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Transfers & Directions
Driving Information
Visitors' Information
Places to Visit
Museums
Currency Converter
Weather Forecast
Location Map
Etiquette
Tipping
Waiters, bartenders, taxi drivers, hairdressers and fast-food delivery persons all expect a tip of a least 15%. Porters expect $1 or $2. More often than not, people rely upon gratuities to make ends meet. It is therefore considered deeply disrespectful not to give a reasonable tip. The best advice is if you are in doubt about whether or not you are supposed to tip - do it.
Forms of Greeting
America's large diversity of ethnic origins and comparatively short urban history has resulted in many cultures, accompanied by their traditional customs, inhabiting the New York area. Shaking hands and exchanging names is how people will usually greet each other. A casual and relaxed atmosphere generally will accompany social situations, and so long as you observe common courtesy you should not be in danger of offending anyone from any background. Americans are very friendly on a casual level; striking up conversations with the people you meet will generally be relaxed and easy.
If you are invited to a social event at somebody's house, it is good manners to arrive bearing a gift of some kind, such as a bottle of wine, cut flowers, or box of chocolates, nothing too extravagant - whatever you think will please your hosts. Beware of embarrassing other guests by being overgenerous.
Language
The official language of the United States is English, although large cross-sections of the country predominantly speak other languages. For example, in Miami Spanish is more widely spoken than English due to a large Cuban population. Over the centuries, the United States has been peopled by many different ethnic groups. California was part of Mexico 150 years ago, and New York City was originally colonized by the Dutch, who called it Nieuw Amsterdam until 1664 when the British took over. Nowadays, virtually everyone speaks English, but the form that it takes may not be what you are used to outside of the United States, especially if you are not a native English speaker.
American English is very different in a lot of respects from its British equivalent, although it can be said that modern British English is almost as influenced by American English as the other way round.
Dress Code
For business meetings, both men and women wear business suits, so dress accordingly. The more exclusive bars and restaurants may also stipulate a shirt and tie. In the winter, be sure to bring a warm overcoat, scarf and gloves. If you are going to be outside, water-resistant boots or shoes with a good grip are a good idea, as the streets can become very slippery with snow and ice.
Smoking
Smoking is the subject of much controversy in the US. If you are a smoker, exercise discretion and sensitivity when selecting a place in which to smoke. Many Americans get most agitated by people smoking near them. The best advice would be not to smoke unless others around you are doing so. New York City has just put in place a new set of smoking laws, instigating almost a complete ban on smoking in all public buildings. You are not permitted to smoke in stadiums, large restaurants (you are allowed to do so in smaller restaurants with less than 35 tables), auditoriums, elevators, gymnasiums, indoor swimming pools, food shops, mass public transport and public transport terminals, and in all hospitals apart from designated smoking areas.
Local Customs
Punctuality is very important, especially for business meetings, although the people you are meeting will tend to understand if you are 15 minutes or so late due to travel difficulties within the city. New Yorkers love eating and restaurants - business meetings will quite often be conducted over lunch. It is also becoming increasingly popular to eat breakfast or brunch (somewhere in between lunch and breakfast) in restaurants, so don't be surprised if you have a breakfast invitation from a friend or colleague.
Tipping
Waiters, bartenders, taxi drivers, hairdressers and fast-food delivery persons all expect a tip of a least 15%. Porters expect $1 or $2. More often than not, people rely upon gratuities to make ends meet. It is therefore considered deeply disrespectful not to give a reasonable tip. The best advice is if you are in doubt about whether or not you are supposed to tip - do it.
Forms of Greeting
America's large diversity of ethnic origins and comparatively short urban history has resulted in many cultures, accompanied by their traditional customs, inhabiting the New York area. Shaking hands and exchanging names is how people will usually greet each other. A casual and relaxed atmosphere generally will accompany social situations, and so long as you observe common courtesy you should not be in danger of offending anyone from any background. Americans are very friendly on a casual level; striking up conversations with the people you meet will generally be relaxed and easy.
If you are invited to a social event at somebody's house, it is good manners to arrive bearing a gift of some kind, such as a bottle of wine, cut flowers, or box of chocolates, nothing too extravagant - whatever you think will please your hosts. Beware of embarrassing other guests by being overgenerous.
Language
The official language of the United States is English, although large cross-sections of the country predominantly speak other languages. For example, in Miami Spanish is more widely spoken than English due to a large Cuban population. Over the centuries, the United States has been peopled by many different ethnic groups. California was part of Mexico 150 years ago, and New York City was originally colonized by the Dutch, who called it Nieuw Amsterdam until 1664 when the British took over. Nowadays, virtually everyone speaks English, but the form that it takes may not be what you are used to outside of the United States, especially if you are not a native English speaker.
American English is very different in a lot of respects from its British equivalent, although it can be said that modern British English is almost as influenced by American English as the other way round.
Dress Code
For business meetings, both men and women wear business suits, so dress accordingly. The more exclusive bars and restaurants may also stipulate a shirt and tie. In the winter, be sure to bring a warm overcoat, scarf and gloves. If you are going to be outside, water-resistant boots or shoes with a good grip are a good idea, as the streets can become very slippery with snow and ice.
Smoking
Smoking is the subject of much controversy in the US. If you are a smoker, exercise discretion and sensitivity when selecting a place in which to smoke. Many Americans get most agitated by people smoking near them. The best advice would be not to smoke unless others around you are doing so. New York City has just put in place a new set of smoking laws, instigating almost a complete ban on smoking in all public buildings. You are not permitted to smoke in stadiums, large restaurants (you are allowed to do so in smaller restaurants with less than 35 tables), auditoriums, elevators, gymnasiums, indoor swimming pools, food shops, mass public transport and public transport terminals, and in all hospitals apart from designated smoking areas.
Local Customs
Punctuality is very important, especially for business meetings, although the people you are meeting will tend to understand if you are 15 minutes or so late due to travel difficulties within the city. New Yorkers love eating and restaurants - business meetings will quite often be conducted over lunch. It is also becoming increasingly popular to eat breakfast or brunch (somewhere in between lunch and breakfast) in restaurants, so don't be surprised if you have a breakfast invitation from a friend or colleague.
