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VenueWelcome to New York CityWelcome to the Big Apple! You have embarked on a fun-filled journey to what many have coined the “greatest city in the world”. Get ready to enjoy one of the most lively and resilient cities in America. New York is a beautiful city of islands with a plethora of activities and amazing sites. New York City has everything from the refreshing and adventurous life of the outdoors to the bustling atmosphere of big city life. New York City has come a long way from the shipbuilding town and popular port that it once was – now with busy streets and crowded ferries, bridges, and boats. Recently, the attacks of September 11th have only made the city stronger, fostering a sense of unity, love, and caring that is indeed witnessed by all visitors. CLIMATE IN NEW YORK CITYFall and Spring are the best times to be in New York. October is an especially gorgeous month with the changing colors of the leaves. The average daily temperature during the month of October is 67 °F or 19 °C. Check the weather before you travel by visiting www.weather.com or www.cnn.com/weather or locally call (212) 976-1212. ENTRY REQUIREMENTSTo visit the United States you will need:
Tourist visas can be obtained within 24 hours (but can take longer) by completing and submitting an application form with a square photo to your local U.S. consulate or embassy. However, citizens of certain countries are allowed to enter the United States without a visa for stays of up to 90 days under the U.S. State Department’s Visa Waiver Program. Check to see if your country applies. Visa applications and further information can be obtained online at www.travel.state.gov. The United States does not pay for hospital or medical services for visitors. Make sure you have health insurance to pay your medical costs before you leave for the United States. Once you arrive: A custom’s officer will ask you a few short questions when you arrive. To make this go quickly, keep your passport with you and not in your luggage. The officer will stamp your passport or advise you how long you may stay in the United States. Feel free to ask questions if you are unsure about anything. CUSTOMS INFORMATIONFor further assistance regarding customs information refer to www.customs.ustreas.gov or call (202) 927-1770. NEW YORK CITY AIRPORTSThree major airports serve New York City. John F. Kennedy International AirportThe Kennedy Airport is located in Queens and is about a one-hour drive from Midtown Manhattan. Contact number: (718) 244-4444 LaGuardia AirportLaGuardia Airport is also in Queens and usually takes a 30 minutes ride to Midtown Manhattan. Contact number: (718) 533-3400 Newark International AirportThe Newark airport is close to New Jersey and is about a 45 minute trek to Midtown Manhattan. Contact number: (973) 961-6000 Although LaGuardia Airport is the closest airport to Manhattan, it is often busy and is notorious for flight delays and chaos, so do not be afraid to fly into either of the two other airports as they hold a higher reputation of timeliness. Information about all three airports is available online at www.panynj.gov. Due to routine security procedures it is suggested that travelers arrive at least 1 hour before domestic flights or 2 hours prior to international flights. You may want to check the Internet for lower airfare prices and promotions. Cheap Tickets at www.cheaptickets.com, Council Travel at www.counciltravel.com, or STA Travel at www.statravel.com generally have discounted airfares. Other reliable consolidators include TFI Tours International at (800) 745-8000 or 1-800-FLY-CHEAP. Other Internet search sites include Travelocity.com, Expedia.com, and Orbitz.com. The Newark International Airport has a new rail system connecting it to Manhattan. The AirTrain Newark is a fast and affordable rail link that can be easily boarded after collecting baggage – just follow the signs. There is one transfer to a NJ Transit train, but this train will take you directly to New York Penn Station at 33rd Street and Seventh Avenue where a taxi can be taken to hotel destinations. For more information on AirTrain Newark visit www.airtrainnewark.com or call (888) EWK-INFO. Subways and public buses are generally not recommended from the airports to your given destination because of the multiple transfers and undesirable neighborhoods that travelers might encounter. The best alternative is the taxi service or private car and limousine services. Taxi ServiceTaxi service is generally reliable and plentiful around New York City; however, do not accept rides from the hustlers who hang out in the airport terminal halls. These individuals are illegal and lack proper insurance information. Sanctioned city cabs and car services wait outside the terminals and can be easily identified. Fares do not include bridge and tunnel tolls ($3.50-$4.00) or customary tip (15% - 20%). From JFK a flat rate of $45 is charged to Manhattan, from LaGuardia $16 - $26, plus tolls and tips, and from Newark, normally a $30 to $38 flat rate is charged not including toll