New Hampshire

Overview of New Hampshire

Located in the northeastern corner of the United States, New Hampshire is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. Known as the 'Mother of Rivers', the five great streams of New England originate in its hills, most notably the 410-mile (670km) Connecticut River, which begins at New Hampshire's Connecticut Lakes and flows south into Connecticut.

Bordered by the Canadian province of Quebec to the north and northwest, Maine and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Massachusetts to the south, and Vermont to the west. With all this, life in New Hampshire is a permanent vacation, drawing visitors from the surrounding states for a week at the coast or a mountain trekking experience.

Its highest peak of 6,288 feet (1,918m), Mount Washington has claimed many lives over the years with its strong winds and freezing temperatures, some of the worst recorded in the continental United States. Mount Monadnock in the south, with its bare rock summit, mild weather, and 40 miles (65km) of foot trails is a popular alternative and is rated as the second most climbed mountain in the world.

New Hampshire shines as a travel destination as the weather begins to turn cold. The fall foliage motivates many big-city dwellers from Boston and New York City take a weekend drive to New Hampshire come autumn to enjoy the spectacular colours. Skiing in New Hampshire is a popular winter activity, and resorts like Attitash, Waterville Valley, and Ragged Mountain cater for skiers of all skill levels.From camping and climbing, to swimming and fishing, the list of possible activities in the 'granite state' is endless.

Not to be forgotten are its captivating cities. Recently named as one of the 'Dozen Distinctive Destinations of 2008' by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Portsmouth was celebrated for its striking coastal beauty, historic buildings, and lively downtown. Manchester, a historical mill town, has a number of museums, restaurants, and galleries, and the most active nightlife in New Hampshire.

map of New Hampshire


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 to New Hampshire

Climate

New Hampshire experiences warm, humid summers and cold, wet winters with relative precipitation all year round. The weather close to the sea is milder and wetter than the interior, which encounters lower humidity and cooler temperatures. Winters are snowy throughout New Hampshire, particularly in the mountainous areas. The state is intermittently affected by hurricanes and tropical storms.

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.

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.

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.

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

1 EUR = 1.12 USD

Exchange Rate for
Canadian Dollar to U.S. Dollar

1 CAD = 0.76 USD

Exchange Rate for
U.K. Pound Sterling to U.S. Dollar

1 GBP = 1.44 USD

Exchange Rate for
Australian Dollar to U.S. Dollar

1 AUD = 0.72 USD

Exchange Rate for
New Zealand Dollar to U.S. Dollar

1 NZD = 0.68 USD

Exchange Rate for
South African Rand to U.S. Dollar

1 ZAR = 0.06 USD

Airports in New Hampshire

Waterville Valley
Manchester NH

Tucked away in the mountains of New Hampshire, Waterville Valley is a self-contained village and purpose-built ski resort. Designed in a classic New England village style, there are a number of quaint inns and accommodation options. A family-friendly resort that caters to a range of skills in skiing, makes Waterville Valley a great option for those in search of a great skiing holiday in New Hampshire.

Bretton Woods
Manchester NH

The largest of New Hampshire's ski resorts, Bretton Woods is located in the White Mountains and consistently ranked among the top East Coast resorts. A very popular choice among skiiers nationwide, Bretton Woods is visited time and time again and is a local favourite. Offering visitors lots to see and do, apart from the obvious skiing, Bretton Woods is a great ski resort for people of all ages and skillsets.

Attitash
Manchester NH

Ranked among the top ski resorts in the eastern United States, Attitash encompasses both Attitash and Bear Peak mountains with a total of 68 ski runs. Known for the variety in terrain that it offers, Attitash is a wonderful place to experience the snow and ski. A popular choice among skiiers, and located in the heart of the White Mountains, Attitash offers varied winter and summer activities suitable for the whole family.

New Hampshire Attractions

Overview


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