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Midas Hotels: New York: Extensive Visitor Information for New York
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New York New York. The Big Apple. The Empire State. The city that never sleeps. No matter what you call it - it's New York - and it's one hell of a city! Not a bad deal for a handful of beads a few hundred years ago. Millions and possibly billions of words have been written about it, thousands and possibly millions of films and pictures have featured it, but no one - and no description or film - can even start to capture this incredible, wonderful, seething mass of humanity that is New York City - unless they spend some time in it. In a way it seems preordained that this, probably the greatest city on earth was the scene of one of the greatest single atrocities by man against man on earth.
New York post 9/11 - dazed, battered, bruised and deeply, terribly hurting. Today it is still the same city - but has rallied and moved on, with both it's people and the city absorbing 9/11 into its unique culture and history, drawing enormous spiritual strength from it with a never ever to be forgotten legacy. The city is once again the powerhouse that it always was, but now with a new purpose and destiny that is totally unique. Over 1.2 million visitors from the UK visited New York in 2007 to see first hand what this amazing, big, buzzing, mind boggling, "king of cities" has - charm, wit, culture, the arts, shopping, and whatever choice of capitalist inspired excess can be found on earth, along with great lashings of - well - WOW!! Eight million people living on top of each other is nothing new to Londoners but nobody in the world does it as well as the special people that are New Yorkers. But - don't take our word for it - take a bite and see for yourself. We at Midas Hotels have got cheap New York hotels for everyone - no matter your budget. So get on your bike - Now!
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* Click on Blue Information Icon below to go to specific Information Section
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 Airports/Airlines/Airport Lounges
Airport Transfers: Taxis: Bus: Shuttle Bus
Airline Carry on Baggage in USA
Banks/ATM's
Begging/Buskers ('Panhandling') Subway & Streets
Bargaining & Discount Stores
Business Hours
Bicycles & Bicycle Tours
Broadway Shows in New York
Off Broadway Shows in New York
Cinema (Movies)
Climate
Currency & Exchange Rate: US $ - £UK Pound
Credit Cards
Communications: Telephones (Landline)
Communications: Telephones (Your UK Mobile)
Communications: email / Internet / Web
Communications: Mail
Cars: Hiring & Driving Rental Cars in New York
Cars: Roads, Driving, Parking
Customs Allowance from UK for USA
 Midas New York Customer Comments
Dining in New York: Food & Restaurants
Disabled Travellers Access
Drugs (iIlegal variety)
Electricity
Festivals & Concerts
Health and Hospitals (Medical facilities-Visitors)
Health and Hospitals (Medical Insurance)
Language (Local Slang)
Manners/Customs (Locals)
Media: TV, Newspapers, Radio
New York Neighborhoods
New York Night Clubs & Bars
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Parks & Gardens: Central Park
Parades: Famous Parades: St Patricks Day, Macey's
Personal Safety
Public Holidays
Sex and The City! (..The Tour!)
Sightseeing: Art Galleries & Museums
Sightseeing: Famous Landmarks; Empire State
 Building, Chrysler Building, Rockerfeller Centre,
Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Grand Central
Station, Wall Street, St Patrick's Cathedral
Sightseeing: Famous Show Venues: Radio City Music
Hall, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Centre, Metropolitan
Opera House, Madison Square Garden
September 11 - Ground Zero
Shopping in New York: General
Shopping in New York: The New York Pass
Shopping in New York: Famous Shops: Saks 5th Ave,
Maceys, FAO Schwartz, Bloomingdales, Tiffany & Co:
Sports in New York: Baseball, Basketball, Football,
Ice Hockey, Tennis, Boxing, New York Marathon
Taxis in New York
Travel Insurance
Tours: New York Must See/Do: Statue of Liberty,
City Helicopter Tour, Ground Zero, Sex & City, More:
Tipping
Time Difference
Transport:(Public) Subway, Bus, Taxis, Limos, Walk
Passport/Visa: New ESTA & e-passport Rules
Visas & Passport: American Embassy in London
Visas & Passport: British Consulate in New York
Vaccinations & Health Requirements for Visitors
ZOOM MAP: MANHATTAN - NEW YORK CITY
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** Please note that we take NO responsibility for the content of external web sites that we link to for informational purposes **
Airports/ Airlines/UK Airport Lounges
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Airports: New York has three main airports.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
JFK airport is located in Queens (at the south end of the Van Wyck Expressway), and handles international flights only. Airlines that fly here from the UK include American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta, Air France, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.
