Do I need a passport to visit New Hampshire?

No, if traveling from within the United States. International visitors require a valid passport and possibly a visa for the U.S.

Is there sales tax in New Hampshire?

No, New Hampshire has no state sales tax or income tax, making shopping attractive.

What is the best way to see fall foliage?

Drive scenic routes like the Kancamagus Highway or Route 112 in late September to mid-October. Check foliage trackers for peak colors.

Are there bears in New Hampshire?

Yes, black bears are common in forested areas. Store food properly when camping and do not approach wildlife.

Can I visit Mount Washington year-round?

The Mount Washington Auto Road is open seasonally (typically May-October). The summit is accessible via cog railway in warmer months and has extreme weather—prepare accordingly.

Varies by nationality. Most travelers from Canada, UK, EU, Australia, and Japan can visit visa-free for up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program. Check with the US State Department.

What is the currency?

US Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for small purchases and rural areas.

Is English widely spoken?

Yes, English is the primary language. Some French is spoken near the Canadian border.

What is the time zone?

Eastern Time Zone (ET), UTC-5. Daylight saving time applies from March to November.

Can I drink tap water?

Yes, tap water is safe to drink throughout the state.

Are there any dangerous animals?

Moose and black bears are present. Keep a safe distance and never feed wildlife. Ticks can carry Lyme disease.

Highly recommended for exploring rural areas and mountains. Public transit is limited outside cities.

What is the legal drinking age?

21. ID is required. Alcohol sales are restricted after certain hours.

Is there a state sales tax?

No, New Hampshire has no general sales tax, but there are taxes on meals, rooms, and alcohol.

Yes, the state has 18 miles of coastline with popular beaches like Hampton Beach and Rye Beach.

Can I ski in New Hampshire?

Absolutely. Major ski resorts include Loon Mountain, Bretton Woods, Cannon Mountain, and Wildcat Mountain.

New Hampshire - Travel destination image

New Hampshire

StateUnited States, North America

New Hampshire is a STATE in United States, North America.

New Hampshire, the 'Granite State,' offers a quintessential New England experience with its rugged natural beauty, charming historic towns, and vibrant seasonal attractions. The White Mountains dominate the northern landscape, providing world-class hiking along the Appalachian Trail, scenic drives on the Kancamagus Highway, and winter skiing at resorts like Bretton Woods and Loon Mountain. The Lakes Region, centered around Lake Winnipesaukee, offers boating, fishing, and lakeside relaxation. History buffs will appreciate Portsmouth's colonial seaport charm, Strawbery Banke Museum, and the state's pivotal role in early American politics. New Hampshire's cultural identity shines through its covered bridges, classic village greens, and the iconic Mount Washington Cog Railway—the world's first mountain-climbing cog train. The state's motto, 'Live Free or Die,' reflects its independent spirit, evident in its lack of sales tax and first-in-the-nation presidential primary. From autumn leaf peeping along scenic byways to summer festivals and winter sports, New Hampshire delivers authentic New England charm across four distinct seasons.

Best time to visit New Hampshire

Late September to October for spectacular fall foliage; December to March for skiing and winter sports; June to August for warm weather, lake activities, and festivals like the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival. Spring (April-May) can be muddy but offers fewer crowds.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Cool 6 to 16°C

Travel notes

Crowds: Very High
Prices: Peak

Peak foliage; book accommodations early.

Know before you go

Getting there

MHT

Manchester-Boston Regional Airport

International

80 km away

PSM

Portsmouth International Airport at Pease

Domestic

5 km away

LEB

Lebanon Municipal Airport

Domestic

0 km away

BOS

Boston Logan International Airport

International

100 km away

Getting around

"A car is essential for exploring beyond major towns. Rental agencies are available at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport and other hubs. Limited public transit includes Amtrak's Downeaster (Boston to Exeter/Dover) and Concord Coach Lines buses connecting cities. Ride-sharing services (Uber, Lyft) operate in urban areas. For scenic travel, the White Mountain National Forest has well-maintained roads like the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112). Apps like AllTrails for hiking and Waze for navigation are useful."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

30 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Widely available in cities and towns; limited in remote mountain areas

Local SIM

Local SIM available at major airports from $10

Calling code

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Scams are rare but can occur in tourist areas. Use common sense.

