10 NYC Tourist Money Mistakes: Stop Throwing Away Cash!

Visiting New York City is memorable, but often more expensive than anticipated. Unfortunately, many tourists waste money on easily avoidable mistakes!

In this episode, we'll help you avoid those how-the-hell-is-this-so-expensive moments during your travels to New York.

You'll learn the hack to not pay full price for Broadway shows, where to get the best souvenirs, and how to avoid a common ordering mistake at bars that led to the saddest we've EVER seen our friend Harvey..

#1- Not Double-Checking Your Tab/Bill

• Check for auto gratuity, especially with larger groups
• If they don't give you an itemized receipt, ask for one
• A tip of 18-20% is standard, don't feel pressured to tip higher than that

#2- Full-Price Broadway Tickets

• Use TKTS booth for day of tickets or Today Tix if you plan in advance
• Enter the lotteries and/or rush tickets

#3- Buying Bottled Water at Restaurants or On the Go

• NYC tap water is delicious, safe, and FREE
• Refill your bottle throughout the city
• When the restaurants ask "sparkling or still?" say tap

#4- Staying in Times Square

• You don't need to stay near Times Square, but prioritize being close to a subway station
• Base your stay on proximity to the majority of your plans, but 30 minutes or less to your plans is great

#5- Pedicabs (Anywhere) & Horse-Drawn Carriages in Central Park

• They're extremely overpriced; we've seen pedicabs charge $100 to go 10 blocks (that would cost about $10 in a taxi)
• Horses in Central Park aren't treated well and are overpriced

#6- Ordering Too Much Food

• You won’t want leftovers since you likely won’t have a microwave (or fridge), so share, share, share!
• If you end up with too much, give to someone in need vs just leaving it on your plate 

#7- Overpriced, Crappy Souvenirs

• Instead of souvenirs in Midtown area, go to Chinatown (if you really want the cheap, I ❤️ NY stuff)
• Or, go to unique thrift stores or shops like Artists and Fleas in Chelsea Market
• Gift shops at museums

#8- Statue of Liberty Tours/Boat

• Staten Island Ferry is free
• Make sure you really want to do it... Our nephews were stoked to do it, but then said it was the most boring day ever.
• The full experience takes at least 4 hours

#9- Buying Shots of Alcohol

• They will be way more expensive than you think, unless there is a special
• Instead, go buy a shooter from a liquor store OR
• Get a well drink

#10- Taxis or Uber/Lyft Everywhere

• Especially cabs in and out of Times Square.. you pay for time or mileage, it is set to make sure THEY make money 

• It may not look crowded on the street you’re on, but it probably is 
• Go to 9th ave or 5th ave for taxis when between 30th street & 50th street

You'll Have to Check It Out - The Strand Bookstore

• Opened in 1927, family-run since its founding
• Today the Strand carries over 2.5 million new and rare books covering topics as far ranging as philosophy to finance and even an entire children's section
• Wide array of literary and New York-esque gifts and trinkets
• Also has a little coffee shop and a public bathroom!
• Host events like book signings and literary lectures

Check out the Strand Bookstore here.

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