Alcoholic Beverages: It is unlawful to drink alcoholic beverages in public areas. If you drink on the street, for example, a policeman can issue a ticket violation and/or arrest you.
Public Bathrooms: If you are walking around the city and have a
bathroom
emergency, here's a list of decent public bathrooms. Trump Tower lower
level (5th Ave. & 56th St.), Bryant Park (42nd St. & 6th Ave.), Grand
Central Station (Park Ave. & 42nd St), Manhattan Mall, food court -lower
level (6th Ave. &
32nd St.), Penn Station (7th Ave. & 32nd St, lower level),
Old Navy (Broadway & Spring St., 6th Ave
& 18th St., 34th St bet. Broadway & 6th Ave.), Macy's (34th St & Broadway),
Barnes & Noble stores (all around the city), Times Square
Visitors Center (1560 Broadway, bet. 46th & 47th Sts.).
Dog Walking: If a friend of yours wants you to walk his/her dog, make sure you clean up after the dog. You can be fined up to $100 if you don't.
Directions: If you get lost and decide to ask for directions, try asking a few times to confirm that you are going the right way. Many people want to be helpful but have no orientation at all and can send you anywhere.
Driving: It is unlawful in New York State to drive and use a cell phone at the same time. Don't do it!. Also, wear your seatbelt ALL the time. Don't drink and drive.
Electricity: The electricity in the United States is 110V/60 Hz.
USA National Holidays: Note that on national holidays; banks, post office and other official and federal institutions are closed.
|
New Year's Day |
January 1 |
|
Martin Luther King Day |
Third Monday in January |
|
Presidents' Day |
Third Monday in February |
|
Memorial Day |
Last Monday in May |
|
Independence Day |
July 4 |
|
Labor Day |
First Monday in September |
|
Columbus Day |
Second Monday in October |
|
Veterans Day |
Second Monday in November |
|
Thanksgiving Day |
Fourth Thursday in November |
|
Christmas Day |
December 25 |
Taxes: Everyone pays taxes. You will be subjected to the city's 8.63% non-refundable sales tax and the 13.5% hotel tax. Don't believe those who say that you will get you tax money back at the airport.
Temperature: Fahrenheit's can be converted to Celsius by using the following formula: Fahrenheit minus 30 divided by 2. Example: if the temperature is 80 Fahrenheit's, take 30 off leaving you at 50, and then divide it by 2. Result: 25 degrees Celsius. It is very simple, just remember this: "minus 30 divided by 2".
Also, you can enter THE TEMPERATURE in either input field, and It will be converted into either Celsius or Fahrenheit.
Tips: gratuities are not included in the service check. Waiters, waitresses and bartenders can receive from 15 to 20%. Taxi drivers also expect tips -15% of fare.
Warnings
New York, as any other big city in the world, has crime so try to avoid having an unpleasant moment by taking basic precautions. Don't be afraid, you can easily walk the streets of Manhattan late at night without a problem, just be careful.
We listed some recommendations:
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Avoid walking alone in dark and isolated areas.
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Try to stay away from Central Park when it gets dark.
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Always have an ID with you. Some bars require official ID to let people in if they look younger than 21 years old.
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Have you bags and belonging in sight if traveling on a crowded subway.
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In case of an emergency dial 911 from the nearest phone for assistance (call is free).
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If you decide to go biking, do not leave the bike alone for more than 5 minutes. Bicycle thieves are faster than light. A good chain helps but doesn't mean it is 100 % safe.