How much money should I bring?

Question

I, my boyfriend and son will be in NYC for 5 days. Our hotel is paid for. How much should I bring for eating, cab/subway, etc? We will be going to the "main attractions" however, we purchased tickets online in advance for just about everything. Also, how should I pay...should I bring mainly cash, use debit/credit card, etc? Thanks any info will help

Answer 1

If you have a debit card, you can pay with that just about everywhere. You will really only need cash for smaller amounts, and things you buy off the street vendors. Plus I think it is safer and easier not to bring a large amount of cash with you.

For the three of you, you should probably budget about $100 per day for food.

Consider getting a 7-day unlimited Metrocard for the subways. It will only cost you $24 and then you don't have to worry about not having to add more money to it. Even though you will only be here five days, if you use it more than 12 times, you will still get your money's worth.

Cabs have gotten very expensive lately, so maybe having the unlimited Metrocard will make you take less cabs. You can hardly go anywhere without spending about $10 in cab. Longer rides can cost up to $20.

Answer 2

New Yorkers expect lots of tips. You'll tip for everything! So, make sure you have lots of loose bills, for bell hops and concierge, waiters, etc. If you are going to lots of posh places, like Bergdorfs and Masa... well you might need 300+ a day and don't bother with cash. If you are just going to eat pizza, falafal and pretzels, $50 a day in cash would be fine. If you are using the subway, then just buy a metro card for a week pass. Personally, I wouldn't take a cab unless you were in a time crunch, or wearing heels. New York is a walking town, half the fun is walking and seeing everything. My point is, the cash you'll need depends on your lifestyle.

Don't carry more cash than you need... remember, debit and credit cards are much safer and believe me, almost everybody takes them. I know my bank card is insured for theft! Lots of bank machines are in secured locations and you must swipe your card to get in, look for those safe locations, usually in midtown with lots of business people around.

Try not to look like a dumb tourist. Ha. A friend of mine had his camera stolen while he took off his sweatshirt.

Answer 3

I would be mainly cash and have you credit cards for backup, Also, it depends on if your boyfriend pays for most meals. I would bring more than a couple hundred dollars.

Answer 4

i think you should take about $100.00 depending on if your a person who likes to shop and buy postcards and etc, but of course take your card in case. : ) hope you all enjoy yourselves.. Happy holidays

Answer 5

just think of how much you'll nbed including TAXI, HOTEL, ATTRACTIONS, add it all up and bring about 100 dollars more for SHOPPING!!!