-
-
Ad Space
(728 x 90)
Age restrictions to Holidays | Insurance to Students
Tax & tipping to Work permits
In NYC, you must be 18 to buy tobacco products and 21 to buy or be served alcohol. Some bars and clubs will admit patrons who are between 18 and 21, but you'll be ejected if you're caught drinking alcohol (carry a picture ID at all times). The age of sexual consent in New York is 17. You must be 18 to purchase pornography and other adult material, to play the lottery or gamble (where the law allows).
Babysitters' Guild
212-682-0227; www.babysittersguild.com. Bookings: 9am–9pm daily. Cash only.
Long- or short-term multilingual babysitters cost $20 and up per hour (four-hour minimum) plus cab fare (around $10). Babysitters are available around the clock.
Pinch Sitters
212-260-6005. Bookings: Mon–Fri 8am–5pm. Cash only.
Charges are $16 per hour (four-hour minimum) plus cab fare after 9pm ($10 maximum).
Better Business Bureau
212-533-6200; www.newyork.bbb.org.
The BBB offers advice on consumer-related complaints (shopping, services, etc.). Each phone inquiry costs $5 (plus New York City tax) and must be charged to a credit card; the online service is free.
New York City Department of Consumer Affairs
42 Broadway between Beaver St and Exchange Pl (311/212-487-4110). Subway: 4,5 to Bowling Green. Mon–Fri 9am–5pm.
File complaints on consumer-related matters here.
A to Z Couriers
106 Ridge St between Rivington and Stanton Sts (212-253-6500; www.atozcouriers.com) Subway: F to Delancey St; J, M, Z to Delancey–Essex St. Mon–Fri 8am–8pm. AmEx, MC, V.
These cheerful couriers will deliver in the city (and on Long Island).
Breakaway
3335 W 35th St between Eighth and Ninth Aves (212-947-4455; www.breakawaycourier.com) Subway: A, C, E to 34th St–Penn Station. Mon–Fri 7am–9pm; Sat 9am–5pm; Sun noon–5pm. AmEx, MC, V.
Breakaway is a highly recommended local delivery service that promises to pick up and deliver within 90 minutes.
Jefron Messenger Service
55 Walker St between Church St and West Broadway (212-431-6610; www.jefron.com) Subway: 1, 2, 3 to Chambers St Mon–Fri 4am–8pm. Cash only.
Jefron specializes in transporting import and export documents.
Dependable Printing
10 E 22nd St at Broadway (212-533-7560). Subway: N, R, W to 23rd St. Mon–Fri 8:30am–7pm; Sat 10am–4pm. AmEx, MC, V.
Dependable provides offset, laser and color printing; fax service; large-format photocopies; binding; and more.
Other location 71 W 23rd St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (646-336-6999).
FedEx Kinko's
See Computers.
Fitch Graphics
See Computers.
Servco
1150 Sixth Ave between 44th and 45th Sts (212-575-0991). Subway: B, D, F, V to 47th–50th Sts–Rockefeller Ctr; 7 to Fifth Ave. Mon–Fri 8:30am–8pm.
Photocopying, offset printing, blueprints and binding services are available.
Citizen Service Center
311. 24hrs daily
The city's nonemergency help line. Questions (on, say, parking rules or parade hours, changes to subway service) and complaints (blocked driveway, noisy revelers) can be handled in 171 different languages.
There are hundreds of computer dealers in Manhattan. However, many out-of-state dealers advertise in New York papers and magazines, so you might consider buying from them to avoid the hefty sales tax (8.625 percent). Here are reliable places if you want to rent or need repairs:
Computer Solutions Provider
45 W 21st St between Fifth and Sixth Aves, second floor (212-463-9744; www.cspny.com). Subway: F, V, N, R, W to 23rd St. Mon–Fri 9am–6pm. AmEx, MC, V.
