General Information
311 is New York City's phone number for government information and non-emergency services.
Information on buses and subways, Alternate Side Parking Information and Status, Yellow Taxi Lost and Found Information, Yellow Taxi Complaint.

Emergency
In an emergency dial 911 or use one of the clearly marked street phones which have direct lines to the emergency services.

 

Tipping
Generally accepted guidelines:
• Waiters/Waitresses: 15% - 20% for average - good service, more for exceptional service.
• Bartenders: $1 - $2 a round -or- 15% to 20% of the tab.
• Cocktail Waitresses: $1 - $2 per drink
• Sommelier or wine steward: 15% of cost of the bottle
• Coatroom attendant: $1 per coat
• Room Service: 15% - 20%
• Valet Attendant: $2 - $5 average for each trip to the car, more may be appropriate given conditions. (Like weather or location)
• Washroom attendant: 50 cents to $1
• Taxi driver: Varies depending on locality. Assume 15% will be enough; an extra $1 to $2 for help with bags.
• Skycap at airport: $1 per bag if you check-in curbside; $2 per bag if skycap takes bags to check-in counter.
• Hotel doorman: $1 per bag for help with luggage; $1 per person for hailing a cab
• Hotel bellhop: $1 per bag for bringing luggage to your room (but a $2 minimum if you have just one bag)
• Hotel housekeeper: $2 to $5 per night
• Tour guide: $2 - $5 per person in your party. But, first inquire with the tour company whether tips are included in the cost of the tour.

 

Driving
Driving in New York is not advisable unless essential. Street parking is hard to come by and parking lots can be very expensive.  

   

Crime
Be smart. Although New York City is a lot safer than it used to be in it's notorious past, it is still advisable to act sensibly and somewhat cautiously.

Do not engage in extended conversation with unknown or suspicious people. If you feel someone is trying to take advantage of you, walk away.

Do not fall victim to scam artists by holding or giving them money or any other objects.

Remember some people make a living at ripping of tourists by taking advantage of their good nature and there are very sophisticated methods of accomplishing this.

If you feel suspicious or uncomfortable about a situation, do not worry about being what you perceive to be rude. New Yorkers can take it.

If you place anything down on a sidewalk, street, lobby or floor anywhere, do not turn your back on it...even for a second. It may be gone when you look for it!

Only carry what cash you need for that day, and refrain from any obvious display of wealth such as expensive watches or jewelry. 

If you are unfortunate enough to become a victim of a crime, hail a cab and ask to be taken to the nearest police station. They will probably not be able to help a great deal, but they will supply you with a crime reference number for your insurance company.

 

Electricity
110/120 volts AC (60 cycles). Sockets take two/flat-pin plugs.

 

Weather
New York City's weather is typically seasonal.

Spring - April-May - Mostly cool and pleasant with occasional rain, temperatures ranging from 40-80 F.

Summer - June thru August - Although mostly warm and pleasant, there can be stretches of very hot and humid days with temperatures reaching into the 90's F.

Fall - September-November - A favorite season in New York. Mostly cool and pleasant, temperatures ranging from 40-80 F.

Winter - December-March - Can get very cold with occasional snow, temperatures ranging from 10-40 F.