Beginner's Guide To NYC

So you just moved to New York City! Congratulations! NYC is an awesome place to be but there are a few things that you need to know before you can be called a true "New Yorker.

1. New York City Is New York But New York Is Not New York City

nyctourist.com

There is more to New York than New York City. NYC is composed of five boroughs-Manhattan, Bronx, Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Queens. New York is the actual state that encompasses the United States. To confuse people more... when people say "I'm visiting New York," they most likely mean the city of New York and not the state.

2. Cabs Are Only Taking Fares When Top Light Is Lit

Via wordpress.com

You can save yourself a lot of disappointment and energy if you pay attention to the top of the taxi. When getting a taxi, look at the light on top of the taxi. Lit= Vacant Unlit= Occupied or Off Duty. Simple.

3. Black Taxi Cabs Are Expensive

You're hailing a cab and then a sleek black car stops in front of you. You're confused and then you realize it's a taxi service. You hesitate and rightfully so! These taxi cabs are rumored to come up with their own fares and they are not a part of the yellow cab taxi service. Be weary!

4. There Is ALWAYS A Long Line At Trader Joe's

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Trader Joe's has the cheapest products so expect a long wait for check out and maybe even to get in.

5. Carry Cash... ALWAYS

Via nyctalking.com

There are so many places in NYC that do not accept debit cards. If you want to get that cute necklace from a street vendor carry cash. If that's not a good enough reason, beware that MTA machines malfunction and often times the only machines that are working ONLY accept cash. Be smart. Carry cash. ALWAYS.

6. "House-ton" NOT "Hewston"

Via blog.chron.com

A way to get a confused look from a New Yorker is if you say "Hewston" instead of "House-ton." It's just the way the street is pronounced here. The sooner you accept it the better.

7. Neighborhoods In Manhattan

All of Manhattan (as well as the other boroughs) is broken up into neighborhoods. For example, NYU is mainly located in the neighborhood of Greenwich Village. Each neighborhood has it's own specialties or something that is known for (hence the name). You can check out each neighborhood and discover a different part of New York!

8. It's A Pretty Safe City

Via mondoweiss.net

Contrary to film and television you've seen, NYC is a pretty safe city. With one of the largest police forces in the country, you will typically see law enforcement frequently as there are always events going on and flocks of tourists. Of course, always be safe but at the same time, don't worry.