Unspoken RULES of NYC - What I wish I Knew Before Coming

In this video, I'm sharing with you some of the Unspoken RULES of NYC - what I wish I knew before coming. As a new resident of the city, there are so many things you don't know and assumptions you make that can end up costing you in the long run.

Be sure to subscribe to my channel to stay updated on my new videos which will cover more tips and tricks about living in NYC. In the meantime, this video will give you a sneak peek of some of the things you'll see in my upcoming videos. Thanks for watching!

DISCOUNT CODES:
Attractions:
- Company XIV - Save 10% with code SARAHFUNKY
- Save $5 off of your ticket to RiseNY (limit 5 tickets per booking) - FUNKY5

Dining

Clothing

Transportation:
- Bike - Save $5 off your first Citi Bike using code FUNK66734-CB
- Helicopter (BLADE) - Use code SARAHF538 to save $50 on your first ride

Other:

Other recommendations:

[slvnyc]

While I was standing on a New York street corner, I heard a mother instructing her toddler, "Don't look at the lights, the lights aren't going to kill you. Look at the cars. It's the cars that are going to kill you."

[NN-rnoz]

No hello, no eye contact, and yet people will help you if you ask them. Sounds like heaven for introverts.

[fortress]

Long Islander here and you are right on. Walk with the pace, don't make eye contact, know where you're going and what you want before you get there. Big point... If you fall down or need help? There will be a dozen people there instantly to get you back up.

[zakkincaid]

Unwritten rule: if someone is carrying something heavy up or down subway stairs (bike, stroller, etc) always ask to help if you have the ability because there WILL be a time where you need help yourself.

[archaeopteryx]

The worst experience I had with a tourist in NYC was when I was heading upstairs out of a subway station. Walking up the stairs in front of me was a tourist holding a heavy overstuffed backpack in her hand. As she got to the top of the stairs, she stopped abruptly to orient herself to where she was, and then she swung her backpack around to put it on her back.

I was walking up the stairs right behind her when this happened. Since I was a couple of steps below her, her backpack swung around and smacked me in the face. She was so clueless to her surroundings that she didn't even know she had done this.

The point is when you're walking in New York, always assume there's someone walking right behind you.

[brianna_lynch]

Here’s a couple of extra things:
1. Only ask for directions if someone is completely stopped, do not ask someone directions if they’re walking
2. When using escalator, stand on right, walk on left. Never stand on the left side of an escalator.

[sillyputty]

I grew up in NY and I found your rules to be the same as what I learned growing up. There's just one thing you might have mentioned about crossing the street. It's not so much that New Yorkers don't care about waiting for a green light. We wait for a little group of people to gather at the curb and all cross together. The thinking is that if a car comes plowing into a group, one of us would probably have a good lawyer.

[WalkingCommuter]

These are all accurate!! One thing I would add to the "know your order" is... be ready to pay! We don't want to see you digging in your bag holding things up!!!!

[CrystalWilliamsoncoach]

Another unwritten rule: If you see someone with a nice outfit on, yes you can compliment them. But when you do, say it, and keep walking. If you are the one being complimented, say thank you, and keep walking. This is one of the tenets in the NY streets: keep it moving!!

[knittylane]

I’m from the Midwest and on my first trip to NYC I was surprised how crowded the streets were. I kept apologizing for bumping into people ( even though they may have bumped me) until I realized that nobody cared.

[mpcjunkie]

I'm a Texan and took a plane to NYC and meet my friend at Grand Central Station. I was getting crazy looks and didn't know why. My friend met up with me and we jumped on the subway then she tells me "don't do that." I said "Do what?" She said "tell people hi or smile." LOL I DIDN"T KNOW THAT I NATURALLY GREET PEOPLE AND SAY HELLO! LOLOLOL I still laugh about that to this day.

[bakerlima]

Live in NJ but worked in NYC for 40 years. A very good rule list (slow walkers and escalator blockers are the top of my drive-me-crazy list) Oh yes and the sudden stoppers!

[rachelpurdy]

Great tips! We’ve been to NYC twice in the past year and just learn from what others are doing. It’s amazing how quickly you can pick it up if you pay attention. Everyone back home assumes New Yorkers are rude. I quickly say “No, it just seems indifferent and wary to us—they have things to do, places to go, and don’t want to get scammed.” When you’re walking so much and are around so many people, it seems very warranted to me. It’s very different than the Midwest—where we have so much space and are spread out—we’re just not in such close contact with people. We’ve also witnessed numerous people asking and receiving help if needed. Thanks for the videos!

[THETONESHOW]

100% native NYer approved! Awesome list, especially about we don’t care what you wear or what you are doing “backflips in a clown suit eating hotdogs” -fine, just do it on the side of the sidewalk lol.

Walk with your hands in your pockets in Times Square, Wall Street, any of the tourist hot zones in order to avoid anyone handing you something “just no thanks” and keep it moving.

Look both ways even when crossing one way streets!!! Delivery messengers or a scooter will take you out going the wrong way don’t assume any non car vehicles follow the rules or direction of traffic.

If you rent a citybike and you have never biked in NYC assume everyone is trying to take you out lol. I see so many tourist ride city bikes in the middle of the street assuming cars will give you the right of way- they won’t! Yellow cabs will take any space available!

If you drive use parking app may be cheaper to park by Wall Street or blocks away from where you are going and train it up uptown.

[stepheneson]

Nice video Sarah! Add one of my biggest pet peeves: look up from your phone!

[cindee]

I have visited NYC alone twice (so far). Everyone has always been very nice and helpful. If I needed to ask something, I typically started with "Excuse me", then launched into my question. When I was trying to figure out a Metro Card machine the first time, a nice man at the next machine over offered to help me. Fortunately, there were numerous open machines and just the two of us actually using any of them, so I wasn't holding up anyone.

[chrisransdell]

The tip about asking for directions is very true. People are busy and they aren't into chit chat but if you need directions or you have a special request at a deli or whatever, go ahead and ask it but be prepared and concise. You might be surprised that the hurried crabby looking person will turn out to be very helpful.

[skqopyr]

Thanks! For your cool videos and advices, greetings from Germany ❤

[djkennyparker]

I am 57 years old, born and raised in NYC. You are spot on, LOL!!!! Thank you.

[andrea_dubai]

I've been to NYC several times and paid a lot of attention to all those issues you mentioned in your video. Once I was so surprised when a very nice guy explained me how to get to the HIGHLINE and just two days later I met him again totally by chance in Midtown and he talked to me at the traffic lights. New Yorkers, you are really nice people (when it comes to talk to a European English teacher) 😅😊