Benny’s Big List of Tips for Europeans visiting New York/USA

---

After thirteen years of not living in a single place for more than a few months, I'm going to call New York City home for most of the next year!

Editor’s note: This article records Benny’s 2014 move to New York. The event details below are historical. Entry rules, fares, apps and service prices can change, so check the relevant official source before travelling.

I'll still do a bit of travelling, of course, but it will be great to have a base to come back to. And what a city to call my base! I won't be in want of opportunities for language practice here.

Not having to pack up and move my stuff so often will mean that I'll be able to catch up on my immense to-do list, almost infinite emails awaiting replies, way-overdue Skype/in-person spoken sessions for all my languages, and get back into making YouTube videos again! I can't wait 🙂

This weekend though, things are going to get interesting in the city, since the Polyglot Conference is in town. I'll get to hang out with friends Richard, Alex, Ellen, Tim, Brian, Judith, Kris and many many others again and see new faces like David J. Peterson (creator of the Dothraki language from Game of Thrones), Barry Farber – author of “How to Learn Any Language” which was a huge inspiration for my own book, as well as meet publishers behind the Teach Yourself, Colloquial, Assimil and Routledge books. What a crowd!

Unlike at most other Polyglot Conferences/Gatherings, where I'd arrive the day before with up to 12 hours jetlag, I've been here already a few weeks.

A note from the Fluent in 3 Months team before we get started: You can chat away with a native speaker for at least 15 minutes with the “Fluent in 3 Months” method. All it takes is 90 days. Tap this link to find out more.

Tips for anyone coming to New York

Since I was here ahead of others, who may not know the city well, I wrote up this big list of pointers for all the polyglots closing into town to share on the event's Facebook page. A few people messaged me and said it would make a good blog post, so here it is!

I genuinely think knowing some of these points will help any visitor to the States (or New York in particular) coming from Europe. If that's you, or if you're just curious about making the most of a few days in New York City, enjoy!

Before flying

• Check the official US entry requirements for your nationality and journey. ESTA applies to eligible travellers using the Visa Waiver Program; it is not a requirement for every visitor.
• Keep your accommodation address and travel documents easy to reach. Airlines and border processes change, so follow the instructions you receive for your trip.
• Answer immigration questions honestly and directly.
• Arrange suitable travel health insurance before you leave.

What to Do When in NYC

• Citymapper remains useful for planning journeys, while the MTA’s official site and app carry service changes.
• For Newark Airport, check current rail options with NJ Transit. For JFK and LaGuardia, use the official airport directions rather than relying on an old fare or route quoted here.
• New York’s subway and buses now use OMNY contactless payment. Check the MTA’s current fare and cap information before you travel.
• Compare current prepaid SIM and eSIM plans for your phone. The specific plan and prices in the original 2014 list are no longer reliable.
• Public Wi-Fi is common, but avoid sensitive transactions on an unsecured network.
• Sales tax is often added at checkout. Tipping customs also vary by service, so check current local guidance rather than relying on an old percentage or wage figure.
• Use a live exchange rate and check your own bank’s foreign-card and ATM fees. A fee-free card may be cheaper than cash exchange.
• US signs use miles, fuel is sold by the gallon and temperatures are usually shown in Fahrenheit. A conversion app makes this easier for metric users.
• Bring the correct US plug adaptor, keep an eye on your belongings and ask for directions when you need them.