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Key information about New York City

Population

8,323,340

Country
USA
Money
Currency
USD - US Dollar ($)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.00 USD
ATM fees

4 - 7 USD for out of network ATMs (plus your own bank's fees)

Credit cards

Accepted everywhere

Tipping

15-20% at restaurants, 1 USD per drink at bars

Airport
Main airport

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Airport to city center

Subway to Lower Manhattan (60 minutes, $10.50 USD with MetroCard), Bus to Brooklyn (80 minutes, 2.75 USD with MetroCard), Uber to Manhattan ($70 USD), NYC Taxi to Manhattan ($54.60 USD flat fare)

Other options

La Guardia Airport (LGA) is closest to midtown Manhattan and Newark International Airport (NWR) is in New Jersey and offers cheaper flight options. You can take the bus/subway from LGA into the city and from Newark, there is a bus and a train option.

Transportation
Taxi apps

Uber, Lyft

Public transportation

Subway: $2.75 USD per trip with MetroCard
Bus: $2.75 USD per trip with MetroCard
Train: Price depends on destination for suburban services

Getting around

Buy a MetroCard for $1 USD to use any NYC public transport service. You can buy and recharge them at any of the vending machines in stations, station booths and authorized merchants across the city.

SIM card
Best options

AT&T, Verizon

Expected cost

~45USD for 5GB of data valid for 1 month

How to buy

At any authorized retailer, preferably official operator branches

Language
Official language(s)

English (de facto)

Level of English

Very high

Food
Tap water

Drinkable

Overall cuisine

American. Emphasis on comfort and fast food, with some good seafood dishes. Influence from other regions of the US, North America and the world make NYC a cosmopolitan and international cuisine hub that is incredibly diverse.

Local food specialities

Pizza, clam chowder, bagels, corned beef, pastrami, cheesecake, hot dogs, and hundred of other international food options.

Eat like a local

Delis, local pizza shops, street food stalls and food trucks, food markets, local bakeries and smaller, authentic international cuisine restaurants

Vegetarian / vegan options

309 options on HappyCow

Food delivery apps

UberEats, GrubHub, Postmates

Supermarkets

Whole Foods: With locations across the city, this organic food store is a favorite among young professionals and families. Here you'll be able to find good local produce, meats and other organic goods. Expect high prices but excellent quality and variety.
Trader Joe's: Another popular organic store, Trade Joe's has a a variety of good produce, baked goods and basic necessities. Prices will be high but not as much as in Whole Foods.
Morton Williams/Fairway/Food Emporium: More classic grocery stores holding a wide variety of goods, at average NYC prices (high). These stores can be found almost anywhere across the city and variety/service will vary depending on the neighborhood.
Bodegas and Delis: These are certainly the best places to buy convenience goods, as well as meats, cheeses and other everyday foods. Here you will find regular market prices and they are even more common than grocery stores, making transport easier and more convenient.
Farmers' Markets: One is available in almost every NYC neighborhood and these are certainly the best places to buy fresh produce. Good locally-sourced foods will also be available here. Market prices, usually.