (9.7cm) of snow a year. There is plenty of rain to keep the region green, most falling in thunderstorms.

Health Notes when travelling to United States of America There are no specific health risks associated with travel within the USA. Medical facilities are excellent, but expensive. Only emergencies are treated without prior payment and treatment can be refused without evidence of insurance or proof of funds. Good medical insurance is essential. Safety Notes when travelling to United States of America Travel within the United States is generally trouble-free, however, travellers should be aware that the US shares with the rest of the world, an increased threat from terrorist incidents. Security has been heightened, particularly at airports. Restrictions on hand luggage apply and travellers are advised to check on the latest situation with airlines in advance. Travellers should also be alert to the dangers of car and street crime in cities and should use common sense and take basic precautions. Hurricanes are common between June and November, putting the southern USA, including the Gulf Coast and the eastern US at risk. There is a risk of wildfires in many dry areas in the US, particularly on the West Coast from March to November. Customs in United States of America Laws vary from state to state, including speed limit, fines and punishment. The age at which you may legally buy and consume alcohol is 21 years. Duty Free in United States of America Travellers to the United States who are returning residents of the country do not have to pay duty on articles purchased abroad to the value of $800 provided their stay was longer than 48 hours and their duty-free allowance was not used in the 30-day period prior. For passengers arriving from Samoa, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, a duty-free allowance of $1,600 is allowed. The following items are included in this: 50 cigarettes and 10 cigars and 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages or 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of perfume containing alcohol. Restrictions may apply to goods from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Burma (Myanmar), Angola, Liberia and Sudan. It is prohibited to import Cuban cigars from any country. Travellers to the United States who are non-residents do not have to pay duty on the following items: 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes and gifts to the value of $100 provided their stay in the USA is not less than 72 hours and that the allowance has not been used in the preceding six-month period. Prohibited items for residents and non-residents include meat or meat products, poultry, narcotics, absinthe, plants, seeds, vegetables, fruits, soil, live insects and other living plants or animal pests. Fish is prohibited unless it carries disease-free certification. Wildlife and animals or their by-products carry restrictions. Dairy products and eggs from specified countries are not allowed. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed without the necessary license and permit.

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Doing Business in United States of America In such a large country, filled with so many diverse groups, business practices may differ according to each state, however rarely to any large degree. The East Coast is traditionally more formal than the West Coast, however in states such as California dress code and conservative appearance are as common as they would be in New York. Punctuality is important throughout the country and it is considered rude to be late for a meeting. Gift-giving is uncommon as it may be construed as bribery. Appropriate titles (Mr, Mrs, Ms) are used upon introduction and until otherwise stated. Americans favour politeness and greetings of 'Hello' and 'How are you?' are often expressed with sincerity. Business hours may vary in each state, but an 8am start and 5pm finish Monday to Friday is the most common with an hour over lunch. Status and age are not necessarily indicative of seniority, nor do they carry much weight in themselves. Those doing business in the States should be mindful of this fact; never make assumptions about someone's position or rank. Best practice is to be respectful to all parties. That said, the US upholds a hierarchal business structure, in which 'the boss' is the ultimate decision-maker. Senior leaders have the power of the last word, and can go against the grain just as easily as they can follow popular opinion. Concentrate on winning over this individual, even if the greater group seems unsupportive. Americans value a direct style of communication. In this fast-paced, consumer culture 'time is money', and small-talk is viewed as unnecessary and wasteful. Get to the point quickly, speak about issues in a frank and open manner, and don't take offence if someone questions or challenges you outright. Communication in United States of America The international country dialling code for the United States is +1. Mobile networks cover most of the country, especially all urban areas, and wifi is widely available. Tipping in United States of America A 15 percent tip is expected by taxi drivers, bartenders, hairdressers and waiters, but don't tip in fast-food or self-service restaurants. In expensive restaurants or for large parties, tip 20 percent of the bill. It is normal to tip staff such as valets and porters in hotels; this is discretionary, although a minimum of $5 is expected. Most services are customarily tipped if the service is good. Passport/Visa Note It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Visa is required for short visits unless travelers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program. The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need to register online three days before travel and have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

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Entry Requirements Entry requirements for Canadians: The most important requirement on entering the U.S. is providing proof of Canadian citizenship. A valid Canadian passport is the best document to prove Canadian citizenship and the right to return to Canada. However, several other documents can serve, depending on the mode of transport. Generally, Canadian citizens do not require visitor, business, transit or other visas to enter the United States from Canada, though there are some exceptions.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay. Most passport holders can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) through the Visa Waiver Programme, which allows travel to the US for up to 90 days. The VWP includes tourism, certain types of business visit and transit to another country.