and tip. CURRENCYThe U.S. monetary system includes denominations of $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills. There are also six denominations of coins 1¢ (1 cent or a penny), 5¢ (a nickel), 10¢ (a dime), 25¢ (a quarter), 50¢, and $1 coins. Currency exchange bureaus are in prime tourist places, but expect to be extorted on the exchange rate. Check for currency exchange services through American Express (800) AXP-TRIP or www.americanexpress.com or visit travel.americanexpress.com. Additionally the Thomas Cook Currency Services also has several locations. Additional information can be found at www.us.thomascook.com. The best exchange rates can be found at ATMs. Traveler’s checks are widely accepted and used as well as credit cards and ATMs. The most used credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, Discover, and Carte Blanche. Some New York venders may accept international cards like enRoute, Eurocard, and JCB. ATMs (automated teller machines) are plentiful in New York as well. TAXATIONThe United States has no value-added tax or other indirect tax at the national level. Sales tax is 8.625% on meals, most goods, clothing, and services. Hotel tax is 15.25% plus $2 per room per night. Parking garage tax is 18.25%. GETTING AROUNDPublic TransportationThe Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) is the subway system in New York City. It is the primary way that New Yorkers travel throughout the city. The system is relatively safe, inexpensive, and quick. The subway runs 24 hours a day, everyday and fare is $2.00. Fare is paid via a MetroCard that each person swipes at each station. Transfers are free between the bus and subway so long as the transfer is within a 2-hour period. MetroCard’s can be purchased at the token booths, but require payment in cash, but there are also vending machines that are located in every station that accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Pay-Per-Ride MetroCards can be purchased, placing any desired amount of money on the card and the ability to swipe multiple people. The other option is the Unlimited-Ride MetroCards that can only be used by one individual. Unlimited MetroCards come in different values: daily Fun Pass $7, 7-Day MetroCard $21, and the 30-Day MetroCard, for $70. For further questions or concerns visit www.mta.nyc.ny.us/metrocard or call (800) METROCARD or (212) 638-7622. Subway traveling tips: Directions are usually indicated using “Uptown” which refers to northbound and “Downtown” which refers to southbound directions. The bus system in New York City is also run by the MTA and is recommended for shorter distances since they are less crowded and allow riders to view the sites. However, the big drawback is that they too can get stuck in traffic. Similar to the subway system the bus fare is also $2.00 and can be paid for with a MetroCard or exact change. By CarIt is not recommended that visitors to New York City drive. The traffic is thick and the rules of the road are not worth the headache of learning for a short stay. It is suggested that rental cars are left in garage facilities or returned to rental companies during your stay. Here are a few car-rental companies for reference:
Traveling from the city to the suburbs: New Jersey Transit runs trains from Penn Station to points throughout New Jersey. More information at (973) 762-5100 or www.njtransit.com. The Long Island Rail Road runs along several hot spots throughout Long Island. More information at (718) 217-LIRR or www.mta.nyc.ny.us/lirr. For destinations farther north of the city such as Hudson Valley or Connecticut the Metro North leaves from Grand Central Terminal to these areas. For more information visit www.mta.nyc.ny/us/mnr or call (800) METRO-INFO. CITY LAYOUTNew York City is composed of five boroughs: Manhattan – A long finger-shaped island that serves as the hub of visitor activity, despite being the city’s smallest borough. The most famous attractions are located in Manhattan. Its neighborhoods include, Wall Street, Little Italy & Chinatown, Soho & Tribeca, Greenwich Village, Central Park, Harlem, and many more. Bronx – The Northernmost and only borough connected to the mainland United States. The Bronx has a reputation of being a gritty place, but in fact has many cultural sites, such as the Italian neighborhood of Belmont and botanical gardens. Queens – The home of the well-known Kennedy and LaGuardia airports. Queens also borders the Atlantic Ocean and occupies part of Long Island. The city’s largest borough, Queens, is the city’s most diverse spot. Inhabitants come from all nationalities and speak a vast number of languages. Brooklyn – Brooklyn is south of Queens and is often recognized by the distinct accent of its residents. It is also the most populated borough with nearly 2.5 million residents. Many landmark buildings and renowned museums are among Brooklyn’s attractions, not to mention Coney Island. Staten Island – Staten Island is the least populated island that borders Upper New York Bay. Although Staten Island lacks the crowds of tourists that Manhattan tends to