Top 10 Mistakes Tourist Make When Visiting New York City. These Mistakes Could Land You In Jail Or In The Hospital
1. Joking With Immigration Officers
New York may be fun, but U.S. Border Patrol is not the place for jokes. The officer’s job is administrative and serious. A sarcastic comment or lighthearted remark might delay your entry or worse, get you flagged. Keep it polite, keep it short, and wait to crack jokes until you’re through customs and passport control.
2. Ignoring Signs and Prohibited Areas
New Yorkers might be bold but they don’t mess with city rules. In 2014, a French tourist who climbed a Brooklyn Bridge beam ended up with 30 days of community service and a legal headache. If a sign says “Do Not Enter,” take it seriously.
3. Trying to Board the Bus Without Exact Change
Planning to ride the bus? Without a MetroCard, you’ll need exact change: $2.75 in coins (no bills). Drivers don’t give change, and other passengers won’t be thrilled if you hold up the line. Plan ahead, or just use your MetroCard or phone for easy tap access.
4. Skipping the Subway Fare
Unlike some cities where hopping a turnstile gets a shrug, NYC takes fare evasion seriously. A $100 fine is the minimum. And yes, even if you have a MetroCard but use the emergency exit with full hands, you may still get fined. If it doesn’t scan, ask for help.
5. Forgetting to Tip in Restaurants
This one’s crucial. Tipping is not optional in NYC. Most servers earn their entire wage through tips. While 15% is the minimum, 18–20% is more typical. If you’re unsure, double the tax amount on your receipt to get the right range. Not tipping is seen as rude. Trust us, the waitstaff will remember who you are.
6. Trying to Be Too Frugal
Visiting New York can be expensive. But if you’re already spending thousands on flights and hotels, don’t ruin the experience by skipping out on the things you really want to do. That helicopter ride? Go for it. A second trip to the Empire State Building? Why not. You may not be back for years. So make it count.
7. Staying Only in Manhattan
Yes, Manhattan is iconic. But NYC is made up of five boroughs—each with its own personality. Brooklyn offers artsy coffee shops and skyline views, Queens has vibrant global communities, the Bronx is home to Yankee Stadium and gorgeous parks, and Staten Island gives you unbeatable ferry views. Explore beyond the tourist bubble.
8. Eating Fast Food Chains Instead of Local Spots
Sure, there’s a McDonald’s on every block—but why settle? NYC is home to some of the best burger joints in the world, from tiny hole-in-the-wall spots to gourmet eateries. Skip the drive-thru and try something unforgettable. If you’re not sure where to go, locals love places like 7th Street Burger, Emily, or Shake Shack (which, while a chain, still feels like a local gem here).
9. Letting Your Guard Down
New York is generally safe, but like any major city, pickpocketing happens, especially in crowded areas like Times Square or subway stations. Stay alert, don’t flash valuables, and keep bags zipped. A little street smarts go a long way.
10. Leaving Without Sharing Your Experience
This one’s more about giving back than protecting yourself. Thousands of travelers rely on blogs, forums, and word of mouth when planning their NYC adventure. Once you’ve navigated the chaos, seen the skyline, and had that unforgettable date (or awkward one), share your story! It helps others—and keeps the NYC love going.
Whether you’re navigating your first Bumble date or figuring out how to swipe your MetroCard without getting yelled at, New York is a challenge—but it’s one worth embracing. This city rewards boldness, creativity, and a little patience. Be open to weird moments, try not to take things personally, and remember: nobody gets through NYC without at least one disaster story. That’s part of the fun.
Just don’t joke with the immigration officer. Seriously.
