Helpful Tips for International Travelers

Air service, currency exchange, translation services and tipping: We've compiled this list of helpful resources for our international visitors so you can spend more time enjoying Memphis. 

Getting to Memphis

Memphis is accessible by air via Frederick W. Smith International Airport. The airport is now in the middle of a $653 million Terminal Modernization and Seismic Program (2024–2030), so visitors should expect ongoing construction in and around the terminal. International travelers enrolled in Global Entry can also use MEM's on-site enrollment center. The city also welcomes visitors via car, riverboat, and rail.

Of course, Memphis is easily accessible by car, riverboat and rail as well. Learn more about all of our transportation and tour options to help you get to and around Memphis, including maps and directions and fun ways to get around the home of blues, soul and rock 'n' roll without a car.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE

Currency Exchange International is located at First Horizon Bank, 165 Madison Ave., Memphis, TN, 38103. 

Hours:
Mon-Thu: 9:00am-4:00pm
Friday: 9:00am-6:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am-1:00pm
Sunday: Closed

Rates and fees change daily — call ahead to confirm current pricing and hours. Travelers can also exchange currency at Travelex (2491 Winchester Rd.) or withdraw local currency abroad using a no-foreign-transaction-fee debit/credit card, often the lowest-cost option.

Translation Services

Multiple providers are available, including Southeast Spanish Inc. (French, Portuguese, Spanish) and Global Link Language Translation Services (multiple languages, open 7:30 a.m.–8 p.m. daily). Individual translators cover Vietnamese, Amharic, Dutch, Farsi, Hindi, Korean, and Spanish.

Southeast Spanish, Inc. 
French, Portuguese, Spanish
(901) 205-9275

Global Link Language Translation Services
Multi Language
(877) 451-6655
Mon-Sun 7:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. 

Global Translations Intl
Spanish 
373 Locust Grove Dr, Cordova, TN 38018
(901) 752-8926

Visa Immigration Services Assistance 
Spanish
5119 Summer Ave #404, Memphis, TN 38122-4415 
(901) 767-2424

Tru Chi Pham                  
Vietnamese              
[email protected]
 
Aregahegn Negatu
Amharic
[email protected]              
(901) 351-0201

Max Louwerse
Dutch               
[email protected]
 
Shahram Pezeshk          
Farsi
[email protected]
 
Shubho Banerjee            
Hindi                                
[email protected]
 
Julie Cho Min                  
Korean                       
[email protected]
 
Mike Hopkins                  
Spanish
[email protected]
 
MariaClara Villegas
Spanish
[email protected]
 
Amanda Slauson
Spanish                        
[email protected]

Tipping

  • Restaurant waiters or bartenders: 15%-20% (large groups may have gratuity already included; make sure to check your bill)
  • Taxi drivers: 15%-20% (most Uber & Lyft drivers do not expect a tip)
  • Spa services or hair dressers: 15%-20%
  • Coat check: $1
  • Bellhops or porters: 50 cents to $1 per bag
  • Hotel maids at upscale hotels: $1 per day of your stay
  • Tour guides and bus drivers: 20% or $10 per day (check to see if this has already been added to your cost)
  • Ushers at theatres do not expect tips