Resources

Age restrictions | Disabled access | Internet | Lost property | Postal services
Smoking | Tax & tipping | Telephones | Tourist information | Websites | Consulates
Health | Helplines | Legal assistance | Safety

Age restrictions

In NYC, you must be 18 to buy tobacco products and 21 to buy or to be served alcohol. Some bars and clubs admit patrons between 18 and 21, but you’ll be ejected if you’re caught drinking alcohol. Always carry picture ID as even those well over 21 can be asked to show proof of age and identity.

Disabled access

New York City can be challenging for disabled visitors. One useful resource is Access for All, a guide to New York’s cultural institutions published by Hospital Audiences Inc (1-212 575 7660, www.hospaud.org). The online guide tells how accessible each location really is and includes information on hearing and visual aids, passenger-loading zones and alternative entrances. HAI’s service for the visually impaired provides recordings of commentaries of theater performances.

All Broadway theaters are equipped with devices for the hearing-impaired; call Sound Associates (1-212 582 7678, 1-888 772 7686) for information. There are a number of other stage-related resources for the disabled. Telecharge (1-212 239 6200) reserves wheelchair seating in Broadway and Off Broadway venues; Theatre Development Fund’s Theater Access Project (1-212 221 1103, www.tdf.org) arranges captioning and interpretation in American Sign Language for Broadway and Off Broadway shows, as does Hands On (1-212 740 3087, www.handson.org).

Lighthouse International
111 E 59th Street, between Park & Lexington Avenues (1-212 821 9200/www.lighthouse.org). Subway: N, R, W to Lexington Avenue-59th Street; 4, 5, 6 to 59th Street. Open 10am-6pm Mon-Fri; 10am-5pm Sat.
This organization provides helpful information for blind residents and visitors.

Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities
2nd Floor, 100 Gold Street, between Frankfort & Spruce Streets (1-212 788 2830). Subway: J, M, Z to Chambers Street; 4, 5, 6 to Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall. Open 9am-5pm Mon-Fri.
This city office provides a broad range of services for the disabled.

New York Society for the Deaf
315 Hudson Street, between Vandam & Spring Streets (1-212 366 0066/www.fegs.org). Subway: C, E to Spring Street; 1 to Houston Street. Open 9am-5pm Mon-Thur; 9am-4:30pm Fri.

Internet

Internet access

FedEx Kinko’s
1-800 463 3339/www.kinkos.com.There are outposts of this efficient computer and copy center throughout the city.

Wi-Fi

NYCWireless
www.nycwireless.net.This group has established 113 nodes in the city for free wireless access. (For example, most parks below 59th Street are covered.) Visit the website for more information.

Lost property

For property lost in the street, contact the police.

Buses & subways
New York City Metropolitan Transit Authority, 34th Street-Penn Station, nearthe A train platform (1-212 340 2555). Open 8am-noon Mon-Wed, Fri; 11am-6:30pm Thur.

Grand Central Terminal
1-212 340 2555. Open 7am-6pm Mon-Fri; 8.45am-5pm Sat.This is the place to call if you’ve left something on a Metro-North train.

JFK Airport
1-718 244 4444, or contact your airline.

La Guardia Airport
1-718 533 3400, or contact your airline.

Newark Liberty International Airport
1-973 961 6230, or contact your airline.

Penn Station
1-212 630 7389. Open 7:30am-4pm Mon-Fri.
Call for items left on Amtrak, New Jersey Transit or the Long Island Rail Road.

Taxis
1-212 692 8294/www.nyc.gov/taxi.

Postal services

Stamps are available at all US post offices and from drugstore vending machines and at most newsstands. As of May 12, 2008, it costs 42¢ to send a 1oz letter within the US. Each additional ounce costs 24¢. Postcards mailed within the US cost 27¢; for international postcards, it’s 94¢. Airmailed letters to anywhere overseas cost 94¢ for the first ounce and 80¢ for each additional ounce.

General Post Office
421 Eighth Avenue, between 31st & 33rd Streets (24hr information 1-800 275 8777/www.usps.com). Subway: A, C, E to 34th Street-Penn Station. Open 24hrs daily. Credit MC, V.This is the city’s main post office; see the website for other locations. Branches are usually open 9am-5pm Mon-Fri; hours vary Sat.

Smoking

New Yorkers live under some of the strictest anti-smoking laws on the planet. The 1995 NYC Smoke-Free Air Act makes it illegal to smoke in virtually all indoor public places, including the subway, theaters and nearly all restaurants and bars. Be sure to ask before you light up, though the ever-present No Smoking signs should give you a clue.

Tax & tipping

In restaurants, it is customary to tip at least 15 percent, and since NYC tax is 8.625 percent, a quick method for calculating the tip is to double the tax. In many restaurants, when you are with a group of six or more, the tip will be included in the bill.

