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1/ Joke with the immigration officer
Here is the best way to get you into trouble as soon as you arrive: crack a joke at the immigration officer who will validate your entry into the United States. It is simply inconceivable in the United States. The procedure is cold and very administrative and, if you are lucky, it is the immigration officer who will wish you a good stay. Thank him and avoid saying that “it will be the bomb”…
2/ Defy the prohibitions
In the United States things are clear: when it’s forbidden, it’s forbidden! Simple, you might say, yet I have in mind this French tourist who was arrested for climbing on a beam of the Brooklyn Bridge in November 2014. He was deprived of his passport and finally sentenced to 30 days of work. general interest, not to mention the lawyer’s fees. Read the article here. Avoid doing like him!
3/ Get on a bus without having the extra
If you don’t have a MetroCard and need to buy a bus ticket, know that you absolutely must have the extra. The money must actually be deposited directly in a machine that issues you the ticket and the driver does not have access to the cash register, for security reasons. Before getting on the bus, prepare your $2.75 or risk being lectured by the driver or exasperated passengers.
4/ Go through the metro turnstiles without paying
If in Paris it is commonplace to see people jump over the turnstiles, know that this does not exist in New York, where the metro is closely watched by an attendant at each entrance and surveillance cameras. If you are ever caught, the fine for the “Fare Evasion” is $100. On the forum, you will read this story of this tourist who had his MetroCard but who preferred to go through the emergency exit because his arms were full. Result: a fine and long explanations. If your MetroCard does not pass or if you are charged, go to the counter!
5/ Do not tip in restaurants
Europeans, and in particular the French, misunderstand the term “tip” as it is used in the United States. In France, we are used to paying for the service directly on the bill and possibly adding an optional tip, generally 1 or 2 euros. Things are totally different in the United States since the service is not included in the bill and it must therefore be paid by the customer in the form of this famous tip, called here the “tip”. So you can’t leave 1 or 2 dollars as you would in France but at least 15% of the bill, or even 20% and more if you were very happy with the service. To calculate the minimum amount of service to leave, here is a very simple rule: double the amount of taxes (which is written on the bill) and you will have 15% service. Afterwards we can find it scandalous, it’s like that: always, the tip is the only remuneration of the server. It is therefore up to foreigners to adapt to this practice. Unfortunately, I met far too many French people who, under the pretext of wanting to oppose this practice and push America to change the formula, did not add the service… You come to the United States, follow the rules in force here!
6/ Save money on visits and activities
I know that a trip to New York is relatively expensive, between the plane and the hotel, but, as long as you make such a trip, it’s a shame to spoil the pleasure during your stay by playing the stingy. Treat yourself and do what you want to do and see. Do you dream of a helicopter ride? Do it! Do you want to climb a second time to the top of such observatory or visit such museum but you still have to pay $30? Do it! Do you crave this dish that you do not know? Order it! Do yourself a favor and tell yourself that you won’t be in New York every day and that everything you do will remain etched in your memory for a long time. There will always be time to save and put in the effort once you get back home. In a word, enjoy!
7/ Spend your stay only in Manhattan
It is clear that Manhattan concentrates most of what to see in New York, with the Empire State building, Times Square, Central Park, the Top of the Rock or the Chrysler building. But New York is not limited to Manhattan. New York is indeed made up of 5 boroughs, 5 boroughs: Manhattan but also Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. I strongly encourage you to go and see these other neighborhoods to encounter something other than touristy Manhattan. Brooklyn and Staten Island will offer you unique views of New York Bay and the skyline, Queens will allow you to meet Greek or Asian communities while the Bronx will immerse you in film noir and surprise you with its architecture and greenery. What to see all the facets of New York!
8/ Eat a burger at McDonald’s or Burger King
Ouh la la, I feel that I will receive an email from Mac Do and co. But too bad I assume: if there’s one thing that I don’t understand in New York, it’s these tourists who go to eat at Mac Donald’s or Burger King, the worst burgers in the world. How can you go to such a fast food when New York offers you an incredible choice of small addresses that offer homemade burgers, with real meat, real vegetables, cheese that has taste. So that you can discover what a really good burger is, here are some addresses that I recommend: see the “burger restaurants” section of the guide.
9/ Not paying attention to your belongings
New York is so great that you sometimes end up thinking it’s the ideal city, without theft and without crime. Unfortunately, New York is a large metropolis like the others with its crime. I myself witnessed a pickpocketing in Times Square, an attempt that was quickly aborted since the thief was immediately apprehended by the police. New York is not a dangerous city for a penny but apply the basic advice of caution that you follow on a daily basis at home!
10/ Returning without telling us how your stay went
A little wink to finish! If you read these lines and if you browse this site, you have collected a lot of information to have a great stay in New York. So, when you return, think of us, the community of New York fans 🙂 Do not hesitate to send me one or more photos by email: [email protected]. Do not hesitate to tell us about your stay on the forum: www.forumny.com. In short, do not return from New York without telling us how your stay was!
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