If you’re looking to visit New York City and you’re doing research around the top things to do, consider getting smart on the things you should AVOID while traveling in this amazing city.
NYC gets 55-65 million visitors per year (56 million in 2022 and a record 65 million 2018) and it’s no surprise there are several top scams that you can expect to see on your trip if you are visiting any of the top touristed spots such as Times Square.
Read on for top scams to lookout for and how to avoid them. Admittedly, I have fallen for several of these…
Before we dive in
The stories below are meant to help you travel smarter so you can have the BEST trip possible. It doesn’t mean they will happen to you, but by sharing my own personal stories, it might help you avoid some pitfalls and have the best New York City trip possible.
(And trust me, I want you to have a great trip. I lived in Manhattan for four years and they were some of the MOST fun years of my life!)
With that… let’s roll!
Don’t get into a pedi cab before negotiating the rate
Be aware: NYC Pedi Cabs are allowed to set their own rates. More info on that here.
If it’s never happened to you, leave it that way, but it’s an awful feeling to get out of a taxi, ask how much you owe, and the number is significantly more than you could have imagined.
It’s why it’s so important to negotiate and agree on the rate you will pay before you take the ride.
On average, pedi cab rates are $3-$7 per minute. That means a 10 minute ride can be $30-$70, which is a huge range (also don’t forget about gratuity).
How to avoid this?
Before getting in a pedi cab, agree on a rate, then enjoy yourself! They really can be a fun ride with the music, the blankets and fun lights that some of the drivers will decorate with.
If you find yourself with an issue, consider calling the local authorities at 311 to get it resolved.
Be aware of your belongings in 3 popular pickpocket places
With 55-65 million tourists visiting NYC each year, there’s no surprise pickpockets target tourists in the most busy areas of the city. However, read on for one spot you might not expect…
1. Pickpockets in the NY Subway
When the platform is packed and especially when you are getting on and off the train, it’s relatively easy for a pickpocket to steal something from you when you are being pushed from all sides.
How to avoid this? Be careful of how you are holding your belongings. If it’s a backpack, turn it around to the front, consider a wallet chain, keep your purse closed, or one thing I do: I wear a cross body bag in which the bag always stays on my front side.
Be most careful when you are getting on and off the train – this is a moment when traffic is moving in all directions and it’s easy for someone to take something from you as you step onto the train (and they stay on the platform).
Need help with how to take the train from JFK into Manhattan? Click here for a quick video to help you quickly and easily get from the airport into New York City!
2. Pickpockets in Times Square
According to the Times Square Alliance, an organization that promotes and manages Times Square, the area attracts an estimated 50 million visitors annually. It’s no surprise given the volume of people you’ll find pickpockets in this very busy place.
While I’m not suggesting every person dressed in a Halloween costume is trying to steal from you, be extra cautious if you choose to take photos with the various characters that are dressed up and are very pushy for a photo with a photo with you.
Christine Lozada in Times Square NYC
3. Pickpockets in Restaurants
Always keep your belongings somewhere you can see or feel them. I’ve heard numerous stories from friends in which their bags are either taken completely, or without them knowing, their bags are taken while they are dining (even at fine dining establishments), it’s are taken and the bag replaced before the end of the meal.
Want more tips? Consider checking out the full video below for more!
The Staten Island Ferry is ALWAYS Free
The Staten Island Ferry is a free commuter ferry service that operates between Manhattan and Staten Island in New York City. The ferry provides transportation for passengers, bicycles, and vehicles between the two boroughs, and is a popular tourist attraction for visitors to the city.
The ferry departs from the Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan and St. George Terminal in Staten Island, with a trip duration of approximately 25 minutes each way. During the trip, passengers can enjoy views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the New York City skyline.
The ferry runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with more frequent service during weekday rush hours. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not accept reservations. While the ferry is primarily a commuter service, it is also popular with tourists, who can ride the ferry to take in the views and explore Staten Island.
The Staten Island Ferry is operated by the New York City Department of Transportation, and has been in operation since 1905. The ferry service is free of charge, and there are no tickets or reservations required.
However, there are people that will stand at the entrance trying to convince you payment is required.
Avoid this by simply KNOWING it’s free and enjoy yourself. For a livestream with helpful tips about the Staten Island Ferry, check this video!
Did you know there are TON of inexpensive boats to get on in NYC? Don’t forget Manhattan is surrounded by water. I got on ELEVEN of them, from boats you can eat lobster and drink in the sunshine to boats that will take you to adventures on other nearby islands, see the full video below!
Avoid buying fake tickets in NYC
Whether fake Broadway tickets, fake tour tickets, fake concert tickets and more – consider only buying tickets from established ticket outlets and not from random hawkers on the street.
If you are trying to save money on tickets you may have more options than you expect.
Below are a few examples of how to save money on tickets in NYC:
- Broadway tickets – For discounted broadway tickets, consider keeping an eye on Broadway Week. During this time select shows are 2 for 1 or premium seats are heavily discounted. For example, I got to see Harry Potter’s Cursed Child for $125 per ticket for seats in the 7th row. Also available is the TKTS booth in which day of tickets (or tickets for the next day matinee) are significantly discounted. Check their website for the latest for the most up to date availability.
- City Pass – If you are trying to see several top tourist attractions while you are in NYC, consider buying a tourist pass such as City Pass. You can save a significant amount of money by opting into multiple tourist attractions at once vs. buying them individually. See the NYC City Pass by clicking here.
Quick tip!
When booking tours in NYC, it’s important to book ones with top traveler reviews and are easily refundable if travel plans change.
Bonus Tip on Saving Money while Traveling NYC
Want more tips on how to save money traveling in NYC? Click here for the full blog post of 9 ideas to travel NYC cheap or see the full video below!
3 pro travel tips for booking hotels!
1. After booking your hotel, check rates again prior to your trip. Hotel prices fluctuate week to week and sometimes the hotel rate will drop
2. Filter hotel results by traveler rating. While star rating is important, it’s not the only way to rate a hotel
3. Join the hotel loyalty program. Even if you’re not sure you’ll stay at that hotel group again, it never hurts to accumulate points
Don’t Look LOST While Traveling NYC
One other thing to consider: don’t be targeted by people scamming tourists by LOOKING LOST. See this blog post or the video tutorial below for key tips on how to use Google Maps (that many people don’t know about!) that can help you navigate around this city like a boss.
Bottom Line
NYC is a must-visit city, but given the amount of tourists it gets each year, it’s not surprise it’s a prime location for scams. While it doesn’t mean getting scammed is going to happen to you, being a smart traveler and knowing what to look out for and what to avoid will help you to have the best trip possible to this amazing city.