Spending money in NYC
Jul 4th, 2014, 07:34 PM
#21
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Cabs now take credit cards and you can use a credit card to buy a Metrocard. Usually a deli will not take a credit card for anything under $10 but they often take credit cards so they can attract local catering.
Jul 5th, 2014, 04:02 AM
#22
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Cabs take credit cards. Buses take cash or Metro cards - which you an get in the subway with a credit card.
But you should assume you will pay cash for anything less than $20 - anything at a newsstand - a coffee, a deli breakfast. So yes, you will need cash - I would start with $200 and see how it goes. But you will be paying with credit card for hotels, most meals, shopping, entrance fees to sights or Broadway shows, etc.
And there are ATMs everywhere - every bank, drugstore, deli and supermarket - although naturally not Walmart since they are not allowed in NYC (we are a union town that supports mom and pops versus big box stores that abuse their employees).
But you should assume you will pay cash for anything less than $20 - anything at a newsstand - a coffee, a deli breakfast. So yes, you will need cash - I would start with $200 and see how it goes. But you will be paying with credit card for hotels, most meals, shopping, entrance fees to sights or Broadway shows, etc.
And there are ATMs everywhere - every bank, drugstore, deli and supermarket - although naturally not Walmart since they are not allowed in NYC (we are a union town that supports mom and pops versus big box stores that abuse their employees).
Jul 5th, 2014, 04:32 AM
#23
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" But you should assume you will pay cash for anything less than $20 - anything at a newsstand - a coffee, a deli breakfast."
I'm not sure why this advice keeps getting repeated. I spend enough time in NYC to see dozens of locals charging their $3- 4 coffee at Starbucks or paying for a less than $5 - $10 breakfast or even a $2 bottled water in a deli. But I guess it's true that if you buy things at a newsstand (rather than a store) then you'll need cash.
I'm not sure why this advice keeps getting repeated. I spend enough time in NYC to see dozens of locals charging their $3- 4 coffee at Starbucks or paying for a less than $5 - $10 breakfast or even a $2 bottled water in a deli. But I guess it's true that if you buy things at a newsstand (rather than a store) then you'll need cash.
Jul 5th, 2014, 07:21 AM
#24
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"Buses take cash or Metro cards - which you an get in the subway with a credit card."
True that you can use cash on a bus, but it MUST be COINS — no paper currency. Using a MetroCard is much easier than carrying that many coins.
True that you can use cash on a bus, but it MUST be COINS — no paper currency. Using a MetroCard is much easier than carrying that many coins.
Jul 6th, 2014, 03:39 AM
#27
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"It is possible to pay in a Starbucks or deli with a CC - but IMHO it just takes too long. . ."
What century are you living in? At Starbucks in NYC as soon as they tell you how much that is, you swipe your card once and it is all paid. If you want a receipt, they'll immediately hand you one (quicker than counting out and handing back change), but most locals don't even get a receipt. It is an INSTANT transaction. And some now simply scan their phone to pay -- perhaps even a nano second quicker. Please explain how standing around looking for the several ones or a five or a ten, then handing it to a clerk, who then makes change (most will enter the amount into the cash register and wait to see what it tells them the correct amount of change is supposed to be, and then counts it out and hands it back to you takes LESS time that than. (and I haven't even mentioned the hope that they don't have to go get and break open a new roll of pennies or nickels or dimes or quarters or have to go get more single dollars).
But we get your idea. YOU don't like using a credit card for under $20 so it's appropriate to say "you should assume you will pay cash for anything less than $20" I guess because everyone should be just like you?
What century are you living in? At Starbucks in NYC as soon as they tell you how much that is, you swipe your card once and it is all paid. If you want a receipt, they'll immediately hand you one (quicker than counting out and handing back change), but most locals don't even get a receipt. It is an INSTANT transaction. And some now simply scan their phone to pay -- perhaps even a nano second quicker. Please explain how standing around looking for the several ones or a five or a ten, then handing it to a clerk, who then makes change (most will enter the amount into the cash register and wait to see what it tells them the correct amount of change is supposed to be, and then counts it out and hands it back to you takes LESS time that than. (and I haven't even mentioned the hope that they don't have to go get and break open a new roll of pennies or nickels or dimes or quarters or have to go get more single dollars).
But we get your idea. YOU don't like using a credit card for under $20 so it's appropriate to say "you should assume you will pay cash for anything less than $20" I guess because everyone should be just like you?
