International Students’ Guide to New York City
Arrival
Most international visitors to New York City arrive at one of the area’s three main airports. All three airports are operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. For transportation and general information for each airport, call the Port Authority at (800) AIR-RIDE, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays or check out their website at www.panynj.gov. The Port Authority also publishes an Airport Map/Guide for each airport, showing the locations of parking lots, airline terminals, access routes and services; call to request a copy.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is located in Queens about 15 miles from mid-Manhattan. Hundreds of international and transcontinental flights arrive and depart everyday. There are several ways to get into the city from the airport: the New York Airport Service express bus, which will take you to Grand Central Terminal, the Port Authority Bus Station or Penn Station for $15; the Super-Shuttle, a shared door-to-door van service which will take you to any address in Manhattan for around $17–$19 (+ tolls and tip); or a regular yellow taxi (or “cab”) which will also take you to any Manhattan address for a flat rate of $45 (+ tolls and tip). Alternatively, if your budget is tight you can take the AirTrain JFK ($5) from inside any terminal to Howard Beach Station, where you can transfer to the A subway train ($2) or to Jamaica Station, where you can transfer to the E, J or Z subway train ($2) or the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). For Kennedy general airport information, call (718) 244-4444.
La Guardia Airport (LGA) is also in Queens, about 8 miles from mid-Manhattan, and primarily offers domestic flights. A New York Airport Service express bus from outside any terminal costs $12 and goes to Grand Central Terminal, the Port Authority Bus Station or Penn Station; a Super-Shuttle van will deliver you to any location in Manhattan for $15–$22 (+ tolls and tip); and a taxi into Manhattan costs between $21–$30 (+ tolls and tip). If you’re on a tight budget, you can take the M60 Bus ($2) and connect to the 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, A, B, C, D, N or W subway trains ($2) along the route. You can also take the Q33 Bus or Q47 Bus ($2) from the airport and connect to the E, F, G, R, V and 7 subway trains ($2) along the route. If you pay with a Metro Card, the transfer between bus and subway is free. Ask your bus driver to let you know where to get off the bus to transfer to the subway you need. For La Guardia general airport information, call (718) 533-3400.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in Newark, New Jersey is 16 miles outside Manhattan and serves both international and domestic routes. The Olympia Airport Express bus will take you from Newark to Grand Central Terminal, the Port Authority Bus Station or Penn Station ($12). As with the other airports there is also a Super-Shuttle offering a shared door-to-door van service for $15–$19 (+ tolls and tip), and taxis for $40–$65 (+ tolls and tip). You can also take AirTrain Newark to the Newark Liberty International Train Station where you can connect to a New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) train to New York Penn Station for $11.55. Note that you purchase your NJ Transit ticket at the airport and use it twice—once on the AirTrain and then again on the NJ Transit train on your trip to Penn Station. For Newark general airport information, call (973) 961-6000.
Getting Around
New York City may strike the newcomer as an intimidating place, with its crowded streets, its fast-moving pedestrians and its “canyons” of skyscrapers. Once you develop a basic understanding of the geography of the city and the different transportation systems, however, you will quickly become more confident about your ability to get around the city.
Manhattan streets are laid out in a grid pattern, with avenues running north and south (uptown and downtown) and streets east and west (cross-town). Fifth Avenue divides Manhattan into the east and west sides. South of 4th Street, in the older part of the city, streets follow an irregular pattern and have names instead of numbers. The other boroughs do not have the same rigid layout. Queens has a unique system; because of the large number of avenues, addresses there consist of two sets of numbers. For example, 23-05 31st Avenue denotes house number “5” on 31st Avenue at 23rd Street in Queens.
Get yourself a good street map (available in bookstores) to assist you in finding your way around New York City’s various boroughs. A great way to sample the flavors of New York City’s neighborhoods is to sign up for one of the many different walking tours offered on weekends. During the academic year, Metro International runs excellent walking tours that are designed with international students (and their budgets) in mind. Check out Metro’s website (www.metrointl.org) for details of upcoming tours. For listings of other walking tours look in Time Out New York, The Village Voice, or the New York Press, all available at newsstands.
Transportation
New York City buses and subways are both run by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, or “MTA.” Their travel information number is (718) 330-1234, and their website address is www.mta.info. For a free subway or bus map, ask an agent in any subway station booth. The standard bus and subway fare is $2 per ride. To travel on the subway, you must buy a “MetroCard,” which is a prepaid travel card. To travel on the bus, you can use a MetroCard or exact change (coins only). Metro Cards allow free transfer between the bus and subway. You can purchase single ride Metro Cards, but it is more convenient and economical to purchase “pay-per-ride” or “unlimited” Metro Cards.
Purchasing a pay-per-ride MetroCard allows you to store money on your card. Each time you ride the subway or bus, your fare is deducted from your card. Pay-per-ride Metro Cards can be purchased for a minimum of $4 (2 rides) and a maximum of $80, and are refillable. If you put $10 or more on a pay-per-ride card you receive a 20% bonus, giving you extra rides (so a $20 purchase actually covers $24 worth of rides).
If you ride the subway or bus regularly, it is probably more economical for you to purchase an unlimited ride MetroCard, which will allow you to take as many rides as you need within a fixed period for a set price ($7 for a one-day “fun pass,” $21 for a seven-day unlimited card, $70 for a 30-day unlimited card). If you use your card often enough, you will end up paying considerably less than $2 per ride—the more you ride, the less you pay.
Subways
While the New York subway (often called “the train”) may be best known for its crowds and heat, it is absolutely the fastest way to get around the city. As the subway map shows graphically, it is a vast and sometimes confusing system, with a 100-year history that dates back to separate lines that were independently built and privately managed. However, the network is extensive (running from the farthest reaches of Queens to the northernmost Bronx), offers incredibly good value for money, and is relatively safe, even at night.
The subway runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Because of this continuous operation, service changes and disruptions sometimes occur to allow for repairs and construction, especially at night and on weekends. Be sure to look for service change information on signs posted in the stations and on the bulletin boards near the main station booth, or check the MTA website (www.mta.info).
Buses
Buses in New York are not the fastest way to travel, but they can be a great way to see the city, and, like the subway, they run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Separate bus maps are available for each borough. Every bus has a number indicating its route and a letter indicating the borough (M for Manhattan, Q for Queens, B for Brooklyn, Bx for the Bronx and S for Staten Island). It is helpful to know that if you are riding a bus at night you can be let off at any point along your route (as a safety precaution) not just at designated bus stops. For traveling between boroughs, particularly to and from Staten Island, express buses can be a good option. Express buses cost $4 per ride and are marked with an “X” before the route number.
Taxicabs
With its bright yellow exterior featured in countless films, TV shows and photos of the city, a New York taxi will look familiar to almost every visitor to the city. Within Manhattan, taxis, or “cabs,” are generally plentiful and relatively easy to hail at any curbside, except during rush hour (5–6 p.m.). All yellow cabs have meters that indicate the fare. The current fare is an initial $2.50 plus $0.40 per fifth of a mile or $0.20 per minute while stopped in traffic. There is an extra $1 charge 4–8 p.m. weekdays (excluding holidays), and an extra $0.50 nighttime charge from 8 p.m.–6 a.m. Bridge or tunnel tolls are extra. Don’t forget to tip! (See “Tipping”)
Taxi drivers are obligated to take you anywhere in the five boroughs or to Newark airport, and are prohibited from charging you more than the metered fee. To complain about a car or driver or to trace lost property, call the Taxi and Limousine Commission at 311, or go online to www.nyc.gov/html/tlc.
Car Service
Outside of Manhattan, yellow cabs are not generally available on the street. Different “car service” companies offer cars and drivers who will pick you up and drive you to your destination for a fee. You can find a car service company in your area by looking in the “yellow pages” telephone directory under “car service.” Call the car service company and tell the “dispatcher” where you are and where you would like to go. Always ask what the price of your trip will be, as there are no meters in car service vehicles, and different companies may charge different prices. Occasionally, you will have a long wait, so call in advance if you need to depart at a specific time.
Driving
Driving a car in New York can be both costly and frustrating, which is why very few New York City residents choose to keep a car in the city. Parking garages are very expensive, and finding a parking space on the street is a chore; you risk having your car vandalized, and “alternate side of the street” cleaning schedules require that you pay close attention to days and hours when parking is forbidden in a particular location. Car insurance is also very expensive, and heavy or grid-locked traffic is yet another deterrent.
