New York - Essential Information
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Airport
You can take public transportation or taxis to Manhattan from all airports. Cab fares are very expensive from Newark (try the PATH instead), but economical from LaGuardia. There is a flat-rate taxi fare from JFK to Manhattan ($45+tolls), but there are also subway and public transport options.
New York is served by three major airports:
JFK International Airport (JFK)
Located in Queens.
Tel: +1 718 244 4444
www.jfkairport.com
Newark International Airport (EWR)
Located in New Jersey.
Tel: +1 973 961 6000 / +1 888 397 4636
www.newarkairport.com
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Located in Queens.
Tel: +1 718 533 3400
www.laguardiaairport.com
Public transport
If you’re going somewhere too far to walk, the subway is the way to go. Most subway lines travel up and down Manhattan, while buses travel across. Subways run 24-hours a day 7 days a week and cost $2 per ride no matter how far you are going. A one week Unlimited Metrocard for the subway costs $25. One day’s unlimited travel costs $7.50. Ticket machines in subway stations accept both cash, credit and debit cards. Subway maps are free from all ticket or information booths.
Taxi
You can hail a yellow cab on almost any street corner. Taxis are inexpensive and an easy way to travel. The meter starts at $2.50 and increases fare in increments of $0.40. There are nighttime and rush hour surcharges. Remember to leave a tip. Manhattan has very long streets and avenues and it’s important to know both the address and the cross street of your destination. A taxi is vacant if the yellow light on top of the car is completely lit.
Post
You can buy stamps at many newsagents’ or at the post office. Official United States Postal Services (USPS) mailboxes are usually blue steel containers on city sidewalks. Many post offices or private mail companies like UPS or FedEx are open 8am-5pm.
Pharmacy
Pharmacies are housed in “drug stores” which can be found every few blocks. Many stores are open 24-hours, but the pharmacies inside tend to close at around 8pm.
Duane Reade, a 24-hour pharmacy.
Dentist
Dental care is a private business in the US. Dial 1-800-DENTIST anytime for help locating a clinic near you or +1 1 800/336 8478.
Telephone
Country code: +1
Area code: 212
Electricity
US electrical power is 110-volt/60 cycles AC with two flat parallel prongs.
