Page 372 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - New York City

370  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

Communications and Media
Reaching the
New York is the headquarters of almost all the major Right Number
television news organizations and book and magazine • Six area codes are used in
publishers in the country. The variety of readily available New York: 212 and 646 in
local newspapers and magazines makes it easy for visitors Manhattan; the other
to keep up with world news as well as the latest dining boroughs use 929, 718, and
and entertainment options in the city. The wide use of 347; and 917 is for cell-
phones citywide. Calls to
cell phones and the Internet has changed the 800, 888, 866, and 877
communications picture in most of the world, and New numbers are free.
York is no exception. Though some public telephones may • To call any number in
still be found in hotel lobbies and on some streets, they Manhattan, even in your
same area code, you must
have largely been replaced by cell phones. When it comes first dial 1.
to the Internet, Wi-Fi is available for free all over the city, • To make an international
with the number of Internet cafés dwindling. direct call, dial 011 followed
by the country code
(Australia: 61; New Zealand:
64; UK: 44), then the city or
area code (minus the first 0)
and the local number.
• International directory Enqui-
ries are on 00. International
operator assistance is on 01.

Internet
Visitors will find many ways
to access the Internet in
New York, but you will have
Using a laptop in the New York Public Library a lot more freedom using
your own device. Almost all
major hotels offer the use
Cell Phones at competitive rates, with of computers, but some hotel
Visitors who wish to use their multiple pricing options for business centers can be
own cell phone in the US will phone, data, and overseas usage. expensive. There are now
need a tri-band phone and very few Internet cafés in
a SIM card that has been set New York; dependable
up for “roaming.” Ask your Public Telephones options include Internet
cellphone provider if you are If you can find a public Garage in Brooklyn. Another
unsure whether your phone telephone, you will see that alternative is to stop by a
is ready to be used abroad; the setup is standard. Most branch of the New York City
all iPhones should be usable. phones are coin-operated and Public Library, where free
Roaming charges, especially take 5-, 10-, and 25-cent coins. Wi-Fi (network NYPL) and free
for data, can be extortionate. A local call within New computer internet
Note that you are charged for York costs 25 cents for access are available.
the calls you receive as well as three or four minutes, To use the computers,
for the calls you make; even depending on the you need to get a
checking voicemails can result carrier. Calls elsewhere guest pass at the main
in a hefty charge. Some cell- within the US, are library building, which
phone companies offer usually 25 cents for US Postal can be acquired by
“bundles” of calls to save one minute; overseas Service logo bringing proof of your
costs while you are away. long-distance rates are identity and current
If you have a compatible, pricier and it is better to use home address. With the pass,
unlocked GSM phone and a prepaid calling card ($5, you can reserve time slots
intend to use it a lot, it would $10, and $20), which you can for computers at any branch,
be cheaper to buy a local SIM buy at most grocery stores in person or via nypl.org.
card. AT&T is your best option. and newsstands. Regulations There are free Wi-Fi hotspots
Some networks also sell basic require each public pay phone in most subway stations and
phones (with minutes; no to post information about places such as Times Square
paperwork or ID required), charges, toll-free numbers, and Bryant Park, and complimen-
which means you will get a US and how to make calls using tary connections at most hotels
number. Cellhire offers rentals other carriers. and cafés such as Starbucks.

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