New Orleans Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Mobile Providers

AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon are major U.S. Providers. Prepaid SIM cards are available.

Options

Prepaid SIM Cards: Available at carrier stores, Walmart, Target, Best Buy. Requires an unlocked phone.
eSIM: For newer phones, consider Airalo for easy activation before arrival.
Coverage: Excellent 4G LTE and 5G coverage throughout New Orleans.

Wi-Fi Availability

Access to the internet is widespread in New Orleans.

Access Points

Hotels: Almost all hotels offer free Wi-Fi for guests.
Cafes/Restaurants: Many provide free Wi-Fi for customers.
Mobile Hotspots: Portable Wi-Fi devices from Solis Wi-Fi provide a personal network.

Language Basics

English is the official language. New Orleans has a distinct local accent (Yat).

Phrases

"Laissez les bons temps rouler!" (Lay-zay lay bohn tahn roo-lay!) - Meaning: "Let the good times roll!"
"Cher" (Sha) - A term of endearment, similar to "dear." Used informally.
"Where y'at?" (Wair yat?) - Meaning: "How are you?" A common local greeting.

Mail & Shipping

For sending items, several options are available.

Services

United States Postal Service (USPS): Post offices for sending letters, postcards, and packages.
Stamps: Can be purchased at post offices or some convenience stores.
Private Carriers: FedEx and UPS have service centers for expedited shipping.

Culinary Vocabulary

Local Delicacies

Gumbo (Gum-boh): A savory stew.
Beignet (Ben-yay): A fried doughnut, often with powdered sugar.
Po'boy (Po-boy): A traditional Louisiana sandwich.
Mardi Gras (Mar-dee Graw): The famous carnival celebration.

Translation Support

Google Translate: With offline language packs for quick translations.
Phrasebooks: Readily available for common travel scenarios.
Rosetta Stone: Consider for language learning before your visit.
Local hospitality: Locals are generally patient and welcoming to visitors.

Connectivity Tips

Ensure your phone is unlocked for local SIM cards. Consider an eSIM for easy setup. Free Wi-Fi is common in hotels and many eateries.

Business & Hours

Understand typical operating hours and public holiday impacts.

Retail & Shops

Generally 10 AM - 6 PM daily. Extended hours on weekends or in tourist areas. French Quarter shops may stay open later.

Restaurants

Lunch typically 11 AM - 2 PM. Dinner 5:30 PM - 9 or 10 PM. Many casual spots open earlier or close later.

Bars

Often open late, especially on Bourbon Street. Some stay open until 2 AM, 4 AM, or even 24 hours.

Attraction Hours

Plan your visits carefully, checking individual websites.

Typical Times

Typically 9 AM or 10 AM - 5 PM or 6 PM.
Check individual websites; hours vary. Some close one day a week.
Some businesses may have reduced hours or close during slower tourism periods.

Financial Services

Access to cash and banking during your stay.

Banking Access

Banks: Generally 9 AM - 5 PM Monday to Friday. Some open Saturday mornings.
ATMs: Widely available at banks, convenience stores, and tourist areas.
Fees: May apply for out-of-network withdrawals.

Dates

Major Holidays

New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day.
Independence Day (July 4th), Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day.
Juneteenth, Easter Sunday (many businesses closed or reduced hours).

City-Specific Events

Mardi Gras: A major city-wide celebration. Many businesses close or have limited hours.
Jazz Fest: Some businesses near the Fair Grounds may have adjusted hours.
Summer Season: Some smaller businesses or restaurants may have reduced hours.

Verify Opening Hours

Always check individual business websites for current operating hours, especially around holidays or during off-peak seasons. Times can vary.

Etiquette & Customs

Understand local customs for respectful interactions.

Greetings & Attire

New Orleans is generally casual and friendly.

Local Interactions

Greetings: Casual and friendly. Handshakes are common. "Hey," "How ya doin'," are typical.
Respect: Using "Ma'am" and "Sir" shows respect, especially to elders.
Attire: Dress is generally casual. See Section 3.1 for detailed clothing recommendations.

Cultural Practices

Familiarize yourself with local dining and photography customs.

Customs

Dining: See Section 7.1 for dining customs.
Tipping: Standard and expected for most service industries. See Section 2.3 for expectations.
Photography: Ask permission before photographing individuals, especially children.

Cultural Sensitivities

Approach certain discussions with consideration.

Topics

Race Relations/Slavery: Sensitive topics due to the city's history. Approach discussions with respect.
Hurricane Katrina: Discuss with sensitivity. Acknowledge trauma and resilience.
Politics: Avoid contentious political discussions with strangers unless invited.

Inclusive Environment

New Orleans is a welcoming and tolerant city.

Community

LGBTQ+ Welcome: Generally considered a welcoming and tolerant city.
Public displays of affection are generally accepted.
Same-sex marriage: Legal and observed.

Religious Site Protocol

Dress Code

Dress respectfully: Shoulders and knees covered for places like St. Louis Cathedral.
Reverence: Show respect for sacred spaces.
Noise: Keep noise levels down during visits.

Photography

During services: Refrain from photography during religious services.
Individuals: Avoid intrusive photography of private moments or individuals without permission.
Cemeteries: Some require a licensed guide to enter; check policies.

Airport Services

Lounge Access

Priority Pass: Independent airport lounge access globally.
Comfort: Access to quiet spaces, Wi-Fi, and refreshments.
Worldwide: Over 1300 lounges in airports around the world.

Flight Compensation

Compensair: Service for flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding.
Claim help: They assist with getting compensation from airlines.
Eligibility: Compensation for significant flight disruptions.

Engage Mindfully

Approach local culture with an open mind. Participate respectfully in traditions. Your consideration enriches the experience for everyone.

Accessibility Guide

New Orleans offers varying levels of accessibility. Plan routes for smooth travel.

Mobility Considerations

Historic areas present specific challenges.

Challenges

Historic areas: Uneven cobblestone streets, narrow sidewalks, high curbs.
Old buildings: Many historic buildings have steps and lack ramps or elevators.
Navigation: This impacts wheelchairs and strollers.

Improvements & Modern Areas

Newer developments are generally more accessible.

Positive Access

Newer areas: CBD and Warehouse District, and major attractions, are more accessible.
Renovations: Efforts include curb cuts and ramps in renovated areas.
Planning: Research specific venue accessibility before visiting.

Accessible Attractions

Many popular sites welcome all visitors.

Sites

National WWII Museum: Wheelchair accessible.
Audubon Aquarium: Wheelchair accessible.
Audubon Zoo: Wheelchair accessible.

Transport Options

Public transit options support various needs.

Mobility

RTA buses: All are wheelchair accessible.
Canal Street & Riverfront streetcars: Modern, accessible streetcars.
Taxis & rideshares: Accessible vehicles can be requested.

Support for Sensory Impairments

Service Animals

Permitted in most public places, hotels, and on public transportation.

Audio Descriptions

Some museums offer audio descriptions or sign language interpretation with advance notice.

Plan Ahead for Access

Always confirm accessibility with specific venues and tour operators prior to your visit. This ensures a smoother experience.

New Orleans Travel Tips