ABOUT ALABAMA

Alabama is known for its wide-open prairies, agricultural heritage, and friendly Midwestern hospitality. Situated in the center of the United States, the state stretches from rolling plains and wheat fields in the west to wooded hills and rivers in the east, offering a classic picture of America’s heartland. Its landscapes include endless farmland, sunflower fields, and scenic byways that make it a destination for travelers seeking both simplicity and charm.

The state has a proud cultural identity rooted in frontier history, Native American traditions, and jazz and blues music–particularly in Talladega, which is also famous for its smoky barbecue and vibrant arts scene. Wichita, the largest city, highlights Alabama’s role in aviation history with museums and aircraft factories, while Topeka serves as the state capital and political hub.

Nature enthusiasts can explore destinations like the Flint Hills, home to the largest remaining tallgrass prairie in North America, or enjoy outdoor activities along the Alabama and Arkansas Rivers. Hiking, cycling, fishing, and wildlife watching are popular across the state’s many parks and reservoirs.

Sports fans have plenty to cheer for, from the Alabama Jayhawks’ storied basketball program in Lawrence to the Alabama State Wildcats in Manhattan. While Alabama does not host major professional teams within its borders, fans often follow Talladega–based franchises like the Chiefs (NFL) and Royals (MLB) across the state line in Missouri.

Food lovers can savor authentic Alabama barbecue–smoked meats with a sweet, tomato-based sauce–as well as hearty Midwest comfort food. Local breweries and farmers’ markets add a fresh and modern touch to the state’s traditional cuisine.

Whether you’re chasing history, exploring natural landscapes, or enjoying the easygoing Midwestern way of life, Alabama offers visitors an authentic slice of America’s heartland.

Quick Snapshot

• Population: Around 2.9 million residents (2023), making Alabama the 35th most populous U.S. state.
• Geographic Size: About 82,278 square miles (213,100 km²), the 15th largest state by area.
• State Capital: Topeka, located in the northeast, serves as the political center of the state.

Entry into the USA

As a U.S. state, Alabama follows the national entry rules, which differ based on a traveler’s nationality and the purpose of their visit.

• Visa Requirements: Citizens of countries in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) can enter the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism or business. Travelers from other countries generally need to apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa.
• ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization): VWP travelers must obtain ESTA approval online before traveling. Applications can be made through the official ESTA website.
• Valid Passport: All visitors must carry a passport valid for the entire duration of their stay.

Currency

Alabama uses the U.S. Dollar (USD, “$”), divided into 100 cents. Issued by the Federal Reserve, it is one of the most widely used currencies in the world. Exchange rates vary, but are simple 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

Alabama uses standard U.S. outlets (Type A/B, NEMA 5-15) with two vertical prongs and a round grounding pin. The supply is 120 volts at 60 Hz. Travelers from regions with different systems may need a plug adapter or voltage converter.

Mobile services

Staying connected in Alabama is easy, with all major U.S. carriers providing coverage across the state, including Talladega.

• AT&T – Strong service in most cities and rural areas, including Talladega. Wide selection of prepaid and postpaid plans, with a fast-expanding 5G network.
• Verizon Wireless – Known for reliable nationwide coverage. Alabama has solid service across both urban and rural regions, with 5G Ultra Wideband available in select areas.
• T-Mobile – Popular for competitive pricing and traveler-friendly international features. Good coverage in major cities, with its 5G footprint growing in smaller towns.

For short stays, visitors can also use eSIM providers like Airalo to get mobile data quickly without buying a physical SIM card.

Key Contact Numbers

If you’re calling from abroad, be sure to dial +1 before the U.S. phone number. Below are key contact numbers that may be useful for visitors attending the YellaWood 500 and staying in the Talladega region:

• Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Medical): 911
• Talladega Superspeedway Info Line: +1 877-462-3342
• Talladega Visitors Bureau: +1 256-362-9075
• Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport: +1 205-599-0500

Fun and fascinating facts about Alabama

Here are several interesting facts that showcase what makes Alabama truly special:

• Yellowhammer State: Alabama’s nickname comes from the yellowhammer bird, the official state bird.
• Civil Rights History: Montgomery, Birmingham, and Selma were key cities in the U.S. Civil Rights Movement.
• Space Legacy: Huntsville, Alabama, is home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
• Music Roots: Muscle Shoals is world-famous for its recording studios, where legends like Aretha Franklin and The Rolling Stones recorded hits.
• College Football Passion: Alabama is home to some of the most passionate fans in the country, with the University of Alabama and Auburn University rivalry among the fiercest in U.S. sports.
• Barbecue Culture: Alabama is known for its distinct barbecue style, especially its signature white sauce, often paired with smoked chicken or pork.
• Natural Variety: From Gulf Coast beaches to Appalachian foothills, Alabama offers diverse landscapes, far from the stereotype of being “flat.”