Telephones

As a rule, you must dial 1 + the area code before a number, even if the place you are calling is in the same area code. The area codes for Manhattan are 212 and 646; Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx are 718 and 347; 917 is reserved mostly for mobile phones and pagers. Long Island area codes are 516 and 631; codes for New Jersey are 201, 551, 848, 862, 609, 732, 856, 908 and 973. Numbers preceded by 800, 877 and 888 are free of charge when dialed from anywhere in the US.

General information

Collect calls & credit card calls
Collect calls are also known as reverse-charge calls. Dial 0 followed by the number, or dial AT&T’s 1-800 225 5288, MCI’s 1-800 265 5328 or Sprint’s 1-800 663 3463.

Directory assistance
Dial 411 or 1 + area code + 555 1212. Doing so may be free, depending on the payphone you are using; carrier fees may apply. Long-distance directory assistance may also incur long-distance charges. For a directory of toll-free numbers, dial 1-800 555 1212.

Emergency
Dial 911. All calls are free (including those from pay- and mobile phones).

International calls
Dial 011 + country code (Australia 61; New Zealand 64; UK 44), then the number.

Operator assistance
Dial 0.

Public payphones & phonecards

With the proliferation of cell phones, public payphones are becoming more difficult to find. Phones take any combination of silver coins: local calls usually cost 50¢ for three minutes. If you’re not used to US phones, then note that the ringing tone is long; the ‘engaged’ tone, or busy signal, is short and higher pitched.

To call long-distance or to make an international call from a payphone, you need to go through one of the long-distance companies. Most payphones in New York automatically use AT&T, but phones in and around transportation hubs usually contract other long-distance carriers, and charges can be outrageous. MCI and Sprint are respected brand names. Make the call by either dialing 0 for an operator or dialing direct, which is cheaper. To find out how much a call will cost, dial the number, and a computerized voice will tell you how much money to deposit. You can pay for calls with your credit card.

The best way to make long-distance calls is with a phonecard, available from any post-office branch, or chain stores like Duane Reade or Rite Aid, delis and newspaper kiosks.

Tourist information

NYC & Company
810 Seventh Avenue, between 52nd & 53rd Streets (1-800 NYC VISIT/www.nycvisit.com). Subway: B, D, E to Seventh Avenue. Open 8:30am-6pm Mon-Fri; 9am-5pm Sat, Sun.The city’s official (private, non-profit) visitors’ and information center doles out maps, leaflets, coupons and advice, and provides information on tour operators and travel agents.
Other locations: 33-34 Carnaby Street, London W1V 1CA, UK (020 7437 8300).

Times Square Visitors Center
1560 Broadway, between 46th & 47th Streets (1-212 869 1890). Subway: N, Q, R, W, 42nd Street S, 1, 2, 3, 7 to 42nd Street-Times Square. Open 8am-8pm daily.
This center offers discount coupons for Broadway tickets, internet access, MetroCards, free maps and other useful goods and services, predominantly for the Theater District. Staff are multilingual. There are also ATMs, photo booths and free internet stations on site.

Brooklyn Tourism
209 Joralemon Street, between Court & Adams Streets (1-718 802 3846/www.visitbrooklyn.org). Subway: A, C, F, M, R, 2, 3, 4, 5 to Borough Hall. Open 10am-6pm Mon-Fri.
The Brooklyn Tourism and Visitors Center can give you guidance for attractions, sites and events in the city’s largest borough. You’ll also find informative literature and gifts.

Websites

www.timeoutnewyork.com The Time Out New York website covers all the city has to offer. When planning your trip, check out the individual Arts & Entertainment, Museums & Culture and Shopping sections for up-to-the-minute listings. Search Restaurants & Bars for thousands of reviews written by our critics.
www.nycvisit.com The site of NYC & Company, the local convention and visitors’ bureau.
www.mta.info Subway and bus service changes are always posted here.
www.nyc.gov City Hall’s official New York City website has lots of links.
www.nytimes.com ‘All the News That’s Fit to Print’ from the New York Times.
www.clubplanet.com Follow the city’s nocturnal scene and buy advance tickets to big events.
www.livebroadway.com ‘The Official Website of Broadway’ is the source for theaters, tickets and tours.
www.hipguide.com A short ’n’ sweet site for those looking for what’s considered hip.
www.forgotten-ny.com Remember old New York here.
www.manhattanusersguide.com An insiders’ guide to what’s going on around town.

Ambulance
In an emergency only, dial 911 for an ambulance. To complain about slow emergency service or poor treatment, call the Fire Department Complaint Hotline (1-718 999 2646).