Specialists in Macs, PCs and related peripherals, CSP staffers can recover lost data and help you through other computer disasters; they even make house calls.
FedEx Kinko's
240 Central Park South at Broadway (212-258-3750, 800-254-6567; www.fedexkinkos.com). Subway: A, C, B, D, 1 to 59th St–Columbus Circle. 24hrs daily. AmEx, DC, Disc, MC, V.
This is a very efficient computer and copy center. Most branches have Windows and Macintosh workstations and design stations, plus Internet connection and all the major software ($18 per hour). Printing is available (color, 89¢ per page; black-and-white, 50¢), as are laptop hookups ($6 per hour). Check the phone book for other locations.
Fitch Graphics
229 W 28th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves (800-332-1237; www.fitchgroup.com) Subway: 1 to 28th St. Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. AmEx, MC, V.
Fitch is a full-service desktop-publishing outfit, with color laser output and prepress facilities. Fitch works on Mac and Windows platforms and has an electronic bulletin board so customers can reach the shop online.
USRental.com
800-877-3672; www.usrental.com. Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. AmEx, MC, V.
Rent by the day, week, month or year. Rush delivery service (within three hours) is also available.
Check the phone book for a complete list of consulates and embassies. See also Travel advice.
Australia
212-351-6500
Canada
212-596-1628
Great Britain
212-745-0200
Ireland
212-319-2555
New Zealand
212-832-4038
When planning your trip, check with a U.S. embassy or consulate to see whether you need a visa to enter the country (see Visas). Standard immigration regulations apply to all visitors arriving from outside the United States, which means you may have to wait at least an hour in customs upon arrival. Owing to tightened security at all American airports, you can expect even slower-moving lines. During your flight, you will be handed immigration and customs-declaration forms to be presented to an official when you land.
You may be expected to explain your visit, so be polite and prepared. You will usually be granted an entry permit to cover the length of your stay. Work permits are hard to get, and you are not allowed to work without one (see Students).
U.S. Customs allows foreigners to bring in $100 worth of gifts (the limit is $800 for Americans) before paying duty. One carton of 200 cigarettes (or 50 cigars) and one liter of liquor (spirits) are allowed. Plants, meat and fresh produce cannot be brought into the country. If you carry more than $10,000 in currency, you will have to fill out a form.
If you must bring prescription drugs into the U.S., make sure the container is clearly marked and that you bring your doctor's statement or a prescription. Marijuana, cocaine and most opiate derivatives, along with a number of other drugs and chemicals are not permitted. Possession of them is punishable by stiff fines and/or imprisonment. Check with the U.S. Customs Service (www.customs.gov) before you arrive if you have any questions about what you can bring. If you lose or need to renew your passport once inside the U.S., contact your country's embassy (see Consulates).
Upon entering the U.S. as a student, you will need to show a passport, a special visa and proof of your plans to leave (such as a return airline ticket).
Before applying for a visa, nonnationals who want to study in the U.S. must obtain an I-20 Certificate of Eligibility from the school or university they plan to attend. If you are enrolling in an authorized visitor-exchange program, including a summer course, wait until you have been accepted before worrying about immigration. The school will guide you through the process.
You are admitted as a student for the length of your course. Requests for any extension or change must be submitted 30 days before your completion date. Approval is granted jointly between your school and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigrations Services. You may be allowed to stay in the country for an additional 12 months after completing your course work to pursue practical training. At the completion of your studies or training, you will be given 60 days to prepare to leave the country, unless you are granted a change to, or an extension of, your immigration status. The rules are strict, and you risk deportation if you break them.
Information on these and all other immigration matters is available from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The agency's 24-hour hot line (800-375-5283) has a vast menu of recorded information in English and Spanish; advisers are available from 8am to 6pm, Monday through Friday. You can visit the USCIS at its New York office, located in the Jacob Javits Federal Building (26 Federal Plaza, Broadway between Duane and Worth Sts, third floor). The office is open 7:30am to 3:30pm, Monday through Friday, and cannot be reached directly by telephone.
