New York Spending Money

phatbear

astramax151 wrote: »

Tipping is the norm in New York + the service reflects this. You can tell this by going in a supermarket or pharmacy, where tipping isn't expected, the staff are generally disinterested, do not make eye contact or even register your existence. In a restaraunt/diner the staff will usually be polite + attentive + the tip should reflect this.

You obviously have'nt eaten in half the restaurants I have in NY the standard service is usually diss-interested in most places, because tipping is the norm they realise they dont have to put themselves out to get their extra on top of the bill, one other issue I have come across on the past few trips is double tipping, ie serves will put a service charge on the bill therefore if you aren't wary you can end up double tipping.

astramax151 wrote: »

M4RKM is your man for advice, I've read his posts + had his advice on another forum + he really does know New York..

But hes not the only person who has been to NY his interest in NY is quite unlike mine, after all ask him about staying near times square and see his reaction but personally i prefer it, and this is based on staying up and down the island.

astramax151 wrote: »

We did pre-book Empire State Building + Top of the Rock tickets, which i would recommend.

Why would anyone pre-book such tickets how do you know it wont be cloudy/foggy that day and if it is its a complete waste of the journey up

astramax151

Phatbear, sorry no offence meant, I've just had good advice from M4RKM + wanted to pass that on, didn't mean to decry anyone else.

I must admit we really only ate in restaraunts around Times Square + I must admit I completely forgot that we walked out of TGI Fridays because of the service, so I have to concede on that one..

As for pre-booking tickets, we booked + printed the tickets for ESB + TOTR as open tickets which could be used at anytime. We went in September + took a gamble on there being at least 1 day without fog/rain etc at that time of year.

I seem to have offended you with my post, so I apologise, it was only my opinion..

phatbear

nope no offence taken, thing is the whole tipping issue is such a hot potatoe, if ever you get bored and fancy a row with someone pop over to tripadvisor's new york forum and mention tipping. Im a firm believer that tipping should be proportionate to the service you get not just guaranteed as someone has put some food in front of you, i appreciate its "the culture" in the states but that culture should go hand in hand with good service.

and yup mark is a source of knowledge and I do do'th my fetlock at him for certain subjects but he, like i and others like me, have very different things we like to do in NY for me eating, walking and shopping are top of my list however this list may be very different to his and anyone elses.

i missunderstood about your tickets for esb and totr however I would still advise people to get them when they are there as things change so quickly but each to their own.

but as previously stated no offence was taken and everyones views/opinions are valid (as long as they agree with mine ho ho!!)

meher

This video is a must watch before your visit - very mse.

Try staying in Timesquare or Lower Manhattan - you'll save a lot of time on getting round and also save costs for cabs because you need a full day each (and night) for timesquare, broadway and central park. There will also usual be free events everyday in these areas.

As for spending money, it really varies. It might be best if you break it down for tours & cruises - set aside at least $125 - $200 for five day sightseeing (check out the US groupon coupons* which offer half price liberty helecopter rides and cruises), eat out (no more than $50 per day including tip) and travel (weekly metro pass is only about $29) without adding shopping. Take your passport with you when you go shopping to get duty free price. The city passes cut down your costs on entry fees to several places and the metro passes cut down your costs on taking cabs.

New York is also known to have several free guided tours. Apparently you just tip your guide, entrance fees and pay for any snacks or meals you might have in between. I don't know how much you'd tip, my guess is hourly. For the normal tour you just pay about 20-25% of the tour price.

And yes, tipping is the norm but then eating out, cabs, beauty salons, tours are all very cheap even after the tip 15%-20% you've paid and their services excellent so well worth it and you'll have no rgrets at all. Tipping is a custom as most of them are not well paid; they make a living based on the tip you give, so try to be generous with it and most importantly, the money goes to them in total and not to the bigwig owners. This is truly the land of the free, you'll enjoy it.

* Unlike our UK groupons, the US ones have a "now" deal. Just hop on to the internet, look out for places to eat or for tour/cruise deals of the day or see a show. Groupon customer service is excellent, they put a $10 vouchers into your account if you register with them to get you started as well.