Entry requirements for Australians: Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. If visiting the US for fewer than 90 days, Australian nationals may be eligible to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), and enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Passports must be valid for duration of stay. Irish nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders: Passports must be valid for duration of stay. New Zealand nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans must hold a passport valid for duration of stay. A visa is required.

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Getting around in Memphis, Tennessee Public transport is not very reliable in Memphis and the most efficient way to cover the sprawling city is by renting a car, although you may find traffic congestion on major roads. The city is simple to navigate and parking is generally easy to find. To hire a car, drivers must be 21 years old, with most agencies having higher rates for under-25s. Some require an International Driving Permit as well as a valid driver's license. Public transport is available, consisting of slow and infrequent buses. But there are also shuttle buses that operate around the main attractions in the city centre, which visitors may find more convenient. The famous vintage electric trolleys are a popular way for tourists to get around the city while taxis, Uber and Lyft all operate in the area.

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Attractions in Memphis, Tennessee Memphis is synonymous with music, with tourists making the trip to visit this melting pot of talent which gave so much to the blues and rock n' roll genres. Music lovers will find every bit of this colourful city memorable, with heroes including Johnny Cash and the king himself Elvis Presley, and the significance of Beale Street. Indeed, the most popular attraction in Memphis would be Graceland, the mansion belonging to Elvis. It's the second-most visited house in the United States, with thousands of fans passing through its doors throughout the year. Other favourites would be the Memphis Rock n' Soul Museum, a unique interactive museum detailing the history of rock and soul in America, along with the Stax Museum of American Soul Music that pays homage to the legendary artists recorded at the original Stax Records like Ottis Redding, Wilson Pickett and Elvis Presley. For those who are interested in more than just the music scene, the Memphis Botanic Gardens are a wonderful outdoors experience and can be enjoyed any time of year. Mud Island in the Mississippi River is great fun for the whole family, and Memphis Zoo is one of only a handful in the US that houses giant pandas.

Graceland Once the home of the King of Rock and Roll himself, Elvis Presley, Graceland is the second-most visited house in the United States after the White House. Thousands descend on Memphis to tour the icon's house and grounds, paying respects at his grave. Kept as close as possible to how it was then Elvis lived there, visitors can go on audio-guided tours of the home and trophy building. Guests are also privy to his massive collection of cars, including his renowned 1055 pink Cadillac, and two private jets. Along with general memorabilia and history, guests at Graceland can also order some 1950s and 1960s diner-style food, including the king's infamous deep-fried peanut butter, banana and bacon sandwich. Website: www.graceland.com

Sun Studio Sun Studio is enshrined in musical folklore for launching legends like Elvis, Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison on the road to stardom. Visitors to Sun Studio are privy to a great deal of memorabilia, rare outtakes from recording sessions and can even touch Elvis' first microphone. It still hosts live sessions and recordings with current artists, while for peckish customers there's always the Sun Studio Café, a 50s-style diner and still a favourite musician hangout. Free shuttles are on hand to transport visitors to and from either Graceland or the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Website: www.sunstudio.com

Memphis Rock n' Soul Museum Put together by the Smithsonian Institution, the Memphis Rock n' Soul Museum is a collection of rare recordings, vintage films and interactive exhibits celebrating American musical pioneers. The building is located on the corner of the legendary Highway 61 and equally famous Beale Street, home of urban jazz and blues. From gospel to blues and rock, the museum displays memorabilia from performers such as Ike Turner's piano, B.B. King's guitar and some of Elvis's outfits. Each of its seven galleries has a specific focus, ranging from rural culture and music to the influential Sun Records. The Bravo Gallery focuses on the performers and industry players who contributed to a successful civil rights movement. Website: www.memphisrocknsoul.org

Pink Palace Museum The Pink Palace Museum is devoted to culture and natural history. Visitors can also explore dioramas, exhibits and audio-visual displays tracing Memphis' past from the arrival of the Spanish explorers through to the Civil War and yellow fever epidemics. An award-winning medical exhibit highlights the city's development into a healthcare centre for the United States, while dinosaurs, fossils and medical history also feature. There's a planetarium at the Pink Palace, as well as an Imax theatre, nature centre and science centre. Nearby are two further houses of historical interest - the Magevney House, an 1830s clapboard house built by Irish immigrants, and the Mallory-Neely House, a 25-room abode built in 1852. Both still have their original furnishings. Website: www.memphismuseums.org

