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KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

CHECK BACK FOR VENDOR ANNOUNCEMENTS

Everything You Need to Know Before You Go.

Here is how to make the most of your time at The Atlanta Cultural Exchange.

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General Information

Atlanta

Airport

  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the world's busiest and mostefficient airport.

  • Non-stop flights to 70 countries and 150 U.S. cities every day.

  • 80% of the U.S. market is accessible within a 2-hour flight.

  • ATL is accessible to the rest of Atlanta by MARTA (MARTA is Atlanta’s combined bus,rail, and streetcar transit system).

  • Passengers traveling from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport can travel by train directly to Downtown/Atlanta Stadium in 20 minutes.https://www.atl.com/

Marta

  • Fare: $2.50 per trip.

  • Riders can use a credit/debit card, mobile wallet, Breeze Card, or digital Breeze card to pay.

  • Trains will run every 5 minutes from 4:45 AM to 1:30 AM during the tournament.

  • SEC District is the MARTA station closest to Atlanta Stadium and Atlanta’s FIFA Fan Festival. Five Points, Garnett, Peachtree Center, and Vine City are all within walking distance.

  • https://itsmarta.com/

Atlanta Stadium

  • World-class venue with state-of-the-art technology, fan-friendly amenities, and
    leading sustainability practices.

  • First stadium worldwide to be TRUE Platinum Certified for Zero Waste, with well over
    95% of all waste from the stadium avoiding landfills.

  • Atlanta stadium’s fan-friendly food and beverage pricing will remain in place throughout the tournament.

  • 14,000 hotel rooms within walking distance of the stadium.

Atlanta FIFA Fan Festival

 Consular Services Center and Contacts / Lost passport help

  • Home to over 70 consulates and international offices.

  • Atlanta will host an International Consular Center at the Georgia World Congress
    Center, Building B, Room B401 – B402

  • GWCC Address: 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313.

Mayor’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs

  • The Mayor’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs’ vision is to position
    Atlanta as a welcoming City—a connected, inclusive community that uplifts our
    foreign-born population and provides an opportunity for all, and a global hub for
    diplomacy, business, innovation, education, culture, and sports.

  • https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/mayor-s-office/executive-offices/office-of-
    international-immigrant-affairs

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Key Distances

  • Airport (ATL) to Atlanta Stadium
    - By Car: 10.9 miles (17.5 km), average of 20-30 minutes
    - By Rail: 8 stops, 20 – 25 minutes. $2.50 per trip.
     

  • Atlanta Stadium to Downtown
    - Atlanta Stadium is located within the square-mile (2.5 km) of Downtown Atlanta.
     

  • Atlanta Stadium to FIFA Fan Festival
    - Atlanta Stadium is .5 miles, .8 km to FIFA Fan Festival
     

  • Atlanta Stadium to Grady Memorial Hospital
    - By Car: 1.3 miles (2.1 km), 10-minute drive.
    - By Rail: 11 minutes (includes .2 miles of walking)
     

  • Atlanta Stadium to Midtown
    - By Car: 3 miles (4.8 km), 10 – 15 minutes
    - By Rail: 12 minutes

​

  • Atlanta Stadium to Buckhead
    - By Car: 8-10 miles (12.8 – 16 km), 15 minutes
    - By Rail: 21 minutes

Travel times by car may increase significantly on match days.
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Driving and Car Rental Requirements

To Drive:

  • Documents: To drive legally in Atlanta and the rest of Georgia, you must carry a valid
    foreign driver’s license. If the license is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is also required. U.S. citizens can get an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Non-U.S. citizens must obtain an IDP in their home country before traveling.

  • Age Limits: You must be at least 16 years old to drive in Georgia, with a valid license.

To Rent:

  • In Georgia, the minimum age to rent a car is usually 20 or 21, depending on the rental
    company. Renters aged 21 to 24 are legally allowed to rent, but they may be subject to a daily "Young Driver Fee:" and restricted to specific vehicle classes.

  • Documents: You must have all valid licenses needed to drive a car to rent a car.

Important Traffic Rules

  • Right turn on red is permitted unless otherwise posted. In downtown Atlanta, there are many posted “No Turn on Red” signs, as there is a general Right-On-Red ban in the district.

  • U-turns are generally allowed unless prohibited.

  • Strict alcohol limit while operating a vehicle: 0.08% BAC.

  • Seat belt use is mandatory.

  • Phone usage while driving is prohibited.

