Plans are being made now by travelers planning to visit New Orleans during the December holiday season followed by Mardi Gras in 2020. In view of this I’ve decided to write an info blog filled with nitty-gritty details of what to expect when you arrive in THE BIG EASY. This is not a glam topic – it’s a useful one – so let’s get started.

THE TOUCHY SUBJECT OF MONEY

There are three straightforward ways to handle money in the United States: (1) Cold cash – U.S. dollars are the only acceptable currency in New Orleans, (2) US-dollar traveler’s checks, and (3) credit or bank (meaning debit) cards – which can be used to withdraw cash from automatic teller machines (ATMs) in New Orleans and elsewhere. 

WHERE ARE THE AUTOMATIC TELLER MACHINES?

You can easily obtain cash from ATMs all over New Orleans. Tip: it’s a good idea to keep cash for cabs and bars – just in case they prefer cash. And, of course, you’ll always find ATMs in well-known banks such as Chase and places like the New Orleans airport.

WHERE CAN YOU CHANGE MONEY IN NOLA?

Most major currencies and leading brands of traveler’s checks are easily exchanged in New Orleans. You will also find a number of independent exchange bureaus. When you arrive at the NOLA airport look for the Travelex America Business Center for this service.

WHERE CAN YOU USE CREDIT AND DEBIT CARDS?

Major credit cards are widely accepted by car rental agencies and most hotels, restaurants, gas stations, shops and larger grocery stores. You may find that smaller restaurants will only accept cash. Tourist and recreational activities can also be paid for by credit card. The most commonly accepted cards are Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

ARE TRAVELER’S CHECKS STILL IN USE?

ATMs and debit cards have nearly rendered traveler’s checks obsolete – but if this is your preference they are still virtually as good as cash in the USA and can be replaced if lost or stolen. Both American Express and Thomas Cook still issue traveler’s checks.

WHAT ARE THE BUSINESS/OPENING HOURS IN NOLA? 

Except for bars, New Orleans maintains the same hours as the rest of the USA. Let’s take a look at: (1) BANKS: 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, 10am to 5:30pm Friday and some are open 9am to noon on Saturdays. (2) BARS: Usually 5pm until the last customer leaves (official closing 2am on weekdays and 3am or 4am on weekends. (3) RESTAURANTS: 10am or 11am to 11pm (sometimes with a break from 2pm to 5pm) usually closed Sunday and/or Monday. (4) STORES: 10am to 7pm or 8pm.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU NEED A DRUGSTORE FAST?  

Nonprescription medications can be purchased in WALGREENS, located at 619 Decatur Street in the French Quarter (8am until midnight) 504-525-7263. You’ll also find CVS at various spots in New Orleans.

WHAT IF YOU NEED “A JOHN” OR TOURIST INFO?

We think of everything! PUBLIC RESTROOMS can be found in the Jackson Brewery mall and the French Market. Larger hotels usually have rest rooms off the lobby. Finally, the NEW ORLEANS WELCOME CENTER is located at 529 St. Ann Street – right next to Jackson Square in the heart of the French Quarter. You’ll also find information kiosks scattered throughout the main tourist areas. Good luck and have fun!

Shaun Nelson-Henrick