Thread: New york

Im all booked up to go to New York can't wait..
A question do I need a visa ? Thanx

You shouldn't need a Visa, but check into whether or not you need an ETSA Authorisation: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

The FCO's advice on the ETSA Visa Waiver Programme is here: United States travel advice

DO be sure to take insurance. Medical care in the United States is not free. Even the "smallest" of problems can cost you $50 just to speak to a GP, and around $150 for a course of antibiotics. Woe betide if you slip and break a leg. Suddenly you'd be looking at thousands of dollars in medical fees!

Other than that, just do as you would in any dense city - keep your wallet safe, don't leave valuables in your room, try not to stand around looking lost, and ignore hawkers on the street. New York is friendlier than it has a reputation for being, especially in the cooler months when people aren't crazy from the heat

Expected tips for service in restaurants are 20% nowadays, believe it or not. Being English I usually can't bring myself to go with that. I tended to average 10-15% at best. Less if the service was sub-standard. Don't let anyone give you the "Oh, but they're poorly paid" sob story - I have several friends who are waiters and waitresses in the United States who all claim to average between $30 and $50 per hour in tips alone. That's more money in the course of a year than most office staff over here earn.

You'll have a blast! What sights are you thinking of visiting?

Ah yes, forgot to say: JFK Passport Control is one of the most poorly-organised borders I have ever passed through. My minimum wait here has been two hours. My maximum? Three hours. So have your immigration forms and such filled out before you even land, because I've seen people get to the front of the queue after two hours only to be sent riiiight to the back again for not having completed the papers.

I'm going in Autumn this year as well. Can't wait. Hope you have a great time.

Originally Posted by somebody

I'm going in Autumn this year as well. Can't wait. Hope you have a great time.

Oh how lovely please let me know how your trip goes where are u staying ?

Enjoy

You do need an ESTA.

Ok thank u

I went with a couple of friends in December. I'd recommend booking the hop on hop off tickets with one of the bus tour companies who tout for business in Times Square (your ticket includes entry to several of the major sites) and if you go to Macy's, take your passport to the customer service desk for a 10% discount card for tourists.
We were 3 woman and an 11yr old on our own and felt very safe.
Oh, and don't wear trousers that need a belt or you'll be taking it off every time you go through the airport style security at some of the major attractions.
Have fun....

I went in feb and had an amazing time, my first trip to NYC and def not the last!
I got a New York pass, cost around £90 but got entry into most major attractions and saved me a fortune it also gives you priority access which did save us some time even in feb

Have a brilliant time

Thanx for your posts

I'm off to New York in January for my 21st.... so excited! Been to America before but New York has been a dream of mine for a while, can't wait!

Yes, it definitely will be cold. I grew up in the northern part of New York State and it's generally cold enough at least to need a mid-weight jacket in October. If you're talking New York City then it may be a little warmer but definitely bring long sleeve shirts and jackets.

I go a week on Monday staying at the new Yorker me Abd my husband
have $2500 for 4 nights can't wait so excited !!!

Originally Posted by babybuffy84

I go a week on Monday staying at the new Yorker me Abd my husband
have $2500 for 4 nights can't wait so excited !!!

My sons staying in new yorker hotel, in june let me know how it goes, have fun

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I went to new york in October its such an amazing place a true sight to see.