DGS49
Diamond Member
In the capitals of Europe, you have to be concerned and careful because "gypsies" will rob you blind. In NYC, the stores, markets, theaters, and cafe's will rob you blind to your face. Occasionally with a smile on theirs.
New York has a lot of wonderful things to do and see, but if you want to avoid being skrooooood every minute, you have to be constantly vigilant, and look for places where the locals shop.
Examples:
Glancing at real estate prices, it seems like you are in a foreign country where the local currency is ten to the dollar. A "hundred thousand dollar" 1BR condo has a seven-figure asking price. Renting a 200 square foot efficiency for $3,000 a month? (I heard that the rule of thumb for what you can "afford" in NYC is, you can afford one 40th of your gross income. That is, $100k income can afford monthly rent of $2,500. Landlords won't rent to you unless you can prove that income).
But if you go there too preoccupied with money, you won't have a good time, and that would be a shame. Lots to see and do.
New York has a lot of wonderful things to do and see, but if you want to avoid being skrooooood every minute, you have to be constantly vigilant, and look for places where the locals shop.
Examples:
- Bicycle carriages that charge you BY THE MINUTE,
- The Horse-drawn carriages are nearly as bad, charging $60, PLUS EXPECTED TIP for a short ride around Central Park,
- Restaurants charge $15 for a burger (usually a good burger, to be fair), and other food at comparable rip-off prices,
- Street vendors charging double or triple normal [unmarked] price to customers they believe are tourists,
- Show tickets where you have to pay an additional $50 OVER FACE PRICE to get "discounted" Broadway show tickets,
- Parking - who drives a car in NYC? - for $15/half hour, longer terms at SLIGHTLY less outrageous prices.
Glancing at real estate prices, it seems like you are in a foreign country where the local currency is ten to the dollar. A "hundred thousand dollar" 1BR condo has a seven-figure asking price. Renting a 200 square foot efficiency for $3,000 a month? (I heard that the rule of thumb for what you can "afford" in NYC is, you can afford one 40th of your gross income. That is, $100k income can afford monthly rent of $2,500. Landlords won't rent to you unless you can prove that income).
But if you go there too preoccupied with money, you won't have a good time, and that would be a shame. Lots to see and do.