Getting to and from JFK
General Info: 718-244-4444
Parking Info: 718-244-4168
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
LaGuardia, also in Queens (on the Grand Central Parkway), mainly handles domestic flights. If you're flying in from anywhere in the U.S., chances are you'll come through here. Particular exceptions include Continental Airlines.
Getting to and from LaGuardia
General Info: 718-533-3400
Parking Info: 718-533-3850
Newark International Airport (EWR)
Newark, in Newark, New Jersey, handles both domestic and international flights. It's a bit further from the city than the other two airports, but it is generally less crowded and has more modern facilities. Airlines that fly here from the UK include British Airways, KLM & Virgin Atlantic.
Getting to and from Newark
General Info: 973-961-6000
Parking Info: 888-397-4636
UK Airport Lounges:
Airport Lounges:
Start your trip to New York by relaxing in first class comfort in an airport lounge. Sit back in luxury before your flights from £13.00 pp – all drinks and snacks are included.
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Airport Transfers: Taxis: Bus: Shuttle Bus: Limos
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If you are travelling from either Newark or JFK into Manhattan we would usually suggest taking a cab which will set you back about $45-55 US dollars (plus bridge toll - $5.00) depending on time of day, traffic and where you are going to - i.e. uptown or downtown. However we have located a brilliant non commercial web site that has extraordinary detail on all types of airport transfers - pros and cons plus costs. It is linked to here: Flyer Guide - NYC Airports to Manhattan Transportation and will answer ALL the questions you can possibly ask about transfers.
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Airline Carry On Baggage Restrictions inside the USA & Proof of Identity
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New restrictions for carry on baggage items inside the USA are now in force. Please make sure that you are familiar with these regulations if you are travelling by air inside the USA. As a part of these new regulations from May 2008 you will be also required to produce your passport as proof of identity at various check points throughout airports you are travelling from or through.
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Banks / Automatic Teller Machines (ATM's)
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Banks: Banks in New York generally open from 9am - 3:30pm; some offer late Friday night hours and Saturday service (9am - noon). DON'T take a wad of cash (UK Pounds or US dollars) with you to the US. We suggest that you use ATM's in New York which are usually operational 24 hours a day to withdraw only enough cash that you will require each day and try to use your Debit/Credit card for most purchases at the point of sale. Here's a list of ATM's in New York (they are everywhere and all accept your UK Debit Card or Credit Card for cash withdrawals.)
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Begging/Buskers: Subways and Streets
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Only in New York... Begging or panhandling (soliciting near ATM machines ) has been banned in New York for many years but it still happens. of more interest is the street buskers and entertainers... its New York and being highly competitive and only the best make the bucks. Hey - its worth taking a ride on the subway just to hear these guys! So much so that each year New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority holds auditions for prime subway performing locations with fifty performers vying for 20 spots The winner for 2008 was Kora player and singer-songwriter Balla Tounkara. Tounkara and his rare instrument — which is kind of a cross between a harp and a lute - can be heard here: and here's a hilarious you tube video on begging on the NY subway!
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Bargaining & Discount Stores New York
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Bargaining in New York can be done especially with electronic and computer stores around Broadway, however be prepared to pay cash on the knocker if you want to knock anything off the price. Bargaining at the big stores is not normally done, as their sales tend to be excellent and prices are substantially reduced. With the UK pound currently crushing the US dollar your prices are really good anyway. Of interest are the established Discount stores and *factory outlets (*usually out of town on the Jersey side) where discounts and real bargains abound especially with designer goods. Among the best in New York are:
Century 21
Address: 22 Cortlandt St., between Church St. and Broadway
Phone: 212-227-9092
Subway: E to World Trade Center; 2/3 to Park Place; N/W to City Hall
Neighborhood: Financial District.
