Carrying cash

Question

Would it be a safe assumption that outside of incidentals, ie sodas or smallish snacks. Most places that take cash only have an onsite ATM. Would prefer to do that as opposed to carrying cash. My bank refunds me ATM fees. Just feeling safer carrying a card I can immediately lock if stolen. Any other suggestions accepted and appreciated

Answer

Your assumption about using cards is generally a safe one, especially in a city like New Orleans. Most businesses in New Orleans, especially restaurants, shops, and attractions, will accept credit and debit cards. Cash-only establishments are increasingly rare, but they do still exist, particularly in some smaller, locally-owned shops, bars, or food stalls. These may not be as common in the tourist-heavy areas like the French Quarter or along Bourbon Street, but it’s always a good idea to be prepared for a few exceptions.

If you prefer not to carry cash and would like to rely on your card, here are a few tips:

ATMs are widely available: While most places accept cards, there are still a number of cash-only spots around New Orleans, especially at local markets, some cafes, or food vendors. In these cases, there are generally ATMs available nearby, including in or around areas with a high concentration of tourists. Since your bank refunds ATM fees, this should be a great backup plan if you need cash.
Cards with no foreign transaction fees: If you're traveling and worried about additional fees, consider using a credit card that has no foreign transaction fees, which can help save on purchases made in places that don’t accept cards or in case of emergencies when you might need to use cash.
Payment apps: Many local businesses in New Orleans also accept payment through apps like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Venmo, especially in the French Quarter and other tourist spots. These apps can be a great alternative if you prefer not to carry cash and want the flexibility of making payments via your phone. You can also link your card to these apps, which makes them a secure option as well.
Safety first: It's always a good idea to carry a small amount of cash for tips, incidentals, or emergencies. You can keep your card in a secure wallet or use a money belt to minimize risk. It's great that your bank refunds ATM fees – just make sure to use ATMs in well-lit, busy areas to stay safe, and be mindful of your surroundings when withdrawing cash.

Overall, your plan to rely on a card and use ATMs for cash as needed should work well in New Orleans, especially if you're cautious about where and when you need cash. If you don’t want to carry cash, just make sure you have access to a secure ATM when necessary. And as always, it’s a good idea to lock your card through your bank’s mobile app if it gets lost or stolen for added peace of mind.