NYCThis Essentials is NYC footwear under $110 (seasonal exceptions). • No sales tax on food items purchased at grocery stores, or on prescription drugs.
Smoking Throughout New York City, smoking is prohibited in all public areas, including parks, beaches, subway stations, taxis, restaurants and bars. Cigar bars that register with the City are permitted to allow cigar smoking.
Special-Service Needs The City’s 24-hour public transportation system is accessible for hearing/visually challenged passengers. Subways have automated voices indicating stops, and all buses and select subway stations are wheelchair accessible. Limited street-hail taxicabs are wheelchair accessible or call the accessible dispatch center: 646 599 9999. You can also text a request for a wheelchair taxi at 646 400 0789 or download the mobile app “Wheels on Wheels” from the iTunes Store. Many attractions, theaters and museums also provide services. In addition, Big Apple Greeter (bigapple greeter.org, 212 669 8159) offers special-needs tour guides. More info is available at NYC’s hotline (311 or 212 NEWYORK); and the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (nyc.gov/mopd, 212 788 2830, TTY: 212 504 4115).
Tipping Many people in service industries (hotels, restaurants and transportation) have tips factored into their wages. Here’s a suggested guide: • Hotel doorman: $3 for hailing a taxicab. • Porter/bellhop: $1–$2 per bag. • Housekeepers: $1–$5 per day, per person.
• Waitstaff and bartenders: 15%–20% of total bill. • Taxi drivers: 15%–20% of total. • Tour guides: $5–$20 or 10%–15% of purchase price of a ticket charge. • Tips for other service personnel (e.g., theater ushers and coat checkers) are always appreciated.
Official NYC Information Centers provide up-to-the-minute news and transit tips about the City, one-on-one guidance, moneysaving offers and more. All are open seven days. For more information, call 212 484 1222 or visit nycgo.com. Macy’s Herald Square (Visitor Center, mezzanine level) 151 W. 34th St. (bet. Seventh Ave. and Broadway) Subway: 1, 2, 3, B, D, F, M, N, Q, R to 34th St./Herald Sq. South Street Seaport Hornblower Cruises at Pier 15 Esplanade (near South St., bet. John and Fulton Sts.) Subway: 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, J, Z to Fulton St. City Hall Southern tip of City Hall Park on the Broadway sidewalk at Park Row Subway: 2, 3 to Park Place; 4, 5, 6, R to Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall; A, C to Broadway/Nassau St.; E to WTC/Chambers; J, Z to Fulton St. Chinatown Triangle where Canal, Walker and Baxter streets meet Subway: 6, J, N, Q, R, Z to Canal St.
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