Banks: 09:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 09:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 10:00 to 21:00, daily, some closed on Sundays
Museums: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday, some open on weekends
Business Offices: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday

The United States is regarded as a relatively safe place in which to travel, especially popular tourist areas. Petty crime is common in tourist hotspots around the Baton Rouge, but no more so than any other tourist destination. It is recommended that you to always hold on to your belongings and try to avoid flashing cash and valuables about in the street. Keep your valuables in the hotel safe or at home to minimize the risk of theft or loss.

The southern part of the United States sees a hurricane season between June and November so if you are travelling during this period, be prepared to listen to advice if a hurricane hits.

110V AC, all plugs are two-pronged.

If you encounter any health problems while on holiday in Baton Rouge, there are excellent medical facilities and staff will attend to you promptly. Emergency treatment will be given and charged for later, while you will have to pay for any minor medical advice or prescriptions up front, making it wise to have a comprehensive insurance policy that covers you for such eventualities. Keep all you medical receipts in case you want to make a claim.

There are no specific inoculations required for travel to the USA, but it is wise to make sure you are up-to-date with standard vaccinations such as tetanus. Tap water is safe to drink and eating out shouldn’t present any risks. If you plan on hitting the swamplands and marshes, be sure to bring a decent insect-repellent, or you may find itchy bites put a downer on your holiday. It is also wise to stay a safe distance from the local wildlife, especially the alligators, unless you fancy a trip to Baton Rouge General.

Baton Rouge General
Tel: +1 225 387 7000

Emergency services: 911

While Baton Rouge has its origins as a French-speaking settlement, the modern-day city is an English-speaking destination, while you will still see the odd French sign in place; these are mainly for the benefit of tourists and the efforts of those pioneering for cultural rejuvenation.

The currency used nation-wide is the US dollar, which comes in denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 as well as higher denominations, and coins are available in US$1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cent.

While the majority of shops and businesses take credit and debit cards these days, it is advisable to always carry some cash on you. Currency can be exchanged at the airport or any bank branch, while there are also some exchange bureaux dotted around the city, which can change cash or travellers’ cheques.

ATMs are widespread in Baton Rouge, so you should have no problem withdrawing money with an internationally-recognised bank card, with Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express the most widely accepted. There are also money wiring services available such as Thomas Cook, Moneygram and Western Union, all of which have hefty transfer fees.

Visitors arriving from outside the USA must complete a customs declaration form upon entering the country. No fresh food or agricultural products are allowed to be brought in; items from North Korea, Cambodia, Libya and Cuba; pre-Columbian artefacts; chocolate liquors; or obscene publications. There are also strict regulations on drugs and firearms. Duty-free allowance is: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars; a litre of spirits.

You will find that the Southern lifestyle has you in a laid-back mode in no time; the people here are friendly, genuinely interested and accommodating towards visitors. To show your appreciation for this hospitality, it is important to follow some basic elements of American etiquette if you want to get the most out of your stay.

While there is no strict etiquette as such, it is important to be polite at all times. It is normal to casually converse with cashiers and passers by throughout the day, which is part of the Southerners’ charm. Apart from those conducting business, the dress code in Baton Rouge is fairly casual, so don’t feel you need to dress up just for dinner. Never smoke in a non-smoking area.

Like social etiquette, there is no strict dining code of behaviour in Baton Rouge. If you dine out at a restaurant, you should wait until all members of your party are served before starting your meal. If someone makes a toast, you should also stop eating and only resume when the toast is over. It is up to you whether you eat everything you are given or not, although if eating at someone’s house, it is considered polite and complimentary to your host of you finish you serving.

Dessert is often served after a meal, as is coffee or tea, while alcohol is also frequently consumed at meals. When you have finished eating, place your knife and fork parallel to one side of your plate to indicate you have finished. If you invite friends to dine with you, this may be taken as an indication that you will pay for the meal.

Baton Rouge has a visitor centre, which is housed in the State Capitol, and is open daily from 08:30 to 16:30. They can be contacted by calling: +1 225 342 7317; or by visiting their website at: www.visitbatonrouge.com.

European Union nationals need to fill out a form requesting a visa at least 72 hours before they plan to travel to the US. You may need to show evidence of funds and an onward ticket. Canadians also require a passport to enter the US.