If you do plan to drive, you will need a valid driver’s license. Rules for the validity of your home-country driver’s license vary by state, so check with the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC).
New York State (NY)
For international students in New York State, driver’s licenses from all other countries are valid, and are preferably accompanied by an International Driving Permit (only obtainable in your home country). The New York Department of Motor Vehicles will actually discourage you as an international student, from trying to obtain a New York State driver’s license, unless you intend to permanently settle in the U.S. They require that you present a Social Security card (check the DMV website for acceptable forms of identification) and surrender your home country license when you apply for a New York State license.
The New York Department of Motor Vehicles
www.nydmv.state.ny.us
(212) 645-5550 or (718) 966-6155 (from area codes 212, 347, 646, 718, 917)
Available Mon., Tues., Wed. and Fri. 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., and Thurs. 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
(800) DIAL-DMV (800-342-5368) (from area codes 516, 631, 845, 914)
Available Mon., Tues., Wed. and Fri. 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., and Thurs. 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
(800) CALL-DMV (800-225-5368) (from all other area codes in New York State)
Available Mon.–Fri. 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
(518) 473-5595 (from locations outside of New York)
New Jersey (NJ)
International visitors are allowed to use their home country driver’s license, accompanied by an International Driving Permit, for up to one year. However, if you will be living in New Jersey for more than 12 months and plan to drive, you are required to apply for a New Jersey license within 60 days of moving there. You don’t have to surrender your home country license when obtaining a New Jersey license. Which tests (written, vision, road) you will be required to take in order to obtain a New Jersey license depends on whether your country is a member of the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic (call the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission for a list of participating countries and required documents).
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
www.njmvc.gov (888) 486-3339 (from New Jersey) or (609) 292-6500 (from outside of New Jersey)
Connecticut (CT)
International visitors are permitted to use their home country driver’s license, accompanied by an International Driver Permit, for up to one year. Most full-time students on a student visa can use their home-country driver’s license with an International Driver Permit for the duration of their stay. Only students from Canada, France and Germany are required to apply for a Connecticut driver’s license if they want to drive a car, and they have to do so within 30 days of moving there. If you apply for a Connecticut license, you don’t have to surrender your home country license.
Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
www.ct.gov/dmv
(860) 263-5700 (within Hartford area or outside of Connecticut)
(800) 842-8222 (elsewhere in Connecticut)
Car insurance is something else to bear in mind when buying, renting or borrowing a car in New York. It is essential to check that you are properly covered in case of accident or theft.
Renting cars is expensive in the city, and is generally impossible if you are younger than 25. If you are traveling out of the city with a group of friends, it may work out economically to rent a car and split the cost. Try checking out car rental agencies in New Jersey or around the three main airports to find rates that are more affordable than those in the city. You can search for good bargains online, or check the “yellow pages” telephone directory for car rental companies in your area.
Sometimes it is cheaper to rent a car via a travel agency in your home country, especially if you’re from Europe. When you pick up your car in the U.S., you will have to show a driver’s license from the country in which you booked the car. If you’re planning a long trip, consider traveling to another state by bus, train or airplane, and renting a car in a smaller town where rates may be much less expensive (reservations can be made from New York if you rent from a national company).
Finding Housing
Comfortable, safe housing is an important aspect of your stay in the New York City area. Finding a suitable place to live can be a challenge for students in New York, especially at colleges or universities that do not offer campus housing. If your school does have residence halls, you probably received information about them before you arrived; as you may have learned, dormitories can fill up quickly, and rooms must often be reserved far in advance of the beginning of the academic year. Some students simply prefer to live off campus.
If you do choose this option, residential hotels, and rooms in a private home or a shared apartment with another student are all alternatives to looking for an apartment by yourself. Here are some points to consider before you begin your search for housing:
How much can you afford to pay? Determine a monthly budget for yourself before you go looking for housing, so that you know exactly how much you can spend.
How far away from school are you willing to live? Your rent could be considerably lower if you are willing to commute, especially if your school is located in Manhattan. Neighborhoods such as Astoria, Queens and Hoboken, New Jersey are generally safe, comfortable areas with lower rents and excellent access to subways.
How much space do you need? Assess your possessions and your lifestyle, and try to decide what size space would be best for you. A one-room or studio apartment may be suitable for one person, but two people living in such close quarters may find the situation unmanageable.
Do you prefer a furnished room or apartment? If you are only in the U.S. for a short time, it may be easier to rent a furnished apartment rather than purchasing your own furniture; on the other hand, it may be more expensive.
Metro International has published a comprehensive, easy-to-read book entitled Help Yourself to Housing, to assist international students in finding a place to live in the New York area. To order a copy of this book, contact Metro International at (212) 431-1195, or order online.
Safety
General Safety
As you start to become familiar with New York City and its neighborhoods, you will begin to feel relaxed about moving around the city. New York City is safer by far than 30 years ago but, like any large urban area, there are safety aspects to think about while living here. The best advice is to always be alert, but not to be afraid. And use your common sense. Here are some general tips, or “street smarts,” that most longtime New Yorkers try to keep in mind.
If you know that you may be walking alone at night, map out your route beforehand and avoid dark, deserted streets. Always have extra cash available to take a cab should the need arise. When possible, try to travel with a companion. You should walk as if you know where you’re going, and try not to look lost…even if you are! Avoid stopping in a public place and opening a map of the city as this will mark you as a tourist, and a possible target for pick pockets and “con artists.”
You should also avoid parks after they close at nightfall, taking out or counting money on the street or subway, and leaving your possessions unattended, even at college libraries. Be sure to keep your handbag zipped or snapped shut while in a public place, and keep a tight grip on it! An alternative is to wear a travel money carrier. Leave your expensive jewelry at home or tuck it away out of sight under your clothing. Be especially alert for pickpockets on crowded streets, buses and subways—never carry your wallet in the back pocket of your pants.
If you suspect that someone is following you, go into the nearest store or crowded area; don’t enter your building alone if you think someone is behind you. If you do happen to become the victim of a robbery, do not resist. Be prepared to give up your valuables willingly to avoid the greater danger of being hurt. Remember that if you stay calm, you are unlikely to be injured.
Try to avoid riding the subway alone late at night; it’s usually better to take a bus or a taxi. If you do use the subway at night, wait for the train near the station booth or in the designated area where other people are standing. Avoid empty or unlit cars, and ride in the middle car near the conductor.
As in any large city, New York has many beggars, or “panhandlers,” often located around subway entrances, on subway cars or around ATM machines. You should never feel pressured to meet a demand for money simply because of someone’s aggressive behavior or persistence. Panhandling is, in fact, illegal on the subway, although you will see that it happens frequently.
Stay away from card games, fortunetellers, and strangers promising you “good deals.” These and other “confidence artists” will try to trick you into giving them money but you can’t win!
Keep in mind that most university campuses have their own security force and generally offer a free escort service for students who prefer not to walk alone late at night. Contact your school to find out what services are available to you and don’t hesitate to use them when you need to.
At Home
Here are some safety precautions New York City residents should keep in mind:
Call the police at 911 in the event of a crime, fire, or medical emergency, whether you are directly involved or simply a witness. For non-emergency situations (such as reporting a disturbance or the discovery of a robbery) call 311. (You don’t need to dial “1” before these numbers.)
Keep your door locked at all times. When moving into a new house or apartment, consider changing all the locks. Most locksmiths recommend a “drop” or “dead bolt” lock on all doors. Ask a locksmith, hardware store, your superintendent, or the police department for advice. Should you lose your house keys, immediately change the locks. Do not leave an extra key under your doormat, in a mailbox, or in any other accessible place.
When you come home, have your keys ready in your hand as you approach your door. If your building has an unattended lobby or hallway, never let a stranger follow you into the building after you have unlocked the outside door.
When someone comes to your door, always ask who is there and be sure of their identity before you open the door. Telephone, gas, cable and other utility company representatives should only be allowed to enter your home if you have scheduled an appointment in advance and they can show you a current company photo ID. Never “buzz” anyone into the building whom you don’t know.
Your landlord is legally required to provide a functioning smoke detector in your apartment. Make sure to change the battery at least once a year; contact your superintendent for assistance if you suspect the detector is not working.
