Things to know

Currency & Exchange rate

The unit of currency is the US Dollar (US $), the only currency accepted in the USA. The maximum amount of cash you are allowed to take with you when traveling to the USA is $10,000 USD. It is best to change some change into dollars before you leave, and then withdraw cash on the spot with a credit card. There are ATMs (automated teller machines) everywhere.

Credit Card

This is the easiest and most economical way to pay, the rate being better than if you do the exchange on the spot. Have your passport with you, it is sometimes required. The most common cards are Mastercard, Visa and of course American Express. As the secret code is not in force in the USA, you have to sign for each transaction.

In the USA, a credit card is an indispensable tool, almost obligatory even, Americans pay everything by card, even for $5.

Languages

The American constitution does not stipulate any official language. However, it is obvious that English is the most widely spoken language in the United States (80% of the population), with Spanish coming in second place (12%), followed by Chinese.

Electricity

The standards of electrical installations are not the same as in the United States, so remember to bring an electrical adapter in your luggage. It will be essential for recharging your cell phone, camera, or computer. Indeed, in the United States, the electrical current is 110 volts / 60Hz. Plugs in the United States have 2 flat plugs, often with a 3rd round plug for the ground.

Telecommunications

To call abroad from the United States with your cell phone: dial 00 followed by the country and city code + the number of your correspondent (be careful of the time difference). Aside from the iPhone, most cell phones in the United States use a CDMA network, rather than GSM. Make sure that your operator is compatible. An international extension is necessary to call from your cell phone, and the cost of the communications is expensive.

Taxes

In the USA, prices are always quoted without tax, whether in stores where tax will be added at the checkout, or in hotels, restaurants, bars… Each state and each city is free to set its own tax.

Tips

It is important to know that in the United States, the service is not included and constitutes the salary of the waiter. The “tip” is between 15% and 20% of the amount of the bill. If you pay by credit card, indicate in the box provided the amount of the tip you wish to leave and make the bill yourself. In bars, leave $1 to $2 per drink served. At the hotel, a tip is usually given directly to the porters which amount to $2 per suitcase. For a maid, a tip of $3 per day is left on the room table when leaving. In cabs, it is customary to leave a tip of 15% to 20%.

For your Guides & Drivers

It is customary to leave a gratuity at the end of the trip to your guides and drivers who will have accompanied you throughout your stay. This is of course left to your discretion. As an indication, the commonly adopted basis for the guide is from $5 per day and per person; for the drivers from $2 to $3 per day and per person.

Tobacco

Smoking (and even vaping) is prohibited in all enclosed public places (restaurants, bars, nightclubs, museums, transportation…) and outdoors in parks, on city beaches and in some pedestrian areas. The fine is $50! The objective of this restriction is to breathe better and live longer. The legal age to buy cigarettes (including electronic cigarettes) is 21.

Getting around New York

The subway: New Yorkers spend a lot of time in the transportation system, especially in the subway. The network is very extensive and efficient, operating 24 hours a day. The fare for a trip is $2.75 regardless of the distance. Magnetic cards can be purchased inside the stations, at MetroCard machines, at ticket counters, or by contactless credit card. To get to the north end of the city, take the Uptown train, south to Downtown. Be sure to check the letter or line number on the train as well, as trains can go to different locations from the same platform.

The yellow cab: They are yellow in Manhattan and lime green in other areas. There are many of them and you will have no trouble finding them, except from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm (rush hour). On the roof of the cab, there are three light bulbs. If the middle one is on, the cab is free, you can simply call it with your hand. If the middle one is off, the taxi is taken. If only the sidelights are on, it is off duty, that is to say, that it has finished its service but can take you if the trip is on its way back. Prices are regulated. All cabs are equipped with credit card terminals. At the end of the ride, simply select the payment method on the screen (cash or credit card) and follow the instructions. Don’t forget the 20% tip.

Photos / Camera

In some religious, official, or tourist buildings, it is allowed to photograph or film outside. But never inside, under penalty of fine. Respect the instructions indicated on the signs.