Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - Travelling to the U.S. and I have a few questions

slimshaydee · 12-10-2008, 03:10 AM

Hi Everyone,

I will be traveling to the U.S. and Canada in January/Feb and I have a few questions to help me on my travels. The areas I will specifically be traveling to are : NYC, San Fran, Las Vegas and Vancouver. I've already done a bit of research on the internet about the questions below, however I am looking for a little bit of local advice to make sure I don't end up in the wrong neighbourhood or do the wrong thing because of the culture differences.

Question 1:
Tipping is almost non-existent in Australia, so I want to make sure I don't stiff someone who relies on tips to earn a living. I should tip approx 15% (depending on service) to people like: Waiters, Taxi Drivers, Barbers and other similar service staff while giving $1 to Bartenders for pouring a drink and a few dollars for the bellboy who carries my bag?

Question 2:
What neighbourhoods should I avoid in NYC and San Fran? I've been told to avoid Harlem and the Bronx, as well as downtown in San Fran. I don't want to accidentally end up on the wrong area and put myself in a dangerous position

Question 3: Just how safe is NYC these days? I'll be staying on Broadway at the lower end of Manhattan so I assume this is pretty safe?

Question 4:
I'm looking at checking out another city in Canada, or somewhere around New York as I have 2 weeks in New York and want to explore the surrounding areas. What are some good places a couple of 24 year old blokes would like that wouldnt take more than 12 hours on a bus/train?

Question 5:
I'll be spending 3 days in Las Vegas on my own, what are some places I can go to that are exciting, and to meet a few people?

If anyone can provide one or a number of answers to these questions it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys

12-10-2008, 03:10 AM	#1 (permalink)
slimshaydee If you've read this, PM me and say so Location: Sitting on my ass, and you?	Travelling to the U.S. and I have a few questions Hi Everyone, I will be traveling to the U.S. and Canada in January/Feb and I have a few questions to help me on my travels. The areas I will specifically be traveling to are : NYC, San Fran, Las Vegas and Vancouver. I've already done a bit of research on the internet about the questions below, however I am looking for a little bit of local advice to make sure I don't end up in the wrong neighbourhood or do the wrong thing because of the culture differences. Question 1: Tipping is almost non-existent in Australia, so I want to make sure I don't stiff someone who relies on tips to earn a living. I should tip approx 15% (depending on service) to people like: Waiters, Taxi Drivers, Barbers and other similar service staff while giving $1 to Bartenders for pouring a drink and a few dollars for the bellboy who carries my bag? Question 2: What neighbourhoods should I avoid in NYC and San Fran? I've been told to avoid Harlem and the Bronx, as well as downtown in San Fran. I don't want to accidentally end up on the wrong area and put myself in a dangerous position Question 3: Just how safe is NYC these days? I'll be staying on Broadway at the lower end of Manhattan so I assume this is pretty safe? Question 4: I'm looking at checking out another city in Canada, or somewhere around New York as I have 2 weeks in New York and want to explore the surrounding areas. What are some good places a couple of 24 year old blokes would like that wouldnt take more than 12 hours on a bus/train? Question 5: I'll be spending 3 days in Las Vegas on my own, what are some places I can go to that are exciting, and to meet a few people? If anyone can provide one or a number of answers to these questions it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys