1) PHONING THE UK: There are telephones situated
all around New York City. It is probably cheaper to
buy a phone card that will cost $5 to $10 although these
can be unreliable at times. To phone the UK dial (00441)
and then the area code (e.g. 0161) but WITHOUT the first
0 (e.g. 161), and then the telephone number follows.
When using phone cards follow the instructions on the
back.
2) MONEY: You can use most major credit cards
in the US. If you are taking travellers cheques, try
to get American Express which can be cashed in shops
and restaurants rather then going to the bank. Many
ATM's will accept Cirrus cards and British cashpoint
cards. One thing to remember though....New York is expensive!
3) ROADS: AVENUES run approximately North-South
and STREETS run East-WEST (except in older areas like
Battery Park and the Financial District). Fifth Avenue
marks the boundary between East and West. Most streets
are one-way (generally traffic will travel East on EVEN
numbered streets and West on ODD numbered streets).
Avenues also tend to be one-way alternating Northbound
and Southbound.
4) CABS: Licensed cabs in New York are generally
inexpensive. They carry a maximum of four passengers
and after an initial pick up charge (about $1.50), the
fare is charged by distance. Yellow cabs now refuse
to travel into the Bronx and Harlem.
5) SUBWAYS: The subway is probably the fastest
way of travelling around the city. There are two kinds
of trains: LOCAL (which stop at every stop) and EXPRESS
(faster trains that only stop at selected stations).
Subway routes are identified by either a number or letter.
On subway maps, coloured
circles mark express stops (only), local stops (only)
are marked by lines and white circles mark local and
express stops. The FARE is the same no matter how far
you travel or the type of train you travel on (about
$1.50). It is advisable to buy a METROCARD which are
available from many places, i purchased mine at Grand
Central Terminal. It cost $15 and you can use it for
as many journeys for a 10 day period. Remember the subway
has a reputation of being a dangerous place. It is advisable
NOT to travel after dark on the subway. Try to use well-populated
carriages.
6) GENERAL SAFETY:
-
Be socially aware, consider where you are
-
Only carry the minimum amount of cash you need. Do
not flash around expensive cameras, watches etc. Keep
your wallet out of sight and dont put it in your back
pocket.
-
In the evenings try not to go out on your own. Try
to have someone with you.
-
Avoid empty streets and back-alleys. Dont travel alone
on the subway on empty carriages.
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