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Public Health & Medical Services

Nearby Hospitals

  • Emergency Room Services vs. Urgent Care Centers
    Grady Memorial Hospital - The closest hospital to Atlanta Stadium and Atlanta FIFA Fan Festival is Grady Memorial Hospital. 1.3 miles (2.1 km) 80 Jesse Hill Jr Drive SE, Atlanta, GA 30303

 

  • There are a number of Urgent Care Centers in the general vicinity of downtown Atlanta.
    Use urgent care for non-life-threatening emergencies and hospitals or 911 for life-
    threatening emergencies.

 

  • Typical costs for uninsured patients
    For international visitors without U.S. insurance, healthcare in the U.S. can be expensive
    compared with many countries, but urgent care clinics are usually much cheaper than
    emergency rooms.

 

  • Guidance for visitors:
    Ask for the “self-pay” or “cash-pay” price before treatment.
    Many clinics can provide a cost estimate in advance.
    Hospital-affiliated urgent care centers may charge additional facility fees
    For minor illnesses (cold, flu, ear infection, mild injury), urgent care is usually the best option.

 

  • Visitors should bring:
    Passport or photo ID.
    Insurance card/travel insurance information.
    Medication list.
    Emergency contact information.
    International insurance acceptance guidance
    Many healthcare providers in Atlanta accept international travel insurance, but acceptance varies by clinic and insurer.

 

  • U.S. providers often ask patients to pay first and seek reimbursement later from their travel insurer.

 

  • Atlanta Information for Traveling Fans 4
    Some large hospitals and urgent care chains may bill international insurers directly,
    especially for major global providers.
     

  • Visitors should:
    Carry a digital and printed copy of their insurance policy.
    Know their insurer’s emergency hotline number.
    Verify whether the hospital or care center accepts international travel insurance.
    Keep all receipts and discharge paperwork.

 

  • Over-the-counter medication differences
    Many antibiotics are prescription-only in the U.S.
    Strong pain medications and many codeine-containing products require prescriptions.
    Some cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine are kept “behind the counter” and
    require ID.
    Medication package sizes may be smaller due to regulations.
    Pharmacists generally cannot prescribe most medications directly and U.S. pharmacies
    may not recognize foreign prescriptions.
    Medication prices can vary significantly between pharmacies and brands.
     

  • Common medications visitors can usually buy OTC in the U.S.:
    Ibuprofen.
    Acetaminophen.
    Allergy medications such as antihistamines.
    Basic cold and flu remedies.     Antacids and stomach medications.

​

  • Helpful advice for travelers:
    Bring enough prescription medication for your trip in original labeled containers.
    Carry a doctor’s note or copy of prescriptions if possible.
    Learn the U.S. generic name for your medication, since brand names may differ internationally.

​

⚠️ Medical care in the United States is private and extremely expensive. Comprehensive
international travel health insurance is essential.

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Emergency Services & Public Safety Information

  • If you see something suspicious, report it to the closest law enforcement officer or call 911.

  • Call 911 to request police, fire, or ambulance.

  • Call 311 to report non-emergency issues to the City of Atlanta or for general information.

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Weather Advisory and Tornado Alerts

Emergency Alerts Information:

Atlanta Residents:

Sign up for Atlanta’s emergency alerts, NotifyATL, by texting NOTIFYATL to

24639 or visiting atlantaga.gov/notifyatl.

 

Visitors:

Sign up for City of Atlanta FIFA World Cup 2026™ emergency alerts, by texting

FWC26ATL to 24639.


Emergency alerts will be disseminated by text, email, and phone (for high-priority alerts), and

will include:

 

Atlanta Information for Traveling Fans 5

Severe Weather – Severe Thunderstorm Warnings, Flash Flood Warnings, Tornado

Watches, Tornado Warnings.

Extreme Heat.

Major emergencies that may pose a threat to life and property.

General Weather Information:

Follow official weather alert instructions and guidance from the National Weather Service and local officials.

 

Sign up for Emergency Alerts.
 

Download the FEMA app or local, trusted news weather apps.

 

Ensure emergency alerts are enabled on your cellular device.

 

Know the difference between a Watch and a Warning:

  • Watch: weather conditions make specific weather events possible.

  • Warning: weather incident is actively occurring and may pose a threat to life safety.

 

Keep cell phones charged.
 

Maintain copies of all necessary documents, including

Severe Thunderstorm Information and Tips:

If you hear thunder, go indoors.
 

If you see lightning, go indoors.