If your apartment is located on the ground floor or the top floor, or can be accessed from a fire escape, invest in window gates or install window locks. (Be sure to check with your superintendent, as New York City fire regulations prohibit certain types of window gates that open into fire escapes.)
If you plan to be away from home for several days, cancel your newspaper delivery and have the post office hold your mail or have a friend collect it for you. A full mailbox or a stack of newspapers beside your door is a clear sign to a burglar that no one is home, making your apartment an easy target. If you have an answering machine, make sure that your message is not too informative— saying “We’re not here right now” is offering too much information to potential intruders. Avoid offering any personal information (especially your address and credit card number) over the telephone.
Record the serial numbers of your valuables (such as a television or stereo) so that in case of theft they can be readily identified and returned to you if they are recovered. Keep a master list of the numbers of all your credit cards, your passport and any travelers’ checks, saved in a place that is separate from where you store these items. Should any of these items get lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to the appropriate authority.
False Friends
We know that you will make many new friends during your stay in New York City. As a newcomer, you will find yourself getting invited to take part in all sorts of different organizations, from school clubs, to religious groups, to fraternities or sororities, to intramural sports teams. The great majority of these organizations and groups will be legitimate and well meaning. However, there are also illegitimate organizations, often known as “cults,” that use high-pressure recruiting tactics to bring in new members, and you will need to exercise caution to avoid organizations like this.
Cults often appear to be religious groups but sometimes masquerade as therapy groups, political organizations, or even business or management-training groups. They may pressure you into joining by making you feel guilty if you say “no” or by making you think that there are tremendous advantages to becoming a member. Members may also try to make you give up your religion, contribute money, or help them recruit other members. In the worst cases, cults can disrupt your life, force you to cut ties with your family and friends, and perhaps even pressure you to quit school and give up career plans.
Remember that cults often look for people who are unusually vulnerable. International students are often considered targets because they know you may be lonely, struggling with a language barrier, or unaware that these groups are potentially dangerous.
This does not mean that every active student club or organization is a cult. You will have to use your judgment and make careful decisions. Don’t join a group without asking questions about it first. And don’t hesitate to ask your international student advisor for advice.
Important Telephone Numbers
Keep these handy by your phone.
| Emergency (police, medical, fire): | 911 (24 hours a day, free from any telephone) |
| New York City Info & Service: | 311 |
| Poison Control | (800) 222-1222 |
| Crime Victims Hotline: | (212) 577-7777 in Manhattan or (800) 621-4673 |
| Police Sex Crimes Hotline: | (212) 267-7273 |
| Physicians on Call: | (212) 737-1212 |
| Con Edison Gas Emergency: | (212) 683-8830 |
| Terrorism Hotline: | (888) NYC-SAFE (888-692-7233) |
Managing Money
The basic unit of U.S. currency is the dollar ($1). Coins are minted in denominations of one cent (penny), five cents (nickel), ten cents (dime), twenty-five cents (quarter), and fifty cents (half-dollar). There are also one dollar coins (a silver one named after Susan B. Anthony, an early women’s rights activist, and a golden one featuring Sacajawea, a Native American heroine) but these are infrequently used, except as change in subway and train ticket machines and postage machines. Bills (paper money) are printed in $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations. Be careful—all U.S. bills are the same size and color! Be wary of counterfeit (fake) bills, especially at bars and clubs—make yourself familiar with the special features (such as watermarks and distinct texture) of authentic bills so that you will know how to spot counterfeit money.
Currency Exchange
Before you open a bank account, you will probably need to exchange currency or travelers’ checks in order to get yourself started. As you know, exchange rates fluctuate daily. Many major banks, as well as companies like American Express or Thomas Cook, offer currency exchange services. Outside banking hours, you’ll have to use a private exchange office. Be sure to ask about the rate and any commission charges before you change money. You will need to present identification, such as your passport, each time you exchange currency.
If you bring a bank card from your home country, be sure to find out any service fees before you use it in the U.S., as there could be an unwelcome surcharge.
In order to arrange for transfers of funds from your home country to the U.S., you can either request a bank draft to be forwarded through the mail (but it may take up to three weeks for this money to clear and become available to you) or request an electronic transfer of funds directly into your U.S. account. You will most probably be charged a fee for both services.
For a quick currency converter, check out www.xe.com.
Banking
Most students opt to open a local bank account in order to avoid carrying large sums of cash or travelers’ checks. A bank account is also useful in helping you keep track of funds more closely.
Because service and fees vary from bank to bank, you should research the banks in your area to find the one that best suits your needs. Some banks offer special student accounts with lower service charges than regular accounts, or your school may have a special arrangement with a local bank. Ask at your school’s international student office, and take advantage of these services. Some banks require that you have a Social Security number in order to set up an account. Others will require you to show your passport and either a second ID, proof of address, or a letter from your school. Check with your local bank to find out which supporting documentation you should bring to open an account. Banks that have an arrangement with your school are more likely to accept your school ID in place of a Social Security number when you set up your account.
Banks are generally open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, but increasingly you will find branches that are open early or on weekends. Almost all are closed on federal and state holidays. Most banks have automated teller machines (ATMs) that allow you access to your account 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Most banks now also have online banking, allowing you to access account information, transfer funds between accounts, pay bills and make inquiries.
Question To Ask When Deciding on a Bank:
Does the bank offer any special student accounts?
What are the monthly fees?
Do I have to keep a minimum balance in my account?
Is there a limit on the number of transactions I can make per month?
Does the bank charge an extra fee for use of ATMs that are not their own?
Once you decide on a bank you will need to choose what type of account(s) you wish to open. The following is a basic overview of the two main types:
Savings Accounts
Savings accounts enable you to earn interest on funds that you don’t need right away. The rate of interest will depend on the bank and the type of account you have chosen. When you open your account, most banks will begin to send you a monthly statement that will detail all your transactions and any interest you have accrued. Some banks, however, will issue you with a passbook instead, in which your deposits and withdrawals are recorded. You must bring the passbook with you each time you wish to make a deposit or withdrawal. The interest you earn on your money will usually be recorded in the book four times a year (quarterly).
You can withdraw money from your savings account in cash or in the form of a bank check. You can also generally transfer money from your savings account to your checking account as needed. Deposits to your account can be made in cash or by check, but you may have to wait 5–20 days to withdraw money deposited by check (depending on the size of the check and where it originates). Be sure to ask how long it will take checks to “clear” (be processed by the bank) before you open an account.
Checking Accounts
Checking accounts enable you to withdraw your money frequently in the form of:
-checks to pay bills and/or send payments in the mail
-cash for daily expenses
a debit card with which you can purchase goods and services
Checks are an easy way to pay expenses such as rent, the telephone bill, and other household expenses. Banks often return “cleared” (processed) checks or photocopies of them to you; these give you proof of payment if a question arises about whether a particular bill has been paid.
A checking account can help you keep track of how you are spending your money. You must keep a careful record of every check you write, all deposits that you make, and every cash withdrawal. At the end of each month, your bank will mail you your cleared checks (or photocopies) and a statement that summarizes all your deposits and withdrawals for the month. Get in the habit of “reconciling” or comparing the monthly statement from the bank with your own records, to make sure they match. Remember that checks can sometimes take a while to clear. Be sure to deduct any service or check fees, and to add any interest you have earned. If you discover a discrepancy between the bank’s records and your own, take your checkbook and statement to the bank.
You will often be asked to show a photo ID if you are paying by check at a store. If you write a check without sufficient funds available in your account to cover it, your check will “bounce.” Don’t do it—you will be fined by your bank and probably also by the company to which you wrote the bad check, and your credit rating will suffer. This makes it doubly important for you to keep careful records of all your transactions. For information on your credit rating and credit history, see pages 21–22.
Always write checks in ink, never in pencil. Always be careful to sign your checks and date them correctly (remember to use the American style of writing dates in the order month/day/year). The following diagram illustrates the correct way to write a check.
How to Write a Check
It is a good idea to have your address printed on your checks when you initially order them; your phone number is not necessary. Checks generally include a line at the bottom for a “memo.” This is a good place to write your account number when you are paying a bill or to include a note about what your payment is for.
When someone else writes you a check you need to “endorse” it for payment to your account by signing your name on the back in the appropriate section. Note that writing “for deposit only” (and your account number) on the back prevents others from cashing your check in the event that it is stolen.
