NYC - credit or cash?
 

Should I be able to pay mostly with credit card during my stay in NYC? Of course I will have some cash, but the less I travel with the better.

You can with credit cards for everything except transportation (taxis) and small things (street food, coffee, newspaper etc.) There are some restaurants that do not accept credit cards, but they will say on the door or the menu. There are ATMs on almost every block.

I also would plan to pay cash if you:

are going to be getting food in Produce/Markets that are so popular [they have great salad bars];

also if you plan on shopping in Chinatown

for tips in hotels etc;

and I would ask at a restaurant if I didn't see a credit card logo on the front door I wouldn't wait until I sat down and saw it on menu - especially if there is a long wait.

Hope this helps...
Debi

Visa and Master Card are accepted virtually everywhere. I can't imagine which restaurant doesn't accept them, unless it's a hot dog stand on the street.

No - there are some restaurants - often quite upscale - that won;t take plastic.
Look for the cc signs in the window or door.

Neither will newsstands, street vendors (of anything - from hot dogs to unbrellas) or cab drivers. (Some car services will if you arrange it in advance. If you pick up a car service car on the street they will likely only take cash.)

If you need to pay for a meal with credit card, ASK when you call ahead or walk in the door.

In interesting varity of restaurants in NYC do not take credit cards ever, or some refuse cards during rush hours (Googie's, for example).

You'll need cash for cabs, tips, small items from vendors, and Chinatown if you want to visit Canal Street and barter. (And some restaurants, of course.)

Enjoy NYC!

Wow, lots of typos.

An interesting variety of restaurants do NOT take credit cards -- so never assume one does. Two of my favorites that come to mind are Cafecito and Il Bagatto. Also, the famous Brooklyn steakhouse, Peter Luger's, is cash only.

Many restaurants through the E. Village, Soho and W. Village don't take cards. The vast majority are smaller neighborhoody places that don't cater to tourists.

Thanks!