Find Outlet
Chelsea Location
Address: 361 W. 17th St., between Eighth and Ninth Aves.
Phone: 212-243-3177
Subway: A/C/E to 14th Street
SoHo Location
Address: 229 Mott St.
Phone: 212-226-5167
Subway: 6 at Spring St., N/R/W at Prince St.
Gabay's Outlet
Overstock from New York's finest department stores including Bergdorf Goodman are available at 50-80% off.
Address: 225 First Ave. (13th/14th)
Phone: 212-254-3180
Subway: L to 1st Avenue; 4/5/6, N/R/W to 14th Street/Union Square
Neighborhood: East Village
Syms
Midtown East Location
Address: 400 Park Ave.
Phone: 212-317-8200
Subway: E/V to 53rd/Lex, 6 to 51st/Lex
Financial District Location
Address: 42 Trinity Pl.
Phone: 212-797-1199
Subway: 4/5 to Bowling Green.
Loehmann's
Prices at Loehmann's are typically 30 - 60% off retail.
Address: 101 Seventh Ave., nr. 17th St.
Phone: 212-352-0856
Subway: 1/9 to 18th Street
Neighborhood: Chelsea.
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Business Hours & Businesses in New York
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Offices: Most offices work Monday to Friday 9 am - 5 p.m. Now the Credit Crunch has hit the US most Wall Street firms start early at 7 or 8 am and end their work day at 4-5 PM.
Banks: Banking institutions are generally open 9am - 3:30pm; some offer late Friday night hours and Saturday service (9am - noon). ATMs are usually open 24 hours a day.
Retail stores and specialty shops: Are open Monday to Friday 10am - 6pm (Thursday to 9pm), Saturday 10am - 6pm, Sunday noon - 6pm. Small, neighborhood convenience stores often stay open past 10pm. Boutiques may only be open a few days a week or have special hours.
Jewish firms (especially in the Diamond District on 47th St.) close on Friday afternoons and all day Saturday for Jewish Sabbath while keeping normal business hours on Sunday. They will also be closed on Jewish Holidays.
Convenience Stores: (e.g. 7-11 chain) are open 6 - 23 hours every day, even on major holidays.
Post Offices: Monday - Friday 8 - 5; some are open on Saturdays until 1pm.
24 hour stores: Many pharmacy/drugstore chains are open 24 hours a day.
York City is a global hub of international business and commerce and is one of three super cities for the world economy (along with London and Tokyo) and the city is a major center for finance, insurance, real estate, media and the arts in the United States. The New York metropolitan area had an estimated gross metropolitan product of $952.6 billion in 2005, the largest regional economy in the United States. Many major corporations are headquartered in New York City, including 44 Fortune 500 companies, and New York is also unique among American cities for its large number of foreign corporations, with one out of ten private sector jobs in the city is with a foreign company. New York City is home to some of the world's most valuable real estate with 450 Park Avenue sold in 2007 for $510 million, about $1,589 per square foot Midtown Manhattan is the largest central business district in the United States and is home to the highest concentration of the city's skyscrapers.
Midas Hotel Network have a great choice of cheap New York hotels all over Manhattan.