ATMs
Automated Teller Machines, more commonly called ATMs, are a service that most banks provide, offering you banking privileges 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Each bank with which you have an account will issue you an ATM card and ask you to choose a personal identification number (PIN). Most ATM cards also double as debit cards. Customers are not limited to using ATMs at their own banks. The symbols on your card (NYCE, Cirrus, and Visa) indicate the various systems through which you are able to access your bank account—look for ATMs with matching symbols.
By “swiping” your card at an ATM and entering your PIN into the machine, you will be able to perform the following transactions:
-Withdraw cash
- Make deposits of cash and checks to your own account (only at branches of your own bank)
- Transfer funds between your accounts
- Obtain your account balance
Always be sure to obtain a receipt and make note of all ATM transactions in your checkbook in order to keep a record of your balance at all times. Note that some ATMs outside your home bank may charge a service fee of $0.75 to $3 that is automatically deducted from your account. You will be informed of this fee before you complete your transaction; try to avoid using ATMs that charge extra fees, as these can add up quickly. As a rule, ATMs located in commercial stores such as deli’s or bars have a significantly higher surcharge than ATMs at bank branches.
Use of ATMs is very convenient; however, be very careful when using these machines. Even though many ATMs are located in well-lit lobbies with doors that automatically lock behind you, avoid visiting ATMs alone late at night. Never give anyone else the opportunity to use your card, even if they offer to help, and be sure that no one can watch you enter your PIN number. Make sure you always exit your account and collect your receipt after you have completed all transactions. Put away your cash, card, and receipt immediately, before heading back to the street.
Debit Cards and Credit Cards
Debit Cards
Debit cards are linked to your checking account and can often be used in place of a credit card. Payments made with a debit card are deducted from your checking account balance, either immediately or within 2–3 days. It is important to retain your receipts in order to track what you have spent and know if a charge is still outstanding. Debit cards with a credit card logo can be used in most stores, online and over the telephone. Debit cards without a credit card logo will require you to enter your PIN at a store terminal, and cannot be used online or over the telephone. Although you can usually use your debit card to withdraw money from your savings account at an ATM machine or to transfer money from your savings to your checking account, remember that your debit card is only linked to the funds in your checking account when you use it to make a purchase. So, make sure you have enough money in your checking account before using your debit card.
Credit Cards
Credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express enable you to buy goods and services on “credit” simply by signing a receipt saying that you promise to pay the amount of the sale. In order to get a credit card, you must apply through your bank or another institution that will examine your financial records and assign you a “credit line,” meaning the maximum balance you can carry on your card based on your income. (As a full-time student, you are unlikely to qualify for a large credit line.)
Shop around for a credit card. You may find yourself showered with offers of credit cards, some requiring payment of an annual fee, others “free.” Interest rates and penalties vary. Ask lots of questions and compare offers before deciding which card to get. Some American Express cards require you to pay in full each month; however you may carry a balance on your Visa or MasterCard as long as you pay the minimum payment each month. But be careful! You will be charged a hefty interest rate that varies from company to company on the charges you carry over. It is very easy to accumulate finance charges on your card and end up being unable to make the payments. And if you miss one or more payments, your card is likely to be canceled. Use credit cards with discretion!
In addition to the convenience, you may find it necessary to obtain a credit card in order to establish a credit history (a record of on-time bill payment which can help you qualify for further credit for “big-ticket” items, such as a car or a mortgage). Also, keep in mind that in order to rent a car, for example, you must have a credit card. Another good reason for having a credit card is in case you find yourself in an emergency situation. In an emergency, a credit card can be used like your bankcard in an ATM to obtain fast cash (although at a high interest rate).
You should be extremely cautious when using your credit card (or debit card) online. It is important to check that you are using a “secure site” that guarantees the privacy of the transaction and the safety of your credit card number before you pay for something over the Internet. Do not send your card number by email or enter it on an unsecured site. If you do so, you risk having your card number stolen and misused by thieves operating over the Internet.
If you bring a credit card from home you should make sure that it is possible to pay your bill from here, or make careful arrangements for someone in your home country, such as a relative, to transmit payments every month for you.
Keep all receipts from your credit card purchases and reconcile them with your statement each month. Always make sure to completely fill out and sign all credit card (and debit card) payment slips, and to keep them as records of your purchases. If you pay for a meal or other service with a credit card or debit card, you may receive a payment slip with a price, a space for entering a tip, and a space for entering the total price (original price + tip). Always fill out these spaces before signing a payment slip of this kind, or you risk someone entering a higher tip or higher total than you may wish to pay. If you do not wish to pay a tip using your credit card, simply put a line through the space for a tip on the payment slip and enter the original price in the space for the new total.
For information on obtaining a credit card:www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/choose.htm
If You’re Credit Cards Are Lost or Stolen:
-American Express (Amex) — (800) 221-7282 or www.americanexpress.com
- MasterCard—(800) 622-7747 or www.mastercard.com
- Visa—(800) 847-2911 or www.usa.visa.com
Credit History, Credit Rating and Credit Checks
Your credit history is a track record that shows you have been able to pay back loans and pay your bills in a timely manner. Landlords or brokers, banks or other companies may insist on running a credit check on you before they agree to rent an apartment to you or offer you other services.
There are three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) that track your ability to pay back loans and bills. Every time you pay, or fail to pay a bill—whether from your school, your bank or your phone company—this information becomes available to the credit bureaus. When a company runs a credit check on you, they contact one of these bureaus to find out how good or bad your record is. If your credit rating is good (for example, over 600 on a scale of 300-900), it means you have a track record of repaying loans or paying bills promptly. Your credit rating suffers when you pay a bill late or don’t pay it at all. It can also suffer for other reasons—like having too many credit cards at once, or going into overdraft on your checking account.
From the point at which you first establish credit in the U.S., it takes time to secure a high score on your credit rating. This means you are only likely to benefit from establishing credit if you plan to be in the U.S. for a couple of years. In the meantime, even if your credit record back home was good, landlords or companies may decline to do business with you until they have a way of guaranteeing your reliability through a standard credit check.
There are several ways of establishing credit and then building and maintaining a good rating in the U.S. Speak with a bank representative about secured credit cards and other options when you open a bank account. Always make sure to pay your school, utility and other bills on time, and to reconcile and close your accounts before you leave the U.S.
There are ways around not having a credit history in the U.S. You can avoid the services that require a credit check—for example, by subletting rather than leasing your own apartment or by using university housing. In some cases, landlords may agree to let you sign a lease if you have a guarantor—someone with a good credit rating who will take responsibility for your rent if you fail to pay it. Others will require a large deposit, or ask for several months’ rent in advance.
Other Options
Travelers’ Checks
These checks are especially useful to cover your temporary living expenses before you’ve established your bank account, or your expenses while traveling, as they are accepted virtually everywhere around the world. You must keep a record of each check number, separate from the checks; in the event that your checks are stolen, your report of these numbers will enable you to receive replacement checks. Travelers’ checks can be purchased at most banks for a small service fee.
Safe Deposit Boxes
Safe Deposit Boxes are available at most banks. For a small fee, you can rent a box in which to store valuables, such as official documents, valuable jewelry, etc.
Money Orders
Money orders serve the same purpose as checks, but do not require a checking account. You can purchase these with cash at a post office, and also at large supermarkets or other stores in your neighborhood, for a small fee. Money orders can be written for any amount you wish.
Check Cashing/Financial Services Locations
These are independent companies that accept cash payments for household bills. They can also cash certain checks for you if you don’t have a checking account. These services usually charge a large fee, however, and should only be used in emergency situations.
Tipping
Tipping for service is a standard practice throughout the United States, especially in restaurants and bars where tips are not so much a “bonus” for waiters and bartenders, as an expected part of their income. In New York bars, a dollar tip per drink is a good rule of thumb. In restaurants, the usual tip is 15% to 20% of the (pre-tax amount) of the bill. Because New York City adds an 8.625% tax on all purchases, a handy trick for calculating the amount of the tip in a restaurant is to double the tax. Remember that the size of the tip should be based on the service provided. You are not required to tip 15% for service that was inadequate, but on the other hand, it is expected that you will tip extra when you receive special service. If you eat out in a group of eight or more people, some New York City restaurants automatically add a 15%–20% tip, also called a “service charge” or “gratuity,” to your bill. Always check your bill to see if a service charge has been applied before you add a tip.
There are other service providers who are commonly tipped. For hairdressers and taxi drivers, a 10% to 15% tip is appropriate. Movers are generally also tipped. For bellhops and porters, a tip of a dollar per bag is standard. For more info, visit www.tipping.org.