Night safety

7/10

Scams are rare but can occur in tourist areas. Use common sense.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"New Hampshire is generally very safe with low crime rates. Exercise normal precautions in cities like Manchester and Nashua. When hiking in the White Mountains, weather can change rapidly—check forecasts, carry proper gear, and inform others of your plans. Be cautious of moose on rural roads, especially at dawn and dusk. Avoid unmarked trails and respect private property. Scams are rare, but be wary of unsolicited offers. During winter, roads may be icy; use winter tires or chains if necessary. Wildlife encounters (bears, moose) require keeping a safe distance."

Police

911

Ambulance

911

Fire

911

Tourist Police

Entry and health

Health information

"New Hampshire has excellent medical facilities, including Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon and Concord Hospital. No special vaccinations are required for travel. Tick-borne illnesses (Lyme disease, anaplasmosis) are prevalent in wooded areas—use insect repellent and check for ticks after outdoor activities. Winter visitors should be prepared for cold-weather hazards like frostbite and hypothermia. Healthcare is privatized; travel insurance is recommended for non-residents. Pharmacies are widely available in towns and cities. For remote hiking in the White Mountains, carry a first-aid kit and know emergency procedures."

Culture

Local customs

"Respect 'No Trespassing' signs on private land. Dress is generally casual, but nicer restaurants may require smart-casual attire. Tipping 15-20% at restaurants and for services is standard. New Hampshirites value privacy and independence; polite but reserved interactions are common. Remove shoes when entering homes. Support local businesses—farmers' markets and craft fairs are popular. During winter, clear snow from your car roof before driving."

English

Costs and practicals

Currency

United States Dollar (USD) · $

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$15-25 | a mid-range meal costs around $15-25 per person

Hotels

$100-200 | mid-range hotels range $100-200/night

Local transport

$30 | daily car rental ~$30-50

Cost notes

Prices are higher in ski season and fall foliage peak. Budget options available in off-season.

Timezone

America/New_York -05:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

1,400,000

Area

24,214 km²

Government

State government within a federal republic, with an executive governor and bicameral legislature

ISO code

US-NH

Type

State

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: 新罕布什尔州, Niihémpshoo Hahoodzo, Nòu Hampshire, Hampshire Berria, Νιου Χάμσαϊρ, ניו העמפשער, Nueva Hampshire, Nueba Hampshire, Նյու Հեմպշիր, ma Nuwanse, Нью-Гемпшир, نيوهامشير, Ню Хампшър, Nyu-Hempşir, Çĕнĕ Гэмпшир, Nuevo Hampshire, நியூ ஹாம்சயர், Pyahu Hampshire, Yancuīc Hampshire, รัฐนิวแฮมป์เชียร์, Ņūhempšīra, Nij-Hampshire, Tchiaq Hampshire, Naujasis Hampšyras, Niwu Hamppisheer, Hampshire Nowydh, 新罕布夏州 / 新罕布什爾州, ნიუ-ჰემფშირი, 뉴햄프셔, ܢܝܘ ܗܐܡܦܫܪ, न्यू हॅम्पशायर, New Hampshire, Nou Hampshire, Nij Hampshire, नया हेम्पशायर, Nua-Haimpsír, নিউ হ্যাম্প্‌শায়ার, Нью-Хэмпшир, Њу Хемпшир, ניו המפשייר, Нью-Хемпшир, ന്യൂ ഹാംഷെയര്, نیو ہیمپشائر, N'yu-Xempshir, Hampshire Nevez, US-NH, Нью-Гэмпшыр, Nū Hamekia, Nov-Hampshire, نیوهمپشر, ニューハンプシャー州, Hampshire Nuadh, N.H., NH, 新罕布什爾州, Нью-Гэмпшир, Nou Anpchi, Nova Hantonia, Nov-Hampŝiro, Nova Hampshire, Bagong Hampshire, Nīƿu Hāmtūnscīr, 新罕布夏州, 新罕布什尔州 / 新罕布夏州 / 新罕布什爾州

Major HubOutdoor AdventuresFall FoliageSkiingHikingHistoric TownsLakesCoastalFamily-Friendly