Going to America for the 1st time, a couple of questions...

Don't come this place really sucks

Don’t take the tour buses either & don’t buy things from the people who have tables set up with sunglasses, colognes, etc. lol chances are some people will come up to you and if they do, they’re trying to sell you their mixtape. Also if anyone gives you a super sad story about how they need money for their family or to get to their family, it’s all BS lol. The food in food carts may smell good but it’ll give you extreme diarrhea so steer clear.

Advice from a New Yorker💪🏼

I'm assuming you're coming from the UK, so I'll base what I say off that.

First thing is first, as has been stated: call your bank up and make sure it can be used internationally. It's Visa you said so I can't imagine there being a hassle. And right before you leave, call them again and tell them you're coming to the states so they don't lock your card. A good four days notice should do the trick, as it did for me.

Second, withdraw a nice bit of cash before you leave and keep your wallet extra safe. I say this because some places in New York will only take cash, some will only take credit. When given the option, use cash. Even if your bank allows usage out of the country, you're gonna see some ugly conversion/extra interest charges coming out of your card every time you use it. Welcome to the world of banks wanting to get rich. So use the card when you HAVE to, but take out a few hundred pounds (large notes if possible) and when you arrive at, I'm assuming JFK or LaGuardia, go to the currency counter and convert at least half of it. You'll still be losing out on some money because of the exchange rate, but I'd rather lose a fiver converting the pound to USD than losing the accrued international fees which will be much larger than a fiver when all is said and done.

Next, never ever EVER go ANYWHERE without your passport. EVER. Don't even leave your hotel room to go to the ice machine down the hall without it. Not saying you're gonna get stopped at every damn corner, but when abroad it's better to be safe than sorry.

Third, make sure you do your homework on who you can call in the event of an emergency. You'll be in NY/NJ, so you can probably call the United Nations building and get some suit from England's office to help if something happens like if you lose your passport, or if Brock Lesnar's pyro goes off wrong and blasts you in the face (or more realistically, since it'll be winter, if you slip and break something).

Fourth, take full advantage of WiFi. Lots of places have it for free. That being said, MAKE SURE YOU BUY A PROPER ADAPTER FOR ANY ELECTRONICS YOU'RE BRINGING. We use different types of outlets in North America so if you try to charge your cell phone without a proper adapter, you're gonna burn the hotel to the ground. Along with the Wi-Fi and cell phone thing, if your bank has a mobile app, download it to keep track of your money and how much you're REALLY spending when you have to use your card, just to be safe.

Fifth, if you go to a restaurant or bar, tip. I'm not sure if y'all do that over in the UK, but servers here make below minimum wage because the government says they can live off of less pay with tips. You can tip as you please, if the service sucks then leave what you feel is fair but customarily it's 15-18% of your bill as an appropriate tip. For bars, it's generally a dollar per drink, or two dollars if you only have one drink. Same with just coffee or tea if you're not staying at a place with free breakfast.

Other than that, just enjoy yourself. NY is an amazing tourist trap. Do yourself a favor and eat at shady looking corner stores or food carts. You'll find that those little holes in the wall have WAY better food than any normal restaurant. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the US's heart and soul. Check out Times Square. Central Park. Egg Trump Tower for me.

Also, just be aware of basic laws. If you wouldn't do it at home, don't do it here. Like, NYC really hounds people for jaywalking. Don't do it. Buy your soda in NJ or not in NYC if you can because soft drinks are taxed to hell in NYC. Not sure how old you are, but know our smoking age is 18 and drinking age is 21 if you plan on being festive, and use your passport if you do get carded for alcohol because it's easier to find the birthday for the bartender. Despite my joke earlier, actually avoid Trump Tower unless you just want a picture because that's the home of our President so getting near it for a photo op would be difficult anyways.

Basically, for that last part, live by an old adage. When in Rome, do as the Roman's do. Enjoy. It's really not that bad here...most of the time.

Y'all been to Oakland? xD

Yeah I'm coming from Scotland. Thanks very much for this post! Very helpful indeed. I don't drink or smoke so that won't be an issue.

I think you can buy them from stores over here so that shouldn't be a problem. Thanks again mate.

Haha don't worry I'm not one of those types. Anyone who gets offended over something like that takes themselves way too seriously. I think I probably will put a slight American twang on my accent ala Drew McIntyre to make it easier for people to understand me. I speak pretty clearly anyway but I imagine it can still be challenging for people across the pond.