How to Feel at Home in New York

There are countless films and television shows about New York.

Like every city, it has both beautiful and darker sides — and quite often you can see both at the same time in exactly the same place.

If you are staying for longer than a few days, one of the first practical things worth considering is a local SIM card.

There are several major providers to choose from, including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and MetroPCS.

At the time of writing, Verizon uses a network system that may not work with every unlocked phone brought from Europe, so it is worth checking compatibility before travelling.

In my experience, AT&T has very strong coverage across New York.

That matters because mobile reception is not equally reliable everywhere.

Some subway sections have little or no signal.

Certain buildings also perform better with one provider than another.

MetroPCS uses the T-Mobile network, so coverage is broadly similar.

Prepaid SIM packages are commonly available for periods such as thirty days or several weeks.

Before travelling, check whether your phone supports the frequencies used by US networks.

A modern smartphone is strongly recommended.

Depending on the provider and current offer, prepaid packages can include mobile data ranging from a few gigabytes to unlimited use, together with domestic calls and text messages.

If you want a SIM card immediately after landing, it is worth checking the shops available at your airport terminal or nearby transport connections.

Offers change frequently, so always review current prices and conditions directly on the providers’ own websites before travelling.

Without internet access, exploring New York becomes much harder.

That is why I strongly recommend arranging mobile data.

Google Maps is extremely useful.

Apple Maps also works well.

Google Maps can save parts of a city for offline use, which means GPS navigation can still work even when mobile data disappears.

Another useful tool is a New York subway map that works offline.

With internet access, many transport apps can also plan routes and warn you about service interruptions.

And in New York, service changes are normal.

With so many subway lines, something is always being repaired or rerouted — especially at weekends.

Announcements and signs usually warn passengers in advance.

Do not expect spotless subway stations.

Some are beautifully maintained, but many are hot, dirty, worn and occasionally home to rats.

Still, the subway has its own unmistakable character.

A large part of daily life here is spent travelling.

For that reason, choose accommodation by travel time rather than simply by distance.

Cycling is also an option.

I recommend it if you want to see more of the city above ground.

It can be inexpensive and practical.

For me, Times Square functions as a kind of practical centre.

Plan journeys before leaving.

Choosing the right route at the right moment can save twenty or thirty minutes.

New Yorkers may raise an eyebrow at the idea of precise arrival times because delays can happen at any moment.

A train can stop inside a tunnel and suddenly your carefully planned schedule disappears.

Sometimes even that becomes part of the New York experience. :)

The subway system is a world of its own.

Musicians.

Performers.

Police officers.

Life continues underground too.

In an earlier article I wrote about weekly unlimited MetroCard options.

Tickets and passes can be bought from machines at most stations.

Cards are generally accepted, although the machines can occasionally be temperamental.

A MetroCard can be loaded either with money or, depending on the type, time-based unlimited travel.

If you use public transport only occasionally, loading credit may be enough.

For daily use, an unlimited option is usually more convenient.

Transfers within the system are often possible without paying again, provided you remain inside the permitted transfer conditions.

Free Wi-Fi is also available in many places around the city and on parts of the transport network.

If you need fast internet and somewhere to sit for a while, official Apple Stores can be surprisingly useful.

They often have an informal atmosphere and allow visitors to sit down, check email or work briefly.

I often used the Apple Store near Central Park on Fifth Avenue because it was open around the clock at the time and the internet was extremely fast.

There was also frequently some short workshop or product session taking place, which was useful for my professional development.

Beyond public transport, taxis and Uber are both useful.

Traditional taxis are constantly moving rather than waiting only at designated ranks.

Yellow taxis dominate Manhattan.

Green taxis are common in outer areas.

You hail them from the street.

Fares can vary depending on traffic and route.

Uber is more predictable in another way:

Open the app, request a car and it comes directly to you.

If you are staying in New Jersey or somewhere with limited late-night connections, ride-hailing can be particularly useful.

And that brings us to night transport.

The city may never sleep, but public transport becomes less frequent as the night goes on.

Google Maps can usually help with planning because it knows scheduled connections and can show how to link different services.

Around Central Park you may also see pedicabs and similar tourist transport.

I will have more to report later today, but I wanted to share these basic practical points first.

In the original blog, highlighted words link to deeper information, websites or videos.

If you have a comment or question, write it below.

I know it is impossible to put every useful detail into one article, but I am happy to answer what I can.

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For the professional context and practical side of portrait photography, visit the BANHALMI professional website. Related art series, books and exhibitions are preserved in the BANHALMI ART archive.