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Bicycles & Bicycle Tours
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We do not recommend using a bicycle for getting around NYC but we DO recommend taking a bicyle tour of New York. In Manhattan alone there are nearly 25 miles of bike paths with no motorised vehicles allowed. On five of the major Manhattan bridges there are paths for use by bicycles only. Each year the city adds miles of bike lanes on major streets - often by narrowing the width of the street for vehicles, and most motorists are quite considerate (unlike London!) of those on bicycles who are considerate of them. New Yorkers are often quite friendly, and helpful, especially to tourists. On any given day over 100,000 cyclists ride within New York City. In the March 2006 issue of Bicycling Magazine, NYC was listed third best of 21 American cities for cycling. Most rides are from 4-7 hours long and the average age of most cyclists is 40. You also do not need to be a fitness fanatic, and you need to only feel comfortable on a bicycle and be in reasonable physical shape. Since most bicycle tours stop frequently for questions, photos, bathroom breaks and snacks, most standard tours are easy paced, averaging about 4 miles an hour. New York City is basically flat with hardly any hills to climb. For more information we recommend Bike the Big Apple.
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Broadway Shows in New York
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No visit to Broadway would be complete without a visit to Broadway to take in a Broadway show. "Broadway" refers to theatre performances presented in one of the 40 large theatres with 500 seats or more that are located in the Theatre District of Manhattan. Like the "West End" theatres in London, Broadway theatre is the most famous high profile name for professional theatre in the United States and the most lucrative for the owners and performers and all involved in staging the shows. Along with London's West End theatre, Broadway theatre is seen to be the highest level of commercial theatre in the English-speaking world. The shows that are staged and run on Broadway are historically perceived as 'mainstream' and less likely to be the 'topical or cutting edge' eclectic type of shows produced 'off Broadway', usually in low priced or non-profit theatres. The Broadway theatre district is a huge attraction in New York City, with conservative estimates that Broadway shows sell over $1.5 Billion US dollars worth of tickets annually. We don't recommend that you buy tickets at door prices but rather use the TKTS tickets booth run by the TDF (Theatre Development Fund) in Times Square. They offer same-day discount tickets for Broadway and off-Broadway performances at up to 50% off their original prices.
Midas Hotel Network have a good choice of discount Broadway hotels and
Midtown New York hotels
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Off Broadway Shows in New York
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Off Broadway performances create the inspirational life blood for the larger Broadway productions. in the Wikipedia description of 'Off Broadway' theatre, an Off Broadway theatres are those with 100 to 499 seats. The classification of 'theatres' is governed by Actors' Equity contracts: a theatre need not have a Broadway address, so long as it is "in the borough of Manhattan in any theatre outside the area bounded by Fifth Avenue and Ninth Avenue from 34th Street to 56th Street, and by Fifth Avenue and the Hudson River from 56th Street to 72nd Street." There was a time when, regardless of the size of the venue, a theatre could not be considered Off Broadway if it was within the "Broadway Box" (the traditional Broadway Theatre District). This is no longer the case as evidenced by a number of theatres in that area including, but not limited to New World Stages, The 'Little Shubert Theatre' and The 'Snapple Centre'. However, if an Off Broadway theatre is located within the "Broadway Box" then there is a slightly higher minimum salary requirement for actors per their union, Actors' Equity.
Generally productions housed in Off Broadway theatres are less expensive, less publicised and less well-known. The smaller scale often allows more experimental, challenging work to be presented. Some groups which produce Off Broadway shows are non-profit rather than commercial producers, meaning they can more easily afford to take chances on plays which might not be commercial hits; however, they still have to ensure enough interest in their plays to have a large enough subscriber base to keep them financially sound. Off Broadway Bookings here:
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Cinemas (Movies)
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New York is often used as the premier for movie releases as is Leicester Square in London. NYC.com has an extensive New York Movie Guide, where you can find extensive information on every movie theatrer, including what movies are playing as well as show times. You can also read reviews of both individual theatrers and movies, as well as read other cinema goers reviews. Here's the link to NYC.com and Cinema locations in New York
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Climate & Weather
