New York Travel Guide

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Shopping

Fifth Avenue, New York City’s most glamorous thoroughfare, is filled with luxury shops and department stores. No trip to New York is complete without stopping by Bloomingdale’s (1000 Third Avenue at 59th Street), Lord and Taylor (Fifth Avenue at 38th Street) and Saks Fifth Avenue (611 Fifth Avenue at 50th Street). Don’t forget Macy’s, known as the world’s largest store, 131 West 34th Street at Herald Square, or the chance to buy a special piece of jewelry at Tiffany’s (727 Fifth Avenue at 57th Street).

Woodbury Common, one hour’s drive from Manhattan, is the largest discount designer outlet in the world. Long Island offers a variety of ever-increasing shopping opportunities - from indoor shopping malls such as Roosevelt Field in Garden City, the East Coast’s largest shopping center, to quaint visitor-oriented shopping villages on historic main streets in places like Huntington, Sea Cliff, Stony Brook and Syosset. Manhattan Mall in Midtown Manhattan has an eight-floor mall with 60 shops.

Currency

US Dollar (USD; symbol $) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of $100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of $1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.

Currency Exchange

Hotels do not, as a rule, exchange currency and only a few major banks will exchange foreign currency, so it is advisable to arrive with US Dollars, or exchange foreign currency at the airport upon arrival.

Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs

Most major credit cards are accepted throughout the USA, including American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. Visitors are advised to carry at least one major credit card, as it is common to request prepayment or a credit card imprint for hotel rooms and car hire, even when final payment is not by credit card.

Travelers Checks

Widely accepted in US Dollar checks; Pound Sterling traveler's checks are rarely accepted and few banks will honor them. Change is issued in US Dollars. One or two items of identification (passport, credit card, driving license) will be required.

Banking Hours

Variable, but generally Mon-Fri 0830-1700.

Exchange Rate