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Electric power
The United States uses 110 volts. You will need a two flat plug adapter to use your electrical devices.
Jet lag
The east coast of the United States, where New York is located, lives 6 hours behind mainland Europe. When it’s noon in Paris or Brussels, it’s 6 a.m. in New York. And when it’s noon in New York, it’s 6 p.m. in Europe.
Language
The official language of the United States is English. If you don’t speak English, don’t worry: New York is the most international American city and New Yorkers are used to interacting with tourists.
Note that you will sometimes come across French people living in New York in hotels and restaurants. The opportunity to talk about the country! Finally, many taxi drivers are from Haiti: here again, you can practice your French!
Currency and exchange
The currency of the United States is the US dollar. You will have no difficulty finding ATMs in New York or paying with a Visa or MasterCard credit card.
To make your change, it is best to withdraw your dollars before your departure. The courses practiced on site are indeed much less advantageous.
If you live in France, we recommend the services of Yes Change. This renowned company, created in 1987 in Paris, offers you to change without commission and at the best market rate. You can order your dollars on their website and receive them in person (against signature), wherever you live in France! You can also collect them at their branch at 1 rue Rouget de Lisle, in the first arrondissement (Concorde metro). In this case, remember to specify that you want to benefit from Internet tariffs. For more information, visit the website www.yes-change.com
Post
Here is a very handy address if you want to send a few postcards any time of the day or night: the General Post Office, 421 8th Avenue. The New York Central Post Office is open 24 hours a day!
Health
No vaccine is required to enter the United States. On the other hand, absolutely remember to take out health insurance that covers the duration of your stay.
The medical costs are indeed very high in the United States and you could have a very bad surprise in the event of big medical problem on the spot. Don’t be like this French tourist who has to sell her car on her return to pay the hospital costs for appendicitis …
security
New York is generally a safe city. Like all large cities, however, you should be wary of pickpockets and small scams (especially fake taxis which make you pay double or triple a fare).
Stay vigilant without falling into paranoia and do not tempt thieves (no need to walk alone in the Bronx at 2 am with this solid gold necklace that suits you so well…).
Phone
From France to the United States: 00 + 1 + the city code (212 for New York) + the number of your correspondent without the initial 0.
From the United States to France: 011 + 33 + the number of your correspondent without the initial 0.
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