Page 364 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - New York City

362  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

New York is one of the most diverse and are reliable and cheap; there are plenty
exciting cities in the world. The fast pace of of cash machines; and money can be easily
Manhattan may seem daunting at first, but exchanged at banks and hotels. The wide
there are many services to help tourists, and range of prices offered by the many hotels
you should find the city safe and easy to (see pp284–9), restaurants (see pp294–305),
explore. Midtown streets are straight and and entertainment venues (see pp334–57) in
mostly laid out in an easy-to-follow grid the city means that your New York trip can
pattern. Buses and subway trains (see pp382–5) be both fun and affordable.

advice), the State Department
in the US (www.travel.state.
gov) and the Department of
Foreign Affairs and Trade in
Australia (www.dfat.gov.au/ or
www.smartraveller.gov.au/).

Customs Information
Customs allowances per
person when you enter
the US are 200 cigarettes,
100 cigars, or 4.4 lb (2 kg)
of tobacco; no more than
2 pints (1 liter) of alcohol;
Skaters at an ice rink in Central Park and gifts worth no more
than $100. Many foods,
including fruits and vegetables,
When to Go
they must apply and pay for may be brought by visitors
September and October are entry online via the Electronic into the United States. Baked
the prize months in New York, System for Travel Authoriza tion items, candy, chocolate,
offering warm days, cool (ESTA). The ESTA is valid for and cheese are permissible,
nights, and colorful leaves in up to two years and can be as are canned goods (except
the city parks. Late spring is used for multiple entries those containing meat or
also appealing, when the city into the US (www.esta.cbp. poultry products) if being
is less crowded and humid. dhs.gov). imported for personal use.
Summers can be unpleasantly Canadians must show Upon arrival at one of
hot, but there are attractions their passports when entering New York’s airports, follow
such as outdoor concerts, the US by air, and a passport signs stating “other than
plays, and sporting events to or an enhanced driver’s license American passports” to
keep visitors busy. Christmas in proving citizenship when immigration counters, where
the city is wonderful, although arriving by land or sea. your passport will be stamped.
you will have to share your Those visitors requiring Next, reclaim your bags
experience with thousands of a visa should apply in person from the appropriate area
other tourists. Weather-wise, at the nearest US embassy and proceed to a customs
any season can be unpredict- or consulate in their own officer, who will examine
able; always pack layers, and country. It is vital to begin the customs declara tion that
be prepared for changes. the process early, allowing you should have received
sufficient time for processing and filled in on your flight.
the application. Some services
Visas and Passports
will expedite the process
All visitors to the United for a fee. Visit www.travel.state. Tourist Information
States require passports valid gov for more details. Advice on any aspect of life
for at least six months after in New York City is available
the dates of travel. Citizens Travel Safety Advice from the New York Convention
of the UK, Australia, New & Visitors Bureau, known as
Zealand, and 32 other Visitors can get up-to-date NYC & Co. Its 24-hour touch-
countries, including most travel safety information tone telephone service
EU countries, do not need from the Foreign and (see p365) offers help outside
visas if they are staying in the Commonwealth Office in the office hours. New York City
US for 90 days or less. However, UK (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel- has another free phone and
Taxis in Times Square

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