The U.S. Embassy also offers guidance on obtaining student visas (see Visas. Or in the U.K., you can write to the Visa Branch of the Embassy of the United States of America (Attn: Nonimmigrant visa section; 24 Grosvenor Sq, London W19 19E.
When you apply for your student visa, you'll be expected to prove your ability to support yourself financially (including the payment of school fees), without working, for at least the first full academic year of your studies. After those nine months, you may be eligible to work part-time, but you must have specific permission (again from both your school and the USCIS) to do so.
If you are a student from the U.K. who wants to spend a summer vacation working in the States, contact the British Universities North America Club (BUNAC) for help in arranging a temporary job and the requisite visa (16 Bowling Green Lane, London EC1R 0QH; 0-20-7251-3472; www.bunac.org/uk).
Under New York City law, all facilities constructed after 1987 must provide complete access for the disabled—rest rooms, entrances and exits included. In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act made the same requirement federal law. In the wake of this legislation, many older buildings have added disabled-access features. There has been widespread (though imperfect) compliance with the law, so it's always a good idea to call ahead and check.
New York can be challenging for a disabled visitor. One useful resource is Access for All, a guide to New York's cultural institutions published by Hospital Audiences Inc. (212-575-7660; www.hospaud.org). The online guide tells how accessible each place really is, and includes information on the height of telephones and water fountains; hearing and visual aids; and passenger-loading zones and alternative entrances. HAI's service for the visually impaired provides descriptions of theater performances on audiocassettes.
All Broadway theaters are equipped with devices for the hearing-impaired; call Sound Associates (212-582-7678, 888-772-7686) for more information. There are a number of other stage-related resources for the disabled. Call Telecharge (212-239-6200) to reserve tickets for wheelchair seating in Broadway and Off Broadway venues. Theater Development Fund's Theater Access Project (212-221-1103; www.tdf.org) arranges sign-language interpretation and captioning in American Sign Language for Broadway and Off Broadway shows. Hands On (212-740-3087) does the same.
Lighthouse International
111 E 59th St between Park and Lexington Aves (800-829-0500; www.lighthouse.org). Subway: N, R, W to Lexington Ave–59th St; 4, 5, 6 to 59th St. Mon–Fri 10am–6pm; Sat 10am–5pm.
In addition to running a store that sells handy items for the vision-impaired, this organization provides helpful information for blind residents of and visitors to New York City.
Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities
100 Gold St between Frankfort and Spruce Sts, second floor (212-788-2830). Subway: J, M, Z to Chambers St; 4, 5, 6 to Brooklyn Bridge–City Hall. Mon–Fri 9am–5pm.
This citys office provides a broad range of services for the disabled.
New York Society for the Deaf
161 Williams St between Ann and Beekman Sts (212-777-3900; www.nysd.org). Subway: A, C to Broadway–Nassau St; J, M, Z, 2, 3, 4, 5 to Fulton St. Mon–Thu 9am–5pm; Fri 9am–4:30pm.
The deaf and hearing-impaired come here for information and services.
The Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality
347 Fifth Ave between 33rd and 34th Sts, suite 610 (212-447-7284; www.sath.org). Subway: B, D, F, V, N, Q, R, W to 34th St–Herald Sq.
This nonprofit group was founded in 1976 to educate people about travel facilities for the disabled, and to promote travel for the disabled worldwide. Membership is $45 a year ($30 for seniors and students) and includes access to an information service and a quarterly travel magazine. No drop-ins; membership by mail only.
The U.S. uses 110–120V, 60-cycle alternating current, rather than the 220–240V, 50-cycle AC used in Europe and elsewhere. The transformers that power or recharge many newer electronic devices, such as laptop computers, are designed to handle either current and may need nothing more than an adapter for the wall outlet. However, most electrical appliances, including hair dryers, will require a power converter as well. Adapters and converters of various sorts are available at airport shops, at some pharmacies and department stores, and at Radio Shack branches around the city (consult the phone book for store locations).
