What budget to travel Louisiana? Money and currency

What budget for activities and outings Louisiana?

Admission for adults generally costs between US$5 and US$30. Children, students and senior citizens are almost always offered discounts or even free admission. Many points of interest are also completely free of charge, although some require a voluntary contribution. In New Orleans, passes combining various museums and attractions (Go City New Orleans and New Orleans Sightseeing Pass) can save you a lot of money, provided you're here for at least 2-3 days.

There are plenty of ways to stretch your legs without spending a penny. Town and village councils provide a variety of sports facilities, from swimming pools to tennis courts and baseball diamonds. Access is usually free or at a nominal charge. There's also a whole network of free multi-purpose trails in Louisiana, both for cyclists and hikers. A few dollars, however, are required in state parks and nature reserves. For adventures such as deep-sea fishing or skydiving, however, you'll need to budget accordingly.

The cost of living in Louisiana is below the national average. When it comes to shopping, we do rather well, thanks in particular to a slightly favorable exchange rate. While prices may seem attractive, sales taxes are never included, unless otherwise specified. You must therefore add them to your purchases (4.45% + local tax of up to 7%, although some products, such as unprocessed food, are tax-exempt). Debit and credit card payments are generally accepted everywhere, even outside the major centers.
Louisiana also offers a state tax refund system on certain purchases for foreign visitors. Over 1,500 businesses are members of the "Louisiana Tax Free Shopping" program (hotels, restaurants and locally consumable services are not included). At checkout, and upon presentation of your passport, you'll be given a refund voucher for the amount of state tax - and sometimes local tax as well (don't forget to include your sales receipt). For tax refunds (in cash up to US$500, or by post for higher amounts), you need to go to one of the following four locations with your refund voucher and invoice, as well as your passport and round-trip airline ticket valid for less than 90 days: The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk (New Orleans), Canal Place (New Orleans, refund by post only), Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (Kenner) and Tanger Outlets (Gonzales). For further information: louisianataxfree.com

Clubbing in Louisiana is generally less expensive than in Europe (although not necessarily to the same high standard). Admission may be free before a certain hour (usually 11pm or midnight) or by joining the guest list (usually reserved for women). Note, however, that more exclusive clubs may require you to book bottle service to secure a seat. At the cinema, discounts are often offered for showings before 4pm or on the weekly discount day (usually Tuesdays). This is particularly true of most AMC and AMC DINE-IN cinemas. Good deals for shows: Gametime offers, among other things, last-minute tickets for shows and sporting events in New Orleans (gametime.co), and don't forget that Louisiana vibrates continuously to the rhythm of the music, so it's very easy to see shows for free in the bars.
As a general rule, prices quoted are always exclusive of tax. Not only must you add sales tax (4.45% + local tax of up to 7%), but also 15% service charge where applicable. All methods of payment are accepted, although the bar counter in a concert hall, for example, may only accept cash and/or debit card.

What budget to eat Louisiana?

You can easily grab a bite to eat for less than US$15. You should expect to pay at least US$20-25 for lunch and at least US$35 for dinner.Lunch/daily specials ( fixed-price menu) can save you money, and always include starter and main course, as well as dessert on 3-course menus. More upscale restaurants often offer a multi-coursetasting menu. The cost can vary from US$60 to US$150 or more, and selected wine pairings are available at extra cost.
All methods of payment are accepted, although smaller restaurants may limit themselves to cash and/or debit cards.
In Louisiana and the rest of the country, you can also take the rest of your meal home, or bring your own bottle of wine or beer to the restaurant. The "bring your own booze" (BYOB) concept may not be as widespread as in neighboring Canada, but many restaurants allow it. The corkage fee is generally a maximum of US$30, and some don't charge a penny.

Prices for gourmet breaks and alcoholic beverages are relatively similar to those in Europe, especially in cities like New Orleans. To save money, the famous Happy Hour offered in bars in the middle or at the end of the day is a good idea. There are also low-cost passports that allow you to visit participating establishments and get free drinks (plus tip). Such is the case with PubPass (getpubpass.com) for Louisiana's microbreweries and craft breweries.
As a general rule, prices quoted are always exclusive of tax. Not only must you add sales tax (4.45% + local tax of up to 7%), but also 15% service charge. All methods of payment are accepted, although small shops sometimes limit themselves to cash and/or debit card.

What is the budget for accommodation Louisiana?

Of course, rates vary widely depending on the type of accommodation chosen, the season and demand. A dormitory bed in a youth hostel will not cost the same as a suite in a 5-star hotel or resort. In the low season, you can find a nice room in a hostel or hotel for between US$80 and US$150, a price that rises - and can even double or more in the big cities - in the high season or during major events. It's also worth noting that accommodation is expensive in New Orleans, whatever the category.
As a general rule, prices quoted are always exclusive of tax. Not only must you add sales tax (4.45% + local tax of up to 7%), but also other taxes and fees that vary by parish or city and are set by the local tourist board for its hotel members, such as the Tourism Assessment Fee and the Occupancy Tax/Bed Tax in New Orleans. All methods of payment are accepted, but smaller hotels may limit themselves to cash, traveler's checks and/or debit cards.

Travel budget Louisiana and cost of living

To help you plan your daily budget on site, here are three examples to suit everyone's financial means.

Small budget: US$100 per day per person (accommodation in a campground/youth hostel/motel, meals on the run or groceries, public transport or carpooling, free activities or activities costing less than US$10).

Medium budget: US$ 200-250 per day per person (B&B or hotel accommodation, good food, public transport or car, paid or package activities).

Big budget: from US$400 per day per person (accommodation in more luxurious hotels or cottages, good food, transport by car, package activities/expeditions).

And don't forget that the prices of most consumer goods and services are increased by a state tax of 4.45%, to which may be added a local tax of up to 7%, generally not included in the advertised price. For example, the total tax in New Orleans is 9.45%, while in Lake Charles it is 10.2%. Also, the 15% tip must be added to the bill in restaurants and bars. Tipping cab drivers, hotel cleaners and hairdressers is also recommended (but may be less than 15%). No tips at cinemas or theaters.

As for haggling, this is not a common practice in the country. Prices are fixed and generally non-negotiable. However, shopkeepers can sometimes be generous and offer you something if you buy items from them for a substantial sum. Similarly, even though it's strictly forbidden, small shops sometimes agree not to charge you taxes if you pay for your purchases in cash and without the possibility of returning them...