ABOUT NEVADA 

Nevada is a state of contrasts, where wide desert basins meet snow-capped mountain ranges and small mining towns stand alongside some of the world’s most modern cities. Known as the “Silver State,” it gained its identity during the mining boom of the 19th century, but today it is equally recognized for its outdoor adventure, rich cultural mix, and fast-growing sports scene.

The state’s geography is shaped by more than 300 mountain ranges, making Nevada the most mountainous state in the continental U.S. Its landscapes shift dramatically—from the sagebrush plains of the Great Basin to the alpine forests around Lake Tahoe and the red sandstone formations of Valley of Fire. With desert air and clear skies, Nevada is also one of the best places in the country for stargazing.

Nevada’s identity reflects its frontier past. Mining heritage is still visible in ghost towns such as Virginia City, where wooden boardwalks and saloon doors recreate the feel of the 1800s. The state is also home to a strong Native American presence, with cultural centers and powwows celebrating traditions that go back centuries. Rural Nevada embraces cowboy culture, rodeos, and county fairs, offering a glimpse into a slower, community-driven lifestyle.

While much of Nevada retains a frontier atmosphere, its cities have developed into vibrant hubs. Reno, once known primarily for gaming, has expanded into a center for tech startups and outdoor culture, with kayaking on the Truckee River running right through downtown. Henderson and Summerlin, just outside Las Vegas, are among the fastest-growing communities in the nation, blending suburban living with easy access to both desert trails and city amenities.

Nevada has transformed into one of America’s newest sports capitals. Beyond its headline role in motorsport—hosting both NASCAR at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Formula 1 on the Strip—the state is home to championship-level teams. The Vegas Golden Knights (NHL) brought home the Stanley Cup in 2023, the Raiders (NFL) play in the state-of-the-art Allegiant Stadium, and the Las Vegas Aces (WNBA) dominate women’s basketball. Major boxing and UFC events add to the reputation, drawing fans from around the world.

Nevada’s food scene is a patchwork of influences. Basque restaurants, a legacy of 19th-century immigrants, remain popular in northern towns such as Elko. In southern Nevada, Mexican flavors blend seamlessly with American staples, while across the state, diners and roadside cafés serve hearty comfort food to travelers. Farmers’ markets and craft breweries are becoming increasingly common, adding a fresh and local touch to Nevada’s traditional dining.

Quick Snapshot

• Population: About 3.2 million (2023), ranking 32nd nationally
• Area: 110,577 square miles (286,382 km²), making it the 7th largest U.S. state
• Capital: Carson City, located near Lake Tahoe in the western part of the state

Entry into the USA

Nevada is part of the United States, so U.S. entry rules apply. The requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose of your trip.

• Visa Requirements – Citizens of countries in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) may visit for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. Travellers from other nations typically need to apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa.
• ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) – Visitors from VWP countries must complete an ESTA application online before flying to the U.S.
• Valid Passport – All international visitors must hold a passport that remains valid for the entire length of their stay.

Currency

As in the rest of the United States, Nevada uses the U.S. Dollar (USD), symbolised by “$” and divided into 100 cents. The U.S. Dollar is one of the most widely traded currencies in the world, and exchange rates are easy to check before traveling. Approximate mid-2025 rates are:

• 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

Nevada uses the same electrical standards as the rest of the U.S. Outlets are NEMA 5-15 (two flat vertical pins with a round grounding pin). Supply is 120 volts, 60 Hz. Travellers from regions with different systems will need a plug adapter, and in some cases a voltage converter.

Mobile services

Staying connected in Las Vegas is straightforward, with all major carriers offering strong coverage around the city and at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

• AT&T – Solid coverage across Nevada, with a wide choice of prepaid and postpaid plans. Its 5G network serves the Las Vegas area well.
• Verizon Wireless – Known for excellent reliability nationwide, with strong service throughout Nevada and particularly good 5G Ultra Wideband availability in Las Vegas.
• T-Mobile – Competitive pricing and attractive options for international travellers. Coverage in Las Vegas is strong, with a rapidly expanding 5G footprint across the state.

For short-term visitors, eSIM providers like Airalo offer a quick and convenient way to access mobile data without the need for a physical SIM card.

Key Contact Numbers

If you’re dialling from outside the United States, remember to use the country code +1 before the phone number. Here are some important contacts that visitors in Las Vegas and fans attending the South Point 400 may find helpful:

• Emergency services (police, firefighters, medical aid): 911
• Emergency – Las Vegas Motor Speedway: +1 702-632-8029
• Harry Reid International Airport: +1 702-261-5211

Fun and fascinating facts about Nevada

Nevada has plenty of unique stories and features that make it stand out in the U.S.:

• The Silver State – Nevada earned its nickname thanks to the rich silver deposits discovered in the mid-1800s, which fueled its growth during the mining boom.
• Las Vegas Lights – Las Vegas is home to more hotel rooms than any other city in the world, with around 150,000 available on any given night.
• Area 51 – The secretive military site in southern Nevada has long been linked to UFO legends and conspiracy theories, making it a pop-culture icon.
• Hoover Dam – Completed in 1936, Hoover Dam on the Nevada–Arizona border was one of the largest construction projects of its time and remains a top tourist attraction.
• Legal Oddities – Nevada is the only U.S. state where some forms of gambling and certain other industries are widely legal and regulated, setting it apart from its neighbors.
• Desert Climate – Nearly 85% of Nevada’s land is owned by the federal government, much of it desert or mountain terrain, giving the state a rugged and remote character.
• Burning Man – Every year, tens of thousands of people gather in the Black Rock Desert for Burning Man, a festival celebrating art, community, and self-expression.