ABOUT TEXAS

Texas is a land of wide-open skies, friendly people, and unmistakable Southern charm. The Lone Star State stretches from the Gulf of Mexico on the southeast coast to the vast plains and desert landscapes of the west. It’s a place where history, culture, and adventure come together – from cowboy heritage and Spanish missions to modern cities and cutting-edge technology.

For city lovers, Austin is the beating heart of Texas. Known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” it’s a vibrant, creative city that blends live music, art, great food, and a relaxed attitude. Dallas and Houston offer big-city energy, with world-class museums, sports arenas, and shopping, while San Antonio draws visitors with its historic Alamo and scenic River Walk. Out west, the landscapes shift to dramatic desert and mountain scenery near El Paso and Big Bend National Park.

Nature enthusiasts can explore stunning diversity across Texas – from the Gulf Coast beaches to the rolling Hill Country and the rugged canyons of the west. Popular outdoor escapes include Lake Travis near Austin, Enchanted Rock State Park, and the legendary Big Bend National Park, home to spectacular desert sunsets and star-filled skies.

Texas has a proud sporting culture. Fans pack the stands for the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Houston Rockets (NBA), and Texas Rangers (MLB). College football is practically a religion, and motorsports have an ever-growing following – especially at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) near Austin, home to NASCAR, Formula 1, and MotoGP events.

And then there’s the food – a true highlight for every visitor. Texas barbecue is world-famous, with each region offering its own twist: Central Texas for slow-smoked brisket, East Texas for saucy ribs, and South Texas for barbacoa. Add Tex-Mex, chili, and an endless lineup of food trucks in Austin, and you’ll never go hungry.

With hot summers, mild winters, and plenty of sunshine year-round, Texas is a destination where you can enjoy outdoor fun, thrilling sports, and rich culture at any time of year. Whether you’re catching the NASCAR weekend at COTA, exploring downtown Austin, or driving through Hill Country, Texas always makes a big impression – just like everything else here.

Quick Snapshot

• Population: About 30 million (2023) – the 2nd most populous U.S. state
• Size: Roughly 268,600 square miles (695,600 km²) – 2nd largest in the U.S.
• State Capital: Austin
• Largest City: Houston

Entry into the USA

As part of the United States, Texas follows federal entry requirements. The exact rules depend on your nationality, visa type, and purpose of visit. Always check the latest information before traveling.

• 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 is the United States Dollar (USD), symbolized as “$” and divided into 100 cents. Exchange rates vary daily, so it’s best to check before traveling.

• 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

Texas uses the North American standard: 120 volts at 60 Hz, with Type A and Type B plug sockets (two flat pins, sometimes with a grounding pin). Travelers from regions with 220–240V systems will need a voltage converter and a plug adapter.

Mobile services

Staying connected across Texas is easy. All major U.S. carriers offer broad 4G and 5G coverage – even around the Circuit of the Americas and throughout the Austin area.

• AT&T – Excellent coverage in urban and rural parts of Texas. Reliable 5G network and plenty of prepaid options.
• Verizon Wireless – Strong performance and consistent service across the state, including the Austin metro area.
• T-Mobile – Great value and strong 5G in major cities. Particularly convenient for international travelers.

Short-term visitors can use eSIM apps like Airalo or Holafly to activate mobile data instantly without needing a physical SIM card.

Phone

To call U.S. numbers from abroad, dial +1, followed by the area code and phone number. Here are a few key contacts for visitors to Austin and COTA:

• Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Medical): 911
• Austin Police: +1 512-974-5000
• St. David’s South Austin Medical Center: +1 512-447-2211
• Circuit of the Americas (COTA): +1 512-301-6600

Fun and fascinating facts about Texas

• Lone Star heritage – Texas was once an independent republic before joining the United States in 1845, which is why the state flag proudly features a single star.
• Everything’s bigger – Texans take pride in size, from their state to their stadiums, highways, and food portions.
• Motorsports hub – Circuit of the Americas, opened in 2012, hosts NASCAR, Formula 1, MotoGP, and many major racing events, making it one of the most versatile motorsport venues in North America.
• Music capital – Austin hosts famous events like South by Southwest (SXSW) and Austin City Limits, celebrating everything from rock to country and blues.
• Space legacy – Houston is home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where the words “Houston, we have a problem” originated.
• Barbecue & beyond – Texas barbecue is legendary worldwide, with each region claiming its own best recipe. Brisket is king, and it’s best enjoyed with cold local beer and good company.
• Hill country beauty – Between Austin and San Antonio lies Hill Country, famous for its rolling landscapes, vineyards, and spring wildflowers.