Practical information for a trip to New York

Here is all the practical information you need for a trip to the United States. Currency, time difference, electricity, postal service, safety...

Electricity in the USA

The United States uses 110-volt electricity. You’ll need an adapter with two flat pins to use your electrical devices.
See a photo of an American outlet in our article on electrical outlets in the USA.

The East Coast of the United States, where New York is located, runs 6 hours behind continental Europe. When it’s noon in Paris or Brussels, it’s 6 am in New York. When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6 pm in Europe.
Note: the USA does not change to and from daylight saving time on the same dates as Europe. See our article on daylight saving time changes in the USA.

English is the official language of the United States. If you don’t speak English, don’t worry: New York is the most international American city, and New Yorkers are accustomed to interacting with tourists. See my article on visiting New York without speaking English.
You may encounter French speakers working in New York hotels and restaurants—a good chance to chat about their home country. Many taxi drivers also come from Haiti, so you might get to practice your French there too.

The currency of the United States is the US dollar. You’ll have no trouble finding ATMs in New York or paying with a Visa or MasterCard.
For currency exchange, it’s best to withdraw your dollars before you leave. Exchange rates offered on-site are typically much less favorable.
You can pay in your own currency: US dollars, euros, British pounds, Canadian dollars or Swiss francs. For the best rates and no commission, consider Yes Change. This established company, founded in 1987, lets you order dollars online and receive them by hand delivery or pick them up at their office. When ordering online, make sure to request their internet rates.

If you want to send postcards at any time of day or night, the General Post Office at 421 8th Avenue is very convenient. New York’s main post office is open 24/7.
For more information, see my article on how to send a postcard from New York.

No vaccinations are required to enter the United States. See the article on vaccinations needed for travel to the USA. However, be sure to get travel insurance for the USA that covers your entire stay.
Medical costs in the United States are very high, and you could face a nasty surprise if a serious medical emergency occurs. Healthcare bills can be substantial—even for routine procedures.

New York is generally a safe city. Like any major city, you should watch out for pickpockets and small scams (such as unlicensed taxis that charge double or triple the normal fare).
Stay alert without becoming paranoid. Use common sense: avoid walking alone in unfamiliar neighborhoods late at night, and don’t display expensive jewelry or valuables.

To call the United States from abroad, dial your country’s international access code + 1 + the area code (212 for New York) + the phone number.
To call abroad from the United States, dial 011 + the country code + the phone number.