Shopping
New York City is known worldwide as a shopper’s paradise. The key to a successful New York City shopping experience is figuring out what you need to purchase and in what area you are likely to find it and planning your shopping trip accordingly.
For necessities and small household items, it is often simpler and cheaper to stay in your neighborhood—look for “dollar stores,” discount stores, or branches of K-Mart, Duane Reade, Rite Aid, Target or CVS
If you’re looking for one-stop shopping and a taste of New York, visit one of the city’s many department stores where you can find an array of products for a variety of prices all under one roof. Known as “the largest department store in the world,” Macy’s (34th Street and Broadway) is a popular place to start, or try the well-known Bloomingdale’s (59th Street and Lexington Avenue). Manhattan stores and the streets around them will be at their busiest on weekday lunchtimes, after working hours and on Saturdays. Weekday mornings usually offer the best chance of finding stores a little quieter.
Most items purchased in New York City stores are subject to a sales tax of 8.625%. Groceries (food items) are not taxed, but food prepared in restaurants is taxed. Note that the prices marked on goods in stores are all pre-tax; once you make a purchase the tax is added. Smart shoppers sometimes choose to head to New Jersey where there is no sales tax on clothing! There are occasional “Tax Free Weeks” in New York during which no tax is levied on certain purchases of clothing or shoes.
Always ask for a receipt whenever you make a purchase and find out about the store’s refund and exchange policy. Should you need to return a purchase, make sure you show your original receipt and, if possible, keep all price tags intact. Most stores will refund your money in the form in which you paid, issue you a store credit, or allow you to exchange for another item in the store. If a store fails to honor its stated return policy, you can contact the Better Business Bureau at (212) 533-6200 (www.bbb.org), the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs at 311 (www.nyc.gov), or the New York State Consumer Protection Board (www.consumer.state.ny.us).
Food Shopping
Local supermarkets are the best place to do most of your food shopping; small neighborhood grocery stores or “deli’s” generally charge higher prices. One way to save money on groceries is to use coupons, which you can find in newspapers or in supermarket circulars. Coupons entitle you to a discount on items advertised. You must present them to the cashier when you make your purchase. Note the expiration date, face value, and any restrictions before using them.
Farmers from farms outside New York City sell their fresh produce at outdoor markets (called “Greenmarkets”) throughout the year; one of the largest is the market at Union Square (East 17th Street and Broadway). For information on Greenmarket locations and schedules, call the Council on the Environment of New York City at (212) 788-7900 or go to www.cenyc.org.
Sales and Discounts
Sales are a blessing for the budget-conscious student. Department stores and boutiques offer sales at various times throughout the year. Usually the best time for bargains is during holidays (especially just after Christmas) and at the close of each season (for example, summer clothing goes on sale in July and winter clothing in February). If you watch for sale announcements in newspaper or television advertisements, you can buy quality items at reduced prices. A great bargain shopping opportunity for the clothes shopper is the New York City sample sale—a short sale during which a designer sells off samples of the upcoming season’s collection or leftover stock, usually at reductions of 50% to 70%. For the serious shopaholic, there are publications and websites that detail all upcoming sales and discount offers such as the shopping section of www.newyorkmetro.com.
You can also find inexpensive clothing and other items at street fairs, which are typically held on weekends during the summer, and at flea markets. Prices at street fairs and markets are often negotiable—don’t be afraid to bargain! Go to www.newyorkled.com and click on “New York City Events” for street fair times and locations. For cheap furniture and household items, students often look for used, or “second-hand,” goods. Second-hand stores or “thrift stores” like The Salvation Army (use the “thrift store locator” at www.salvationarmyarc.org/stores/index.shtml to find a branch near you); Goodwill (goodwillny.org/stores.jsp) and Housing Works (www.housingworks.org/thrift/hours.html) are smart places to start. Another resource is the popular website Craigslist (www.newyork.craigslist.org/). In the “For Sale” section of this site New Yorkers who are moving, leaving the city or cleaning out their closets post ads selling all kinds of items—there’s even a “Free” category!
Climate and Dress
New York’s climate is temperate; in summer (June–August) temperatures can exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) and in winter (December–March) can occasionally fall below 10 degrees Fahrenheit (-12 degrees Celsius). Alternating hot and cold spells are common. Expect frequent rain showers in the spring months of April and May, with occasional thunderstorms and spells of humidity in the summer. Windy snow showers and ice storms blow into New York during the winter months. All public buildings are heated in the wintertime, and most are air conditioned in the summer.
Light cotton is the most comfortable fabric for summer dressing, as New York can get extremely humid. In the fall and spring, heavier cottons such as denim should suffice, but woolen clothing is recommended for wintertime. A warm winter coat (preferably waterproof), scarf, gloves, and a hat are essential, and waterproof boots can come in handy. New York City skyscrapers often turn the city’s streets into wind tunnels, which can make the weather seem more severe. You’ll need rain gear and a sturdy umbrella that can withstand strong winds.
Clothing worn by college and university students is informal. Jeans are standard attire for students throughout the year at school, movies, concerts, museums, and sports events and most bars and restaurants. Informal attire is not acceptable, however, at fine clubs, upscale bars and restaurants, places of worship, or concert halls. In the business world dress codes remain conservative. Women typically wear suits, dresses, or formal pants, while men dress in suits and ties. Many offices have a “business casual” dress code, meaning that men can leave off a tie and wear a more informal shirt with a sports jacket, and women can wear more casual skirts or pants and a shirt or sweater. Denim jeans, shorts, and athletic wear are not considered business casual attire.
Staying Healthy
Like all college students, you will need a few months to acclimate to your new surroundings. As an international student, moreover, you will probably experience a form of “culture shock” when you suddenly find yourself immersed in a new environment with a different schedule, different customs, and different foods than you are used to. Moving overseas can produce feelings of disorientation and transition to varying degrees in almost everyone. It can be especially difficult to move from a familiar setting where you may have many friends and family to a large city such as New York, which is busy, fast-paced and at times impersonal. During the first few months, if you feel isolated, “different” or as though you don’t “fit in,” don’t worry—this is a completely normal reaction which will pass as you adjust to living in a new country. It is important to be able to communicate the way you’re feeling; talk to your international student advisor or college mentor, or get involved with other international students who will probably have experienced similar feelings at some stage. Metro International runs many programs that bring international students together for different activities— why not join a Metro program and make friends with others who understand how you are feeling!
At times the stress of a new environment may also take a toll on your body. It is extremely important to eat well (limit your intake of fatty fast foods and be sure to add fresh fruits and vegetables to your daily diet), to exercise, and to sleep for a reasonable number of hours per night. You should also know how to seek help in the event that you require medical attention.
Medical Insurance
Medical service in the United States is not nationalized and is therefore very expensive. Many U.S. residents participate in private health insurance plans that cover their hospital, doctor, and dentist fees up to a specified maximum cost. The terms of your U.S. visa require that you and any accompanying family members are adequately covered by health insurance. Most academic institutions have either a compulsory or an optional insurance plan, with coverage available for their students’ families at an additional cost. See your international student advisor for policy information and referrals to appropriate insurance companies.
Once you are enrolled with a health insurance provider, you will receive a card with an ID number. You should carry this with you at all times in case of an emergency.
Physicians
Many universities and colleges have a campus health service with nurses and doctors who provide medical treatment free or for a reduced fee. Often these centers treat only general, common complaints such as colds or the flu, but if you require specialized attention, they are prepared to refer you to an outside specialist. It’s always a good idea to consult your campus health service first before deciding whether or not to see a physician outside of school, which can cost several hundred dollars.
If you do choose to use a non-campus health service physician, it makes sense to establish contact before you become ill so that you will know where to turn when you have a medical problem. To find a personal physician, ask for referrals from people you know or from your school’s health service. Other options include contacting the hospital in your neighborhood or your local county medical society. New York physicians’ schedules tend to be full, and they may only accept appointments for two or three weeks in advance. If you are sick and need an appointment right away, you should make this clear when you call and be firm about your urgent need to see the doctor.
Hospitals
All New York City hospitals, both private and public (city and/or state operated), offer short-term, long-term, and emergency treatment.