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Mud Island River Park Mud Island on the Mississippi offers fascinating insight into the famous river with a series of immersive and informative attractions. The Mississippi River Museum focuses on the history of the Mississippi, as well as the engineering, discovery and settlement of the river and its banks. There's also a display of the Memphis Belle, a famous B-17 bomber from World War II. But the highlight is the River Walk, five blocks long and representing a journey of 1,000 miles (1,609km) from Illinois to Louisiana, ending in a scaled down Gulf of Mexico. Visitors can rent paddle boats, canoes and kayaks, as well as mountain bikes, for exploring. Website: www.mudisland.com

Memphis Botanic Garden The delightful Memphis Botanic Gardens are found on a 96 acre (39 ha) site at Audubon Park. Each of 26 gardens are designed according to themes or species, ranging from the Japanese Garden of Tranquillity to the magnificent Municipal Rose Garden. Favourites include a children's garden, the Sensory Garden designed to be enjoyed by the disabled and the Iris Garden, at its best in April and May. There are also popular events such as the weekly farmers markets on Wednesdays from April to October, while there are evenings of wine tastings on Tuesdays from February to October. Three annual plant sales are hosted by the gardens, with proceeds going to various educational and horticultural programs. There are also live concerts in summer, perfect for picnics. Website: www.memphisbotanicgarden.com

Stax Museum of American Soul Music The Stax Museum of American Soul Music details the history of the most successful soul music studio in history. Continuing the legacy of Stax Records, the museum pays tribute to all the artists who recorded there, including the likes of Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding and the Staple Singers. There's a rare and astonishing collection of two thousand interactive exhibits, films and artefacts, as well as general memorabilia and galleries. The museum also gives nods to other influential labels in the genre like Motown, Hi and Atlantic, with giants like Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles and the Jackson Five receiving praise despite not being part of the Stax stables. It's also important to realise Stax as a cultural phenomenon, starting out at a time when segregation will still a grim reality in the United States. Website: www.staxmuseum.com

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Events in Memphis, Tennessee Memphis in May Saturday May 01, 2021 to Monday May 31, 2021 (Various events annually in May) Where: Various The Memphis in May Festival is designed to not only highlight the charms of Tennessee, but also that of a different guest country each year. The Barbecue Contest is the first of the big three events happening in May, with grill demonstrations, tours through teams' barbecue spaces and tasty sampling at BBQ Alley. Next up will be the Beale Street Music Festival, delivering an outrageous party over four stages and hosting Cajun music acts along the mighty Mississippi. Lastly, more sporty travellers will no doubt delight in the Great American River Run, with both a 3 mile (5km) and 6 mile (10km) route cutting through the crisp and chilly autumn air. www.memphisinmay.org Elvis Week Saturday August 08, 2020 to Sunday August 16, 2020 (8-16 August) Where: Graceland mansion, Elvis Presley Boulevard Former home of rock and roll legend Elvis Presley, Graceland in Memphis is one of the most famous and most visited tourist attractions in the United States. Each year on the anniversary of his death, thousands upon thousands of avid fans flock to Graceland for a week of scheduled events, like the Candlelight Vigil, a 1950s style dance party and a fun run in aid of charity. Special guests like former band members, co-stars and bodyguards conduct talks about the King, with topics ranging from his films to his relationship with gospel music. A contest for the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Performer runs throughout the week, on top of live music and special movie screenings. www.elvisweek.com

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Nightlife in Memphis, Tennessee

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Shopping in Memphis, Tennessee

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Dining in Memphis, Tennessee

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Airports in Memphis Memphis International (MEM) Memphis International Airport www.flymemphis.com Location: Memphis The airport is situated seven miles (11km) southeast from Memphis. Time: GMT -6 (GMT -5 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November). Contacts: Tel: +1 901 922 8000 or [email protected] Transfer between terminals: The terminals are connected by walkways and are within easy walking distance of one another. Getting to the city: Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) public buses leave regularly for the city centre from a bus station near Terminal C, and there are also services to many out-of-town destinations. Taxis are available outside the terminal buildings. Some hotels provide shuttle services and some shuttle companies serve the wider area. Car rental companies are represented at the airport. Uber and Lyf operate at the airport, pickup areas are located outside the terminals. Car rental: Rental car agencies are located in the Ground Transportation Center, on the lower level of Terminal B. Car rental companies represented at the airport include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, National, Enterprise, and Thrifty. Airport Taxis: Taxis are available outside the Terminal B baggage claim area on the ground level between 6am and one hour after the last flight of the day. Approved taxi companies include Dynasty Transportation, Premier Transportation, SFAX, and True Concierge. Facilities: There are numerous restaurants, bars and cafes and a variety of shops, including an Elvis gift shop, shoeshine services, book stores, and a meditation centre. 24-hour ATMs are located in ticketing levels of Terminal B. Disabled facilities at the airport are good; those with special needs should contact their airline in advance. Parking: Parking at Memphis International Airport is free for the first 30 minutes. Short-term parking is $2 for the first hour, and $1 every 30 minutes thereafter up to $24 per day. Long-term parking has a similar pricing structure, with a $15 daily rate. Economy parking is $1 for the first 90 minutes, and $6 per day.

