ABOUT ARIZONA 

Arizona is a land of striking contrasts, where vast desert valleys meet forested mountain peaks and historic frontier towns coexist with modern urban centers. Known as the “Grand Canyon State,” Arizona built its early identity on copper mining and ranching but is now equally famous for its natural wonders, outdoor recreation, and dynamic sports culture.

The state’s landscape is one of the most diverse in the American Southwest. Towering saguaro cacti define the Sonoran Desert, while the pine-covered mountains of Flagstaff and the snow-capped San Francisco Peaks reveal an entirely different side of Arizona. The dramatic red rocks of Sedona, Monument Valley’s mesas, and the world-famous Grand Canyon make it a paradise for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers. With its dry air and clear skies, Arizona also ranks among the best stargazing destinations in the United States.

Arizona’s character remains deeply rooted in its frontier past. Old mining towns such as Jerome and Bisbee preserve the rugged charm of the 19th century, their narrow streets lined with restored saloons and galleries. Native American heritage plays a central role in the state’s cultural identity, with 22 tribal nations hosting annual powwows, art fairs, and cultural events. In rural areas, rodeos and county fairs continue to celebrate the cowboy spirit that shaped Arizona’s history.

While the state’s past is ever-present, modern Arizona thrives in its fast-growing cities. Phoenix, one of the largest metropolitan areas in the U.S., combines business innovation with desert beauty. Tucson blends a rich Mexican influence with a vibrant arts scene, while Flagstaff serves as a cool, mountain gateway to the Grand Canyon. Each region offers its own mix of culture, cuisine, and adventure–from luxury resorts and golf courses to off-road trails and national parks.

Arizona has also become a powerhouse for sports. The Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Phoenix Suns (NBA), and Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)  give fans year-round excitement, while major golf, boxing, and college sports events continue to draw global attention.

The state’s culinary scene mirrors its cultural diversity. Classic Southwestern and Mexican flavours–think tacos, tamales, and green chile stew–dominate, but international cuisine and farm-to-table dining are on the rise, particularly in Phoenix and Tucson. Local breweries, wineries, and farmers’ markets highlight Arizona’s growing emphasis on sustainable, homegrown ingredients.

Quick Snapshot

• Population: About 7.4 million (2023), ranking 14th nationally
• Area: 113,990 square miles (295,234 km²), the 6th largest U.S. state
• Capital: Phoenix, located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert

Entry into the USA

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

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

Currency

Like the rest of the United States, Arizona uses the U.S. Dollar (USD), symbolised by “$” and divided into 100 cents. It’s one of the most stable and widely used currencies in the world.

• 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

Arizona uses the same electrical standards as the rest of the U.S. Power outlets are Type A/B (NEMA 5-15) with two flat pins and a round grounding pin. Electricity supply is 120 volts, 60 Hz. Travellers from regions with different voltage systems will need a plug adapter, and sometimes a voltage converter for certain appliances.

Mobile services

Staying connected in Phoenix is easy – all major U.S. carriers offer strong coverage around the city and Phoenix Raceway.

• AT&T – Excellent statewide coverage, with reliable 5G service in the Phoenix metro area.
• Verizon Wireless – Known for the best reliability and fast 5G Ultra Wideband speeds across Arizona.
• T-Mobile – Great value and strong coverage in Phoenix, with growing 5G availability in smaller towns.

For short visits, eSIM providers like Airalo or Ubigi let you activate data plans instantly without a physical SIM card.

Key Contact Numbers

When dialling from outside the U.S., use the country code +1 before the number.

Important contacts for visitors and NASCAR fans:

• Emergency services (police, firefighters, medical aid): 911
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport: +1 602-273-3300
• Abrazo Arrowhead Campus (hospital): +1 623-572-4507

Fun and fascinating facts about Arizona

Arizona is full of natural wonders, diverse cultures, and intriguing history:

• The Grand Canyon state – Arizona’s official nickname comes from its most famous landmark, the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
• Phoenix growth – Phoenix is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., with more sunshine than almost any major city – over 300 sunny days per year.
• Desert beauty – About half of Arizona is desert, home to the towering saguaro cactus, found nowhere else on Earth.
• Historic Route 66 – The legendary highway runs through northern Arizona, passing through towns like Flagstaff and Kingman.
• Native American Heritage – Arizona has 22 federally recognised tribes, each with its own culture, art, and traditions.
• Hoover Dam – Shared with Nevada, this engineering marvel remains a top tourist destination near Lake Mead.
• Unique Laws – Camel hunting is illegal in Arizona – a leftover from 19th-century military experiments with desert transport!