Ambulance
In an emergency only, dial 911 for an ambulance or call the operator (dial 0). To complain about slow emergency service or poor treatment, call the Fire Dept. Complaint Hot Line (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 646-610-5000.
The public health-care system is practically nonexistent in the United States, and private health care is prohibitively expensive. If possible, make sure you have comprehensive medical insurance when you travel to New York.
Walk-in clinics offer treatment for minor ailments. Most require immediate payment, though some will send their bill directly to your insurance company. You will have to file a claim to recover the cost of prescription medication.
D•O•C•S
55 E 34th St between Madison Ave and Park Ave South (212-252-6000). Subway: 6 to 33rd St. Walk-in Mon–Thu 8am–8pm; Fri 8am–7pm; Sat 9am–3pm; Sun 9am–2pm. Extended hours by appointment. Base fee $135–$300. AmEx, Disc, MC, V.
These excellent 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 through Friday.
Other locations 202 W 23rd St at Seventh Ave (212-352-2600); 1555 Third Ave at 88th St (212-828-2300).
NYU College of Dentistry
345 E 24th St between First and Second Aves (212-998-9872; off-hours emergency care 212-998-9828). Subway: 6 to 23rd St. Mon–Thu 8:30am–7pm; Fri 8:30am–3pm. Base fee $90. Disc, MC, V.
If you need your teeth fixed on a budget, the final-year students are slow but proficient, and an experienced dentist is always on hand to supervise. Go before 2pm to ensure a same-day visit.
You will be billed for emergency treatment. 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:
Cabrini Medical Center
227 E 19th St between Second and Third Aves (212-995-6000). Subway: L to Third Ave; N, Q, R, W, 4, 5, 6 to 14th St–Union Sq.
Mount Sinai Hospital
Madison Ave at 100th St (212-241-7171). Subway: 6 to 103rd St.
New York–Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center
525 E 68th St at York Ave (212-746-5454). Subway: 6 to 68th St.
St. Luke's–Roosevelt Hospital
1000 Tenth Ave at 59th St (212-523-6800). Subway: A, C, B, D, 1 to 59th St–Columbus Circle.
St. Vincent's Hospital
153 W 11th St at Seventh Ave (212-604-7998). Subway: F, V, 1, 2, 3 to 14th St; L to Sixth Ave
NY Hotel Urgent Medical Services
952 Fifth Ave between 76th and 77th Sts, suite 1D (212-737-
1212; www.travelmd.com).
Subway: 6 to 77th St. 24hrs daily; appointments required. Weekday hotel-visit fee $175–$450; weekday office-visit fee $55–$165 (higher for nights and weekends). AmEx, MC, V.
Dr. Ronald Primas and his partners provide medical attention right in your Manhattan hotel room or private residence. Whether you need a simple prescription, urgent medical care or a thorough examination, this service can provide a specialist.
Be aware that pharmacies will not refill foreign prescriptions.
Duane Reade
224 W 57th St at Broadway (212-541-9708; www.duanereade.com). Subway: N, Q, R, W to 57th St. 24hrs daily. 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 St at University Pl (212-989-3632); 155 E 34th St at Third Ave (212-683-3042); 1279 Third Ave at 74th St (212-744-2668); 2465 Broadway at 91st St (212-799-3172).
Rite Aid
303 W 50th St at Eighth Ave (212-247-8736; www.riteaid.com). Subway: C, E to 50th St. 24hrs daily. AmEx, Disc, MC, V.
Select stores have 24-hour pharmacies. Call 800-748-3243 or check the website for a listing of all branches.
Other 24-hour locations 408 Grand St at Clinton St (212-529-7115); 301 W 50th St at Eighth Ave (212-247-8384); 146 E 86th St between Lexington and Third Aves (212-876-0600); 2833 Broadway at 110th St (212-663-3135).