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Currency The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.

Exchange rate for 1 USD - U.S. Dollar 1.00 BMD 0.90 EUR 0.69 GBP 108.90 JPY 1.31 CAD 0.99 CHF Bermudan Dollar Euro U.K. Pound Sterling Japanese Yen Canadian Dollar Swiss Franc 1.38 AUD 25.11 UAH 337.71 KZT 1,505.84 LBP 0.71 LYD 6.86 BOB Australian Dollar Ukrainian Hryvnia Kazakhstani Tenge Lebanese Pound Libyan Dinar Bolivian Boliviano 107.88 NPR 0.38 OMR 3.64 QAR 1.38 SGD 8.29 SEK 6.63 TTD Nepalese Rupee Omani Rial Qatari Rial Singapore Dollar Swedish Krona Trinidad Tobago Dollar 9.98 VEF 45.83 DOP 6.72 HRK 18.63 MXN 586.30 XOF 3.16 PGK Venezuelan Bolivar Dominican Peso Croatian Kuna Mexican Peso West African CFA Franc Papua New Guinean kina 1.00 BSD 2.11 FJD 22.64 HNL 110.53 DZD 1,191.31 MMK 11.19 BWP Bahamian Dollar Fiji Dollar Honduran Lempira Algerian Dinar Myanma Kyat Botswana Pula 3.37 PEN 693.53 CLP 478.10 AMD 24.17 CZK 19.98 MDL 124.29 ISK Peruvian Nuevo Sol Chilean Peso Armenia Dram Czech Koruna Moldova Lei Icelandic Krona 2,938.75 UZS 3.85 ILS 0.71 JOD 0.30 KWD 31.35 UYU 35.52 MUR Uzbekistan Sum Israeli New Sheqel Jordanian Dinar Kuwaiti Dinar Uruguayan Peso Mauritian Rupee 28.51 NIO 8.34 NOK 3.92 PLN 3.75 SAR 146.02 LKR 35.62 THB Nicaraguan Córdoba Norwegian Krone Polish Zloty Saudi Riyal Sri Lanka Rupee Thai Baht 3.67 AED 3.59 BRL 4.05 RON 7.77 HKD 587.63 XAF 22,474.70 VND U.A.E Dirham Brazilian Real Romanian New Leu Hong Kong Dollar Central African CFA Franc Vietnamese Dong 13.95 ARS 2.70 XCD 7.83 GTQ 9.77 MAD 0.38 BHD 1.00 PAB Argentine Peso East Caribbean Dollar Guatemalan Quetzal Moroccan Dirham Bahrain Dinar Panamanian Balboa 1.50 AZN 3,117.81 COP 68.30 KGS 279.76 HUF 7.87 TJS 13,683.10 IDR Azerbaijan Manat Colombian Peso Kyrgyzstan Som Hungarian Forint Tajikistan Ruble Indonesian Rupiah 8.88 EGP 1,191.10 KRW 5,669.42 PYG 4.16 MYR 538.75 CRC 1.47 NZD Egyptian Pound South Korean Won Paraguayan Guaraní Malaysian Ringgit Costa Rican Colón New Zealand Dollar 104.74 PKR 66.80 RUB 15.60 ZAR 2.12 TND 2.00 BBD 1.75 BGN Pakistani Rupee Russian Rouble South African Rand Tunisian Dinar Barbadian Dollar Bulgarian Lev 2.95 TRY 46.62 PHP 32.62 TWD 196.50 NGN 107.15 XPF 3.91 GHS Turkish Lira Philippine Peso New Taiwan Dollar Nigerian Naira CFP Franc Ghanaian Cedi 124.92 JMD 1.80 ANG 1.38 BND 110.56 RSD 6.58 CNY 19,898.50 BYR Jamaican Dollar Neth. Antillean Guilder Brunei Dollar Serbian Dinar Chinese Yuan Belarussian Ruble 6.65 DKK 3.44 TMT 67.26 INR

Danish Krone New Turkmenistan Manat Indian Rupee

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