Rudeness: The Misunderstood Behaviour

New Yorkers are considered to be rude, but this is a misunderstood behaviour. They are just ALWAYS in a hurry. The truth is that they are very nice AS LONG AS you don’t get in their way. However, if you make them waste 2 seconds of their precious time, then you must be ready to hear an EXCUUUUSEME!!! in the best case. So here is an example of things you will not do:

- Stop in the middle of the street and display your 2 meter city map. Find a corner or a place where you can take your time to check your route. It is possible that someone approaches you offering help.

- Stop someone walking down the street and ask for directions. Find a police officer or buy something in a kiosk and ask for directions. In the last case, wait until someone is waiting to cross the street when the light is red.

- Be hesitant when you get to the front of any line (e.g. subway, shows or touristic attractions tickets offices, fast-food places) Decide what you want before you get in the line.

- Stop at the subway exits or walk slowly and with no direction. If you don’t know your way, get aside! Especially during peak hours (from 7 to 9 A.M. and from 4 to 6 P.M).

Before you start your journey make sure that you know how to get to your destination. Click here to find subway, bus and walking routes>>

If you get really desperate you can always take a yellow cab.

Airport Taxis, Tips and Rip-offs

The easiest way to get into the city from NYC's three airports (JFK, La Guardia and Newark) is to take a taxi as soon as you leave the baggage claim areas. You will probably have to make a line. Once you are in the line tell the attendant where you're going when he asks (he or she will most likely be in a bad mood so don’t take it personal and smile), and the attendant will take you to your cab. There is a flat fee of $45 to Manhattan from JFK; about $16-$26 plus a $3 bridge toll from La Guardia; and $30-$38 plus a $10 dollar bridge toll from Newark. For information on taxi tips, shuttle buses, subway, and other transportation options click on the Airport where you are landing at:

Laguardia -- JFK -- Newark

Only use registered taxis and if someone approaches you offering their taxi service politely refuse. It is possible they may be illegal taxis, but even if you're in a hurry or they offer a cheaper price, do not accept a ride from a gypsy cab. Be safe and don’t take needless risks. As a general rule only get into YELLOW TAXI cabs that have a numbered, plastic medallion riveted to the hood. Don’t forget to ask for a receipt, you'll need the cab's medallion number (on your receipt) if you need to file a complaint or to report lost property. You can do both online at the TLC (Taxi & Limousine Commission) website:

How to submit a Lost Property Inquiry -- Submit Form here

How to Submit a Consumer Complaint

-- Submit Form here

Don’t forget to check the tipping policy at he links provided above!

I know you may not be used to it but tipping is morally mandatory in NYC, unless the service was extremely poor.

Freeze or Melt!

NYC is a great destination regardless of the season, but there are better times.

Summer (July-August- early September) tends to be very hot and humid. So if you come from a city like mine Zaragoza where the climate is primarily dry you may feel exhausted for the first couple of days. Try to drink lots of water, take some tissues with you and if you are a woman get an extra t-shirt if you don’t want to be arrested by the NY Police Department for offering a public wet t-shirt contest on the streets. A cap and some SF20 suntan lotion will help too. Long lines in touristic attractions under the sun are guaranteed during this season. Oh! Bring a jacket and a summer scarf, A/C levels are INSANE!

Winter (late December-January-February) is normally cold and damp. You should expect temperatures of 10–20 °F (-12.2–-6.7 °C) especially during cold nights. New York winters sometimes feature snowstorms that can paralyze the city with over a foot of snow. The humidity penetrates into your body and reaches your bones. I will tell you the secret to survive: LAYERS and a WINTER HAT! Don’t forget your scarf and a pair of gloves too. You may need a bag to put all your personal winter accessories once you enter a building, as the AC in the summer, the heating is also INSANE!

By far, the city is at its best in late September-October-early November and April-May. Enjoy it!

Find out more about NYC Climate here>>

See detailed 7-day Forecast here>>

Excuse me Sir; I am being deported back because I did not fill out WHAT?

If you are planning your trip to NY it is very likely that you have a list of places where you want to go: that restaurant that your co-worker recommended, some museums, a couple of Broadway shows that your friend suggested, you probably even bought a city guide and a map… but, do you have all you need to just enter the country?

Even if you don’t need a visa because your country is under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) you are subject to apply for an authorization called ESTA (3 days minimum before your trip) using the following process: Click here to start ESTA application form >>

In addition to this, you must present a machine-readable passport which is valid for 6 months past the expected stay in the US.

Print out a couple of copies of your approved ESTA confirmation and carry them with you when you travel. And remember this: the ESTA approval is a “conditio sine qua non” although this approval just means that you are eligible to enter the US. But there is still one more step to go: IMMIGRATION!! OK, relax.

You might have heard many stories about the NY immigration officials but old times are gone. If you are a visitor you should not have any problem. Most of them are distant but friendly. You will be asked standard questions mostly. Be ready to give the reason of your trip, the address where you will stay while in NY, your profession and where you live in your home country. As long as you can verify that you have the intention to come back to your country of origin you are all set. Important notice: don’t make jokes or try to be funny, just stay calm and behave naturally. Although they can be friendly you are being interviewed and evaluated. If you cannot communicate in English, a number of officials speak Spanish and other languages. They also provide interpreters of different languages if needed. Wait a minute! If you cannot communicate in English you would not be reading this lines, so forget about the language thing.

When you pass immigration you are almost done. You just need to submit the Customs declaration form to the customs officials once you have picked up your luggage and are on your way out. However, you could be asked for a last luggage check so make sure that you don’t bring an amount of money that exceeds $10,000! And if you carry a laptop with you then you should bear in mind that immigration and customs don’t understand about privacy. I am just saying.

Oh! I almost forgot; bring a pen with you during your flight. You will need to fill out a green hard copy version of the ESTA along with the Customs form. You don’t want to make a huge line to be returned back to the start because you did not have your green form ready, right? and don’t make scratches!

Who said New York City is the world’s greatest city in the world?

New York is the most populous city in the US with over 8.3 million people, and is one of the most populous urban areas in the world. Alongside with Tokio and London, NYC is considered an alpha city with a powerful influence over global economy, media, art, fashion, culture, education & research, and entertainment. There is around 170 different languages spoken in the city and 36 percent of it's population was born outside the United States.

But when you first come to NYC it is not its diversity and energy what calls your attention. New York City can be intimidating! It's chaotic, loud, messy, and crowded. Especially if you land in Canal St in China Town, as I did my first time, from a smelly and sticky but pretty cheap and convenient Fung Wa Bus from Boston. My first thought was: Who said this city is the world’s greatest city in the world? But don’t panic… it is! The purpose of this blog is to serve as a guide to not only survive but also have fun in what it is with no doubt one of the best destinations in the world.