slimshaydee

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

highthief

24? Male? Montreal. It's not even a question.

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SabrinaFair

As far as tipping goes, I'll give you a piece of advice that's always worked well for me. For places you will be more than once or twice--the hotel, for instance, or maybe the bartender at the hotel bar--it's always better to tip a little bit more. It's always good to have friends in those situations. Also, I tend to tip closer to 20%, particularly in restaurants, as I have waited tables and made my money on tips. Obviously, don't go broke tipping, but if you can afford it, a generous tip is always much appreciated.

I'll let more knowledgeable individuals handle the neighborhood questions--I haven't been to Vegas or Canada, and it's been a long time since I've been to NYC. Have a great trip, and let us know what you think.

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slimshaydee

Do you need to speak french to go there?

Glory's Sun

no.

but you'll find your fair share of rude french canucks Montreal is my least favorite place in canada (of the ones I've been)

Randerolf

Thanks for your thoughtfulness to consider our local customs. Those numbers sound fair for the US. 20% is not unheard of for a best-in-class restaurant.
From Flyer Talk
USA
Waiter/ Waitress: 15% to 20%
Porter: $1 to $2 per bag
Taxi Driver: 10% to 15%

Canada
W/W: 15% ranges from 10%-20% per local FTers
P: $1 to $2 per bag
TD: 10%
When I visited NYC in February, I went with a friend and felt very safe. This included Many parts of Manhattan, but some parts of Brooklyn felt a little sketchy at night. A heavenly Sunday is night having a few drinks at the Ear Bar, a little hole in the wall bar with good food and then heading over to check out the Upright Citizen's Brigade's free show. I saw Amy Poehler, Horatio Sans, and a few other comedians perform together for free.

The YMCA hostel near the UN/ Grand Central Station/ Chrysler Building saved us a fortune. How is the Austie Dollar compared to Yankee fiat money these days?

I had a friend who worked at the UN for a few months. She took day trips like this all over the northeast like Philadelphia, Boston, and some college towns.

I'm sorry. Prostitution is illegal in Clark County.

On behalf of us North Americans, enjoy your trip!

Cynthetiq

Manhattan = 20% is customary

Lower end of Broadway.... how far lower? It's boring that far down after 5PM as Lower Manhattan is the Financial District.

It's pretty safe, keep your wits about you and don't get yourself into situations. A cousing was buying firecrackers and got mugged because he didn't follow common sense rules, like,"Oh you want those.. follow me, I've got them hidden over here, no just you not your friends." When they got someplace isolated, he demanded all the cash and his cellphone. Duh.

Just how much wandering are you going to be doing? I could give you names of places, but really there's not a single reason to be afraid unless you will be wandering extensively in the outerboroughs of NYC. The Bronx is far from Lower Manhattan, but some rough places aren't far in Brooklyn...

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Leto

Remember the time of year. Montreal is a great city to visit. French is not required, I've been there on a regular basis and have done just fine in English. Mind you, if you even give a half-hearted attempt to speak French, the locals will warm up to you, take pity and speak English.

But again, you will be there in the dead of winter. Montreal in winter is an experience. Make sure you are dressed for it. Tomorrow it will be minus 7 Celsius, and there is a lot of slushy snow on the ground, so you will need waterproof boots, a warm jacket and gloves.

Having said that, the city does have an extensive subterranean concourse (under ground city) similar to Toronto, that allows pedestrians to cover large areas without being exposed to the elements. It is also integrated with the subway system.

While you are there, and seemingly don't mind the winter weather, Quebec City is also close to NYC, and only a couple of hours (if that) from Montreal. This is a special city, worth the visit, and holds the Carnival:

From Wikipedia:

The Quebec Winter Carnival (or Carnaval de Québec), held yearly in Quebec City, Canada, is the biggest winter carnival in the world[1]. The festival typically starts on the last Friday of January or the first Friday of February and it continues for 17 days, usually with close to one million participants every year.

