New Orleans Life and Visitor Travel Tips

(New Orleans, Louisiana - LA, USA)



New Orleans has a wealth of historical attractions as well as one of the liveliest music scenes in the USA. Its wonderful atmosphere, charming character of the French Quarter and abundance of attractions to suit the whole family has made New Orleans one of America's most visited cities.

Whether you take a walk through the Garden District to admire the historic houses, a trip to the fascinating Cities of the Dead or a journey down the river on a traditional paddle steamboat, visitors to New Orleans, Louisiana (LA), are sure to enjoy a memorable experience. Travel guides and travel tips are available at visitor information centers in New Orleans or online before arrival.


Tourism and Tourist Information

Address: New Orleans (LA), USA
New Orleans offers excellent tourist information facilities and there are an abundance of online sources providing free information, guides and travel tips. Tourist information centers and travel agencies in New Orleans can assist you with travel information and details on attractions. Free guides, brochures, maps and tourist magazines are often distributed at these offices and in hotels throughout the city.

Visitor Information Services
Address: West Lobby, West Terminal, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, Louisiana LA, USA
Tel: +1 504 464 2752

Jean Lafitte National Historic Park Visitor Center
Address: 2114 Decatur Street, New Orleans, Louisiana LA, USA
Tel: +1 504 589 2636

New Orleans / Louisiana Welcome Center
Address: 529 St. Ann Street, New Orleans, 70116, Louisiana LA, USA
Tel: +1 504 568 5661
Open hours: 09:00 to 17:00

Language

Over 300 languages are spoken in the USA, including more than 170 that are indigenous to the area, with the most commonly spoken language in New Orleans and America being English. Many different ethnicities and nationalities are well represented in New Orleans, Louisiana (LA), USA and other languages in addition to English are available for study in schools and numerous language centers.

Visas

For details on whether you will require a visa for travel to New Orleans it is advisable to check with your consulate or embassy for information specific to your country. There are a number of different types of visa available, with tourists visiting New Orleans normally being required to obtain a non-immigrant visa that permits temporary stay. Citizens from Visa Waiver Program countries are allowed to enter New Orleans and the USA without a visa if they can meet certain requirements. If you are applying for a visa before your arrival in New Orleans, it is a good to apply well in advance, in case of possible delays on processing applications.

Working

There are several categories of non-immigrant visas available to those wishing to work in the US temporarily. Working without a visa in New Orleans is strictly forbidden and there are harsh penalties for those who are caught in breach of this law. Persons wishing to work in New Orleans and America as a whole must apply for the relevant visa in their home country and usually require a letter from their prospective employer in the US and other documentation.

Tipping

Tipping is common in New Orleans; however, it is only necessary if you consider the service to have been satisfactory. When dining out in restaurants, a 15 percent tip is standard, although services charges may already be included in your bill. Bars in New Orleans differ slightly, as there is often a tips tray at the counter where customers are expected to leave a dollar or two upon their departure.

Taxes and Refunds

Most states in the US operate a sales tax of between seven and eight percent on goods and services; although, some states have no tax at all. Sales tax is not reclaimable by tourists on their departure from New Orleans and Louisiana. Should visitors hold a relevant visa allowing them to work during their stay, then a partial or total refund of tax is usually reclaimable.

Smoking

A few decades ago Americans happily accepted smoking in all public places without much fuss, but nowadays things are quite different, with several states having laws restricting the public areas in which people are allowed to smoke. Most restaurants in New Orleans are required to have a non-smoking section and airplanes, trains and all public transport options in New Orleans prohibit smoking. If you are a smoker, it is always a good idea to politely check whether smoking is permitted before starting to smoke in New Orleans.