Jul 6th, 2014, 04:52 AM
#28
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Well I don't know anyone who stands around until their order is ready and then starts looking around for a wallet and cash. Everyone I know has the cash ready and just tells the barista to put any change in the tip cup. So you just hand over the cash and walk away.
I guess if you can't remember the price of what you are buying, can't remember to pull out your money and don't want to put the 40 cents cash in the tip jar it could take longer. (I never take coins in change for anything - it's just too heavy to carry and too much trouble to drag to the bank - which I only go to one or twice a year).
You can do it either way VERY quickly - but cash is NOT dead for smaller items.
I guess if you can't remember the price of what you are buying, can't remember to pull out your money and don't want to put the 40 cents cash in the tip jar it could take longer. (I never take coins in change for anything - it's just too heavy to carry and too much trouble to drag to the bank - which I only go to one or twice a year).
You can do it either way VERY quickly - but cash is NOT dead for smaller items.
Jul 6th, 2014, 06:46 AM
#29
Another place to get varied and interesting food very casually is at the Chelsea Market.
www.chelseamarket.com/
As a bonus, it is near one end of the High Line linear park, a great place to walk off calories.
www.chelseamarket.com/
As a bonus, it is near one end of the High Line linear park, a great place to walk off calories.
Jul 6th, 2014, 06:58 AM
#30
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Believe it or not there is a historical and cultural basis for merchants not allowing credit charges under $10. Before 2010 it was illegal to establish a minimum dollar amount for a charge but it was common, at least in NYC, to see signs plastered to the cash registers "No charges under $10." Then in 2010 it became legal for a merchant to set a $10 minimum, if they so chose.
There is also a culture in NYC, that is unfortunately changing, to eschew chains and buy at indie or Mom and Pop shops who thrived on cash transactions. So there is a local custom and historical reason for the use of cash.
There is also a culture in NYC, that is unfortunately changing, to eschew chains and buy at indie or Mom and Pop shops who thrived on cash transactions. So there is a local custom and historical reason for the use of cash.
Jul 6th, 2014, 07:36 AM
#31
The obvious preference for cash at mom & pop and indie businesses isn't a NYC invention.
The $10 minimum is CC only. Doesn't apply to debit cards.
The list of cheap eats is terrific. Thanks for sharing it.
The $10 minimum is CC only. Doesn't apply to debit cards.
The list of cheap eats is terrific. Thanks for sharing it.
Jul 6th, 2014, 08:06 AM
#32
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I did not state it was a NY invention but part of the NY culture and custom. And it is also founded in the immigrant culture where even today, I would estimate that 95% of the stores in our neighborhood are either owned or are partially or fully staffed by immigrants who work incredible hours.
The sad truth is that rents are skyrocketing in Manhattan forcing these Mom and Pop shops out and being replaced by soulless banks and chain stores.
The sad truth is that rents are skyrocketing in Manhattan forcing these Mom and Pop shops out and being replaced by soulless banks and chain stores.
Jul 6th, 2014, 09:50 AM
#33
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"It is possible to pay in a Starbucks or deli with a CC - but IMHO it just takes too long."
If it takes too long, they have an app.
Ornithopter, since you're not a foodie, you find great inexpensive food in NYC.
For lunch just look for a line for a pizza place and get in.
I ate breakfast in NYC every morning at the same Indian takeout place, it was great. By the 3rd day the woman would see me and say, "I just made these, you must try them." It was the perfect breakfast.
If it takes too long, they have an app.
Ornithopter, since you're not a foodie, you find great inexpensive food in NYC.
For lunch just look for a line for a pizza place and get in.
I ate breakfast in NYC every morning at the same Indian takeout place, it was great. By the 3rd day the woman would see me and say, "I just made these, you must try them." It was the perfect breakfast.
Jul 6th, 2014, 02:06 PM
#34
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Does anyone besides me find this whole discussion about cash vs. credit cards a bit ludicous? So what if you have to wait a minute longer because someone is using a credit card! Is life really that structured for you that you are bothered by this?
Jul 6th, 2014, 02:39 PM
#36
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Howard, in my book the silliest part is that clearly using a card these days really doesn't take any more time. I think what we're really seeing here isn't about time. It's I don't like credit cards for small purchases so other people shouldn't use them.
