New York City, USA Travel Tips

Here are some key travel and cultural etiquette tips for tourists in New York City, USA formatted using Markdown:

Greetings and Addressing People

• Greeting: A friendly “Hello” or “Hi” is appropriate. New Yorkers are generally direct and businesslike.
• Addressing People: Use Mr./Ms./Mx. followed by the person’s last name (e.g., Mr. Smith). First names are used after a friendly introduction or when invited to do so.

Tipping

• Tipping is expected in New York City. For restaurants, aim for 15-20% of the bill. For taxis, round up to the nearest dollar. For hotel staff and hairdressers, $1-$5 per service is appropriate.

Subway Etiquette

• Stand to the right on escalators, let others pass on the left.
• Avoid blocking doors when trains arrive.
• Be mindful of personal space. New Yorkers are generally tolerant but personal boundaries may be smaller than in other cities.

Cultural Sensitivity

• New York City is a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities. Respect diversity and avoid making assumptions or stereotypes about people based on their appearance.
• Homelessness is prevalent in NYC. While it’s important to be kind, do not encourage panhandling by giving money directly. Consider donating to organizations that support the homeless instead.

Food and Drink

• New York City has a vast food scene. Street food like hot dogs and pizza slices are a part of the experience but be mindful of hygiene.
• Alcohol is served in bars and restaurants until 4am on weekdays, and until 5am on weekends. Be responsible when consuming alcohol.

Respect Public Spaces

• Central Park and other public spaces are for everyone to enjoy. Pick up after yourself and respect others using the space.
• Busking is allowed in some areas of NYC but don’t interrupt performances or disturb performers.

Emergency Contact Information

• In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire department, or medical emergencies.