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New York City and surrounds actually has its own micro climate because of the incredible amount of energy used in the city as well as all its tall buildings - very much like London where it it up to 5 degrees warmer in winter and summer than the outer city areas. Generally it has a humid continental climate, with cold(ish) winters and hot, moist summers. Being on the coast and only 60 feet above sea level (!) the city's coastal location ensures that winters are not as cold as inland cities on the same latitude, and daytime temperatures generally stay above freezing point. Snow is common in winter. Spring in New York is usually quite warm with temperatures of around 80°F to 90°F (25-30°C) by early June. Summers (July-August) are sweltering in the city and everyone usually tries to escape on holidays to the Hamptons (for the well heeled) or to relatives interstate for the not so well heeled. Our tip fof bes time to travle to New York is autumn, mid September - early November when days are usually mild and sunny and not humid. However - New York in the winter months especially on a pre Xmas shopping trip with English pounds is wonderful and embodies the true spirit of Xmas! Climate chart for New York
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Currency & Exchange Rate: UK £ to US Dollars
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As a general rule 1 UK pound buys approximately 2 US Dollars. These days this fluctuates from 2:1 to around 1.95:1 The current exchange rate as at June 2008 is 1 UK Pound = 1.95 US Dollars. Take a mixture of cash and debit/credit cards for use in the US and we suggest you carry only enough cash that you will need for each day and leave your other cash in your hotel room safe or in your hotel safety deposit box. Change money at banks and try and stay away from money changing bureaus in the street or hotel front desks as you won't get a very good exchange rate. Probably the best known exchange rate web site is xe.com
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Credit Cards/Debit Cards
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Banks: Banking institutions are generally open 9am - 3:30pm; some offer late Friday night hours and Saturday service (9am - noon). ATMs are usually open 24 hours a day. You can use your UK Debit or Credit Card to withdraw local currency at any of the major banks or ATM's in New York. Be VERY careful when using ATM's or giving your card to a service person to process your transaction and don't let your card out of your sight - as it can be 'cloned' before you can say "New York New York" and your account cleaned out before you get back home to the UK. Travellers cheques are not really recommended unless you hanker for nostalgia and like retro 80's travelling. DO keep full details of your cards along with your drivers licence and passport details in a separate safe place in case of emergency. Check with the bank that issued your card before you travel as to find out what fee you will pay for using your cards overseas as most banks and financial institutions charge a fee for this service. Try to avoid using credit cards for cash advances as you will pay a much higher fee rather than using your Debit Card. Finally, here's a link to a VERY interesting web site on the real cost of using your UK cards overseas!
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Communications: Telephones (Landline)
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To call the UK (or internationally) dial 011 then the UK country code 44 followed by your local code and telephone number. You will however need to drop the 0 at the beginning of your local code. (eg if calling a number in London 00 44 207 555 5555) Making calls within Canada and the USA is simple – dial 1 followed by the three digit area code and the seven digit telephone number. If in doubt you can always try the Operator on number 0. The service is free as long as you don't ask to be put through! Three digit area codes for New York City: Manhattan 212 & 646 or Outer Boroughs 718 & 347. Local and national directory assistance can provide you with both telephone numbers and addresses, just dial 411. Should you need this service but be without change, no fear as the service is also available free of charge on 1-800-FREE-411 (you will however have to endure an advertisement prior to receiving your information).
Dialing direct is available from most hotels but is usually VERY expensive. There are several telephone companies, (all private corporations), each with their own set of charges, so ALWAYS check charges before you dial long-distance or international from a pay phone using your credit card. Public payphones use US coin currency only, and in New York City generally cost $0.25 or $0.50 for a local call. Prepaid phone cards are available but check around as there are numerous companies offering this service. Buy on arrival in NY as you will find cards at most convenience stores and news-stands. Toll-free voice-activated directory information may be obtained by dialling 1-800-555-1212. Just say what you are looking for (example: "American Airlines"). If your search is unsuccessful, then say "operator" to be connected to a live operator.