Quebec Winter Carnival - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

QC also provides cultural and architectural icons that are rarely seen in the 'New World'. The last time I was there, I saw the QE2 dock, and unleash a horde of tourists from NYC. Where ever you go in Quebec, if you do go, try the crepes. And Poutine. And the local cheese and beer.

As Highthief said, it's a no-brainer.

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skizziks

When in San Fran, get the free city paper to see what is happening and where to eat. The Mission District can be sketchy, but has GREAT food. If you love garlic, eat at The Stinking Rose The Stinking Rose - A Garlic Restaurant Located in San Francisco & Beverly Hills.

In Vegas, the Hard Rock is off the strip but is pretty cool, you see rock stars and celebs there all the time. You can ride the rollercoaster on top of New York New York for thrills.

telekinetic

If you care at all (and a 24 year old Australian might not), Washington DC is an easy train or bus ride from NYC. Even if you don't care about the monuments, the Smithsonian is pretty rad.

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Leto

Oh yes. and the best best part of the Smithsonian is that it is all FREE.

That, and you need to visit the air and space museum.

And... the castle has a pair of Bobby Orr's skates on display. Now that would make anybody want to visit.

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Halx

1) Tip twice the tax for food/service. $2 max for taxis, bell boys.

2) Avoid Tenderloin in SF. Stay in Manhattan while in NYC. Harlem is not that bad.

3) NYC is fairly safe, just don't drift too far from Manhattan. As you get further out, it gets more shady.

4) Toronto

5) Stay on the strip and you'll be set.

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slimshaydee

It's a bit higher than I thought, more towards West 101 St.

I want to visit quite a few places around the city, so just wondering which areas to stay away from.
-----Added 10/12/2008 at 07 : 38 : 44-----
Thanks for the tips on this. It never snows where I'm from so it will be quite the experience for me. I'm sure I'll look completely out of place wearing 15 layers of clothes :P

Hopefully I'll be near there in time for the festival. Definitely looks like its worth checking out!

highthief

No, as a 24 year old guy, all you need is a libido and a functioning liver in Montreal.

Other parts of Quebec are more French, but downtown Montreal (at least, the areas west of Rue St. Denis) are very bilingual. The areas around Crescent street are very English. But when I was a young fella a couple of centuries ago, I liked Rue St. Laurent better - a big mix of French and English gave it a great energy.

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levite

For tipping, if you want to be nice, this is the deal: tip 20% for service, with a $5 minimum for anywhere you sit down and somebody brought you something more substantial than a muffin and a cup of coffee. Some people say the same goes for taxi drivers, but I usually tip a straight $5, unless it was an unusually long or short ride. I can't tell you about barbers, because I don't cut my hair more than once a year. Bartenders should get $2 minimum if you've ordered a single alcoholic drink: multiple drinks or a tab should call for tipping on a percentage, with a $5 minimum. Bellboys and skycaps get $2, with an extra dollar per bag if you have more than 2 bags, and more if you have a mountain of luggage or heavy boxes. Concierges should be tipped based on what you've asked them to do (e.g., get you tickets to a show, maybe $10, but arranging lunch at the Russian Tea Room with Gore Vidal, when you don't even know Gore Vidal-- tip more than $10). Counter service people at coffee houses and such, where there is a tip jar, are often tipped with the change from one's order (e.g., you order coffee and a doughnut, it comes to $6.25, you give them a $10, you keep the three ones and you put the seventy-five cents in the tip jar), but if they are nice, or you're compassionate, or you see they're getting stiffed a lot, leave a buck in the jar.

BTW, in regard to varying tip amount, it is not necessarily bad form to tip a hot service person more, especially if you plan to hit on them later, but don't overtip lavishly, otherwise it's like implying they're a hooker. <-- (Lesson learned the hard way).

In NYC, I'd stay out of the Bronx, for the most part, and avoid Harlem after dark. Same goes for the Tenderloin in SF: avoid it after dark, and if you go during the day, keep your wallet in your front pocket, not your hip pocket.

It's very safe. I go there all the time to visit my best friend. Never had any trouble. Besides, even New Yorkers can't resist Aussies. Everybody loves an Aussie.