attract, it is still worthy of a visit, as it offers a spectacular view of lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. PLACES TO EXPLOREStatue of Liberty – The ultimate symbol of New York and the nation as a whole. This statue embodies liberty, diversity, and tolerance. Empire State Building – The tallest building in New York and one of the most well known icons. Brooklyn Bridge – Connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn this bridge is sure to provide a true New York experience. American Museum of Natural History – This museum is home to the world’s greatest natural science collection, located in New York’s Museum Mile. Be sure and visit other museums that line this area. Central Park – Central Park is one of the world’s greatest parks. In the midst of the noise and chaos of Manhattan, Central Park is a center for peace and refuge. Be sure and catch the Bethesda Fountain in Central Park as well. Grand Central Terminal – This station is indeed a grand representation of an urban meeting point in the city. Remodeled and restored in 1998 this station is sure to make an impact on its visitors with everything from the beautiful sky ceiling to the grand marble staircase. Metropolitan Museum of Art – This museum is the largest in the western hemisphere with displays that capture the life of almost all the world’s different cultures. Because of its enormous size it might be helpful to take a tour of the museum highlights that are offered daily. Rockefeller Center – This center is great for tourists. It is the world’s largest privately owned business and entertainment center. The center encompasses the Channel Gardens, many shops, a rink during Christmas time, the GE Building, and NBC studios to name a few of the many sites at the center. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum – This building is said to be a brilliant work of architecture. Explore the many art exhibits that are on display throughout the facility. Wall Street & The New York Stock Exchange – This very narrow lane is comprised of neoclassical towers that reach the sky and house the world’s most famous financial market. Post 9/11 interactive museum tours have been cancelled for the general public with only a few tours arranged for educational group tours. Times Square – This is a major tourist trap with its neon flashy lights and a few attractions. Take a look at Nasdaq’s eight-story billboard that is the world’s largest video screen as well as the many restaurants funded by the famous. World Trade Center Site (Ground Zero) – What used to be the home of over 50,000 working people and 70,000 tourists and business visitors daily, this complex is now all gone. However, the Wall of Heroes can be viewed along the site including photographs of the World Trade Center. Battery Park also serves as a temporary victim’s memorial and the Trinity Church also holds several tokens of remembrance and blessings left by visitors worldwide. A visit to Ground Zero is sure to touch any human heart. Ellis Island – Ellis Island was the first U.S. spot that many immigrants arrived to between 1892 and 1924. Now the island’s main building is a national monument known as the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, where all sorts of artifacts are on display to preserve the immigrant experience that once existed on the island. Little Italy & Chinatown – Experience the exotic tastes and experience the history of two cultures in Little Italy & Chinatown as you stroll through the many shops and restaurants, and perhaps even experience an Italian festival on occasion. 5th Avenue & 57th Street – 5th Avenue is lined with many elegant international fashion-clothing stores that make this area a hot shopping district. Similarly, 57th Street nearby is inundated with theme restaurants in order to satisfy the hungry shopper. TV Tapings – Tickets to TV tapings are normally free and should be requested as early as possible, such as 6 months before a visit. A minimal amount of tickets are given out the day of a taping, but require waking up early and standing in a line for stand-by tickets that are not a guarantee. Shows such as The Late Show with David Letterman, Live! With Regis and Kelly, and Last Call with Carson Daly are a few of the many shows that are taped in the city. ORGANIZED TOURSDouble-Decker Bus ToursA double-decker bus tour will give a New York tourist a quick rundown of the major sights and neighborhoods in the city. Gray Line New York Tours provide a variety of sightseeing tour options throughout the city. For more information call (800) 669-0051 or visit www.graylinenewyork.com. Harbor CruisesBateaux New York is an elegant and romantic New York cruise with dance floors, dinner, and music. Lunch cruises cost about $46 for 2-hours and dinner cruises are about $103-117 for a 3-hour cruise. Additional information can be obtained at (866) 211-3806 or www.bateauxnewyork.com. Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises is the only company that encompasses the entire 35 miles around Manhattan. They have different packages that take anywhere from 3 hours and less and sites such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Yankee Stadium, and the Statue of Liberty are all in site. For more detailed information regarding packages and pricing call (212) 563-3200 or visit www.circleline.com. Spirit Cruises provide modern ship cruises with meals and live entertainment that sail along the New York Harbor. For more information call (866) 211-3805 or visit www.spiritcruises.com. World Yacht is another more elegant cruise, but less expensive than the Bateaux cruise. There is a two-hour Sunday brunch cruise with live piano music that is available too. Call (800) 498-4270 or visit www.worldyacht.com. Air ToursLiberty Helicopters provides a quick bird eye views of Manhattan from a plane. Skyscrapers, Central Park, and Yankee Stadium are a few of the sites you will capture from on top. Tours cost anywhere from $56 to $162. Call (212) 967-6464 or www.libertyhelicopters.com. Specialty ToursFor those interested in walking tours of specific sites there are many available, including Grand Central Terminal, Wall Street, and the U.S. Customs House. Call (212) 606-4064 for more information or visit www.downtownny.com. Other Tour Operators
TIPPINGTipping is generally not included in service charges in the United States unless there is a large party. The general rule is to tip 15% to 20% of the entire bill for most service staff. Porters and doormen should get about $2 a bag and maids should receive about $2 per person per day ($3 in luxury hotels). Tip the valet-parking attendant $1 every time you get your car. CONFERENCE VENUE & HOW TO GET THEREThe Power Systems Conference and Exposition will be held at the beautiful Grand Hyatt New York Hotel in the heart of New York City. The contact information is as follows: Directions to the Grand Hyatt Hotel from all three major airports are listed below: From La Guardia Airport:La Guardia is 9 miles away from Grand Hyatt while JFK is 18 miles. Taxi and shuttle service is available to and from La Guardia, JFK and Newark airports. Driving: Begin on Central Terminal and go 700 feet. Turn right on Arrivals and go 60 feet. Bear right on Arrivals/Central Terminal and go 700 feet. Continue on Central Terminal and go 200 feet. Conntinue on Terminal A B C and D and go 800 feet. Continue on Airport Exit at sign reading "Airport Exit" and go 300 feet. Turn right and go 900 feet. Turn right on ramp and go 900 feet. Continue on Grand Central Pky and go 0.6 miles. Exit Grand Central Pky via ramp at sign reading "Exit 4 Bklyn-Qns Expwy to Verrazano Narrows BR and I-278 W" and go 0.4 miles. Bear right on Brooklyn Queens Expy E, Bqe E and go 0.5 miles. Exit Brooklyn Queens Expy, I-278, Bqe and go 300 feet. Exit Brooklyn Queens Exp, I-278, Bqe via ramp at sign reading "Exit 38 RT-25A Northern Blvd." and go 600 feet. Turn right on Northern Blvd, Rt-25A and go 2.1 miles. Turn right on Queens Plz N, Bridge Piz N and go 400 feet. Continue on Queensboro Brg and go 0.2 miles. Continue on ramp and go 600 feet. Continue on Queensboro Brg- Lower Level, 59th St. Brg and go 1.1 miles/ Continue on ramp at sign reading "2 Ave-South" and go 0.2 miles. Turn left on 2nd Ave and go 0.8 miles to Grand Hyatt New York. From JFK Airport:Begin on JFK Int'l Airport and go 1.7 miles. Turn hard right on ramp and go 300 feet. Continue on Terminal 4 Departures and go 0.2 miles. Turn left and go 900 feet. Continue on Van Wyck Expy, I-678 and go 6 miles. Bear left on ramp at sign reading, "Exit 10 Grand Central Pkwy to La Guardia Airport / Triboro Bridge" and go 0.4 miles. Continue on Grand Central Pkwy via ramp at sign reading "Exit 10 I-495 LI Expressway to Long Island/Midtown Tun" and go 0.8 miles. Bear right on I-495 and go 7 miles. Exit I-495 via ramp to Tunnel Exit St., Queens Midtown Tunnell Exit and fo 0.2 miles. Continue on Tunnel Exit St, Queens Midtown Tunnell Exit and go 300 feet. Turn right on E. 34th St. and go 300 feet. Turn right on 3rd Ave. and go 0.6 miles. Turn right on E. 46th St. and go 700 feet. Turn right on 2nd Ave and go 500 feet to Grand Hyatt New York. From Newark International Airport:Begin on Daily Parking Acc and go 0.3 miles. Continue and go 0.5 miles. Bear right on Daily Parking Acc and go 1000 feet. Turn left on Newark Int'l Airport Exit and go 0.7 miles. Continue on ramp at sign reading "I-78" and go 1.4 miles. Continue on I-78 and go 0.7 miles. Exit I-78 via ramp at sign reading "I-95 N N J Turnpike North" and go 1.2 miles. Continue on New Jersey Tnpk, I-95 at sign reading "Lincoln Tunnel and US-46" and go 7 miles. Exit New Jersey Tpke I-95 via ramp at sign reading "Exit 16E RT-3 to Lincoln Tunnell" and go 0.6 miles. Continue on I-495 and go 3.7 miles. Exit I-495 via tamp at sign reading "10 Ave/Points North/ West Side Hwy" and go 500 feet. Continue on Dyer Ave and go 800 feet. Turn right on W 42nd St and go 0.8 miles. Continue on E 42nd St and go 0.4. Turn left on 3rd Ave and go 1100 feet. Turn right on E 46th St and go 700 feet. Turn right on 2nd Ave and go 500 feet to Grand Hyatt New York. HELPFUL PHONE NUMBERS
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