Page 204 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - New Orleans

202  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

New Orleans is renowned all over the and Health (see pp204–5) outlines a
world for its lively social life and friendly number of recommended precautions.
atmosphere. As long as visitors take a few Banking and Currency (see pp206–7)
sensible measures, they should enjoy a answers essential financial questions,
trouble-free stay. The Survival Guide that while Communications and Media
follows contains information that will (see pp208–9) has information on
help you plan your visit. Personal Security the phone and postal services.

Visas and Passports Admission Prices Etiquette and Smoking
Visitors traveling from outside Museum admission charges Smoking is prohibited in all
the United States should check range from $5 to $10, with up public buildings, including stores
entry requirements with a US to 50 per cent off for students and restaurants. The legal age for
embassy or consulate. All (with ID cards) and senior drinking alcohol is 21; however,
foreigners must have a valid citizens. Some museums allow anybody may be asked for
passport, and visitors from most free admission for children photo ID to get into bars. If you
countries must also have a non- under the age of 12. Many do wish to consume an alcoholic
immigrant visitor’s visa. Citizens not charge entrance fees but drink on the street, it must be in
of Australia, New Zealand, South welcome a donation, while a plastic container, or “go cup.”
Africa, Japan, the UK, and EU in others it is possible to buy Public restrooms can be
countries can visit the US membership on the spot. Most found at most city parks;
without a visa if they plan to stay museums have guided tours, additional facilities are made
for fewer than 90 days. Those souvenir stores, publications, available during large events
traveling under the Visa Waiver independent exhibitions, and such as Mardi Gras. Public
Program must pre-register with other events. urination is an offense and
the Department of Homeland will result in arrest and fines.
Security’s Electronic System for
Travel Authorization (ESTA).
Taxes and Tipping
Tax-free shopping is available
Travel Safety Advice
at participating merchants to
Visitors can get up-to-date foreign visitors who are staying
travel safety information from in the US for fewer than 90
the Foreign and Commonwealth days. For more information on
Office in the UK, the State getting a refund on sales taxes,
Department in the US and the visit the Tax-Free Counter in
Department of Foreign Affairs the main ticket lobby at the
and Trade in Australia. International Airport.
Tipping is expected for most
services. Tip restaurant staff
Customs Information
15 to 20 per cent of the bill, bar-
Visitors over the age of 21 have tenders 50 cents to $1 per drink,
the right to carry up to 200 porters $1 per bag, and valet
cigarettes, 1 liter of alcohol, parking attendants $1.
and 4.4 lb (2 kg) of any kind Exterior of the Ogden Museum of Southern
of pipe tobacco. Plants, fresh Art, New Orleans
foods, and all kinds of meat are Opening Hours Disabled Travelers
prohibited, as are weapons and Ramps, elevators, and special
non-prescription drugs. Museums tend to open from parking spaces can be found
10am–5pm. Most stores are all around the city. However,
open from 10am–6pm, but unfortunately not many historic
Tourist Information souvenir stores in the French buildings have these facilities,
The New Orleans Convention Quarter close later. Restaurants nor do most restaurants and
and Visitors’ Bureau (NOCVB) usually start evening service at bars. Always enquire about
and the New Orleans Tourism 5pm and continue until 10pm mobility restrictions in advance
Marketing Corporation are (11pm Friday and Saturday), or of visiting.
useful sources of information. until the last diner leaves. Live Outside of the French Quarter
The NOCVB offers free maps music usually starts at 10pm, and Downtown areas, sidewalks
and guides, as well as discount and it is a tradition not to close may be in a state of disrepair
coupons. It also helps in cases until the last guest has left. and not suitable for wheelchairs.
of loss or theft and accidents. Banks operate from 9am–4pm. The Canal and Riverfront

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