The Real Chillary
Main Eventer
Chillary since day one ish
Joined on: Aug 23, 2016 15:32:38 GMT -5
Posts: 1,190
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Post by The Real Chillary on Apr 12, 2018 18:48:32 GMT -5
I apologize on behalf of my country for the rude people and filthy conditions you will encounter here, especially in New York City/New Jersey. I'm sorry. Honestly, apart from two homeless dudes giving each other oral sex outside of Taco Bell I thought everyone I encountered in New York was really nice.
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Post by rKoNomad316 on Apr 12, 2018 19:13:29 GMT -5
It’s best to have a backup debit card or even credit card. Incase your main debit card gets lost, stolen, declined, etc. Last thing you want to happen is be in other country & you can’t access your money. Even when a person travels within their own country it’s always best to have some back up money. Take cash & exchange it for some U.S dollars.
Last time I was in Mexico I brought some walking around money (cash) & my debit card & 2 credit cards. Had a whole issue with my DC not working after using it a few times. Not because I didn’t tell the bank that I’d be using it out of state/country, just the bank cut the card after I filed a complaint of the purchased amount.
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Post by Planktung on Apr 13, 2018 9:55:25 GMT -5
Don't come this place really sucks
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Post by A-Rob on Apr 13, 2018 15:14:01 GMT -5
You don't need a credit card and can you a debit card but be careful of the interest rates since they can be high next year, cash is the better option. You should watch the conversion rates on the dollar in order to get American money cheap since the conversion rate fluctuates.
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Post by tylerbreezee on Apr 13, 2018 15:28:22 GMT -5
This. So much this. And a word of advice- don't walk around with an "I❤NY" shirt. You will stick out like a sore thumb & are just asking to get messed with. 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💪🏼
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Post by Escape The Rules on Apr 13, 2018 17:39:24 GMT -5
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💪🏼 Yeah I'm aware of the scammers you encounter in the city haha! Handing you a CD, maybe asking your name and signing it first, and then conning you into thinking that it's now officially yours and that you owe them money. Scumbags. Luckily I'm already smart to not giving strangers money or taking anything from anyone. I don't even give the sob story brigade time to finish their monologues, I cut them off mid sentence by telling them that I don't have any change. The story usually abruptly ends at that moment.
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Post by bad guy™ on Apr 15, 2018 16:53:17 GMT -5
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.
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Post by Nivro™ on Apr 15, 2018 17:03:07 GMT -5
I apologize on behalf of my countrycity/state for the rude people and filthy conditions you will encounter here, especially in New York City/New Jersey. I'm sorry. Dont speak for the rest of us lol My city/state isnt filthy.
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Post by bad guy™ on Apr 15, 2018 17:37:39 GMT -5
I apologize on behalf of my countrycity/state for the rude people and filthy conditions you will encounter here, especially in New York City/New Jersey. I'm sorry. Dont speak for the rest of us lol My city/state isnt filthy. Y'all been to Oakland? xD
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Post by Halloween King on Apr 15, 2018 18:10:44 GMT -5
New York seems like such an unfriendly place. Simply because it's a big city and everyone is busy.
I dont know what advice to give you. I will tell you what happened to me though.
Years ago I traveled to see Bullfights. I also thought my debit card would be enough. My card also had a Visa endorsement. One day I was near a bank so I shoved my card into the ATM thinking I could get cash. The ATM told me my balance was zero.
When I got home, I saw I did have money in my account. But I was charged. I was charged an amount for using the ATM. I was charged for using an ATM outside of USA. And I was charged for using an ATM in a different hemisphere. I was charged over 500 dollars in fees. It was very expensive to be told I had Zero, or at least zero that I could use.
Also, lots of places in USA are cash only businesses so do get some American currency.
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Post by Escape The Rules on Apr 16, 2018 12:12:34 GMT -5
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. 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.
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Post by bad guy™ on Apr 16, 2018 12:24:27 GMT -5
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. 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. No problem. I only mentioned the smoking and drinking thing because I'm a smoker and when I went to Toronto a couple of years back the price for a pack nearly made me wanna quit entirely. And drinking was funny because I was 20 at the time so I could drink in Toronto but not in the US which was mildly amusing. But everything else on that list is key. Regarding the adapter in particular, I don't know what the flight regulations on those things are. Chances are you'll have to buy it here in the US because I imagine Heathrow would only sell adapters for Euro outlets for foreign travelers to use. So when you land, after getting your cash converted that should be the first thing you go about finding because if anywhere is gonna sell those, it'll be an international airport.
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Post by Escape The Rules on Apr 16, 2018 13:02:57 GMT -5
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. No problem. I only mentioned the smoking and drinking thing because I'm a smoker and when I went to Toronto a couple of years back the price for a pack nearly made me wanna quit entirely. And drinking was funny because I was 20 at the time so I could drink in Toronto but not in the US which was mildly amusing. But everything else on that list is key. Regarding the adapter in particular, I don't know what the flight regulations on those things are. Chances are you'll have to buy it here in the US because I imagine Heathrow would only sell adapters for Euro outlets for foreign travelers to use. So when you land, after getting your cash converted that should be the first thing you go about finding because if anywhere is gonna sell those, it'll be an international airport. I think you can buy them from stores over here so that shouldn't be a problem. Thanks again mate.
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Post by Grumpyoldman on Apr 16, 2018 15:41:40 GMT -5
If someone confuses your accent as Irish or "from London", please don't get offended. If they have a hard time understanding you, try speaking with a bit of an "American" accent. But don't say "Yee-haw" afterwards.
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Post by Escape The Rules on Apr 17, 2018 0:05:15 GMT -5
If someone confuses your accent as Irish or "from London", please don't get offended. If they have a hard time understanding you, try speaking with a bit of an "American" accent. But don't say "Yee-haw" afterwards. 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.
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👑🇵🇭⭐️
Main Eventer
WF 10 Year Member
King Of The Ring 2007 - Team Undisputed
Joined on: Feb 4, 2013 13:46:47 GMT -5
Posts: 4,715
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Post by 👑🇵🇭⭐️ on Apr 17, 2018 8:19:29 GMT -5
All you need to know...
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