I have a Natwest Solo debit card (Maestro Cirrus). Do they accept it in New York? (ATM, Shops, whatever)?

Answer 1

Yes as a pin purchase and at those merchants who take Maestro. Since it a Solo card. You will need to call your bank and tell them you will be using the card in the US. So they can activate the Maestro part.

To use it as a pin purchase at merchant.
Slide your card
Choose Atm/debit button and enter your pin.

Look for atms that won't eat your card. If the Atm does not take cirrus or maestro. You would choose primary credit, otherwise choose primary checking.

A merchant who only takes Mastercard/Visa card your maestro card will possibly not work as a Credit Card.

However, I read somewhere. It may work as a Credit Card sometimes. Then you would sign for your purchase if it did work.

Answer 2

If it has the MasterCard Logo, its not a problem what-so-ever.
Always carry some loose $$ in your front pocket (5 or 10), for HotDogs & Pretzles and stuff on the street, $25 if you think you may want a cab for something.
Loose $$, so nobody on the street will see where you put your wallet.