Fire
In an emergency only, dial 911.

Police
In an emergency only, dial 911. For the location of the nearest police precinct or for general information about police services, call 1-646 610 5000.

Consulates

Check the phone book for a complete list of consulates and embassies.

Australia
1-212 351 6500.

Canada
1-212 596 1628.

Great Britain
1-212 745 0200.

Ireland
1-212 319 2555.

New Zealand
1-212 832 4038.

Health

The public health-care system is virtually non-existent in the US, so if you are not an American, it’s advisable to secure comprehensive insurance before arriving. Make sure you have adequate coverage as medical costs are high.

Clinics

Walk-in clinics offer treatment for minor ailments. Most require you to make immediate payment, though some will send their bill directly to your insurance company if you’re a US resident. You will have to file a claim to recover the cost of prescription medication.

D•O•C•S
55 E 34th Street, between Madison & Park Avenues (1-212 252 6000). Subway: 6 to 33rd Street. Open Walk-in 8am-8pm Mon-Thur; 8am-7pm Fri; 9am-3pm Sat; 9am-2pm Sun. Extended hours by appointment. Base fee $80 and up. Credit AmEx, Disc, MC, V.
These primary-care facilities, affiliated with Beth Israel Medical Center, offer by-appointment and walk-in services. If you need X-rays or lab tests, go as early as possible (no later than 6pm) Monday to Friday.Other locations: 202 W 23rd Street, at Seventh Avenue (1-212 352 2600).

Dentists

NYU College of Dentistry
345 E 24th Street, between First & Second Avenues (1-212 998 9872/after-hours emergency care 1-212 998 9800). Subway: 6 to 23rd Street. Open 8:30am-7pm Mon-Thur; 8:30am-3pm Fri. Base fee $90. Credit Disc, MC, V.
If you need your teeth fixed on a budget, the final-year students here are slow but proficient, and an experienced dentist is always on hand to supervise.

Emergency rooms

You will be billed for any emergency treatment that you receive. If possible, call your travel insurance company’s emergency number before seeking treatment to find out which hospitals accept your insurance.Emergency rooms are always open at the following establishments:

Cabrini Medical Center
227 E 19th Street, between Second & Third Avenues (1-212 995 6000). Subway: L to Third Avenue; N, Q, R, W, 4, 5, 6 to 14th Street-Union Square.

Mount Sinai Hospital
Madison Avenue, at 100th Street (1-212 241 7171). Subway: 6 to 103rd Street.

New York – Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center
525 E 68th Street, at York Avenue (1-212 746 5454). Subway: 6 to 68th Street.

St Luke’s – Roosevelt Hospital
1000 Tenth Avenue, at 59th Street (1-212 523 6800). Subway: A, B, C, D, 1 to 59th Street-Columbus Circle.

St Vincent’s Hospital
153 W 11th Street, at Seventh Avenue (1-212 604 7998). Subway: F, V, 1, 2, 3 to 14th Street; L to Sixth Avenue.

House calls

NY Urgent Medical Services
Suite 1D, 952 Fifth Avenue, between 76th & 77th Streets (1-212 737 1212/www.travelmd.com). Subway: 6 to 77th Street. Open 24hrs daily; appointments required. Fees weekday hotel-visit $300; weekday office-visit $175 (higher for nights and weekends). Credit MC, V.
Dr Ronald Primas and his partners provide specialist medical attention in Manhattan hotel rooms or private residences, from a simple prescription to urgent medical care.

Pharmacies

Be aware that pharmacies will not refill foreign prescriptions and may not sell the same over-the-counter products as in your home country.

Duane Reade
224 W 57th Street, at Broadway (1-212 541 9708/www.duanereade.com). Subway: N, Q, R, W to 57th Street. Open 24hrs daily. Credit AmEx, MC, V.This chain operates all over the city, and some stores are open 24 hours. Check the website for additional branches.
Other 24-hour locations: 24 E 14th Street, at University Place (1-212 989 3632); 155 E 34th Street, at Third Avenue (1-212 683 3042); 1279 Third Avenue, at 74th Street (1-212 744 2668); 2465 Broadway, at 91st Street (1-212 799 3172).

Rite Aid
303 W 50th Street, at Eighth Avenue (1-212 247 8736/www.riteaid.com). Subway: C, E to 50th Street. Open 24hrs daily. Credit AmEx, Disc, MC, V.Selected Rite Aid stores have 24-hour pharmacies. Call 1-800 748 3243 or check the website for a listing of all branches.
Other 24-hour locations: 408 Grand Street (1-212 529 7115); 301 W 50th Street at Eighth Avenue (1-212 247 8384); 146 E 86th Street, between Lexington & Third Avenues (1-212 876 0600); 2833 Broadway at 110th Street (1-212 663 3135).