“Out-Patient” clinics provide short-term care. These clinics provide services similar to those of private doctors when you are ill but do not need to stay in the hospital. They are usually staffed by interns and residents (doctors who have recently completed medical school and are pursuing further training) who are supervised by more senior attending physicians. As a rule, there can be a long wait before you get to see a medical attendant in an out-patient clinic, but these clinics often provide access to specialists who would be much more expensive if seen privately. This is particularly true in teaching hospitals (those affiliated with medical schools).
“In-Patient” treatment is the longer-term care that you receive when you are admitted into the hospital. The hospital where you are treated is determined by your doctor’s hospital affiliation; every doctor is required to affiliate with a specific hospital in order to be able to admit patients.
If you have a serious emergency and do not know a doctor, go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital. Emergency rooms are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are too ill to get to the hospital, call an ambulance by dialing 911 on the telephone (but note that there will be a substantial charge for ambulance service if this is not covered by your health insurance). Emergency rooms always give priority to the most seriously ill patients, so if your problem is not life-threatening, you can expect to wait a long time before you receive treatment.
Dental Care
Like physicians, dentists with private practices can be expensive. The health service at your school may be able to recommend a dentist in your neighborhood. Both Columbia and New York University offer dental clinics that are open to the general public for fees that are much lower than those charged by private dentists. The work is performed by dental students under the supervision of trained dentists. Call for hours and appointments:
Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery
Information on all six Columbia University dental locations: www.dental.columbia.edu/patients/index
Dental Center of New York University
345 East 24th Street, New York, NY 10010
(212) 998-9870 www.nyu.edu/dental
If you are unable to reach your dentist and require immediate attention, call the Emergency Dental Service at (212) 573-9502 for a referral to a dentist in your area who can see you right away.
Pharmacies
Medication that has been prescribed by your physician can be purchased at a pharmacy or drugstore. You must present the slip of paper on which your doctor has written your prescription and wait (usually 15–60 minutes) to obtain your medication. Pharmacists are medical professionals and can answer many questions about the medication you have been prescribed. Check out the pharmacies in your area to find one that is convenient and that accepts your medical insurance. Most neighborhoods have a drugstore that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Mental Health Care
It is not uncommon for college students to undergo periods of stress related to schoolwork, career decisions, and personal or social issues. Should anxieties or negative feelings persist or begin to interfere with your everyday well-being, you may wish to discuss them with a professional. Try to remember that feeling under stress or unable to cope, or suffering from a condition such as depression, is not embarrassing or something to be ashamed of. Most likely your university health service has a confidential mental health/counseling division that is free of charge or partially subsidized for a limited number of visits. If you feel more comfortable seeking independent help, your campus health service should be able to make a confidential referral to a reliable counselor. Otherwise you may contact the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Referral Service at (800) 543-3638 (available 24 hours a day, seven days a week).
Women’s Health Care
New York City offers a full range of health services for women. For general information and specific doctor referrals, call 311 and ask for Women’s Health Services. Planned Parenthood clinics offer reliable and inexpensive gynecological services, including birth control. For an appointment or information call (212) 965-7000 or (800) 230-PLAN (800-230-7526), or go to www.ppnyc.org.
In addition to these services, there are many toll-free crisis “hotline” telephone numbers you can call in the event of a mental health emergency. Hotline calls are handled confidentially by counselors trained in specific issues.
Important Hotline Numbers:
HIV/AIDS Counseling Hotline- (800) 872-2777
Alcoholics Anonymous-(212) 870-3400
Narcotics Anonymous-(212) 929-6262
Rape Hotline-(212) 267-7273
Suicide Prevention Line-(800) 784-2433
Gay Men’s Health Crisis AIDS Hotline-(212) 807-6655
Alcohol & Substance Abuse Information-(800) 522-5353
Staying In Touch: Telephone
To Make a Call
Phone numbers in the United States consist of seven digits plus a three-digit area code. Your telephone directory has a listing of every area code in the U.S.
To make any call in New York City, local or otherwise, you must first dial “1”, then the area code and the number.
(212)-Manhattan
(646)-Manhattan or cell phone
(917)-Manhattan or cell phone
(718)-Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island or cell phone.
(347)-Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island or cell phone
(516)-Long Island (West)
(631)-Long island (East)
(201)-Northern New Jersey
(973)-Northern New Jersey
(914)-Westchester and Rockland Counties (New York State)
The codes 800, 822, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877, and 888 before a telephone number mean that the call you are making is toll-free (you will not be charged for the call).
In order to dial internationally, you must first dial 011, then the country and city codes, and finally, the number you wish to reach. To find out a particular country code, dial 0 to speak to an operator or look in your “white pages” telephone directory under “International Calling Codes.” (If you wish to call New York from abroad the international country code for the United States is 1.)
To Find a Telephone Number
Each region publishes two main telephone directories each year: a “white pages” directory and a “yellow pages” directory. “White pages” directories offer a complete alphabetical listing of all persons and businesses with listed telephone numbers in the immediate area. In most cases, addresses are also included. For privacy reasons some people choose not to have their numbers listed (this requires payment of an extra monthly fee). The front pages of the “white pages” directories list important emergency numbers. Look here to find the number of the local fire department, police precinct, and poison control hotline and make note of them.
The “yellow pages” directories list businesses and services, arranged by category. These directories make it easy for you to locate services or products you need in your immediate area. For example, to search for a drugstore in your area, look under “Pharmacies.” The “yellow pages” can be located online at www.superpages.com, and both the “yellow pages” and “white pages” at www.anywho.com. To get a complimentary copy of a telephone directory, call your local telephone service provider.
Another way to locate the phone number of a residence or a business is to dial Directory Assistance at 411. If you need assistance in finding a number outside your area code, dial 1 + the area code + 555-1212. Whenever possible, check the telephone directories before calling Directory Assistance, since you will be billed for each inquiry.
DIAL 911 to report a fire, crime, car accident, or any other emergency, whether you are directly involved or simply a witness.
Home Telephone Service (Land-line)
There are two types of telephone service that you may subscribe to from your home: Basic/Local Calling and Domestic Long Distance Calling/International Long Distance Calling. When you sign up for local phone service, you will be asked to specify which long distance service you want to use. You do not have to use the same provider for both services, although you may be able to save from “bundled services” or “packages” (using the same provider for different services such as local and long distance service, Internet service and cable television service on the same account). Long distance calling, especially international long distance calling, is considerably more expensive than local calling so it pays to shop around for a cost-effective plan that offers good calling rates. Rates can vary a great deal from company to company—inquire about special international calling plans, especially those that may lower your rates for frequent calls to a particular country.
Remember that your local phone company cannot give you advice about which long distance company to subscribe to; they can only process your request. Check newspapers, the “yellow pages” directory, or ask your friends for recommendations.
Basic/local calling service is currently offered by:
-Verizon (212) 890-1550 (toll free), www.verizon.com
-AT&T (800) 222-0300, www.att.com
- MCI WorldCom (888) MCI-LOCAL (888-624-5622), www.mci.com
- All these service providers also offer long distance calling service, as does:
Sprint (888) 723-8010, www.sprint.com.
AT&T and Vonage (www.vonage.com, (866) 243-4357) also offer Voiceover Internet Protocol (Callvantage or VoIP), with which you use your existing broadband Internet connection to make local and long distance calls at a flat rate.
Installing a Phone
You can rent a telephone from AT&T for a monthly fee by calling (800) 555-8111, but it may be more economical to purchase one. A telephone can be purchased for as little as $15 online or at stores such as K-Mart, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Radio Shack.
When you have chosen a service provider and are ready to install your phone, you can sign up for service either by calling the provider at their customer service number or by registering online. Please note that a Social Security number may be required to register online. Both methods will require you to state your complete address, the type of monthly service you want, the name of the company you have chosen for your long distance service, your previous telephone number and address, and other credit information, including your occupation. Complete your research and have this information handy at the time you wish to order service to avoid delays in the process.
If the service provider cannot activate your telephone service automatically, you may have to make an appointment for a technician to visit your home. Depending on the provider you have chosen, installation may be free, or it may cost up to $200. If you have to pay a fee, you may have the option to be billed in installments or all at once. Some providers may require a refundable deposit (up to $200) if you will be setting up service for less than a year or if you have no credit history or Social Security number.
If you should have any problems with your service such as no dial tone, or an inability to receive incoming calls, contact your provider’s customer service number to report your problem.
