Essentials to include when you pack—from the proper travel documents to the right clothing.
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Planning:
Entry Requirements: International travelers from 27 countries may enter the U.S. without a visa through the Visa Waiver Program; however, you must have a machine-readable passport. Visitors from other countries must obtain a visa from an American embassy or consulate abroad. For more information, visit www.travel.state.gov/
Time: New York follows U.S. Eastern Standard Time.
Money: The currency of New York is the U.S. dollar. For current conversion rates go to OANDA Currency Converter: www.oanda.com/convert/classic
Phone Calls: The main area code for Manhattan is 212; a second code, 646, was added in 1999. Area codes for the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island are 718 and 347. 917 is the standard cellular/page/voicemail phone area code for all city boroughs. For phone calls to New York from within the U.S., dial 1 + the local area code + seven-digit phone number. For phone calls to New York from outside the U.S., dial the international access code of the country from which you are calling, then + 1 + the local area code + seven-digit phone number.
When to Go: New York's a true four-season town. Summer can be hazy, hot—into the 90s°F (32-37°C)—and humid; fall sees a welcome cool-down, with average temperatures in the 50s and 60s°F (in the teens °C). Winter winds can make an average 35-41°F (1.6-5°C) day seem much colder; spring is a time of happy rebirth, with temperatures edging up into the 50s and 60s°F (10-20°C).
Getting There: Three major airports service New York City: JFK International Airport (about 15 miles [24 kilometers] from Midtown), LaGuardia Airport (about 9 miles [14 kilometers]), and Newark Liberty International Airport (about 16 miles [26 kilometers]). Cab fare from airport to city runs about $20-45 plus tolls and tip. Other options, depending on the airport, include bus, shuttle, and subway (see TripMarks).
Getting Around: Having a car in the city makes no sense. Garages and parking lots are expensive, street parking is infuriatingly limited, and police are quick to ticket. Walking is the best option, followed by subway, then bus and cab.
Checklist:
Clothes With Deep Pockets: The best way to enjoy the city is unencumbered. Stash money, credit cards, and whatever else you absolutely need on your person. Purses, packs, and the like not only slow you down and run the risk of being left behind, they invite crime.
Really Really Comfortable Shoes: It's not hard to clock five, six, or more miles in a day's exploring. Walking is where it is at. From historic buildings to shop windows dressed in the latest styles, there are visual enticements just about every step of the way.
Foil-Wrapped Towelettes: Grime happens in New York. Have some "instant clean" refreshment in your pocket.
Sunscreen: Concrete, much like sand beaches, is highly reflective—year-round.