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Communications: Telephones (Your UK Mobile)
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There are so many different tariffs and networks available in the UK so please check with your carrier before departing for the USA. It is also important to ensure that your International roaming has been activated as there is nothing more frustrating that getting to your destination and finding out that you can not call home! Frequently International roaming must be activated prior to leaving the UK. It is also important to check how to access your voicemail as a code is usually required and do remember to change your message to let people know that you are abroad as there are frequently extra charges for people calling your number, payable by either them or you (neither will be popular!) SIM cards with New York phone numbers can be purchase rather than receiving calls with their home mobile. However, do shop around as there is a huge range of plans and pay as you go services available. It is important to ask for a written contract and ensure you know exactly what service is included and details about terminating the contract is necessary. Remember that your UK mobile operator will charge you for INCOMING calls to your mobile while in New York and also for INCOMING Texts as well. Costs can be as high as 40 pence per text so check with your phone company!
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Communications: email / Internet / Web
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Internet access is widely available throughout the city with various Internet cafes, the largest being located in Times Square, and most public libraries. Alternatively, if you have a wireless laptop or PDA internet access is available at wireless hot spots in many cafes and restaurants for little or no fee. The coffee chain Starbucks has a reliable network so you can grab a coffee and surf and check your emails as well if you take your laptop. Public free Wi-Fi access is available in Central Park, the Greenwich Village section of Hudson River Park or in Union Square Park. Here is a comprehensive list of Wi-Fi areas within the parks. If using your British mobile be VERY careful as charges can be extremely high even when the WiFi is free.
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Our OWN Customer Comments on New York!
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Here we have provided what is arguably the BEST source of up to date information on New York - from our customers themselves of course! From hansom cab rides in Central Park to where to get the best hot dogs, what's cool on Broadway, where to stay and what to do, its all in this great collection of tips and notes from our customers!
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Communications: Mail
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The mail service in the USA is prompt and efficient as well as a lot less than in the UK. Priority mail envelopes are $4.80 USD and priority letters around 42 cents USD with a max 2 day delivery. Postcards back to UK are 94 cents. For more information: US Postal Service and US Postage Service Postage Calculator.
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Cars: Hiring & Driving Hire Cars in New York
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Most visitors to New York DON'T need to think about hiring a rental car as New York is ideal for walking and the great cab 24/7 cab system plus the bus system and the subway make for fast and easy transport around the city. However if you need to go outside the city eg: upstate New York (beautiful in summer and Winter) nearby Connecticut, Maine etc, you can hire a car for a few days. To rent a car in the United States, you need a valid driver's license, a passport, and a major credit card. The minimum age is usually 25; however, some companies will rent to under 25's if you purchase additional insurance. We highly recommend our own great priced New York Car Hire for rental cars from JFK, La Guardia or Newark Airports.
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Cars: Roads, Driving & Parking in New York
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Driving in the US is left hand drive, the opposite to the UK right hand drive system. Although easily laid out with its famous wide streets and grid road system, be warned that driving in New York City is akin to competitive lunacy and "Rollerball' all rolled into 1, and if you don't REALLY know your way around its a real challenge - to say the least. We would recommend that you pick your car up from and drop off at one of the airport locations. Also, parking in New York is very limited and also horrendously expensive so we suggest you get your car ONLY when you will use it and drop it back the moment you finish with it so as to avoid having to park it for any length of time, plus try to keep out of New York City with the vehicle. *New York City Web site for Driving in New York
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Customs Allowance - Travelling from UK to USA
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When travelling INTO the USA you may take the following per person:
1 litre of wine or spirits, 200 cigarettes, 150 cigars (but not from Cuba), or 3 pounds of smoking tobacco; $100 worth of gifts Should you be taking medication, we suggest that you travel with a prescription from your doctor demonstrating you need the drugs. Any questions, please visit the US customs website
When returning TO the UK you are permitted to bring the following into the UK without paying UK tax or duty:
200 cigarettes; or 100 cigarillos; or 50 cigars; or 250g of tobacco, 60cc of perfume, 2 litres of still table wine, 250cc of eau de toilette, 1 litre of spirits or strong liqueurs over 22 per cent volume; or 2 litres of fortified wine*, sparkling wine or other liqueurs *such as port or sherry and £145 worth of all other goods including gifts and souvenirs.
If you have more than these allowances you must declare the extra items and go through the red channel at customs.
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Midas New York I
