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New York is the most fascinating, dynamic, and multicultural city in the world. If you love city breaks, it's an unmissable trip.
Citizens of countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program can travel to the United States and stay as tourists in New York for up to ninety days without a visa. However, they must complete the ESTA travel authorization form. It is recommended to apply for authorization at least seventy-two hours before traveling. If you’re not sure whether you need a visa, it is best to check the US embassy website in your country. Remember, you must also carry a valid passport and the proper documents at all times.
The United States has excellent healthcare infrastructure. However, coverage is not universal or free. Due to the high cost of medical treatments, many Americans have private insurance. Therefore, it is important to purchase private travel insurance with health assistance to ensure medical care in case of any unforeseen events. It’s crucial to check that the policy is as comprehensive as possible since doctors and emergency services perform a check before receiving the patient.
The United States does not have significant health risks or special vaccination requirements. However, it is always advisable to keep your vaccination schedule up to date. In summer, the sun is intense, so it is advisable to use a high protection factor, wear a hat, light clothing, and stay hydrated throughout the day. Winter, on the other hand, is very cold, so it is recommended to travel with warm clothing, a scarf, gloves and appropriate footwear.
The official currency of the United States is the US dollar. You can exchange currency in your country of residence, at airports, or at the more than 425,000 ATMs in the country. However, it is advisable to travel with a modest amount of cash. Most establishments accept credit card payments. Before traveling, remember to confirm fees for making payments abroad with your bank. Tipping is a common practice, as part of employees' salaries depends on it. The norm is to leave between 15% and 20% in restaurants and around 10% in buffets.
The United States spans nine different time zones. The time zone in New York is UTC-5/Eastern Standard Time (EST). In the US, the twelve-hour clock is used, with specifications a.m. (before noon) and p.m. (after noon). When it is twelve midday, it is recommended to use the abbreviation p.m. (12 p.m.), while midnight is 12 a.m.
English is the official language of the United States and the most widely spoken throughout the country. However, according to the Census Bureau, among the most common languages are Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Arabic. In certain regions, native languages such as Navajo, Yupik, Dakota, Apache, Keres and Cherokee are preserved. Don't forget to learn a simple phrase in English; besides being a sign of respect, it will be very useful for getting around in New York.
Your luggage will largely depend on the type of activities you plan to do. In winter, temperatures drop drastically, and snow is common, so it is advised to travel with warm clothing and waterproof footwear. Summer, on the other hand, is very hot, but there is air conditioning indoors. You may also need an adapter for your electronic devices. In New York, type A and B plugs and sockets are used, and the standard voltage is 120 V with a frequency of 60 Hz.