Take a couple of days-- hell, I'd go for a whole week!-- and go to Washington DC. It's totally worth it. Lovely city, great for walking, beautiful architecture, cheap public transportation, excellent museums and monuments that are all free to visit, surprisingly good restaurants. It's tied with NYC for my second favorite city in the US (I love my home, Los Angeles, best). Plus, it'll be warmer than Montreal.

Can't help you, there: I hate Vegas. Sorry.

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spindles

Leave the Aussie sense of humour behind when going through border crossings. I don't think I have ever met a surlier bunch then customs and immigration going into the US and on the border crossing between Washington State and Canada (Vancouver). Maybe we just got them on a bad day, but better to be polite and just get the crossing over with.

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levite

Sound advice. You didn't catch them on a bad day, our Homeland Security people are just assholes.

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m0rpheus

#4) I'd go with Toronto, and if you decide on Toronto there's quite a few TFPers that know the city well and would be able to point out lots of cool stuff there.

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biznatch

The daily Chinatown Bus from chinatown, manhattan, to chinatown, DC is $20 one way, $35 round trip.
To OP: if you'd like to visit DC, or philly, or boston, in case you get bored of NYC or want to discover more of the east coast, the Chinatown bus is a cheap reliable way for the guy who needs to travel a bit.

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snowy

I've been across that border a few times, and each time it's certainly been an experience. Not necessarily a good one, but there was one time where I was driving a carload of my girlfriends back from spring break in Vancouver, and we got a guy who flirted with us once he found out we were all college girls. That was a good one. The rest of them have been lousy at worst and tedious at best.

I've been to all the cities the OP is visiting, and I must say that Vancouver is my favorite. The public transportation system is your friend. Don't miss the Seabus. It's a cheap way to get a great view of Vancouver's skyline, and the market at Lonsdale Quay is nice. Also, Granville Island is a must-visit. It's kind of a touristy spot on the one hand, but so worth it on the other. The market is awesome, full of cheap eats and fun people-watching. One of my best memories of Vancouver is of a brewery tour I took at the Granville Island Brewery with a bunch of other people from my hostel--including an Australian!--we had a great time and drank a lot of great beer.

Oh, and get out to Stanley Park and around while you're there. There are some really cool spots in the park. If you make it out by UBC at all, visit Wreck Beach. I like the area around UBC a lot--there's a lot to explore both on and off campus. I do believe there's a bus that runs out there from Granville St. in central Vancouver.

One of the things I love about Vancouver is just walking around it. It's one of my favorite cities to walk in; I've probably logged more miles there than anywhere else I've visited. Driving isn't bad either, but be aware (if you do choose to operate a vehicle whilst in Canada) that most people in the Greater Vancouver area don't use their turn signals.

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guyy

You would have met a surlier bunch had you gone across at Lacolle/Whatever they call it on the American side. I'm talking about the I87 crossing, which is the main road between NY and Montreal. And sometimes they'll pull you over before or after the border. Both the Canadians and the Americans are unpleasant at that crossing. These days the Americans want everyone to fly (because it's easier to control), so budget more time going back into the US.

Also realise that Montreal is at least 7 hours by bus from NY. The train takes 9hrs. The Adirondacks are pretty, but there are closer places to visit.

dlish

my experience in NYC was pretty good last year. you wont need a visa to enter the US. i dont think its changed since then, but check it out online first.

like halx said, harlem isnt all that bad. i went there on my own..twice. i was pretty much the only white dude in a yellow quicksilver jacket walking around..felt weird at the time, but its just every day people going about doing their daily things.

id grow eyes n the back of my head..it doesnt matter what neighbourhood or country you are from. check out the Australian DFAT (department of foreign affairs and trade) website. has a wealth of general information

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Lindy

Gambling and glitz are just not my cup of tea, so I find Las Vegas the most tiresome city I've ever visited. If you want something different, and have a car, take a day trip to Death Valley National Monument. It's about a two hour drive. Interesting sights, people, and it's the absolute antithesis of the cities that you will be visiting. Nothing like looking UP and seeing a sign that says "SEA LEVEL" a couple hundred feet above your head. Also a nice warm-me-up after Montreal. Temps could push the century mark even in February.

