Business Offices: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday
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
Museums: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday

It is advisable to keep out of dark and secluded areas at night and always try to stay within the confines of the tourist quarters. Never leave any belongings unattended and do not carry large amounts of cash about your person.

Using common sense will reduce the chance of becoming a victim of a petty crime and will also help to prevent accidents and loss of property. If you do fall victim of any crime, do not hesitate to call the police, who will be able to guide you on what procedures to follow.

New Orleans experiences a hurricane season between June and November, so if you are travelling during this period; be prepared to heed all advice should a hurricane hit the city.

110V AC, all plugs are two-pronged.

The currency used across the country is the US dollar. Notes can be found in denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 as well as rarer higher denominations, while coins come in denominations of US$1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cent.

You will find that the large majority of shops and businesses take credit cards, although it is always recommended that you carry some cash on you for transactions at smaller or for smaller purchases. Currency can be exchanged at the airport, many large banks and at exchange bureaux, which can be found across the city.

ATMs are plentiful and often offer the best rate for changing up your money. Most ATMs take Visa, MasterCard and Cirrus. If you are really stuck for money, there are money wiring services available at places such as Thomas Cook and Moneygram, but with these services come hefty fees.

If you arriving in New Orleans from outside of America, you will be required to complete a customs declaration form upon arrival. There are strict regulations on drugs, firearms and food items, with all fresh food or agricultural products being banned. Artefacts from North Korea, Cambodia, Libya and Cuba as well as chocolate liquors and pornographic material are also forbidden. Duty-free allowance is: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars; one litre of spirits; and gifts for personal use adding up to no more than US$100.

The dress code in New Orleans is very relaxed, with shorts and t-shirts acceptable in many establishments. Smoking in public has become increasingly anti-social and it is always worth asking those around you if they mind if you smoke before you light up.

As with social etiquette, dining etiquette in New Orleans is extremely laid back. There are general rules to follow if you are dining out, but these are no different than if you were dining in most European countries. Wait until everyone at the table has been served before you eat is considered polite and if a toast is given, stop eating and do not resume until glasses have been lowered. Waiters are expected to be tipped between 15 and 20 per cent, which is not added to the bill unless you are in a group of six or more.

You are not required to have any specific vaccinations for your trip to New Orleans, but keeping up-to-date with standard inoculations is recommended. Tap water is safe to drink and as all restaurants have to follow strict health and safety procedures, you should not be presented with any obvious risks while eating out. If you plan to enjoy the wildlife and countryside on your holiday, remember to bring mosquito repellent, as suffering from countless bites will no doubt put a dampener on your trip.

If you are a victim of an accident of suffer from any health problems while on holiday, you will find that the city offers excellent medical facilities. While emergency treatment will be given and charged for later, you will find that minor treatment will require you to make a payment upfront. Medical treatment of any kind can be expensive in New Orleans, so it is essential that you take out comprehensive insurance cover. 

Tulane University Hospital: +1 985 867 4285

New Orleans has many French roots, because of this, you may happen to come across old French signs and names. This is largely for tourists’ benefit, as the city is English-speaking.

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.

New Orleans Visitor Information Services are the best source of tourist information in the city. You will find them at: West Lobby, West Terminal, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.