What budget to travel Louisiana? Money and currency

What budget for activities and outings Louisiana?

It usually costs between US$5 and US$30 for adult admission. Discounts are almost always offered to children, students and seniors, or even free admission. Many points of interest are also completely free, although some require a voluntary contribution. In New Orleans, passes combining various museums and attractions allow you to save a lot of money (Go City New Orleans and New Orleans Sightseeing Pass), as long as you are there for at least 2-3 days.

There are ways to stretch your legs without paying a cent. City and town councils provide a variety of sports facilities, from swimming pools to tennis courts and baseball diamonds. Access is usually free or for a small fee. There is also a network of free multi-purpose trails in Louisiana for both cyclists and hikers. A few dollars are required in state parks and nature preserves. For adventures such as deep-sea fishing and skydiving, however, you will need to budget accordingly.

The cost of living in Louisiana is below the national average. As far as shopping is concerned, we do quite well thanks to a slightly favorable exchange rate. If the posted price may seem attractive, you should not forget that sales taxes are never included, unless you are advised otherwise. You must therefore add it to your purchases (4.45% + local tax of a maximum of 7%, although some products are exempt from taxes, such as unprocessed food). Payments by debit or credit card are generally accepted everywhere, even outside of the major centers.
Also note that Louisiana has a state tax refund system on certain purchases for foreign visitors. More than 1,500 businesses are members of the "Louisiana Tax Free Shopping" program (hotels, restaurants and services that can be consumed locally are not part of the program). Upon checkout and presentation of your passport, you will 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 (cash up to US$500, mail for higher amounts), you must go to one of the following four locations with the refund vouchers and invoices, along with your passport and round-trip airline ticket valid for less than 90 days: The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk (New Orleans), Canal Place (New Orleans, mail refund only), Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (Kenner) and Tanger Outlets (Gonzales). For more information: louisianataxfree.com

Going to a club is generally cheaper in Louisiana than in Europe (although not necessarily to the same standard). Admission can be free before a certain time (usually 11pm or midnight) or by joining the guest list (usually reserved for women). Note, however, that more exclusive clubs may require you to reserve bottle service to secure a seat. For movies, discounts are often offered for shows before 4pm or on the weekly discount day (usually Tuesday). This is the case for most AMC and AMC DINE-IN theaters. Entertainment deals: Gametime offers last-minute tickets to shows and sporting events in New Orleans (gametime.co), among other things, and remember that Louisiana is always buzzing with music, so it's easy to see shows for free in bars.
As a general rule, the prices listed are always exclusive of tax. Not only do you have to add sales tax (4.45% + local tax of up to 7%), but you also have to add the 15% service charge when applicable. All methods of payment are accepted, but it may happen that the bar in a theater, for example, only accepts cash and/or debit cards.

What budget to eat Louisiana?

You can easily eat on the run for less than 10-15 US$. You should expect to pay at least 20-25 US$ for lunch and at least 30 US$ for dinner.Lunch/daily specials ( fixed price menu) allow you to save some money and always include the starter and the main course, as well as the dessert in the 3 course menu. The more upscale restaurants also often offer a tastingmenu with several courses. The cost can vary from $60 to $150 CAD or more, and a wine pairing is offered as an additional charge.
All forms of payment are accepted, but small restaurants sometimes limit themselves to cash and/or debit card.
In Louisiana and the rest of the country, you can also take home the rest of your meal 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 Canada, but many restaurants allow it. The corkage fee is usually a maximum of US$30 and some don't charge a cent.

The price of gourmet breaks and alcoholic beverages is relatively similar to what you would find 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 passports sold at low prices that allow you to visit participating establishments and get free drinks (tip not included). This is the case with PubPass (getpubpass.com) for Louisiana's microbreweries and craft breweries.
As a general rule, the prices posted are always exclusive of taxes. Not only do you have to add sales tax (4.45% + local tax of up to 7%), but also 15% service. All methods of payment are accepted, but small businesses sometimes limit themselves to cash and/or debit card.

What is the budget for accommodation Louisiana?

Of course, prices vary greatly depending on the type of accommodation chosen. For example, a dormitory bed in a youth hostel will not cost the same as a suite in a five-star hotel or a plantation. In the low season, a nice room in a hostel or hotel can be found in a price range of US$80 to US$150, a price that increases - and can even double or more in major cities - in the high season or during major events. It should also be noted that accommodation is expensive in New Orleans, regardless of category.
As a general rule, the prices quoted are always exclusive of taxes. In addition to sales tax (4.45% + local tax of up to 7%), there are other taxes and fees that vary by parish or city and are set by the local tourism office for its hotel members, such as the Tourism Assessment Fee and the Occupancy Tax/Bed Tax in New Orleans. All forms of payment are accepted, but smaller hotels may be limited to cash, traveler's checks and/or debit cards.

Travel budget Louisiana and cost of living

To help you plan your daily budget while you're there, here are three examples that fit everyone's financial means.

Low budget:

US$100 per day per person (camping/hostel/motel accommodations, meals on the run or groceries, public transportation or carpooling, free activities or less than US$10).

Medium budget:

US$ 200-250 per day per person (B&B or hotel accommodations, good food, public transportation or carpooling, paid or package activities).

Big budget:

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

Also keep

in mind that most consumer goods and services are subject to a state tax of 4.45% plus a local tax of up to 7%, usually not included in the 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 in cinemas and theaters.

As forhaggling, it is not a common practice in the country. Prices are fixed and generally non-negotiable. However, shopkeepers will sometimes be generous and offer you something if you buy items from them for a significant amount. In the same way, and although it is strictly forbidden, small shops sometimes accept not to charge you taxes if you pay your purchases in cash and without possibility of return...