New Orleans, Louisiana

• New Orleans sits at sea level in southern Louisiana, so the humidity hits you the moment you step outside. Crime has come down from its past highs. The French Quarter has heavy police presence and feels reasonably safe during the day and early evening.
• Eating alone at restaurant bars is common here. You'll see people reading books or chatting with bartenders. English is the main language in tourist areas, though you'll hear French and Spanish mixed into the local accent in some neighborhoods.
• SafeWalk (504-415-1730) provides free escorts downtown if you're uncomfortable walking alone. Police non-emergency is 504-821-2222. Common French Quarter scams include people betting they can tell you where you got your shoes, or offering free beads then demanding money. Just keep walking.
• Streetcars run until 11pm and cost $1.50. After dark, use Uber or Lyft instead of walking more than a few blocks. The French Quarter, Garden District, and Uptown stay busy with decent lighting until late. Avoid walking through quiet residential areas after 10pm.

English is the main language. Emergency services (911) and police non-emergency (504-821-2222) have English speakers. In tourist areas like the French Quarter and Garden District, all staff speak English. You'll hear French, Spanish, and local dialects mixed in, but English works everywhere.

• New Orleans is relaxed and friendly - strangers start conversations easily. People are generally welcoming, but scammers use this to blend in. If someone on the street suddenly gives you attention or compliments, just say 'no thanks' and keep walking.
• Neighborhoods like Tremé have significant African American cultural history. Remember these are real neighborhoods where people live, not tourist attractions. Gentrification is a sensitive issue - Tremé is now 75% Airbnbs.
• You can drink alcohol on the streets in plastic 'go cups' but not glass. Sitting at restaurant bars is common, and bartenders are usually friendly. Watch your alcohol intake - drinking too much makes you an easier target.
• Tipping: 20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and tip street performers if you stop to watch. Portions are often smaller than typical American restaurants because the food is rich, so ordering multiple courses is normal.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Emergency Services: 911. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• The streetcar system has four lines - St. Charles Avenue (through Garden District), Canal Street (to French Quarter and City Park), Riverfront (Mississippi River views), and Rampart-St. Claude. They cost $1.50 per ride and run until 11pm. Service can be infrequent, so check schedules.
• Uber and Lyft work well and are the safer option after dark. Don't get in unmarked cars or accept rides from people on the street. The RTA Airport Express bus runs from the airport to Canal Street for $1.50.
• Walking works fine during daylight in the French Quarter, Garden District, and Magazine Street. The city is flat, but summer heat and humidity will wear you out quickly. After dark, don't walk more than 2-3 blocks - use rideshare instead, especially between the French Quarter and Frenchmen Street.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

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