Chelsea Clinic
303 Ninth Ave at 28th St (212-239-1718, 212-239-0843). Subway: C, E to 23rd St. Mon–Fri 8:30am–4:30pm; Sat 9am–2pm.
Liberty Women's Health Care of Queens
37-01 Main St at 37th Ave, Flushing, Queens (718-888-0018). Subway: 7 to Flushing–Main St. By appointment only. MC, V.
This facility provides both surgical and nonsurgical abortions until the 24th week of pregnancy. Unlike many other clinics, Liberty uses abdominal ultrasound before, during and after the abortion to ensure safety.
Parkmed Eastern Women's Center
44 E 30th St between Madison Ave and Park Ave South, fifth floor (212-686-6066; www.easternwomenscenter.com). Subway: 6 to 28th St. By appointment only. AmEx, Disc, MC, V.
Urine pregnancy tests are free. Counseling, contraception services and nonsurgical abortions are also available.
Planned Parenthood of New York City
Margaret Sanger Center, 26 Bleecker St at Mott St (212-965-7000, 800-230-7526; www.ppnyc.org). Subway: B, D, F, V to Broadway–Lafayette St; 6 to Bleecker St. Mon, Tue 8am–4:30pm; Wed–Fri 8am–6:30pm; Sat 7:30am–4:30pm. AmEx, MC, V.
Alcoholics Anonymous
212-647-1680. 9am–10pm daily.
Cocaine Anonymous
212-262-2463. 24-hour recorded info.
Drug Abuse Information Line
800-522-5353. 8am–10pm daily.
This hot line refers callers to recovery programs around the state as well as to similar programs in the rest of the U.S.
Pills Anonymous
212-874-0700 24-hour recorded info; www.geocities.com/panonjh/.
You'll find information on drug-recovery programs for users of marijuana, cocaine, alcohol and other addictive substances, as well as referrals to Narcotics Anonymous. You can also leave a message so that a counselor will call you back.
Childhelp USA's National Child Abuse Hotline
800-422-4453. 24hrs daily.
Counselors provide general crisis consultation and can help in an emergency. Callers include abused children, runaways and parents having problems with children.
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website (www.cdc.gov) for up-to-date national health information, or call one of the toll-free hot lines below.
National STD & AIDS Hot Line
800-342-2437. 24hrs daily.
Travelers' Health
877-394-8747 or visit CDC website. 24hrs daily.
Provides alerts on disease outbreaks and other information via recording.
The Samaritans
212-673-3000. 24hrs daily.
People thinking of committing suicide or suffering from depression, grief, sexual anxiety or alcoholism can call this organization for advice.
Safe Horizon Crisis Hotline
212-577-7777; www.safehorizon.org. 24hrs daily.
SH offers telephone and in-person counseling for any victim of domestic violence, rape or other crime, as well as practical help with court procedures, compensation and legal aid.
Special Victims Liaison Unit of the New York Police Department
Rape hotline 212-267-7273. 24hrs daily.
Reports of sex crimes are handled 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
212-523-4728. Mon–Fri 9am–5pm.
The Rape Crisis Center provides a trained volunteer who will accompany you through all aspects of reporting a rape and getting emergency treatment.
Most banks and government offices close on these major U.S. holidays, but stores, restaurants and some museums are usually open. If you will be in New York during or around a holiday, be sure to call the venues you plan to visit to check for special hours.
New Year's Day January 1
Martin Luther King Jr. Day third Monday in January
Presidents' Day third Monday in February
Memorial Day last Monday in May
Independence Day July 4
Labor Day first Monday in September
Columbus Day second Monday in October
Veterans' Day November 11
Thanksgiving Day fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Day December 25
Age restrictions to Holidays | Insurance to Students
Tax & tipping to Work permits
