Checklist: 12 things to pack before leaving for New York

Heading to New York? Here’s your essential packing checklist for departure! Print it out and review it one last time before heading to the airport.

1/ Your Passport

• Your passport is one of the most important things for your trip. Without it, you won’t be going anywhere. Before you lock up your apartment or house, double-check that you have your passport with you. Forgotten passports happen more often than you’d think.
• Don’t just glance at the cover. Open it to confirm it’s actually yours and not another family member’s.

2/ Your ESTA Authorization

• Along with your passport, print out your ESTA travel authorization, which allows you to enter the United States. Although it’s technically electronic, immigration officers may ask for a printed copy. Having one on hand saves time and avoids unnecessary questions.

3/ Your Bank Card

• Your bank card is the third essential item for your trip! Make sure you’ll have funds available when you arrive.
• Check that your card’s spending limit is high enough to cover all your expenses. If needed, contact your bank to temporarily increase your limit for the duration of your New York stay.
• Ideally, bring two bank cards from two different banks. If one has a problem, you’ll still have a backup.

4/ Your Flight Tickets

• Even though e-tickets are standard, print a copy of your flight confirmation. You’ll have the check-in deadline and all flight details right in front of you.

5/ Your US Dollars

• It’s a classic traveler’s mistake: exchange money before your trip, then leave it in an envelope in a drawer at home. It happens more often than you’d think!
• Have some dollars easily accessible for your first expenses when you arrive.

6/ Any Medications You Need

• If you take regular medications, pack them with you. I recommend keeping them in your carry-on bag. If your checked luggage goes missing, you’ll still have your medications. This saves you from having to hunt for a pharmacy when you arrive.
• Even if you don’t have a regular prescription, it’s smart to bring some basic over-the-counter medications. See my article on medications to bring to New York.

7/ Your Complete Camera Equipment

• Your camera will definitely be part of the trip! But make sure you pack all the necessary equipment. I remember a couple of tourists who barely took any photos because they’d forgotten their camera battery charger. They probably missed photos from the end of their stay.
• Similarly, verify that you’re bringing all the lenses you need, your battery charger, and an adapter for American outlets. Make a quick list of your gear and check it off as you pack.
• For more information, see my article on camera equipment to bring to New York.

8/ Your Hotel Reservation

• To avoid any issues when you arrive at your hotel in New York, print a copy of your reservation. You’ll have the hotel’s contact information and all your booking details. While your name and credit card should be enough, it’s good to have it on hand. It can be especially useful if the front desk doesn’t give you the specific room type you requested.

9/ Your Vouchers for Tours and Activities

• If you’ve booked tours, passes, or entry tickets in advance for New York landmarks and museums, bring the vouchers that allow you to participate in each activity.
• Also bring confirmation of any guided tours you’ve booked through our site CNEWYORK. Make sure you arrive on time on the scheduled day.
• If you’ve booked tickets and tours through CNEWYORK via our New York Excursions section, we can issue a duplicate of your vouchers and send them by email if you forget them. Just contact us through our support form. This has happened several times since the site launched, and it’s always been resolved 🙂

10/ Your Travel Guide

• Don’t forget your guide! Like your dollars, a travel guide is easy to leave on your nightstand at the last minute. It would be a shame to have to search New York for a replacement.
• I’d like to invite you to discover the new edition of my guide Destination New York, the first guide born on the Internet. You’ll find everything you need to see and know for an unforgettable New York stay!

11/ Your Mobile Plan for Internet Access

• To avoid a shock on your phone bill, make sure your plan includes communications and internet access from abroad. The USA is typically not included in standard mobile plans. Using mobile data abroad can be very expensive!
• You can use WiFi on-site, especially at your hotel. You’ll be able to browse the internet without paying anything to your provider. You can also use WiFi to make calls through WhatsApp.
• Once you’re out on New York’s streets, the best solution is to get a mobile plan for the duration of your stay. You can use an eSIM card for this. Choose a plan based on how much data you’ll use. See our page on eSIM cards for the USA.

12/ Your Adapter for American Outlets

• Be aware that the USA uses different electrical outlets than Europe. You’ll need an adapter to charge your smartphone, your razor, your camera battery, or any other electronic device.
• You can buy an adapter at any hardware store in Europe. You’ll also find them easily on-site at drugstores like Rite Aid or CVS for just a few dollars. There’s no need to buy an expensive model. A simple basic adapter like the one shown in the photo below works perfectly.