Travel tips · New York City · United States
New York City travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Dllu, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Quick answer
New Yorkers move fast and speak directly, but most are helpful if you ask a clear question. The city is extraordinarily diverse, and each neighbourhood keeps its own character. The main etiquette is about keeping things moving: on sidewalks, on the subway and in queues.
Key facts
- Language
- English
- Currency
- USD
- Plugs
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
- Tap water
- New York City tap water is safe and high quality, and drinking fountains are…
- Emergency
- 911 for police, fire and ambulance
Things to know
- Walk briskly and keep to the right on sidewalks; step aside before stopping to check a map or take a photo.
- Let passengers off the subway before boarding, move into the car, and take off your backpack on crowded trains.
- Know whether you want uptown (north) or downtown (south) before entering a station; some entrances serve only one direction.
- Have your order ready at delis and coffee counters, where lines move quickly.
- Watch for cyclists and delivery e-bikes at crossings, as they do not always stop.
- Book Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ahead: Pedestal and crown access are limited and must be reserved with the official ferry operator, Statue City Cruises; crown tickets sell out months ahead.
- Book Empire State Building ahead: Timed tickets bought online cut waiting time, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Book Top of the Rock ahead: Sunset time slots sell out; book online ahead.
- Free experiences include Central Park, the High Line, the Staten Island Ferry, the Brooklyn Bridge, Grand Central and the galleries of Chelsea.
Tipping
Tipping is expected and makes up much of service workers' pay: 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, 15–20% for taxis and ride-hailing, and a few dollars a night for hotel housekeeping.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bodega | A corner convenience store |
| Schmear | Cream cheese on a bagel |
| Uptown / downtown | North / south in Manhattan |
| Express / local | Trains that skip stops / stop everywhere |
| The City | What residents of other boroughs call Manhattan |
| Hero | A long sandwich roll |
What to wear
Dress in layers for strong indoor air-conditioning in summer and cold, windy streets in winter; comfortable shoes are essential, as you will walk many kilometres a day.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
- Drinking water
- New York City tap water is safe and high quality, and drinking fountains are common in parks.
- Emergency number
- 911 for police, fire and ambulance
- Phone and internet
- Free Wi-Fi is available at LinkNYC street kiosks, in many parks and in most subway stations, and eSIMs work well for international visitors.
- Time zone
- America/New York
New York is generally safe in the areas visitors frequent, but pickpockets work crowded spots such as Times Square and busy subway trains. Costumed characters and people handing out 'free' CDs expect payment, and late at night it is best to ride in busy subway cars.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check United States's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in New York City?
Tipping is expected and makes up much of service workers' pay: 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, 15–20% for taxis and ride-hailing, and a few dollars a night for hotel housekeeping.
+Can you drink the tap water in New York City?
New York City tap water is safe and high quality, and drinking fountains are common in parks.
+What plugs are used in New York City?
Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
+What language is spoken in New York City?
English.