History of New York

NYC Travel Info Web

MONEY
There are ATMs almost everywhere in New York City—although they are not as frequent in the less traveled parts of the outer boroughs. Be advised that most ATMs charge a fee. In the banks, the fee is usually $1.50 per withdrawal. Independent ATMs usually charge $2.00. When possible always use ATM machines at a bank or banking center. The following banks (plus others) have ATMs in New York City: HSBC, Commerce, Chase, Citibank, Wachovia, Commerce, Washington Mutual, and Fleet. All major credit cards are readily accepted. If a merchant or restaurant does not display the credit cards it accepts on its front door, you should ask.

SAFETY
New York is a safe place, but as with any city, you need to be aware of your surroundings. Please keep track of you wallet and valuables. Do not carry your wallet in your back pocket and if you are carrying a pocketbook or backpack, please make sure it is zipped.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Photo opportunities await you at every corner in New York City. Batteries and film are available everywhere. The following website is a good resource: www.usefilm.com. We suggest you do not buy either in high traffic tourist areas, as the price will be more expensive. If you need film or batteries, visit a Duane Reade or CVS pharmacy.

GETTING AROUND
You can get around in New York on public transportation (subway and bus), via taxi or on foot. Buses and subways cost $2.00 per ride. Buses accept metrocards or $2.00 in change (no pennies or paper money). Subways only accept metrocards. If you need to buy or add to your metrocard, you can do so at a subway booth (cash only) or at a metrocard vending machine located at subway stops (cash, credit or ATM card).

An official New York City cab is a yellow car or minivan with a medallion number on top. When the numbers on top of the cab are illuminated, the cab is empty. When the numbers on top of the cab are turned off, the cab is occupied. New York has very few taxi stands. The doorman at your hotel can hail a taxi for you, but if you are on your own, stand at the curb and hold your arm straight up and straight out.

Taxis charge based on a meter that starts at $2.50 and goes up .40 per 1/5 mile or .40 for every 120 seconds waiting in traffic. There is a .50 surcharge between 8:00pm and 6:00am, all days of the week. There is a $1.00 surcharge between 4:00pm and 8:00pm Monday - Fridays except official city holidays. There are no charges for extra passengers or baggage. A flat rate of $45.00 + tips and tolls is charged from JFK Airport to Manhattan Island. If you are going outside the five boroughs of New York City, the cost has to be negotiated with the driver. All cab drivers carry a fare book as a guideline for out-of-town trips. Tips (usually 10% to 15% of the fare) and tolls are additional. Keep in mind, most taxi drivers change shifts at 5:00pm, so getting a cab at 4:30pm - 5:30pm can be difficult. One final note: every New Yorker knows you can't find a cab when it's raining.

There is a free bus service downtown provided by the Downtown Alliance. It stops along the route include Battery Park City (Chamber Street on the West Side), South Street Seaport (Fulton Street on the East Side) and dozens in between. It runs seven days a week from 10:00am to 8:00pm in 10 minute intervals. See attached map.

Beyond Times Square an booked private car and driver airport transfers and private car and driver for use while in New York.

WEATHER
New York has four seasons. The best times of year are September–November, and May–June. December and January are cold, but a trip to New York during the holiday season is an experience in itself. The summer months (July and August) are hot, but there is a lot of fun outdoor activity. The chart below will give you a better idea of the weather.

JEWISH NEIGHBORHOODS ON THE SABBATH
Beginning on Friday afternoon/evening and all day Saturday, the Lower East Side of Manhattan and other Jewish communities (South Williamsburg and Boro Park) close for the Sabbath. If you are planning to visit these areas and want to get a feel for the neighborhood, we suggest you do not visit on those days. To make sure you get the best possible experience, we will not schedule programs to these areas during the above times.

PARKING
If you bring a car with you to the city, please be aware that parking in a garage can range anywhere from $25-$45 per day. If you decide to park on the street, please read the streets signs—carefully. They explain when you can and cannot park your car. Let us know if you plan to bring a car and we will try to arrange a discount voucher.

KEEPING THE CITY CLEAN
Please do not litter. You might see locals doing it, but do not follow their example. There are trashcans on many corners. Thank you.

PUBLIC RESTROOMS
New York does not have many public restrooms. The following is a list of public restrooms in New York City. Also department stores, hotels, and Barnes and Noble have restrooms available.

• Bryant Park. Located near the library on (42nd Street between 5th & 6th Avenues, when the park is open (usually closes at 8:00pm).
• Grand Central. Located off 42nd Street between Park and Lexington Avenues. You can find the public restrooms downstairs near the food court.
• Greeley Square. Located at 33rd Street and 6th Avenue. The charge is .50¢
• Penn Station. Located on 31st Street between 7th and 8th Avenue.
• Port Authority. Located on 41st Street and 8th Avenue.
• Police Stations. Any police station will let you use their bathroom.
• Hotel Lobbies.
• Department Stores.
• Coffee Houses.
• Rockefeller Center.
• Staten Island and Liberty/Ellis Island Ferries.
• Castle Clinton in Historic Battery Park.
• Prospect Park in Brooklyn
• Thomkin s Square Park
• Central Park at the following locations:
  • Between 73rd Street and 59th Street:
    • Central Park Zoo
    • Wollman Memorial Rink
    • Heckscher Playground
    • Adjacent to Tavern on the Green
  • Between 74th and 84th Street
    • Conservatory Boat House
    • Delacorte Theater
    • Ancient Playground
  • Between 85th and 97th
    • Tennis Courts
    • North Meadow Rec. Center
  • Between 97th and 110th
    • Conservatory Garden
    • Northside of the Harlem Meer
    • Robert Bendheim Playground
    • The Great Hill

TIPPING
Tipping is included only when noted. Below is a list of suggested tipping amounts for you to refer to:

• Airport/Hotel Porter $1.00 per bag
• Taxi Driver 10%-15% of fare on meter without tolls
• Waiter/waitress 15%-20% of the food bill not including tax
• Shuttle Bus driver $1.00
• Doorman $1.00
• Chamber maid $2.00 per day
• Parking Garage attendant $1.00 for getting your car
• Tour guide $2.00-$4.00 per person per tour
  
  Tips to hotel porters are included in your program.

WATER
Water in New York City is safe to drink and among the better tasting waters in the U.S. Bottled water is available at any convenience store or supermarket. Beyond Times Square will provide you with a liter bottled water on any walking tour or other sightseeing programs.

TIME
New York City is in the East Coast Time Zone (Eastern Standard Time). It is five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

LAUNDRY
Laundry is available at most hotels, but there is a fee. Before you leave your clothes to be cleaned, please check the price list. There are also many dry cleaners all over the city.