Some Tips for the New York City Experience August 12, 2014

1. When you hail (wave for) a taxi, make sure the cab’s light is on.    Many people wave their hands trying to get a taxi and feel frustrated when so many cabs pass them   by.  If a taxi’s light is on, this means it is available.

2. If you want to go to a Museum in NY, find out when there is a free day.  For example:  The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is free on Fridays from 4PM to 8PM.

3. A MetroCard (card for transportation) can be used on the subway and on buses.  You can transfer for free from the subway to the bus and from the bus to the subway.

4. If you go to a restaurant, tipping is advised and expected.  At an average restaurant, an 18% tip is suggested.  At a more expensive restaurant or for superior service, you should tip 20%.   People from countries outside of the U.S. are not accustomed to tipping.  Example:

My foreign friend took me to dinner in NYC and did not tip.  The waitress
came over and said to me, “Was something wrong?”  I said “Why?”  She
said, “Well you didn’t leave a tip.”  “Oh,” I said, “that’s because my friend’s
from a foreign country.  I’ll let him know.”

5.  Most celebrities feel very comfortable in NYC because they can come and go without
being fussed over.  It is a good idea if you refrain from staring at or screaming at them,
or running over to them.

PC TECH: English Language School in New York City