There are several features, some listed below, that may be included in the calling plan you choose. When not included, you can usually add them later and they will be charged automatically to your monthly bill. If you are on a tight budget however, be careful not to become too dependent on these extras as their costs can quickly mount up.
Call Waiting: Eliminates the “busy” signal by allowing incoming calls to go through even when you are already on the phone. A short beep will let you know there is another call coming in. You can put the first caller on hold by touching the hang-up button to talk to the second. This service is very popular in the U.S. and costs approximately $5 a month.
-Three-Way Calling: Allows you to talk to two people in two different places at the same time. Approximately $4.50 a month.
- Star 69 (*69): If you dial *69 after the last incoming call, that number will be automatically called back. Some providers charge up to $3.50 a month for providing this service, and you should also be aware that each use costs $0.75. This service is useful when you miss a phone call, when you forget to get the number of the person who has just called you, or to prevent “prank” phone-calls. (A Word of Caution)
- Caller ID: Allows you to screen your calls by displaying the number and name of your callers. It also allows you to see who the last people calling you were, and can help you keep track of telephone numbers. Costs approximately $8 a month.
Phone Charges
The least expensive calls are the ones you dial directly yourself. When the operator assists your call, there is an additional charge. To place an operator-assisted call, dial 0 before dialing the number you want to call. A voice will answer and ask you to choose what type of call you wish to place. This may be a “collect” call, in which the person or company you call is asked to pay the charges, or a “person to person” call, in which you wish to speak with one particular person and no one else.
The charges for calls also depend on the time and day that you call. Local and long distance calls are often less expensive when placed at night and on weekends or holidays. Check your telephone directory for further information, and ask your long distance carrier about when it’s cheaper to make long distance or international calls.
You’re Phone Bill
You will receive monthly bills for basic service, local calls and long distance calls. The long distance section of your bill will be itemized, with each call listed separately, along with the date and time of the call and the cost. Make sure to check this section on your monthly bill to avoid being charged for calls you didn’t place. The local call section of your bill, however, will not be itemized.
You can pay both your local and your long distance provider by sending a check or money order, or you can charge your bill to a major credit card by submitting the number of the card, the expiration date and your signature. You can also be billed and make payments online. Remember: Never send cash in the mail!
Be sure to pay your bill on time! If your payment is overdue, your service may be interrupted until your payment is received and you could be charged a penalty to get your service turned back on.
Answering Machines
Most New Yorkers have some type of answering device to go along with their telephone. You can purchase an answering machine for as little as $25, purchase a phone with an integrated answering machine, or subscribe to a voicemail plan where you dial a central number to retrieve your messages.
A Word of Caution
Occasionally you may receive “prank” phone calls (obscene, threatening or harassing calls); either the caller will hang up as soon as you answer, or he/she may harass you verbally. Usually, these calls are simply an annoyance, but if you receive a series of prank calls or if the caller is threatening you, you should report the incident by calling the Unlawful Call Center at (800) 640-2043. In general, the best way to handle prank calls is to hang up immediately. Never offer any personal information to a prank caller over the telephone.
You can expect to receive a number of “telemarketing calls,” which come from businesses trying to sell goods or services over the phone. You can easily end this kind of a call—state firmly that you’re not interested and hang up. Another solution is to register with the “National Do Not Call Registry.” This service allows you to limit the number of telemarketing calls you receive by entering your phone number onto a list that telemarketers must search every three months. If your number is on this list, telemarketers must remove it from their call lists and cease calling you. Go to www.donotcall.gov for more information.
Pay Phones
There are many payphones located around New York, though many are frequently out of service. You can use coins (except for pennies), calling cards (prepaid cards with an ID number that you enter to access your calling credit) or collect calling (where the person you are calling accepts the charges) to pay for your call. Local calls from payphones on the street cost $0.25 or $0.50. Dialing 911 for an emergency is always free.
Cell Phones
Cell phones have gained so much popularity that some New Yorkers have replaced their traditional land-lines with cell phones. Types of cell phones and service packages vary, as do prices, and it pays to consider your expected usage and shop around for the cell phone and service plan that will best match your needs and budget. Service plans start from as little as $30 a month but, be very careful to check the fine print as companies can build in expensive costs such as cancellation fees for not fulfilling a two-year contract. If you only expect to be in the U.S. for one year, a $200 fee to end your cell phone account could be a big burden. Also, if you have no credit history or Social Security number, you may have to pay a very large deposit ($600 or more) to be allowed to sign up for any plan at all. To find out about different plans, try a site such as www.getconnected.com that lets you compare costs and different features.
Calling Cards
In many cases, international calling cards—available at local deli’s and newsstands throughout the city—provide the cheapest way of calling home. These are prepaid cards with an ID or PIN number that you enter to access your calling credit. You can usually buy them for values of $5, $10, or $20. There are many different brands; some work only for specific countries, while others offer great value for one country or region, but are less of a bargain for other places. Shop around for a calling card that will work for your country and offer good value. Some sellers provide charts showing the rates to specific countries for each card.
For most cards, the number of minutes you have for each call depends on how you use the service. A connection fee is often imposed, which means that making many short calls uses up more credit than making a few long calls. Most cards give you the option of dialing a local number or a free (800) number, from which you must then enter your PIN number to access your credit. You should dial the local number if you have a land-line with cheap or unlimited local service, as this will often give you more minutes per card. However, if you are calling from a pay phone, the free number may be better value. Finally, some cards will automatically deduct money from your credit if it is not used within a specific time frame. It can therefore be of better value to buy $5 cards frequently, rather than $20 cards from time to time.
Internet and Email
The Internet is not only one of the most popular resources for researching information about countless topics including news, weather reports, world maps, the entertainment industry, etc., but also a fairly inexpensive way of communicating with your friends and family across the globe.
Most likely you will be entitled to a free email account and Internet access through your university. However, if you are unable to access the Internet at home through a university account, you may want to consider subscribing to an Internet service. You can choose between different types of connections, such as dial-up, DSL and cable. Dial-up and DSL both use your telephone line, however DSL is much faster and allows you to use your phone line to make calls and be connected to the Internet at the same time. A cable connection also allows you to use your phone and be online simultaneously, and is faster than dial-up. If you plan to have cable television, you should inquire to see if there is a discount for getting both services at the same time. Rates can be as low as $10 per month for a dial-up connection (plus whatever your phone company charges for time on the phone line) or $30 for DSL or cable (unlimited user time). Almost all telephone providers offer package deals with Internet access for discounted prices; make sure to inquire about all your options to find the best deal.
Fax Machines
Fax machines enable you to send a printed document from telephone to telephone, or from modem to modem on personal computers. Even though fax machines have recently become more affordable, most students opt not to buy one for their home use; these machines are more commonly used in offices and businesses. Should you need to send or receive a fax, local stationery stores and copy/printing shops (such as Kinko’s) usually have machines that can be used by the public for approximately $1 to $3 per page for local faxes.
Mail
Post offices are located in all neighborhoods of New York City; to find a complete listing check the telephone book under “United States–Postal Service.” The postal service also has a website (www.usps.com) where you can find zip codes, locate post offices and view their hours of operation, buy stamps and calculate postage rates, and notify the post office if you change your address. Stamps may be purchased individually, in books of 10, or in rolls of 100.
You can get informational pamphlets listing domestic and international rates at your local post office free of charge. Try to buy your stamps at the post office in order to avoid the extra charges sometimes added by convenience stores or stamp machines. Stamped letters may be brought to the post office or dropped into any blue mailbox on the street.
Postage Rates*
Domestic
Letters under 1 oz, first-class -$0.37
Postcards -$0.23
Overseas
Letters under 1 oz, to Canada and Mexico:- $0.60
Letters under 1 oz to all Other Countries:- $0.80
Postcards to Canada and Mexico- $0.50
Postcards to all Other Countries-$0.70
*These prices were accurate at the time this book was published.
Mail is delivered once a day Monday through Saturday, usually between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Post office hours are different per location but are generally from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and until 4 p.m. on Saturday. Post offices are closed on Sundays and on legal holidays. The General Post Office (Eighth Avenue and 33rd Street) and the Grand Central Station branch (Lexington Avenue and 45th Street) have extended hours.
The standard way of addressing envelopes and packages in the U.S. is illustrated below. When sending mail to a U.S. address, be sure to include the apartment number, if known, and the zip code—a set of 5 to 9 digits that corresponds to a particular geographic area.
