ABOUT NEW HAMPSHIRE

New Hampshire is famous for its four distinct seasons, charming small towns, and diverse natural scenery. Nestled in the heart of New England, the state offers rugged mountains, sparkling lakes, and a short but picturesque stretch of Atlantic coastline. From the scenic byways of the White Mountains to the relaxed lake towns around Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire has something for every kind of traveller.

It’s also a hub for outdoor adventure, with hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and water sports drawing visitors year-round. In winter, resorts like Mount Washington and Loon Mountain are popular with skiers, while summer brings hiking along the Appalachian Trail, boating, and camping. Autumn is a highlight too, as the state becomes one of the best places in the U.S. to experience vibrant fall foliage.

History lovers can explore colonial towns and historic sites, from the old mills of Manchester to the seaport charm of Portsmouth. The state capital, Concord, offers museums and cultural attractions, while nearby Boston, Massachusetts, just over the border, makes an easy day trip for those wanting big-city experiences.

Food lovers will enjoy local favourites such as maple syrup, cider doughnuts, fresh seafood from the Atlantic coast, and hearty New England fare. Festivals, craft fairs, and farmers’ markets bring local culture to life, while NASCAR at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon adds a shot of high-octane energy each summer.

Whether you’re chasing thrills, enjoying the outdoors, diving into history, or simply relaxing with a view of the mountains, New Hampshire delivers unforgettable experiences in every season.

Quick snapshot

• Population: Around 1.4 million residents (2023), making it one of the smaller U.S. states by population
• Geographic size: Covering about 9,349 square miles (24,214 km²), New Hampshire is the 5th smallest U.S. state, but it offers a rich variety of landscapes
• State capital: Concord, located in the central part of the state, serves as New Hampshire’s political and cultural centre.

Entry into the USA

As one of the United States, New Hampshire follows the same national entry requirements. The rules you need to meet will depend on your citizenship and the reason for your visit. Below is a general overview:

• Visa Requirements: travelers from countries in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) may stay in the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa, provided the visit is for tourism or business. Citizens of other countries generally need to apply for 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

In New Hampshire, as in every U.S. state, the official currency is the United States Dollar (USD), represented by the “$” symbol and divided into 100 cents. Issued by the Federal Reserve, the dollar is among the most commonly used currencies worldwide in both trade and finance. Exchange rates fluctuate, but typically 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

Like the rest of the United States, New Hampshire uses the NEMA 5-15 plug type, which features two flat parallel slots and a round grounding pin. The electrical supply runs on 120 volts at 60 hertz, so travellers from regions with different standards may need an adapter or converter.

Mobile services

Staying connected while exploring New Hampshire is simple thanks to the wide coverage of the major U.S. mobile carriers. Whether you’re camping near New Hampshire Motor Speedway, hiking in the White Mountains, or relaxing by Lake Winnipesaukee, the leading providers offer reliable service across most of the state.

AT&T
AT&T delivers strong nationwide coverage, and in New Hampshire, it performs well in cities like Concord, Manchester, and Portsmouth, as well as many rural areas. The carrier offers both prepaid and postpaid plans, with an expanding 5G network for fast, dependable service.

Verizon Wireless
Often considered the most reliable network in the U.S., Verizon is a top choice for both locals and visitors. Coverage is excellent in both urban and rural areas of New Hampshire, including more remote regions near the Lakes Region and White Mountains. Verizon also provides a rapidly growing 5G Ultra Wideband service in key parts of the state.

T-Mobile
T-Mobile has grown in popularity thanks to competitive pricing and strong international options, making it attractive for overseas travellers. Coverage in New Hampshire is solid around major towns and highways, with steadily improving 5G service that now reaches much of the state.

For short-term visitors, eSIM apps like Airalo offer a convenient way to access mobile data without needing a physical SIM card.

Key contact numbers

When calling the United States from abroad, always dial the country code +1 before the local number. For visitors heading to the USA Today 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and staying in the Loudon area, the following numbers may be useful:

• Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Medical): 911
• New Hampshire Motor Speedway (General Info): +1 603-783-4931
• Manchester-Boston Regional Airport: +1 603-624-6539

Fun facts about New Hampshire

New Hampshire is more than mountains and lakes – it’s a state full of surprises. Here are interesting facts that showcase what makes New Hampshire truly unique:

• First State to declare independence: Months before the Declaration of Independence, New Hampshire was the first colony to establish its own constitution in 1776.
• The Granite State: New Hampshire’s nickname comes from its massive granite formations and quarries, which were vital to construction in early America.
• Home to the White Mountains: The White Mountains are famous for their rugged beauty and once held the record for the world’s fastest wind gust, measured on Mount Washington at 231 mph in 1934.
• No state income or sales tax: Unlike most U.S. states, New Hampshire doesn’t charge a general income or sales tax, making it popular for shopping trips.
• Scenic Fall Foliage: Every autumn, tourists flock to New Hampshire to see the brilliant red, orange, and gold leaves–some of the best fall colors in the country.
• Small but mighty: New Hampshire is the 5th smallest U.S. state by area, yet it offers mountains, lakes, forests, and even a short stretch of Atlantic coastline.
• First-in-the-Nation Primary: New Hampshire plays a key role in U.S. politics by holding the first presidential primary every election cycle.
• Motorsport tradition: New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, known as “The Magic Mile,” is the only NASCAR Cup Series track in New England and one of the state’s biggest annual sporting attractions.