Lindy

ASU2003

Vegas is fun, but it's what you make it to be. It is a city that is setup to take your money, but it can be very fun if you go in thinking that you don't care, you will spend $250 (or whatever) and have fun doing it. Have a limit before you get there and stick to it.
Things I would recommend there:
1. Buffets. Eat two meals a day. One at 9am, one at 4pm (or whenever it is the end of the lunch-dinner switch). Pick one of them to be a big meal.
2. In-n-Out burger. They are in California too, but the one in Vegas is to the west of New York New York. It's a good cheap fast food place that I miss about not being in the southwest.
3. The Las Vegas sign is about 1km south of the Mandalay Bay. It makes a good picture if you go during the day/dusk time frame.
4. Stay up all night one night. You won't really experience Vegas until you find out why it's the city that never sleeps.
5. The Grand Canyon is a better place to visit than Death Valley. If you were going to take a drive out of town. (There may be a fee for driving to the park, plus it takes some time.) Consider taking a helicopter flight that they offer from the Vegas airport (a shuttle from the strip there is included I think)
6. Fremont street light show is interesting to see in Vegas, but it is a drive from the strip. And free parking is hard to find up there at night.
7. Go and see a show in Vegas. They are usually worth it.

If you are in NYC in the middle of January, avoid going to Washington DC from Jan 17-21. Unless you want to be part of the inauguration, there will be millions of people and there are lots of warnings about the public transit system not being able to handle the load. That also goes for food and water, bring what you need to survive.

I have never been to San Fran or NYC, so I'm not much help there.

snowy

You can take public transportation to downtown Vegas from the Strip. It's a bit sketchy, though. Basically, you take the Monorail (one of Vegas's best-kept secrets) to the end, get off, and catch a bus. The Monorail is safe, but that bus gave me the creeps. I felt okay because I was with a big group of people, but if I had been by myself, I probably would have skipped it (mostly because while the light show is cool, Fremont Street is like Reno in Vegas, and I've spent way too much time in Reno). My group agreed afterwards that if we had to do it over again, we would have called the limo driver we met upon arrival at the airport and had him take us there and back, or taken a cab.

I enjoy the spectacle of Vegas. I recommend that you invest in a comfortable pair of shoes and break them in well before hitting Vegas. You'll be doing a lot of walking.

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james t kirk

LOL, yeah that's the truth, but in FEBRUARY, my poor Australian friend will curl up in a ball and die due to the weather conditions.

Can you wait till June?

Canada is a much nicer place in the Spring, summer and Fall (which by the way is June till the end of September)

Unless of course you like the snow (for some reason).

I would also try to take in Quebec City as it's truly the most remarkable place in North America. Stay in the old (walled) city as there are many bed and breakfest places that are full of European charm. You can get by with English in Quebec City (Definitely in Montreal as it's totally bilingual) in the old city. Though it helps to try and speak French.

slimshaydee

Thanks for your responses everyone. Montreal is probably going to be a bit cold for my non snow climate living in ass! Those Vegas tips are definitely going to come in handy too.

Anyways, I have a few more questions I hope you lovely people don't mind answering.

How does the ticketing system work for public transport? I heard something about subway tokens in New York

Is Alcatraz worth visiting?

Which is the better option from JFK into Manhattan? I'll be leaving JFK at around 10PM so I don't want to take the subway if I'm carrying luggage. The options are the airport shuttle or taking a cab.

soundmotor

Well, Vegas has been getting snow too recently....... Vegas, I hate it. After going 1-2 times yearly for work over a 20 year period I'm done with it. Tourist business if so off you can find room deals at any hotel however. I like the MGM Grand for simple logistics. Not too far from the airport, many excellent restaurants, decent rooms, and the monorail has a stop inside the hotel. You can access nearly all of the strip via the monorail and a little walking. Old Las Vegas is worth seeing and you'll find cheaper tables there if you gamble. I have not been to the Golden Nugget the last few years but it was redone & not bad the last time I was there. Outside Vegas but close enough to see is the Hoover Dam. An amazing construction still. Lastly, if you are flying into Vegas, at the baggage claim you can also get transportation. There is usually a decent cab line, so take a shuttle. Cost is $5-10 to most hotels on the strip. They are almost never full up as everyone heads to the cab line and there are 3-4 shuttle bus companies at the airport, each with multiple buses.