How to Address an Envelope
Special U.S. Postal Services
Mail can be sent “certified” or “registered” for an extra charge if you are sending something valuable—upon delivery the receiver must sign to accept the package or letter. If speed of delivery is urgent, you can send your package/letter through the Postal Service’s Express Mail, which provides overnight service in the U.S. and expedited delivery to foreign countries. Priority Mail takes one day in many areas and is slightly cheaper than Express Mail. If you need to send money, you can purchase a postal money order in either U.S. or foreign currency. You can also rent a post office box (“P.O. Box”) if you move or travel frequently and want a safe place to collect your mail.
Private Delivery
There are many independent delivery companies, some of which offer greater convenience than the United States Post Office. Prices vary from company to company. Two of the more commonly used are United Parcel Service (UPS) and Federal Express (FedEx). Both deliver overnight within the U.S. and too many international destinations. For information on UPS call (800) 742-5877 or go to www.ups.com. For Federal Express call (800) 463-3339, go to www.fedex.com, or visit a packaging store.
Television
New York City is served by various national networks, several local channels, and a public broadcasting system. All these channels are free and require no special installation. However, reception in most parts of the metropolitan area may be extremely poor without a “cable” connection.
Along with improved reception, cable subscribers have access to countless channels including Cable News Network (CNN), MTV, and many foreign language broadcasts. The monthly fee for basic cable service varies. For an additional charge, you may include access to specialized programming such as sports or movie channels. Many cable companies offer package deals combining television, phone, and Internet service for less money than it might cost to purchase these services from separate companies, so be sure to shop around. Each neighborhood of New York City is served by particular cable companies. The major companies are Time-Warner (www.twcnyc.com), Cablevision (www.cablevision.com), and RCN (www.rcn.com)—check their websites to find out which provide service in your area.
Libraries
There are three separate public library systems in New York City: The New York Public Library System for Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island; The Queens Borough Public Library System; and the Brooklyn Public Library System. The Mid-Manhattan Library (Fifth Avenue between 39th and 40th Streets) is the central library of the New York system. There is also a library center in each borough: Donnell in Manhattan, Fordham in the Bronx, and St. George on Staten Island, Central Library in Brooklyn, and Central Library in Queens. Aside from these, there are about 200 neighborhood branches throughout the five boroughs, including a branch for the visually impaired and physically disabled at 40 West 20th Street in Manhattan.
Library privileges are free and enable you to borrow books, films, CDs, cassettes and other materials from any branch in the system where you are registered. Proof of residency (such as a rent, telephone or electric bill) is required in order to obtain a library card. Library materials can be borrowed at no cost for 1–3 weeks; however, an “overdue fee” is charged should you return an item later than the date it is due. For specific information on the New York Public Library, call their information number: (212) 930-0800/0830 or go to www.nypl.org. Another valuable number is the Library’s telephone reference service at (212) 340-0849, which will connect you to librarians who will try to answer any general interest or scholarly question you need researched.
Reference materials are available in every branch, but the most extensive collections are found at the five library centers and at the Mid-Manhattan Library. These materials must only be used in the library building; a photocopying service is provided. There are also four Research Libraries, with archives housing over 6 million volumes printed in more than 3,000 languages and dialects. These facilities are mainly designed for scholars, advanced students and specialists conducting original research or intensive study.
The Research Libraries include:
Humanities and Social Sciences Library (Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street)
Annex, The Research Libraries (521 West 43rd Street)
Science, Industry and Business Library (188 Madison Avenue)
New York Public Library for Performing Arts (40 Lincoln Center Plaza)
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (515 Lenox Avenue)
You can find a significant foreign language collection at the Donnell Library Center located at 20 West 53rd Street.
Legal Holidays
Expect banks, post offices, libraries, businesses, museums, most schools and some stores and restaurants to be closed on the following legal holidays:
-January 1—New Year’s Day
-3rd Monday in January — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
-3rd Monday in February — Presidents’ Day
- Last Monday in May — Memorial Day
- July 4 — Independence Day
-1st Monday in September — Labor Day
-2nd Monday in October — Columbus Day
- November 11 — Veterans Day
-4th Thursday in November — Thanksgiving Day
- December 25 — Christmas Day
Religious holidays such as Passover, Easter, Ramadan, Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa are also observed by various communities in New York. The observance of one of your own religious holidays is always an acceptable excuse for absence from school or work but may require special communication with your professor or supervisor.
Hints for Having Fun
What’s Out There?
New York City is world renowned for its cultural and entertainment offerings. Virtually every type of event or activity you might be interested in is offered somewhere in New York, and probably on a daily basis. On first arrival it can seem almost impossible to fully absorb and appreciate everything taking place throughout the city’s five boroughs. The secret is to make yourself familiar with some of the publications and websites that exist to keep both visitors and native New Yorkers up-to-date on city happenings. Some of the most popular and useful are below. And keep your eyes and ears open for posters, fliers and other announcements about gallery openings, concerts, poetry slams, and other activities!
Publications:
Time Out New York: Self-titled the “obsessive guide to impulsive entertainment,” this weekly magazine publishes near-exhaustive lists of museum and gallery exhibitions, comedy clubs, concerts and gigs, sporting events, shows and performances, along with reviews of restaurants, bars, and cafes, and features on cultural events and New York life. Time Out can be purchased at newsstands and in bookstores (though if you are a regular reader it is much cheaper to get a subscription), or check out www.timeout.com.
Zagat Survey: This annually published directory offers a comprehensive list of the city’s restaurants and nightlife, along with reviews, recommendations and information on prices. Zagat is available in most bookstores, and online (for a fee) at www.zagat.com.
The Village Voice: The first and largest “alternative newsweekly,” this free paper can be found in coffee shops, book stores and other locations throughout the city and includes an in-depth listing of New York City events. The “Voice” is also available online at www.villagevoice.com.
New York Magazine: Another weekly magazine offering up arts, entertainment and nightlife listings, New York City restaurant guides, and more, for sale at bookstores and newsstands. The popular online version of the magazine is available at www.newyorkmetro.com.
Web Only Resources
www.newyork.citysearch.com—This site serves as a virtual guide to the city, allowing you to access information on events, clubs, restaurants, hotels, shops, sports and favorite tourist attractions. Its search facilities, weather updates and map finder make it a good all around information site.
www.newyorkled.com—This site is popular with those looking to sample the city’s cultural offerings without spending a fortune. It includes a daily events calendar and much more.
On a Budget
New York is an expensive city, but with a little ingenuity, you can enjoy it on a student budget. For just the price of a subway ride, you can explore the many unique, diverse neighborhoods that comprise the five boroughs. Hours can be spent strolling through Central Park, people-watching in Greenwich Village, or window-shopping on Fifth Avenue, all without spending a penny.
Student rates are often available for museums, exhibitions, films and performances—are sure to ask when you purchase tickets and always carry your school ID. Most museums and cultural institutions also offer free entrance on certain days or during specific hours. For some museums, the admission price is always “suggested,” rather than required. If you can’t afford the suggested admission, you can pay a smaller amount or nothing at all and still enter the museum— keep in mind that many museums rely heavily on donations, so whatever you can offer will make a difference. For a listing of free museums, go to www.ny.com/museums/free.html.
Colleges and universities often sponsor special concerts, films, dances and other social activities. These are usually far less expensive than events offered by commercial groups, and attending these campus activities can be a great way to meet other students.
Summertime transforms New York into a playground of free cultural activities, making it one of the best times to be a student in the city. Central Park offers free performances of Shakespeare (www.publictheater.org and www.newyorkclassical.org), the Metropolitan Opera (www.metopera.org/) and popular singers and bands on their specially constructed “Summerstage” (www.summerstage.org). Summer celebrations like Harlem Week and Gay Pride offer scores of free events. Street festivals and parades take over various neighborhoods weekend after weekend, and it’s hard to turn a corner without stumbling on a free outdoor event or concert. Check out the sites and publications above for listings.
Nightlife
New York, “the city that never sleeps,” can be even more exciting at night than during the day. The streets in some neighborhoods, such as the East and West Villages and SoHo, are just as crowded at 2 a.m. as they are at 2 p.m.! The variety of nightclubs, bars, and discotheques is astounding—unfortunately, sometimes the costs are too. Many clubs, especially those offering live music, may have a “cover charge” (an admission fee) and/or a “drink minimum” which obligates you to buy at least one or two drinks. Cover charges
