New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [309]
The best talk stations include WNYC-AM (820; National Public Radio), WNYC-FM (93.9; NPR and classical), WNYE-FM (91.5), and WOR-AM (710). News stations include WABC-AM (770), WCBS-AM (880), and WINS-AM (1010).
The city has its own 24-hour cable TV news station, New York 1 (Channel 1), available through Time Warner Cable, with local and international news announcements around the clock. Weather forecasts are broadcast “on the ones” (1:01, 1:11, 1:21, and so on).
The public TV station WNYE (Channel 25) broadcasts shows about local fashion, music, history, and events around town.
MONEY
In New York it’s easy to get swept up in a debt-inducing cyclone of $60-per-person dinners, $100 theater tickets, $20 nightclub covers, and $300 hotel rooms. But one of the good things about the city is that because there’s such a wide variety of options, you can spend in some areas and save in others. Within Manhattan a cup of coffee can cost from 75¢ to $4, a pint of beer from $5 to $8, and a sandwich from $6 to $10. Generally, prices in the outer boroughs are lower than those in Manhattan.
The most generously bequeathed treasure of the city is the arts. The stated admission fee at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a suggestion; those who can’t afford it can donate a lesser amount and not be snubbed. Many other museums in town have special times during which admission is free. The Museum of Modern Art, for instance, is free on Friday 4–8. In summer a handful of free music, theater, and dance performances, as well as films (usually screened outdoors) fill the calendar each day.
Prices throughout this guide are given for adults. Substantially reduced fees are almost always available for children, students, and senior citizens.
CREDIT CARDS
The following abbreviations are used: AE, American Express; D, Discover; DC, Diners Club; MC, MasterCard; and V, Visa.
Record all your credit-card numbers—as well as the phone numbers to call if your cards are lost or stolen—in a safe place, so you’re prepared should something go wrong. Both MasterCard and Visa have general numbers you can call if your card is lost, but you’re better off calling the number of your issuing bank, since MasterCard and Visa usually just transfer you to your bank; your bank’s number is usually printed on your card.
Reporting Lost Cards American Express (800/992–3404 in U.S., 336/393–1111 collect from abroad | www.americanexpress.com). Diners Club (800/234–6377 in U.S., 303/799–1504 collect from abroad | www.dinersclub.com). Discover (800/347–2683 in U.S., 801/902–3100 collect from abroad | www.discovercard.com). MasterCard (800/627–8372 in U.S., 636/722–7111 collect from abroad | www.mastercard.com). Visa (800/847–2911 in U.S, 410/581–9994 collect from abroad | www.visa.com).
TRAVELER’S CHECKS AND CARDS
Both Citibank (under the Visa brand) and American Express issue traveler’s checks in the United States, but Amex is better known and more widely accepted; you can also avoid hefty surcharges by cashing Amex checks at Amex offices. Whatever you do, keep track of all the serial numbers in case the checks are lost or stolen.
Contacts American Express (888/412–6945 in U.S., 801/945–9450 collect outside of U.S. to add value or speak to customer service | www.americanexpress.com).
RESTROOMS
Seinfeld fans might recall George Costanza’s claim that if you named any given coordinates in New York City, he could instantly name the closest and most worthy public restroom in the vicinity. Regrettably, unless you’re traveling with your own George or a potty-training toddler who can drive even the most hardened retailers to share their private bathrooms, public restrooms in New York are few and far between. Plans are in the works to add coin-operated street toilets at several locations. (At press time, the first toilet was operating in Madison Square Park, with 20 more on the way.)
In the meantime, head for Midtown department