STDs, HIV & AIDS

Chelsea Clinic
303 Ninth Avenue, at 28th Street (1-212 239 1725). Subway: C, E to 23rd Street. Open 8:30am-4:30pm Mon-Fri; 9am-2pm Sat.
Hours of walk-in clinics may change, so call ahead before visiting. (Check the phone book or see www.nyc.gov for details of other free clinics.)

Women’s health

Planned Parenthood of New York City
Margaret Sanger Center, 26 Bleecker Street, at Mott Street (1-212 965 7000/1-800 230 7526/www.ppnyc.org). Subway: B, D, F, V to Broadway-Lafayette Street; N, R, W to Prince Street; 6 to Bleecker Street. Open 8am-4:30pm Mon, Tue; 8am-6:30pm Wed-Fri; 7:30am-4:30pm Sat. Credit AmEx, MC, V.
This is the best-known, most reasonably priced network of family-planning clinics in the US. Counseling and treatment are available for a full range of needs, including contraception and treatment of STDs. Walk-in clients are welcome here for both emergency contraception and free pregnancy tests. Other locations: 44 Court Street, between Joralemon & Remsen Streets, Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn (appointments 1-212 965 7000).

Helplines

Alcohol & drug abuse

Alcoholics Anonymous
1-212 647 1680. Open 9am-10pm daily.

Cocaine Anonymous
24-hour recorded information 1-212 262 2463.

Drug Abuse Information Line
1-800 522 5353. Open 8am-10pm daily.
This hotline refers callers to recovery programs around the state as well as to similar programs in the rest of the US.

Pills Anonymous
24-hour recorded information 1-212 874 0700.
This helpline offers recorded information on drug-recovery programs for users of marijuana, cocaine, alcohol and other addictive substances, as well as referrals to Narcotics Anonymous meetings.

Rape & sex crimes

Safe Horizon Crisis Hotline
1-212 577 7777/www.safehorizon.org. Open 24hrs daily.
Safe Horizon offers telephone and in-person counseling for any victim of domestic violence, rape or other crime, and provides practical help with court procedures, compensation claims and legal aid.

Special Victims Liaison Unit of the New York Police Department
Rape hotline 1-212 267 7273. Open 24hrs daily.
Reports of sex crimes are fielded by a female detective from the Special Victims Liaison Unit. She will inform the appropriate precinct, send an ambulance if requested, and provide counseling and medical referrals. Other issues handled: violence against gays and lesbians, child victimization, and referrals for the families and friends of crime victims.

St Luke’s – Roosevelt Hospital Crime Victims Treatment Center
1-212 523 4728. Open 9am-5pm Mon-Fri.
The center provides a trained volunteer who will accompany you through reporting a rape and getting emergency treatment.

Legal assistance

If you’re arrested for a minor violation (disorderly conduct, harassment, loitering, particularly rowdy partying, etc) and you are polite to the officer during the arrest (and carry proper ID), then you’ll probably get fingerprinted and photographed at the station and be given a desk-appearance ticket with a date to show up at criminal court. Then, you’ll most likely be released.

Arguing with a police officer or engaging in more serious criminal activity (possession of a weapon, drunken driving, illegal gambling or prostitution, for example) might get you ‘processed’, which means a 24- to 30-hour journey through the system. If the courts are backed up (and they usually are), you’ll be held temporarily at a precinct pen. You can make a phone call after you’ve been fingerprinted. When you get through central booking, you’ll arrive at 100 Centre Street for arraignment. A judge will decide whether you should be released on bail and will set a court date. If you can’t post bail, then you’ll be held at Rikers Island.

Legal Aid Society
1-212 577 3300/www.legal-aid.org. Open 9am-5pm Mon-Fri.
Legal Aid gives general information and referrals on legal matters.

Sandback, Birnbaum & Michelen Criminal Law
1-800 640 2000. Open 24hrs daily.
If no one at this firm can help you, then you’ll be directed to lawyers who can.

Safety

New York’s crime rate, particularly for violent crime, has waned during the past decade. Don’t arrive thinking your safety is at risk wherever you go; in fact, it is unlikely that you will ever be bothered. Still, a bit of common sense won’t hurt. Don’t flaunt money and valuables, and try not to look lost. Avoid deserted and poorly lit streets; walk facing oncoming traffic so no one can drive up alongside you undetected, and stay close to or on the street; muggers prefer to hang back in doorways and shadows. If you are threatened, hand over your valuables at once, then dial 911 as soon as you can (it’s a free call from any phone). Be alert to pickpockets and street hustlers—especially in crowded tourist areas like Times Square—and be wary of diversionary jostles.

See more useful resources >>