Montreal is great and worth the visit any time of year snow or not. They have an underground city to explore but the real action is above ground. Rue St. Catherine is bars, restaurants, & shops and the underground runs along it so you can access it anywhere. You can also access the subway and it is very straightforward to use. I have never had a bad experience in Montreal and highly recommend it. I have also heard nothing but raves about Quebec City and hope to visit there too.

Cannot help you on NYC. The few times I've been I always got the same advice, "Whatever you do, don't make eye contact." but didn't find New York any worse than anywhere else I've been. Lots of people going their own way. I stayed in the Times Square area and did not get too far out of it. Had a great time too, much to see. However, it is an easy city to get turned around in. I'll let those who know NYC best offer their expert guidance as the above ain't much.

If you are on a budget, don't feel that you must to tip if the service is poor. Tipping is a reward for exemplary service and not a given. If a waitperson puts in the effort I am grateful and will tip 20+% every time. If they don't do such a hot job and acknowledge it, "I got messed up, it's busy today, and I am having trouble." they would still get 15-20% for their honesty. But, if they phone it in, are surly, or come across that they are doing me a favor, they get 0%. That isn't to teach them a lesson, I could care less how they take it. Don't feel compelled to tip because it is customary here; tip because it was well earned.
-----Added 24/12/2008 at 05 : 13 : 01-----
Probably although I've never been. I always run out of time before I run out of things to do in SF proper. I have not been in 5 years but it cannot have changed too much since then could it? The last few times I was there I walked it and took the cable cars when I could. Within a reasonable time you could walk to Chinatown, the wharves, Coit Tower, & more in the North Beach area. A short distance north and you could hit Sausalito too. Plenty to do on foot and it was one of the cleanest cities I can recall.

yournamehere

As far as Las Vegas goes, don't go wandering too far from the crowds (The Strip or Fremont St), especially after dark. If you want to get around, get daily passes on the Monorail, or , as someone else said, the bus passes are inexpensive up and down the Strip.

And yes - see at least one show. I'd suggest one of the Cirque du Soleil shows. There are usually at least 5 at any given time in Las Vegas. If you're not too young to appreciate The Beatles, go see "Love" at the Mirage. Not a bad seat in the house - it's in the round.

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snowy

Never been to Alcatraz--the trips out there are really pricey. I'd suggest taking the ferry to Sausalito instead; it goes right by Alcatraz, and it's a hell of a lot cheaper. I'd do that before deciding to go to Alcatraz.

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cementor

We visited Alcatraz and thought it was one of the highlights of our pass thru Northern California. We like the historical aspects, but it has a really interesting vibe. I don't recall the cost specifically being way overboard. It does take about a half day to do the tours and do justice to the "museum" portions. We were there shortly before "The Rock" was released and it was neat to see the places we had walked thru a few weeks prior.

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DesertFaust

As a Vegas resident for the last 10 yrs I can give you a locals perspective, hopefully not too out of date since I dont get to the stip too often.

The Circle Bar at the Hard Rock Hotel is always a good place. Lots of eye candy that may be approachable.

Freemont St has a lot of cheap drinks and the old style Vegas. Hugos Cellar at the 4 Queens is an excellent steak house with lots of character.


Skip the shows. Good date stuff but for 2 single guys you want more action. Most of the Strip casinos are good(stay away from Castles and Pyramids, too many blue hair tourists), just Hang out at the bar and you will meet plenty of interesting people. $1 tip per drink is normal, more if its busy and would like better service.

Its probably going to be a bit cooler than you'd expect

Most of all HAVE FUN!!