The following travel related facts about New York City provide a comprehensive list of “Things To Know” before planning a New York Tour.

Passports
The website http://travel.state.gov provides detailed information about the passport requirements for traveling to United States, categorized according to countries, under the “International Travel” tab on its homepage.  It also facilitates application of U.S passports for citizens and minors. The processing time for a passport application normally takes 4 to 6 weeks. It takes 3 weeks for an expedited process requiring a higher processing fee.

Visas
The “Visas” section on http://travel.state.gov provides a step by step guide for the visa application process, depending on the type or category of U.S visa applicable to you. It is important to apply for a passport and a visa well in advance of your travel. 

Taxes
Even though the United States has no value-added tax (VAT) at the national level, every state, county, and city levies its own local tax on all purchases, including hotel and restaurant checks and other services. In New York City, sales tax is 8.375% on meals and most goods, but there is no sales tax on clothing and footwear items under $10. Hotel tax is 13.25% plus $2 per room per night (including sales tax). Parking fees for hourly parking in garages or parking lots are subject to sales tax too,  which is 18.375%

Tipping
Tipping is a common way of showing appreciation in return of the services provided by the service staff at hotels and is considered as an important gesture in the city. During your stay make sure you tip the concierge, bellhops, valet-parking attendants $1 at least every time you avail their service. In restaurants, bars, and nightclubs tip the service staff 15% to 20%, bartenders 10% to 15% of your check and cab drivers 15% of the fare. Tipping is certainly not mandatory if the service is unsatisfactory.

Public Restrooms
Public restrooms with basic facilities can be found in hotel lobbies, bars, restaurants, museums, department stores, railway and bus stations, and service stations

Smoking
Smoking is prohibited on all public transportation, in the lobbies of hotels and office buildings, in taxis, bars, restaurants, and in most shops.