  • Don’t touch electrical outlets.

  • Don’t shelter under a tree.

​

Seek immediate shelter indoors, preferably in a basement or interior room without windows.

Extreme Heat Information and Tips:

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty, and avoid excessive alcohol intake.
 

Wear light clothing and a hat, apply sunscreen, and limit outdoor activity.

 

Seek shade when outside, or remain in an air-conditioned space.
 

Look before you lock – never leave kids or pets in hot cars.

Flooding/Flash Flooding Information and Tips:

Move to higher ground immediately.
 

Stay out of flooded areas.
 

If driving, turn around, don’t drown.

  • Do not drive through flood waters.

  • Don’t drive around barricades.

  • Avoid driving on bridges or over fast-moving water.

  • Leave the vehicle immediately and seek higher ground.

Tornado Information and Tips:

Tornado Watch: Weather conditions make a tornado possible

  • Monitor weather forecast closely.

  • Remain alert and stay weather aware.

  • Be prepared to act fast and move to a safe location.

 

Tornado Warning: A tornado is happening or about to happen

  • Seek shelter indoors and away from windows immediately, preferably in a basement.

  • If you cannot get to the basement, go to the lowest possible level of a structure and toan interior room or hallway without windows.

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Public Spaces, Local Regulations, Local Laws, and Customs

Emergency Alerts Information:

Public parks are generally open from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM

  • Playgrounds, courts, and recreation centers have different operating hours, generally 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

 

Park rules:

  • Camping restrictions and public loitering laws: Camping is prohibited in the City of Atlanta Parks.

  • Designated camping areas in the region: Stone Mountain Park Campground,

  • Sweetwater Creek State Park, Lake Allatoona.

  • Pets: Must be on a leash, except in designated areas.

  • Restrictions: No glass containers, no unauthorized amplified music, and no alcoholic beverages (without a permit).

 

Emergencies/After Hours: Call 911 for emergencies or to report park issues outside of staff hours.
 

Tipping - A gratuity of 20 to 25 percent on top of the bill (before sales tax) is standard.
 

ID requirements for alcohol purchase.

  • International visitors must present a valid passport to purchase alcohol or enter bars.

 

There is zero tolerance for public disorder or intoxication.
 

Smoking prohibited in most indoor public spaces.
 

DUI laws are strictly enforced.
 

Open container (alcohol) laws apply in most public areas.

  • In general, alcohol cannot be consumed publicly outside of establishments or private property.

  • The South Downtown district near Atlanta Stadium is an official open container district, which allows adults 21 and older to legally carry and consume alcoholic beverages outdoors.

  • Alcohol must be purchased from a participating licensed establishment within the district.

 

Fireworks laws and restrictions

  • In Atlanta, you can ignite fireworks daily from 10:00 A.M. to 11:59 P.M. State holidays 
    (like July 3 rd and July 4th) have extended hours. However, strict city ordinances and 
    safety buffers prohibit firing them in public parks, streets, or within 100 yards of hospitals and gas stations.

​

Sales tax rates differ by location and are added at checkout.
 

Liquor laws

  • Georgia liquor laws permit the sale of packaged alcohol from 7:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.

  • Monday through Saturday. Sunday package sales are allowed between 12:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., though some local jurisdictions do not allow Sunday sales.

  • Bars and Atlanta Information for Traveling Fans 7 restaurants may serve alcohol for on-premises consumption Monday – Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. Many cities permit restaurants to sell Sunday brunch alcohol
    starting at 11:00 a.m.

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Useful Telephone Numbers and Contacts

City of Atlanta Website: www.atlantaga.gov


City of Atlanta News Source: https://ATL.Direct
 

Social Media: ATL311
 

For Non-Emergency Assistance with City Services (ex. Downed tres, missing/damaged signs,
potholes, micro-mobility issues, general information): Call 311 or 404-546-0311.

Language Access:

  • Atlanta provides extensive language access services to ensure non-English speakers or Limited English Proficient (LEP) residents and visitors can easily access vital city services, healthcare, and educational resources.

  • Guests can use the iSpeak program for language assistance with all City of Atlanta Employees. https://www.welcomingatlanta.com/ispeakatl

 

Consular Services Center and Contacts / Lost passport help

  • Home to over 70 consulates and international offices.

  • Center, Building B, Room B401 – B402Atlanta will host an International Consular Center at the Georgia World Congress

  • GWCC Address: 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313.

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General Recommendations

Always carry identification.


Keep a digital copy of your passport.

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