Practical A–Z

ESTA — Electronic System for Travel Authorization

German, Austrian, and Swiss citizens do not need a classic visa for tourist stays up to 90 days, but an ESTA. The ESTA is an electronic travel authorization that is applied for online:

• Application: On esta.cbp.dhs.gov (official website!). Cost: $21. Apply at least 72 hours before departure, ideally several weeks in advance.
• Validity: 2 years (or until the passport expires). Multiple entries possible.
• Passport: You need a machine-readable passport (ePASS, with chip). The passport must be valid for the entire duration of the trip.

At the Airport (CBP Customs & Border Protection)

Upon entry, you must go through Immigration: fingerprints, photo, short interview (purpose of travel, length of stay, hotel address). Be friendly, brief, and honest. Wait times can be 30–90 minutes. Afterward: pick up luggage and go through customs.

Taxes

In the USA, prices are always WITHOUT VAT indicated. In New York, the Sales Tax of 8.875% is added at the register. An item for $100 actually costs $108.88. In restaurants, a tip (18–20%) is added to the meal — a $50 dinner effectively costs $65+.

New York is safer than its reputation — crime is at its lowest since the 1960s. The tourist downtown (Manhattan, Downtown Brooklyn, Williamsburg) is safe day and night. Normal big city caution is sufficient:

Pickpockets

The main risk: pickpockets in crowded subway trains (rush hour), at Times Square, in tourist crowds at attractions, and at markets. Carry valuables in front, keep an eye on your backpack.

Scams

• CD Sellers: In Midtown and Times Square, people hand you CDs and then demand $20. Do not accept!
• Costumed Characters: The costumed figures at Times Square (Elmo, Spider-Man) take photos and then demand $5–20. Clarify beforehand or decline.
• Fake Tickets: Never buy tickets for musicals or attractions from street vendors — only from official box offices, TKTS, or TodayTix.
• Shell Game: In tourist areas — you never win.

Areas

Manhattan, Downtown Brooklyn, Williamsburg, DUMBO, Park Slope, and Long Island City are safe day and night. In parts of the Bronx, East New York (Brooklyn), and some corners of Queens, you should be more vigilant at night — but as a tourist, you won't accidentally end up there. Harlem is safe for visitors during the day (Apollo Theater, Sunday service, Sylvia's).

Emergency number: 911 (police, fire department, ambulance). Non-emergency: 311 (city hotline for everything).

What to Pack

• Passport + ESTA Confirmation: Printed or digital. Passport MUST be machine-readable.
• US Power Adapter (Type A/B): Flat, two-pronged plugs. Available at any Dollar Store ($1), but better to get one in advance. The voltage (120V instead of 230V) is not a problem for chargers (all modern chargers are dual-voltage), but hairdryers and straighteners from Europe won't work!
• Comfortable Shoes: You will walk 20,000–30,000 steps per day. Sneakers are a must. New Yorkers wear sneakers everywhere — no one will look at you funny.
• Light Jacket / Rain Jacket: For air-conditioned interiors (ice-cold in summer!) and unexpected showers.
• Warm Clothing (Winter): Down coat, hat, gloves, scarf — the wind between the skyscrapers is biting. Wind chill down to -15°C!
• Credit Card: In New York, you can pay almost everywhere with a card — even most street vendors. A fee-free travel credit card is recommended (Revolut, DKB, ING). Cash: $50–100 for tips and small stands.

Mobile Internet

German mobile tariffs usually work in the USA — but check the roaming fees! USA roaming can be expensive (€5–12/MB with some providers). Alternatives:

• eSIM / Prepaid: Airalo, Holafly, or a local T-Mobile/AT&T prepaid SIM (from $25/2 weeks, with unlimited data) — available at JFK airport.
• WLAN: Free Wi-Fi in almost all hotels, cafes (Starbucks!), museums, and public places (Times Square, Bryant Park). The LinkNYC stations (blue pillars on sidewalks) offer free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout Manhattan.

Useful Apps

• Citymapper: The best transit app for NYC — subway, bus, Uber, Citi Bike in one app.
• TodayTix: Last-minute Broadway tickets and lottery.
• Yelp: Restaurant reviews and recommendations.
• Uber / Lyft: Ride-hailing — often cheaper than taxis.