NEW YORK CITY, USA

MetroCard (will be phased out by 2024): The primary way to pay for subway rides is by using a MetroCard, which you can purchase for $1 at vending machines located in subway stations and at some convenience stores. The vending machines in the stations accept credit cards; however, MetroCard vending machines will require that you type in your 5-digit zip code, or your regular PIN on international cards. You can add either value or time (i.e. unlimited trips) to your Metrocard at vending machines in stations. Unlimited Ride MetroCards may not be used in rapid succession at the same subway station or on the same bus route. MetroCards generally expire 1 year after purchase; the expiration date is printed on the back of the card at the upper left.

Contactless Payment: You can also use contactless payment methods like Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, or a contactless credit/debit card with the OMNY system (One Metro New York). Just tap your device or card at the designated reader. If you tap in with a physical card the first time, to transfer, you can not use that card on a mobile wallet for the second tap: you must still use the physical card. OMNY uses a large reader module with an LCD display mounted to the front of the turnstiles. If you take 12 paid OMNY trips with the same device or card starting Monday, you’ll automatically ride free for the rest of the week through Sunday.

Single Ride: $2.90 per ride.

Pay-Per-Ride Bonus: Add $5.80 or more to your MetroCard and get a 5% bonus.

Unlimited Ride Passes: 7-day pass for $34 and 30-day pass for $132.

Up to three children 44 inches (112cm) tall ride for free on subways and local buses when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.

To enter the subway, you will need to swipe your MetroCard through the slot on the right-hand side of the turnstile that greets you at the subway entrance. Hold your card with the logo facing your body and black magnetic strip down. Then slide it forward through the slot at a moderate speed. You'll know you succeeded when the display flashes "Go" in green and then walk through the turnstile Swiping the card improperly or moving the turnstile incorrectly could mean the forfeiture of your fare (for Pay-Per-Ride cards) or a lockout of 18 min (for Unlimited Ride cards). If this happens, go to a station booth and explain the problem. The agent will ask for your MetroCard, confirm that it was just charged, and let you go through (though many agents will simply accept your word and allow you through for expediency).

Overhead signage next to each track indicates the train lines that stop at that particular track and the direction they are heading. In addition, the trains themselves are marked by signage that indicates their line.

Some lines are express, meaning that they skip local stations to provide faster service. Wherever there is an express train, there is also a local train that makes all stops. Local and express lines often use different tracks, which are marked on platforms and trains. For example, the 2 and 3 are the express trains for the 7th Ave Line between 96th St and Chambers St in Manhattan, while the 1 runs local alongside them.

During weekends and late nights, certain trains do not operate, many express trains make local stops, and some subway entrances are closed. Detailed information is available on the MTA website. Additionally, maintenance work is usually concentrated on weekends and overnight. Notices of maintenance are also posted at stations to avoid unpleasant surprises. Remember, if you do feel confused, ask for help. Be aware that construction-related service changes confuse many New Yorkers, so the best person to ask is a subway employee. The entire subway system is a massive, connected network, there will always be another way to get to your destination.

One free transfer is allowed during a two-hour window immediately following a paid fare from subway to local bus, local bus to subway, local bus to local bus (but not to any bus on the same route as the first), express bus to subway, express bus to local bus, express bus to express bus (but not to any bus on the same route as the first).

You can transfer from subway to subway as often as you like provided that you do not exit the subway system by leaving through a turnstile or gate. Many subway connections are possible in this way, by using in-station connections between the various lines. Just remember that if you leave the subway and re-enter, you will be charged a second fare.

Additionally, if you board a local bus and pay the $2.75 fare with a MetroCard, you can transfer to an express bus for the reduced price of $3.75 (instead of the standard $6.75 express bus fare).

Stand behind the yellow platform edge markings.

Wait for passengers to exit before boarding.

Hold onto handrails or poles while the train is in motion.

Keep personal belongings secure and be cautious of pickpockets.

Stand on the curb and raise your hand to signal an available taxi. Look for the taxi's rooftop light: if it's lit, the taxi is available; if it's off, the taxi is occupied.

The initial metered fare is $2.50. Additional charges apply based on time and distance. The meter increases as the taxi moves or is idling. There's also a surcharge for trips to/from JFK and LaGuardia airports. A trip between JFK Airport and Manhattan is currently a flat fare of $52.50.

There is a night surcharge 8PM-6AM of $0.50 and a rush hour surcharge of $1 from M-F 4PM-8PM. In addition, as in the rest of the United States, tipping your taxi driver is expected in New York. It's common to tip around 15-20% of the fare.

For all cabs, you must pay tolls for bridges, tunnels, and highways. Only pay the toll shown on the meter. Be careful of being overcharged by drivers for toll crossings—on bridges and tunnels (like the Queens-Midtown Tunnel or Triboro Bridge) rates are not posted in plain view. So, a crossing that actually cost the cab driver $5 is easily passed onto the unsuspecting passenger as a $10 charge. Outside the city, other than flat fare destinations and Newark Airport, meter rates are doubled (when going to Westchester or Nassau County).

Taxis accept cash or credit/debit cards.

Use licensed taxis with a TLC (Taxi and Limousine Commission) medallion on the vehicle. Sit in the back seat for safety and privacy.

Note the driver's name and ID number displayed inside the taxi.

Be wary of unlicensed cars (known derisively as "gypsy cabs") cruising for passengers, especially near the airports. While drivers may claim to offer you a cheaper rate than an actual taxi, your chances of actually getting this rate (not to mention getting to your destination safely and quickly) are less. If you are in doubt, ask an airport staffer for help finding a cab or cabstand. Major airports have taxi information cards for passengers.

Avoid taxis during rush hours, as traffic can significantly affect travel time. Finding an available yellow cab can also be difficult during the "shift change" times. Cab drivers work 12-hour shifts, usually 5 PM-5 AM or 5 AM-5 PM. As a result, cabs are scarce 4 PM-5 PM, and 4 AM-5 AM. If you need to get to the airport during these times, calling a car service is a good idea.